New York's elite have long belonged to exclusive and closely guarded social clubs.
But a new generation of social clubs has cropped up to replace stuffy mainstays like the Metropolitan Club and the University Club, and young people are flocking to them.
From clubs centered on shared interests to social societies, these are the best private clubs in New York City for the young and fabulous.
Norwood Club is for artsy jet-setters.
If you're a cool, rich, artsy New Yorker, Norwood Club might be for you.
The exclusive club opened its doors in 2007 at 241 West 14th Street. Membership is more based on who you know and how important you are, and attracts an international, art-centric crowd. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were rumored to be members.
The clubhouse doubles as a nightclub and houses a restaurant, three lounge bars, a 45-seat screening room and event space, as well as a private dining room for up to 24 people. There's also a walled garden.
If you plan to apply, brush up on your art knowledge. Some questions from the application include, “What is your involvement with the Creative Arts?” and “Who would you most like to collaborate with?"
Cost: $1,000 annually with dues of $750
FoundersCard is for up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
Although not limited to NYC, FoundersCard boasts a global membership of over 15,000 entrepreneurs.
In addition to a shiny card, the club hosts networking events in cities around the globe and offers deals from airlines and hotels like Virgin Atlantic and St. Regis.
FoundersCard says its members range from first-time entrepreneurs to the world's best-known innovators.
Cost: $495 annually with a $95 one-time fee
The Montauk Club is for quirky Brooklynites.
Unlike most of the other social clubs, Montauk Club doesn't seem to take itself too seriously.
The club, which has been around since 1889, is an anti-elitist community that organizes a variety of events including monthly book, beer, and wine clubs, talks by locals authors, jazz shows, and themed cocktail parties.
Members can use the 19th-century Park Slope clubhouse at any time for personal or professional reasons.
As the club's website says with a wink: "... by far our largest contingent is members under the age of 35. The majority of our under 35s are unmarried – and in keeping with Brooklyn’s reputation – good looking."
Cost: $350 annually if you're under 35
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