Crane Club

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Crane Club: Wood-Fire Steakhouse in New York City – Chef Melissa Rodriguez

Crane Club: A Wood-Fire Steakhouse in West Chelsea

In the heart of West Chelsea, Crane Club offers a vibrant dining experience that centers on the elemental power of wood fire. The restaurant is led by Chef Melissa Rodriguez, a chef whose career includes two Michelin stars and a four-star review from The New York Times. After rising through the ranks at Restaurant Daniel and becoming the first woman to helm a four-star New York Times-reviewed kitchen at Del Posto, Rodriguez partnered with restaurateur Jeff Katz. Together, and in collaboration with Tao Group Hospitality, they opened Crane Club in 2023.

The menu at this New York City steakhouse emphasizes the pure flavors of seasonal ingredients sourced from small regional farms and fisheries. The heart of the kitchen is a 12-foot custom Mibrasa grill, which imparts a smoky, spicy, and complex character to dishes like charred lobster salad, wood-smoked clams, and braised-then-grilled beef short rib. The raw bar is a highlight, with specialties like shrimp crudo and razor clams in vinaigrette served tableside from a custom cart. Beyond the grill, a broad selection of vegetables, grains, and pastas rounds out the à la carte menu, alongside large-format "feasts" designed for sharing.

The restaurant's recognition by the Michelin Guide as Recommended speaks to its consistent quality and refined approach. From the careful sourcing of ingredients to the theatrical presentation of the raw bar, Crane Club delivers a modern steakhouse experience that feels both celebratory and grounded.