21: Every Day Was New Year's Eve

by H. Peter Kriendler, Paul Jeffers (Primary Contributor)

The story of New York's '21' Club is the story of American glamour in the twentieth century. In his star-studded memoir, saloonkeeper Peter Kriendler―younger brother of Jack Kriendler, cofounder of '21'―paints a spellbinding portrait of the club through its early years, its birth as a Greenwich Village speakeasy, its move to midtown during Prohibition, the tough days of the Great Depression, the dazzling Camelot nights, and the swinging go-go years as it became America's most legendary restaurant and a second home to the most powerful people in business, politics, and entertainment.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published March 25, 1999

Reviews

[GrosvenorMedia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever since I first watched Grace Kelly sweep into Jimmy Stewart's apartment with glamorous takeout of lobsters and chilled wine from some exotic place called "21," I knew I had to go someday. Not sure if this one upsets me because it reminds me of how much I miss 21, or comforts and cheers me, reminding me how much I loved it, and how lucky I was to spend so many memorable evenings there (and a few I can't really remember so clearly...). A bit of both. Lots and lots (and lots) of historical info, which can be a bit dry at times, but all in all, necessary for the big picture of such a legendary Manhattan joint.

[Eomicheli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 21 club in NYC has fascinated me since I was a teenager reading Judith Krantz and Danielle Steele books. Many references were made to 21. The movie Rear Window has a famous scene in which Grace Kelly gets lunch delivered to her boyfriend's apartment by 21. I've always wanted to go and had my first opportunity when we see in NYC for Terry's birthday. Dan and I went for lunch before Kim and Terry arrived. Dan and I have been hooked ever since. The book is written by one of the original owners and is a series of stories about people who frequented the club set against decades of history. I'm not sure someone who hasn't gone would enjoy the book as much as I did. I do believe a trip to 21 is a bucket list item for most! Warning! If you make the visit be prepared for sticker shock! But ENJOY!!!!!!

[Patrick Macke · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating and well-written story of a mostly bygone era and business concept; the Kriendlers created something that can never be re-created; by sticking to their guns, by never compromising, by intentionally excluding people and charging them high prices, they made 21 one of a kind ... the story is uniquely American, uniquely New York and when i finished it, I felt like I was saying goodbye to an old friend