Forget white tablecloths and OpenTable reservations—secret supper clubs are redefining how food is shared. These underground dining experiences blur the lines between restaurant, event, and performance. Think unlisted locations, off-menu creations, and intimate gatherings where strangers become dinner companions and chefs cook without the constraints of traditional kitchens.
Whether hosted in a candlelit backyard, an artist’s loft, or an undisclosed barn in the countryside, supper clubs offer a chance to eat adventurously and connect authentically. But they’re not easy to find—and that’s exactly the point.
What is a supper club?
At its core, a supper club is a private or semi-private dining experience, usually hosted outside of a restaurant. Some resemble secret restaurants. Others feel more like a dinner party curated by a professional chef or food entrepreneur. Menus are typically prix fixe, and seating is limited to maintain intimacy.
What sets them apart?
- Unconventional locations (rooftops, warehouses, private homes)
- Fixed menus with seasonal or experimental dishes
- Intentionally limited guest lists
- Password-only or invitation-only access
- Emphasis on storytelling, community, and artistry
How to find and join a secret supper club
- Explore curated platforms like Feastly (now closed, but its model inspired others)
Feastly was one of the first online marketplaces for pop-up and underground dinners. While it officially shut down, it opened the door for similar platforms to thrive. - Book an experience with Outstanding in the Field
Outstanding in the Field brings communal, farm-to-table meals to beaches, vineyards, and rural properties. While it’s not secret in the strictest sense, it retains the exclusive feel of a traveling supper club. - Follow local underground chefs on Instagram
Many supper clubs now grow their following on social media. Chefs share teaser images, menus, and ticket links only with their followers. Some even require a DM to get on the guest list.
Search hashtags like #supperclub, #popupdinner, or #[YourCity]undergrounddining to discover hidden gems in your area.
- Look for culinary collectives in your city
Cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Austin have robust underground food scenes. Groups like The Table Underground or EatWith host recurring events that highlight local chefs in offbeat spaces.
- Explore events on platforms like EatWith and Eventbrite by searching “supper club” and your city.
- Join food-focused newsletters and communities
Independent food writers and tastemakers often share supper club info with subscribers before anyone else. Newsletters like The Infatuation, Eater, or local Substacks frequently highlight new underground dining experiences.
Why chefs love going underground
Secret supper clubs give chefs creative freedom. They can experiment with flavor, presentation, and storytelling without the limitations of traditional restaurant service. Some chefs use these dinners to prototype new restaurant concepts. Others prefer the intimacy and flexibility of the supper club model as a permanent alternative.
The exclusivity also enables higher-quality sourcing and more detailed preparation. Diners often walk away not just fed—but moved.
Etiquette for attending a supper club
- Arrive on time: Seating often begins promptly and late arrivals disrupt the flow.
- Come open-minded: Menus are typically fixed with little room for customization.
- Be social: These experiences are designed to encourage conversation.
- Respect the host: Many of these dinners happen in personal homes or unique spaces—treat them with care.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s less transactional and more transformative, a secret supper club might be your next culinary adventure. With a little research, a social media follow, or the right newsletter subscription, you can get a seat at the table—where the food is innovative, the vibe is intimate, and the memory lasts long after the last bite.
