The Grass Is Always Greener at Lawn Club, the Seaport’s New “Leisure Headquarters”

Winter who? Lawn games have a glorious new home in Lower Manhattan — and it’s indoors. Last month marked the long-awaited opening of Lawn Club (1 Fulton St.), a sprawling 25,000-square-foot “leisure headquarters” in the heart of the Seaport. In keeping with its name, the new venue is packed with green lawns; patrons can choose from a selection of all-star games, grab a beer, put a game on their personal lawn’s TV and kick back without worrying about any inclement weather (a luxury unafforded to real lawn-havers). The space is super laid back, and has the feel of a private yard party. As operations manager Ryan Messinger told us, “It’s a very club-style feel without that exclusivity.”

Lawn rentals run $75 an hour to rent, and can be split among up to 11 people at once. Once you and your crew have chosen your spot, a “lawncierge” in a matching jumpsuit sets up your gaming equipment, explains the rules and answers any questions. The wait staff, dressed in country club-esque matching vests, help keep the party going. Renting the VIP area will get you room for 100, along with swinging chairs and a view of the ship docked in the river. 

Lawn games include ladderball, bocce, cornhole, kan jam and “beersbee,” where players try to knock a wooden beer bottle off a pole. Lawn Club also offers a few dedicated courts for shuffleboard, croquet and putting pool, a combination of golf and billiards. The bar has plans to add leagues and tailgate parties soon, as well. 

The vibe here is just begging you to play hooky from your day-to-day obligations, with the slogan “work sucks, play games” appearing on its screens and signs with, “Please keep on the grass” posted around the greenery. At the bar, gamers can lounge on sleek couches and enjoy a hefty menu specializing in gin and tonics, along with plenty of other cocktails that would feel at place in a garden party. You can also nosh on clubhouse classics like burgers, wings, grilled cheese and pizza bagels.

Lawn Club is sure to be a hit with big birthday parties and work events, though anyone who doesn’t want to bundle up just to play bocce outdoors will surely become an instant fan. 

photos: Lawn Club