Trenton has a new place where lobbyists and legislators, business and political leaders can mingle.
The Lobby Club, which bills itself as an upscale, members-only bar and restaurant in the heart of Trenton’s business and political district at 17 E. Front St., opened Friday.
And it’s not cheap.
The facility has five levels of membership that require a one-time initiation fee of $500 to $10,000 — but also a monthly charge of up to $750.
The club will serve lunch and dinner throughout the week — everything from burgers to steaks, salads to sandwiches and seafood, items created by Executive Chef Sean Browne. It also will have top-shelf drink options. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The Lobby Club, however, is about much more than the food and drink.
Facility officials said the Lobby Club was purposefully designed to host business meetings and events, offering its members the ability to book a private dining room for up to 30 guests comfortably. For groups larger in size, the entire dining area and bar may also be reserved.
Platinum and gold members will soon be able to use the exclusive Apex Executive Center, a 2,500-square-foot, comfortable, quiet and convenient place to work or conduct business on the second floor. Apex will feature four conference rooms, each with full audio-visual and video conferencing capabilities, along with a lounge that has flexible seating that can be transformed into an event space to accommodate gatherings for up to 60 guests.
Facility officials said the Lobby Club has been years in the making, but its opening was delayed by the pandemic.
“It has been a long time since the owners created the Lobby Club concept — a place to have a quick lunch, a quiet dinner or a brandy with colleagues after a long day,” General Manager Tara Burns said. “Like everyone, we, too, were impacted by COVID, but are now so excited to welcome our members and guests to a place that Trenton and its business community has been in need of for years.”
The Lobby Club officials say the venue was designed with professionals, politicians, lobbyists, legislative aides and judges in mind, offering varying levels of membership based on the needs of both businesses and individuals.
For a limited time, prospective members may dine for lunch and tour the Club by reservation only.
Membership packages
Here’s a look at the membership packages at the Lobby Club in Trenton. Get more details here.
- Platinum ($10,000 initial fee, $750 monthly): Designed for larger businesses. It includes 10 memberships, allows access to the Apex Executive Center and complimentary private room rentals in the four conference rooms. Also comes with shuttle service.
- Gold-business ($5,000 initial fee, $450 monthly): Designed for small to midsize businesses and organizations. It includes four memberships and allows access to the Apex Executive Center. It offers discounts on private room rentals and catering.
- Gold-individual ($2,000 initial fee, $250 monthly): Offers access to Apex Executive Center. It offers discounts on private room rentals and catering.
- Silver ($1,000 initial fee, $75 monthly): Offers access to the club, but not the Apex Executive Center. Allows up to three guests per day.
- Silver-government employee ($500 initial fee, $50 monthly): Offers access to the club, but not the Apex Executive Center. Allows up to three guests per day.