It’s a New York landmark with a storied past—once a sanctuary for some of comedy’s greatest minds, and a favorite haunt for A-list stars. Now, the iconic Friars Club townhouse at 57 E. 55th St. in Midtown Manhattan is being auctioned off, offering a rare opportunity for buyers with a taste for history and a knack for renovation. Set to go under the hammer on November 26 at 2:30 p.m. at the 500 Pearl St. courthouse, this five-story English Renaissance-style property could be yours for a fraction of its once-glorious value.
A Legacy of Laughter and Luxury
For decades, the Friars Club served as a social and comedic institution in New York, hosting legendary figures from Jerry Seinfeld to Frank Sinatra. Inside, the walls have witnessed decades of roars of laughter and the clinking of high-end cocktails. While the property may no longer attract its usual crowds of big names, it still holds plenty of charm—and history. The auctioned townhouse comes complete with original furnishings, liquor bottles, and a collection of celebrity memorabilia that speaks to its glorious past.