The 3 best clubs in Erie, according to our readers

Erie loves its nightlife. And while it may or may not be happenin’ the way it was in the early ‘00s, there are plenty of cool places where folks can gather and have a marvelous time in the moonlit hours.

Erie’s clubs are varied, offering different strokes for different folks. The best clubs in Erie, as voted by our readers, blend history, community, and entertainment. One thing I love about all three of our readers’ favorite clubs is their ability to foster a sense of belonging and community. So here they are, the best clubs in Erie in 2024.

Getty Images: Douglas Sacha

3. The Siebenbuerger Club

The Siebenbuerger Club is one of Erie’s oldest clubs, serving club members and guests for 126 years. This club is a historical cornerstone of the community. It started as a cultural gathering place for German immigrants and continues to embrace a spirit of togetherness with various events, including an autumn feast, craft shows, and gift raffles.

What makes the Siebenbuerger Club stand out are its many rooms. Its five banquet rooms each offer different amenities and capacities to fit any event. Plus, it’s the only club I’ve ever been to that has its own bowling alley. You can also find a full-service bar and a dining room for casual get-togethers.

But what’s particularly welcoming about this club is that membership isn’t a barrier. You can reserve any of the banquet facilities without needing to be a member. This makes it a favorite for locals looking to host events. And for anyone interested in membership, this club is extremely affordable.

2. La Nuova Aurora Society

La Nuova Aurora Society is the Italian parallel to the German Siebenbuerger Club. In fact, it opened just nine years after the Siebenbuerger, in 1907. Local Italian folks referred to this place simply as “The Club,” back in the day (or so I’ve heard). 

The Society is deeply rooted in Italian-American culture, obviously — from offering an Italian heritage scholarship to providing a bocce league for its members. But the club is also dedicated to serving the greater Erie community. Earlier this month, the club stepped in to help a snowed-in family with an ill family member. La Nuova Aurora Society also holds fun fundraisers with live music, special dinners, celebrity bartenders, and more.

If you’re looking to connect with other Italian folks in Erie and enjoy some delicious food at a club that offers bocce and bowling, this may be a great place for you. The memberships are affordable for most, but the connections are priceless. 

1. The Erie Club

The Erie Club has been operating in the former Reed mansion since 1905, but the club was founded by two separate organizations in the early 1800s. Heretofore, it’s the oldest, and apparently best, club in Erie.

Dining at The Erie Club is an elegant affair, with a focus on fine dining and sophistication. The menu features a range of expertly prepared dishes, from a New England Style Lobster Roll to their Pistachio-Crusted Elysian Fields Lamb Chops.

Interested future members are welcome to inquire as to the cost of the club. Funds are often used to renovate the historic space and keep the facilities running. The current renovation project is committed to keeping the history of the house while being fiscally responsible, and only fixing spaces that need it. 

If you haven’t been to the Erie Club, go with a member or request a tour. It’s a remarkable landmark, and the food and drinks — so I hear — are just as remarkable.