Members-Only Messina Social Club Opens in South Philly With a Retro Vibe

Messina Social Club, a century-old South Philly hangout for Italian immigrants turned modern members-only bar and restaurant, is now open at 10th and Tasker just off the East Passyunk Avenue restaurant strip. The exclusive venue is from Top Chef alum Jason Cichonski, known for the now-closed Ela.

If Messina Social Club sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’re heard of Palizzi Social Club, which opened a couple years ago with a similar story. Like Palizzi, Messina is the reincarnation of an old neighborhood spot, serving cocktails and food in a space with a retro vibe to those who’ve managed to score a membership. And because it’s a private club, it serves until 3 a.m.

Running the kitchen is chef Mark Regan, who was most recently at Hungry Pigeon, Philly.com reports.

For now, memberships are being sold at the door during opening hours — 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday to Monday. It’s $25 for the year. People who signed up as soon as word of Messina got out were able to pick up their membership cards last month. Once you have one, you can bring up to three guests.

For $100, the membership card comes with the ability to make reservations, plus if there’s a special event with limited space, you get first dibs on attending. Those who had a membership to the old version of Messina (and can prove it) pay $50 to be able to reserve a table in advance.

According to Messina’s website, part of the dues go to fund local philanthropic ventures.

Along with Messina, Cichonski has Little Noodle Pasta Co. and rooftop restaurant Attico. He told Philly.com he closed Ela to focus on the other projects. Ela’s Queen Village address is now Cry Baby.

• South Philly Is Getting Another Members-Only Restaurant
• Peek Inside the Restaurants at Fitler Club, Where Memberships Start at $5,000 a Year
• 7 Things You May Not Know About South Philly’s Palizzi Social Club
• At the Messina, one of South Philly’s old-time social clubs, the new blood is mine [Philly.com]