When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
The Wrecking Club
Why The Wrecking Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Wrecking Club, located at 458 9th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan between 35th and 36th Streets, offers a unique and exhilarating venue that is perfect for meeting up with friends and blowing off steam. This innovative "destruction room" allows guests to smash, bash, and destroy a variety of items in a safe, controlled environment — an unusual but highly effective way to relieve stress and enjoy a memorable outing. The Club operates on a session-based booking system where patrons choose from amusingly named packages like "Couples Therapy," "Mad House," and "The Top Shelf," ranging from 30-minute to longer experiences. These sessions include protective gear and a selection of items to destroy, such as electronic devices, dishware, and office equipment. For those seeking a quick release, a 15-minute "Hit it and Quit it" session is available, offering a shorter but still satisfying session. The environment is carefully managed to ensure safety while maximizing fun, making it suitable for a wide audience aged 12 and up. Popular among groups celebrating birthdays, bachelor parties, and casual get-togethers, The Wrecking Club provides a refreshing alternative to traditional bars or entertainment venues in New York City. The combination of cathartic physical activity, social atmosphere, and unconventional appeal makes The Wrecking Club a standout spot to gather with friends and create lasting fun memories.
Here's what people think of The Wrecking Club
As of recent, The Wrecking Club holds a 4.7-star rating based on 127 reviews.
Reviews of The Wrecking Club consistently highlight its unique concept and enjoyable experience. Many users appreciate the novelty of being able to physically vent frustration by destroying objects in a well-designed, safe environment. Positive feedback frequently mentions the high-energy fun, the variety of destruction packages available, and the friendliness of the staff who ensure guests feel comfortable and well-equipped with protective gear. Customers often remark that the space is ideal for parties and social outings, with some citing it as a great alternative to traditional nightlife options. The atmosphere is praised as welcoming and exhilarating, with some users specifically pointing out the clever session names and the flexible pricing options that allow access for different budgets and time commitments. On the other hand, some critical reviews reference the relatively high price points as a potential drawback for casual visitors. A few users express that the space can get busy, which might affect the intimacy of the experience. Additionally, occasional remarks touch on the limited size of the venue, given it spans roughly 300 square feet, which could constrain the number of participants at any one time. In summary, the overall user sentiment leans heavily positive, with most guests leaving satisfied and recommending The Wrecking Club as a fun and noteworthy place to socialize while engaging in a unique form of stress relief.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
EM Rollins
A BIG THANK YOU to the crew at BreakBar NYC for allowing me to celebrate my 46th birthday. We turned it up & out thanks to Tom, who scheduled me, the bartenders, Amber & Kat, the breaded bartender and the awesome busboy! The atmosphere was free and open and so much fun!!!!! We ended the night with a Prince song, Purple Rain. GREAT TIME!!!!
Rebecca Raaf
Super rad spot. You literally get to drink your drink and then throw your glass to shatter it. It’s such a fun and different experience. Would go back a thousand times
Mohd Naveed Nizamuddin
Liked the whole vibe of the place. Everyone is laughing and enjoying. The bartenders are really nice and a good sport. The food is fine, we just had pretzels. The drinks are okay as well. The glasses you have left after drinking you can go smash them in a nearby room. The give you protective eye glasses. It's pretty nice, definitely visiting again.
Mike Spencer
Bipolar people beware is the way to release your energy
Jordan Chanler-Berat (Chanleaux)
We had such a cathartic blast for my birthday. This place is like a therapy where you can be present for 30 minutes! Totally recommend it for anyone needing to get off a little stress and get out of our normal constrained 'civilized' behavior. Only thing i would recommend is them removing the printer ink toners before you smash them open (it can get in your nose/throat/airway) and also they need to install an adjustable phone holder to optimize taking your own videos.
How to reach The Wrecking Club
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Website: None
Why The Wrecking Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Wrecking Club with your friends?
When looking for a unique and exhilarating way to bond with friends or family, The Wrecking Club stands out as an exceptional choice. This place offers a rare combination of fun, stress relief, and memorable shared experiences — unlike the typical dinner or movie outing. Imagine entering a controlled, safe environment where you can smash glass, break objects, and let loose your frustrations without judgment. The cathartic release you experience together strengthens your connection and injects excitement into your gathering. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, unwinding after a hectic week, or simply craving an out-of-the-ordinary meetup, The Wrecking Club provides the perfect backdrop to create laughter, adrenaline, and stories worth retelling. The welcoming staff, upbeat music, and friendly atmosphere make everyone feel at ease, ensuring your group enjoys the moment fully. This spot transforms breaking things into an art form — and a shared adventure. In essence, it invites groups to rally, recharge, and revel in the joy of smashing away the everyday stress side by side.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at The Wrecking Club?
The Wrecking Club specializes in providing a rage room experience combined with a bar atmosphere to make group meetups dynamic and engaging. The primary activity is a "Rampage Session" where groups of 2 to 6 people get 30 minutes of destruction therapy. Participants can use various tools such as bats, sledgehammers, crowbars, and pans to obliterate a range of objects like office printers, flat screen TVs, dishes, and bottles. This creates an adrenaline-pumping and stress-relieving outlet that’s also incredibly fun. The venue also has a Throwing Range where you can throw smashable glasses and bottles, integrating physical activity with stress relief. Adding to the vibe is the ability to choose your own music playlist, often featuring energetic bands that elevate the mood and pace of the smashing session. After these intense activities, the bar offers a selection of cocktails and bottled beers, allowing you to relax and socialize comfortably. This variety ensures everyone finds their niche — whether they want to smash, throw, or simply watch and cheer their friends on.
Why is The Wrecking Club perfect for a group meetup?
The Wrecking Club's atmosphere is tailor-made for groups seeking interactive, immersive experiences together. Its sessions encourage cooperation, friendly competition, and mutual support as everyone takes turns wrecking items. The shared exhilaration creates a natural bond among participants. The staff members are attentive and often serve as photographers, capturing candid moments, which adds to the group’s collective memory. The venue’s safety measures — including mandatory waivers and protective gear like goggles — allow guests to fully enjoy activities without worry. The space can accommodate varied group sizes, making it suitable for friends, family outings, or special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate team-building events. Moreover, the ethos of The Wrecking Club promotes responsible fun: all broken items are recycled or repurposed, making it both an entertaining and eco-conscious choice. This mixture of thrill, camaraderie, and care means groups leave not only entertained but also feeling refreshed and connected.
How does The Wrecking Club handle safety and sustainability?
Safety at The Wrecking Club is a top priority. Before starting any smashing or throwing activities, all participants must sign a waiver acknowledging the risks. Protective gear, including goggles, is mandatory to ensure physical safety during the sessions. The club limits the number of people allowed in active areas at one time to maintain a controlled environment. Staff members provide thorough instructions and support throughout the experience to help everyone use the equipment properly and prevent accidents. Beyond safety, The Wrecking Club is committed to sustainability: the broken glass, electronics, and other items smashed during sessions are not simply discarded. Instead, the debris is collected and sent through proper recycling channels or reused as building materials. This responsible approach means guests can enjoy their destructive fun with the peace of mind that the business is minimizing environmental impact and promoting recycling.
What makes the ambiance and vibe at The Wrecking Club so enjoyable?
The energy at The Wrecking Club blends adrenaline-fueled fun with a relaxed bar vibe, creating a unique ambiance ideal for social gatherings. The smashing rooms are designed with flashing lights and loud, high-energy music to amplify the experience and keep spirits soaring throughout sessions. Genre-spanning playlists, often including bands like Rage Against the Machine or the Beastie Boys, allow groups to customize the soundtrack to their tastes, further enhancing engagement. The venue's staff adds a welcoming and upbeat character, often making guests feel instantly comfortable and encouraged to let loose. After an intense rampage session, guests can kick back with well-crafted cocktails or bottled beers, extending their time together in a cozy yet trendy bar setting. This seamless blending of workout-like physicality with social relaxation creates a space where everyone can balance thrill and chill, making it a memorable outing.
How is The Wrecking Club rated by visitors, and what do reviews emphasize?
The Wrecking Club enjoys a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 127 reviews, reflecting broad customer satisfaction. Reviews consistently praise the venue for its friendly and helpful staff, who enhance the overall experience by being accommodating and even doubling as photographers to capture fun moments. Guests highlight how smashing items is surprisingly therapeutic and a fantastic way to relieve stress. Many commend the easy instructions and attention to safety, which create a worry-free environment that allows for pure enjoyment. The social and interactive nature of the activities, combined with the vibrant atmosphere and quality drinks, are commonly noted as reasons why groups return or plan to visit again. Visitors also appreciate the sustainability efforts and the unique combination of a bar with a rage room, which sets The Wrecking Club apart from typical entertainment venues. Overall, the reviews depict it as a must-try for anyone looking for an unmatched, fun-filled group adventure.
What special offerings or packages does The Wrecking Club provide for groups?
To enhance the group experience, The Wrecking Club offers several packages tailored to different party sizes and preferences. For example, they have combinations including multiple cocktails or bottled beers paired with smashable glasses, allowing guests to enjoy drinks together while participating in smashing activities. Their signature package is the 30-minute Rampage Session designed specifically for 2 to 6 people, giving ample time and space for everyone to actively engage in destruction. These packages often provide good value compared to booking individual sessions and drinks separately. Guests can also purchase multiple vouchers for personal use or as gifts, making it a flexible option for celebrations or corporate events. The ability to add multiple drinks and smashing glasses means your group can sustain the energy and socializing throughout your visit, ensuring the fun never stops. Special offerings like these make organizing a memorable, hassle-free meetup at The Wrecking Club easy and enjoyable.
Why is The Wrecking Club better than traditional group hangouts?
The Wrecking Club offers a distinct contrast to conventional group hangouts such as dining out or going to a movie theater because it actively involves all participants in high-energy, physical activities. This participatory element creates a more engaging and memorable experience where everyone is physically and mentally involved, rather than passively observing. The therapeutic nature of breaking things helps guests release pent-up tension, something that typical social spots rarely provide. The mix of physical exertion, laughter, and adrenaline shared among friends or family fosters stronger social bonds. Moreover, the combination of a bar with destructive entertainment adds a novelty factor that consistently surprises and delights visitors, setting it apart from traditional venues. This originality and the chance to create dynamic, high-energy memories make The Wrecking Club an exciting alternative perfect for those looking to break away from the ordinary.
What should first-timers expect when visiting The Wrecking Club?
First-time visitors to The Wrecking Club can expect a lively, safe, and highly interactive experience from start to finish. Upon arrival, you’ll check in and sign a waiver that outlines the safety protocols and rules. Staff will then provide you with protective gear and a quick tutorial on how to use the provided tools and facilities safely. Once inside the smashing room or throwing range, you’ll find an environment designed to maximize fun and energy with loud music, flashing lights, and plenty of smashable items to choose from. The staff is supportive and eager to ensure everyone has a great time, often offering to take pictures or videos. After the session, there’s a bar area to unwind, chat about the excitement, and enjoy some drinks. First-timers often leave feeling surprised at how rewarding and freeing the experience is, many planning to return with more friends.
How does The Wrecking Club cater to different types of group dynamics?
The Wrecking Club is versatile in catering to a range of group dynamics, from couples seeking an entertaining date to large gatherings like birthday parties or corporate team events. For more intimate groups, the setting provides a unique bonding experience where partners can laugh, let go of stress, and cheer each other on during smashing sessions. For bigger groups, the club creates a lively and energetic environment that encourages friendly competition, sharing of tools, and collective enjoyment of the bar space. The club’s layout and staffing allow smooth transitions between destructive activities and socializing, helping maintain a good flow for groups with varying energy levels. Additionally, the customizable music playlists and adjustable pacing of sessions mean the experience can be tuned to match the group’s mood and preferences. This flexibility makes The Wrecking Club an inclusive venue for virtually any group dynamic.
What is the price point and value proposition of The Wrecking Club?
The Wrecking Club is reasonably priced for the unique and highly interactive experience it offers. Typical sessions cost around $40 for 20 minutes of smashing, which is competitive compared to other entertainment and stress-relief activities. Group packages that include drinks and smashable glasses for 2 to 6 people offer excellent value, allowing guests to enjoy multiple aspects of the experience without breaking the bank. The combination of a physical, cathartic activity along with a well-stocked bar justifies the price by delivering both mental refreshment and social delight. Compared with everyday outings, The Wrecking Club provides a novel, memorable event that is well worth the cost. Visitors consistently report feeling that the therapeutic benefits, the exhilarating atmosphere, and the attentive service together create a strong value proposition. For groups looking for fun, stress relief, and lasting memories, the pricing makes this one of the best entertainment investments around.
This comprehensive overview presents The Wrecking Club as an ideal destination for groups wanting an energetic and memorable meetup. The appeal lies not only in the originality of smashing and throwing experiences combined with a quality bar but also in the carefully designed atmosphere and service that accommodate a variety of social occasions. Whether to celebrate, unwind, or just switch up the usual routine, The Wrecking Club offers a unique, fun, and healthful outlet for groups to rally together.