Guests can pay a day rate to swim and lounge or pay an annual membership for unlimited privileges. Eat up front in the lovely art-filled dining rooms, with chef Chris Barbato in the kitchen (last of Commander's Palace), or have nibbles poolside. But it's a mixed crowd that frequents the excellent restaurant up front as well as the freewheeling pool scene. Located in a stunning circa 1884 Italianate manse in Bywater, the restaurant bar has it roots as a gay staycation spot, and still attracts a strong LGBTQ crowd to the gorgeous salt water pool out back. The Country Club may just be the best kept 40-year-old secret in New Orleans.
