The Gastronauts is a free, not-for-profit social club for adventurous eaters in New York City. Once a month, almost always on a Tuesday, we take over a restaurant somewhere in the five boroughs for a menu built just for us. Think five-ish dishes you’d never order on your own, plus plenty of beer or wine.

It goes like this:

1. You get an invite.

It’s an email with the restaurant, the menu and the price, usually $70–90.

2. You RSVP.

Popular dinners fill up fast, so don’t sit on it.

3. You show up and eat.

We handle the ordering, the timing and sometimes even the seating.

4. You pay cash at the end.

We collect from everyone and pay the bill. The club doesn’t make a dime.

That’s it.

The Rules

You have to try to try to eat what is in front of you.

Just that: Try to try. No obligation beyond that. 

We take care of the menu. 

Don’t order on your own; it throws off the kitchen.

You do have to pay for your dinner.

Gastronauts doesn’t profit from the dinners. All the money goes to pay the restaurant bill and expenses. And we have never had a dash-and-dine leaving us holding the bag. 

FAQ’s

What is the Gastronauts?
The Gastronauts is New York City’s club for adventurous eaters. Since 2006, we’ve organized a dinner once a month at a different restaurant somewhere in the five boroughs, with a custom menu of dishes most people never order: tripe, brains, bullfrog, insects, lamb heads and plenty more. It’s not a dare. Everything has to be delicious.

How do I join?
Fill out the application at gastronauts.net/join. Once you’re on the list, you’ll get an email invite before each dinner. RSVP, then show up hungry.

How much does it cost?
Membership is free. Dinners usually run $70–90 per person for about five dishes plus beer or wine. We collect cash at the end of the night and pay the restaurant. The club makes no money.

How often are dinners, and when?
Once a month, almost always on a Tuesday, usually at 7pm.

Where are the dinners?
All over New York City, in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island. Once in a while there’s a road trip, like whole roast lamb at Bobo’s Farm in New Paltz.

Is there a minimum age?
Yes, 21 and up.

Do I have to eat everything?
No. We have one rule: try to try. Nothing beyond that.

Can I order my own food?
No. We plan the menu with the chef, so just show up and we’ll handle the ordering and timing.

Can I come alone?
Yes. We eat at shared tables, so it’s easy to meet people.

I’m vegetarian. Can I come?
In principle, yes. Honestly, though, our menus are about 99% meat, so you’d go home hungry.

How many people come to a dinner?
Anywhere from 20 to over 100, depending on the restaurant.

Who runs the Gastronauts?
Curtiss Calleo and Benjamin Pauker, who started the club in 2006 with six friends at a Malaysian restaurant in Chinatown. Today about 3,000 people are on the list.

Has the club been in the press?
Yes: The New York Times, Reuters, the BBC, PRX’s The World, Eater, Grub Street and the New York Daily News. Curtiss and Ben were also guest judges on Top Chef Duels.