El Morocco was a 20th century Manhattan nightclub frequented by the rich and famous in the 1930s and 1950s. It was famous for its blue zebra-stripe motif and its official photographer, Jerome Zerbe.

History

In 1931, John Perona, an Italian immigrant, opened El Morocco as a speakeasy at 154 East 54th Street where the Citigroup Center now stands. Part of what made the club the 'place to be' was the photographs taken by Jerome Zerbe which were always in the news the next day. Everyone always knew from the background zebra stripes on the banquettes where the celebrities had been.

In 1961, it moved to a four-storey townhouse at 307 East 54th Street. The club was later owned by John Mills, Maurice Uchitel (1964–70) and Sheldon Hazeltine. Before taking over El Morocco, Uchitel owned the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach for several years.http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9907E2D71538F934A35756C0A9669C8B63 In 1992, it operated as a topless bar. In 1997, Desmond Wootton bought the property and opened the Night Owls nightclub. The site is now occupied by the Milan Condominium.

Miscellanea

• First club to use a velvet rope.
• In 1950, Humphrey Bogart was banned for life.

References in popular culture

• El Morocco is mentioned in the Cole Porter song, "Down in the Depths".

Notes

External links

• "Ghosts of El Morocco", Laura Shaine Cunningham, The New York Times, September 4, 2004
• Photos of El Morocco
• Photos of El Morocco

1931 establishments | Nightclubs in New York City