Mory's: a traditional venue

One of the oldest and most exclusive traditions at Yale is Mory's Temple Bar, a private dining club on York Street. Established in 1861, the members-only club is built on tradition. Portraits of Yale team captains from years past decorate the walls, and generations of old names are carved into the wooden tables.

The jacket and tie club offers both alumni and undergraduate members a varied, but expensive menu. The Mory's dining experience, however, is unique due to the weekly a capella performances by Yale's best singing groups. The Whiffenpoofs, a senior all-male singing group established in 1908, mention "the tables down at Mory's" in "The Whiffenpoof Song" and perform there Monday nights, as does another all-male singing group, the Society of Orpheus and Bacchus, on Tuesdays.

Mory's is most famous with Yalies for its toasting sessions. Undergraduate organizations--from sports teams to YPU parties--make frequent trips to the traditional restaurant. Once seated, the groups pass around large silver tureens called "cups," filled with colorful alcoholic concoctions. Each color represents a different drink--"velvet" cups, for example, contain Guinness and champagne. After someone has finished a cup, a loud celebration of cheering, clapping, and singing begins.

Acquiring an exclusive Mory's membership is a lengthy procedure. First, students must be sponsored by a present member of the club. Next, the applicant must be approved by the establishment's Board of Governors, which consists of 12 Yale alumni. Once approved, tradition dictates that the new member treat his or her sponsor to a lunch or dinner at the club and then pay a membership fee.

While the atmosphere may be a bit elitist, you will find few places as etched in Yale tradition as Mory's. Even if you don't apply for a membership, be sure to join an organization that participates in toasting sessions so you can experience at least one of the most sacred traditions passed down by generations of Yalies.

Photo by Tyler Mertes.

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