Rocco
New York City, is known for many things, including comedy clubs, museums, educational experiences, historic sites, and globally inspired dining options.
But what the “City That Never Sleeps” might be known for more than all of those things is its incredible, vibrant nightlife.
You can find a huge variety of fun places to go out, including bars, pubs, lounges, saloons, watering holes, great speakeasies, and, of course, nightclubs!
Check out my list of the best nightclubs in NYC below.
Avant Gardner
140 Stewart Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Phone: (347) 987-3146
Visit Website
Avant Gardner is a boisterous event venue in Brooklyn near Area53 Adventure Park.
This spot is one of my favorite places to go when I’m in the mood to listen to thumping EDM and techno and maybe even partake in a mosh pit or two.
I also appreciate the convenient wristband payments, which remind me of music festivals.
House of Yes
2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Phone: (646) 838-4937
Visit Website
House of Yes is another expansive Brooklyn venue close to Maria Hernandez Park. They specialize in theater, cabaret, and circus performances, which ensures you’ll always have a good time no matter when you go.
Still, it’s helpful to check out their upcoming events online to choose the best party for your particular interests.
Elsewhere
599 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Visit Website
If you’re wondering where to get a drink with a great indoor sound system in addition to an airy rooftop terrace, Elsewhere is the best spot.
Located near the Badass Graffiti Wall in Brooklyn, this spot is a favorite of mine when I’m in the mood for house music and an excellent, friendly, accepting atmosphere.
Their gender-neutral bathrooms are also a plus.
The Box
189 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 982-4031
Visit Website
The Box is a theater and music venue in Little Italy near the New Museum. They offer upscale cabaret performances in extremely stylish digs.
This exclusive club is the perfect choice for a date night or a fun girls’ night out, especially if the performances center around burlesque or erotica.
Prices are a bit high, but the shows are well worth it, in my opinion.
Nowadays
56-06 Cooper Ave, Queens, NY 11385
Phone: (347) 523-8535
Visit Website
Nowadays, a hip bar with a bumping late-night backyard in Queens is a great place to go at any time of the day or night. During the day, I love swinging in a hammock while drinking a cold beer or munching on bites from the taco truck.
And at night, I’ll either be busting a move on the backyard dance floor to techno hits or striking up a conversation by the fire pits.
Bossa Nova Civic Club
1271 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221
Phone: (718) 443-1271
Visit Website
If you like smaller, more intimate nightclubs rather than huge mega clubs, you’ll love Bossa Nova. It’s a cozy, eclectic, and moody spot in Brooklyn near Central Avenue Station.
This is the best dance spot for self-described hipsters who love techno, house, fog machines, and dancing until 4 am.
LAVO Italian Restaurant
39 E 58th St, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 750-5588
Visit Website
LAVO Italian Restaurant, near the Central Park Zoo, may sound like a great place to order delicious authentic Italian foods like penne alla vodka and spaghetti carbonara – and it is!
But it’s also a nightclub with a great DJ on the weekends. It’s a fun place to go if you’re looking to start the night with some cheesy grub and dance afterward but be mindful that some customers have experienced what they considered racially motivated treatment.
Fleur Room
105 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 888-1095
Visit Website
Fleur Room, located near Madison Square Park in Midtown, is a classy rooftop bar and club with sophisticated, botanical-themed decor.
I love going here to dance while gawking at the beautiful panoramic city views. If you go, keep in mind that they may ask you to pay a cover or a minimum fee.
Good Room
98 Meserole Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: (718) 349-2373
Visit Website
Good Room, near McCarren Park in Greenpoint, isn’t the fanciest or most well-decorated club, but it’s certainly one of the most fun!
They always have a great lineup of DJs, usually featuring house and techno music, as well as incredible lighting to go with the tunes.
Electric Room
355 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 229-1269
Visit Website
Electric Room, near the Google corporate office in West Village, offers a grungy basement bar vibe with eclectic, glow-in-the-dark art on the walls.
It’s a relatively intimate space, so I like going here for a few cocktails with a small group of friends.
Club Rapture
4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
Visit Website
If you’re looking for a spot that’s both cozy and private, look into Club Rapture. You can’t just go on your own – you have to be invited first, which makes getting in feel especially exclusive and unique.
The music is always incredible, the views are nice, and the crowd is friendly but never too crowded.
The Red Room at KGB
85 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (703) 221-4587
Visit Website
The Red Room at KGB in NOHO is another intimate and hip spot for drinks, DHs, open mic nights, and live music.
It’s a cool spot to hang out during the week or watch performances on the weekends, especially due to its excellent cocktail menu.
Special Club
43 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10011
Visit Website
If you prefer live music over DJs, you’ll love Special Club, located near William F. Passannante Ballfield and the Comedy Cellar.
I love going to this club for Japanese-inspired cocktails, exquisite wine options, and live jazz music. Both of those things combined make for the perfect date night!
INKwell Club, Cruise & Concerts
621 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (646) 696-8879
Visit Website
INKwell Club is a boisterous, spacious club with various areas to drink, talk, and, of course, dance!
They specialize in R&B tracks, which I appreciate, and have a family-friendly vibe that’s perfect for celebrating birthdays and other special events.
Rumpus Room
249 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 777-5153
Visit Website
If you’re looking for a crazy scene with varied decor and lots of bright colors, look no further than the Rumpus Room near Sara D. Roosevelt Park.
I love coming here with a big group of friends and getting wild. They usually only have a few specialty cocktails, but they’re always so good, so I never feel like I’m lacking. I recommend the Dagobah Mule.
The Tunnel Nightclub
220 12th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 695-4682
Visit Website
Located in Hudson Yards near Chelsea Waterside Park is The Tunnel Nightclub, a hip spot with low-key events.
I haven’t gone in a few years, but I remember it having cool vibes and a very “New York”-esque scene.
Black Flamingo
168 Borinquen Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (201) 515-5719
Visit Website
Black Flamingo is one of the best nightclubs in NYC due to the combination of varied nightly events, trendy digs, and delicious, innovative craft cocktails.
I usually expect decent mixed drinks at a nightclub, but you can get both great dance music and great cocktails at this great spot in Williamsburg. I recommend ordering the tacos if you get there early!
On Now Bar and Lounge
431 7th Ave FL 3, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (646) 863-2352
Visit Website
On Now Bar and Lounge is a hip spot in the Garment District near Bryant Park. I appreciate the juxtaposition between the neon lights and the brick-lined wall, making the space feel industrial-chic, simultaneously trendy and welcoming.
They also have an extensive list of spirits, so everyone you’re with will be able to order their favorite mixed drinks.
Mehanata Bulgarian Bar
113 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 625-0981
Visit Website
Mehanata Bulgarian Bar, near the Tenement Museum, is truly styled in a minimalist Bulgarian fashion, which I admire. The place feels modern, fresh, and cool, which puts a heavier emphasis on the live music and DJ sets.
There are also three floors, granting guests opportunities to dance to different types of music throughout the night!
Flashdancers NYC
Multiple Locations
Phone: (212) 315-5107
Visit Website
Flashdancers NYC is an adult entertainment mini-chain in the city. There is one in Midtown and one in Downtown, and both of them offer sleek, neon digs and excellent management.
This is a great adult club to go to for a boys’/girls’ night out, especially because the cover charge and drinks are both reasonably priced for an adult club.
Slate NY
54 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 989-0096
Visit Website
Last but not least is Slate NY, a sophisticated nightclub that offers the trifecta – great food, drinks, and dance music.
They have games you can play with friends if you go during the daytime, including ping pong, bowling, connect 4, etc.
Final Thoughts
You can find a wide range of nightlife options in the big city, but if you want a particularly wild night out, there’s an extensive list of hopping nightclubs that ensure just that!
If you’re looking for fun places to get drinks and dance the night away, check out one of the best nightclubs in NYC from this list. And let us know if we missed any in the comments below!
Best Nightclubs in NYC
- Avant Gardner
- House of Yes
- Elsewhere
- The Box
- Nowadays
- Bossa Nova Civic Club
- LAVO Italian Restaurant
- Fleur Room
- Good Room
- Electric Room
- Club Rapture
- The Red Room at KGB
- Special Club
- INKwell Club, Cruise & Concerts
- Rumpus Room
- The Tunnel Nightclub
- Black Flamingo
- On Now Bar and Lounge
- Mehanata Bulgarian Bar
- Flashdancers NYC
- Slate NY
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings