See and Be Seen at the Hottest Clubs in NYC
Have your moment on the dance floor.
On any given night, New Yorkers can be found making memories (and/or a few mistakes) under disco balls and sultry lighting with music loud enough to drown out all thoughts. And in a city as nightlife-centric as New York City, it’s basically a requirement to make the rounds at the city’s most fun nightclubs. From impressive DJ sets and photo opps to sneaky make-out corners and lively dance floors, we’re here for it all. The coolest clubs in NYC span all vibes, music genres, and dress codes, so here are the best places to go out in NYC right now.
Clubs in Manhattan
Chelsea
Making its grand debut during New York Fashion Week, Petite Disco channels an opulent aesthetic that oscillates between Art Nouveau and 1970s disco. There’s curved LED lighting fixtures, swaths of sapphire and wine-red velvet, and plenty of room to dance. Once the home of the early aughts hotspot Suede, which famously attracted A-list celebs, the new two-story nightclub is vying for a comparable level of notoriety.
Hell’s Kitchen
Pulling inspiration from its popular predecessors Silencio Paris and Studio 54, Silencio New York was all anyone could talk about when it opened back in February. Why’s it such a big deal? The original Paris locale was designed by filmmaker David Lynch and named after a fictional theater in Lynch’s film Mulholland Drive, which lended to the club’s high-profile clientele and performances by Lana Del Ray and Kendrick Lamar. The red-themed NYC outpost was designed by Harry Nuriev and features crimson curtains, LED strip lights, and a handful of private spaces off of the main dancefloor—all inspired by Lynch, but with Nuriev’s own futuristic minimalism twists. Guests can hang off the dance pole, gab in either of the lounges, or catch top tier shows.
Hell’s Kitchen
New York City loves a hotspot hidden behind an unassuming exterior. From the team behind NYC’s long standing favorite The Box, the latest rendition of this tried-and-true ploy is The Stranger. Walking through a newsstand, partiers will find themselves immersed in a trippy and certainly unhinged experience filled with DJ sets, off-the-rails performance art, and dancing. The crowd is just as eclectic as the entertainment, which means no two nights are ever the same. It’s weird, it’s carefree, it’s essentially the opposite of an uptight nightclub.
NoHo
With a tagline of “only open if you are,” Jean’s is one of those if you know, you know hyper-NYC spots. Sharing the same space as its first-floor counterpart—a bistro also dubbed Jean’s—the basement club is open on select days of the week (although, you can usually count on Thursday–Saturday nights). With a wide range of music genres pumping from the speakers—which lend to drastically different vibes—we recommend checking out the IG account for what DJs and performers are slated for the weekend.
Financial District
Located below the Beekman Hotel, accessible by a cobblestone alley, and marked by a purple neon sign lies Laissez Faire. The recent addition to Manhattan’s nightlife crew has become a favorite for 20-somethings looking for a sexy, who’s-who crowd. As the evening progresses, so does the space. At the top of the night, Laissez Faire is a sultry cocktail bar with light bites, further into the evening it transitions to a live music venue with jazz bands on stage, and finally as the night hits double digits the spot becomes a late-night club with DJs bumping house.
West Village
Specializing in stiff drinks, revelrous drag shows, and cabaret performances, plus seemingly endless hours of ’80s disco jams, the basement of The Monster is the scene of many a late night for New York residents. First opened in 1970, the club has cemented itself as one of the great LGBTQ+ nightlife institutions for its commitment to inclusivity, expression, and, of course, as a stellar spot to dance the night away. Open until 4 am every night of the week, pop by on a whim or snag a ticket to one of the upcoming shows.
Lower East Side
A self-professed microclub, Outer Heaven doubles as a sleek cocktail bar and heady music venue—depending on the time of night. Split into two sections, the bar area and the listening room, imbibers of the Lower East Side spot should expect a bustling crowd on the weekends with a rotation of house, techno, and disco music coming from the DJ box. Kick off your night early with an exploration through the club’s three beverage focuses: mezcal, sake, and orange wine.
Lower East Side
A concept from the Full:Life Hospitality Group, the team behind Creatures of All Kind and Make Believe, the 3,000-square-foot space features a state-of-the-art VOID sound system, infinity mirrors, a purple concrete bar, and a shag-carpeted “Boiler Room” for DJ sets. Sourcing talent from across the globe and known for playing a variety of deep house, disco, and more, check their website for upcoming events.
Clubs in Brooklyn
East Williamsburg
Inspired to expand the number of Black-owned gay bars in New York City, spouses and business partners Charles Hughes and Richard Solomon started their nightlife portfolio with Lambda Lounge. Following the lounge’s success, the duo launched its sister concept, Club Lambda Brooklyn. The East Williamsburg nightclub welcomes visitors to experience safety, inclusivity, and unfiltered joy. Let loose within its dark and sleek space featuring pops of neon color and diverse DJ sets.
Bushwick
As far as Brooklyn clubs go, Elsewhere is undoubtedly a year-round staple. Embodying that free-spirited and underground energy of Bushwick, this three-story spot includes multiple stages, several dance floors, a rooftop bar (open during the warmer months), and an arts space. Among the regularly scheduled events, curated happenings thrown by local collectives and tons of DJ sets and live band performances round out the offerings. Become a member for discounts on tickets, coat check, merch, and more.
Bushwick
Priding itself on outlandish parties, wildly fun energy, and a beautifully inclusive nature, this institution in Brooklyn encourages revelers to celebrate their eccentricities and express themselves on the dance floor. Think aerialists hanging from above, bumping DJ sets, and themed nights that bring out everyone’s individuality. Pop in on a random night (show up early or you run the risk of being stuck in line!) or buy event tickets in advance.