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If you love the nightlife scene, you must check out one of the best nightclubs in New York City. The Big Apple never sleeps, so you’ll find all kinds of live music venues and dance clubs here.
From lively dance halls to full-blown concert venues, the different nightclubs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond will blow you away. You can grab tickets if you see that one of your favorite DJs or performers is making an appearance, or you can simply show up for a great time.
In addition to a vibrant dance floor, many of these clubs also have a bar and kitchen, so you can keep the drinks flowing all night. There are even a few lounges in New York City that double as a nightclub, so I’m sure you’ll find a place that suits your preference.
Going clubbing is one of the top things to do in NYC at night, so in this guide, I’ll share the 10 best clubs in NYC, ranging from artsy discotheques to upscale venues.
1. House of Yes, one of the sexiest nightclubs in New York City
House of Yes is in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and it’s known for being part experimental theater, part NYC nightclub. Its name is a reference to its open-door policy, which welcomes artists, performers, LGBTQ+ individuals, and anyone who wants to express themselves. As long as they’re 21 and older, of course.
Here, you’ll find everything from themed costume nights to variety shows to burlesque nights. The people who come to House of Yes aren’t afraid to let loose and unleash their authentic selves, and the attire can get pretty racy. Even so, the environment is super respectful, and everyone is there to have a good, safe time.
As one of the hottest nightclubs in NYC, House of Yes hosts special events and guests, so if you want to secure a spot, reserve them in advance. Tickets are available at the door, although the price may go up if you wait.
With its dance floor, theater, bar, and private party rooms, this club is thoroughly entertaining. That said, it’s also close to The Bushwick Collective, one of the best things to do in Brooklyn. So, consider visiting this art gallery during the day, then partying at House of Yes at night.
- Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn
- Hours: Fri – Sat 7 pm – 4 am; Wed 7 pm – 2 am; Thurs 10 pm – 4 am
- Cover charge: $40+
2. Marquee, one of the best nightclubs in NYC for dancing
For those who love to move to the groove, Marquee is one of the best dance clubs in New York City. It’s a premiere club in Chelsea, one of the most popular neighborhoods in NYC, and it hosts DJs from around the world, like Steve Aoki.
The 5,000ft² venue is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound systems, and projection screens, so you won’t miss a minute of the show. There are also three bars to keep you hydrated while you dance the night away.
Not only is Marquee one of the best nightclubs in Manhattan, but it’s also a lovely lounge where you can linger over drinks with friends. The lounge area has leather booths and intimate lighting, plus it overlooks some of the best attractions in NYC, like the High Line. So, for a lavish party or a fun night on the town, check it out.
- Location: West Chelsea, Manhattan
- Hours: Fri, Sat, Wed 11 pm – 4 am
- Cover charge: 30+
3. TAO Downtown Nightclub, another lively nightclub in New York City
TAO Downtown Nightclub is also in Chelsea, specifically in the Maritime Hotel. The 2,500ft² venue is another great club in NYC for music and dancing, and the party gets wilder the later it gets.
This club also stands out for its beautiful decor, which features intimate tea lights, chandeliers, and brick walls adorned with artwork and murals. A red and gold color scheme runs throughout the club, mimicking the ambiance of the TAO Downtown restaurant next door.
As for the nightclub, it’s for adults 21 and older since the curved bar serves all kinds of drinks and cocktails. Booth seating is available in the lounge area, so you can take a breather and get a break from the pounding music. It doesn’t serve food, so maybe grab dinner at the restaurant beforehand.
- Location: Chelsea, Manhattan
- Hours: Thursday – Monday 11 pm – 4 am
- Cover charge: $20+
4. Elsewhere, one of the best NYC nightclubs with live music
For those who love the environment of an outdoor summer concert, Elsewhere is the best New York City nightclub to check out.
With multiple dance floors, stages, and a rooftop terrace, this huge live music venue boasts the best nightlife in New York City. You can spend all evening and the early morning hours hanging out on all three levels of this club, checking out the party rooms, lounge, and roof deck.
Elsewhere is in Bushwick, one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn, so it’s very artistic and unique. In fact, the club is in an old industrial furniture factory, and some of the original architecture is still present.
Another cool thing about this nightclub is that it hosts DJs from around the world and plays all kinds of music. Rap, rock, folk, funk, metal, hip-hop…there is always something new to hear at Elsewhere.
- Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn
- Hours: Mon – Thurs 7 pm – 12 am; Fri – Sat 10:30 pm – 4 am; Sun 7 pm – 11 pm
- Cover charge: $20+
5. Good Room, a stylish nightclub in New York City
Over in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, you’ll find Good Room, one of the best clubs in NYC. It attracts a fashionable crowd, who come here to party until the wee hours of the morning.
Good Room provides plenty of space too, and the 5,000ft² venue includes a dance floor, stage, bar, lounge area, and private rooms. It’s one of the liveliest and most energetic places in the neighborhood, and maybe all of Brooklyn.
Combining the best of the bar scene and the club vibe, Good Room hosts the best DJs and live performers while serving chic cocktails and drinks. If you need a break from the buzzy music, flashing lights, and bouncing dancers, take a seat in the lounge. Then, get back to dancing!
Also, Good Room is a 10-minute walk from The Williamsburg Hotel, one of the best hotels in Brooklyn. So, you can party all night long at this New York City club, then get some good rest at this luxurious hotel.
- Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
- Hours: Fri – Sat 10 pm – 4 am
- Cover charge: $20+
6. Black Flamingo, a New York City nightclub with an intimate vibe
Black Flamingo is another popular NYC club in Brooklyn, specifically Williamsburg. It’s known for its upbeat atmosphere and creative drinks, making it an all-in-one nightlife venue.
As a nightclub, bar, and restaurant, Black Flamingo is perfect for an evening out with friends or a bachelor/bachelorette party in NYC. On the ground floor, you’ll find the DJ booth and dance floor, bathed in glowing neon lights. The stereo system pumps energizing music throughout the space, creating a buzzing arena of lights, sound, and action.
Upstairs, you can take a rest from the dancing and grab a bite to eat or a hand-crafted cocktail. The restaurant serves modern Latin cuisine, including vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes, so there is something for everyone.
That said, Black Flamingo is close to Peter Luger Steak House, one of NYC’s best restaurants, so if you need an alternative for dinner, check it out.
- Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- Hours: Fri – Sat 10:30 pm – 4 am
- Cover charge: $10+
7. LAVO Nightclub, a New York City nightclub with great food
Back in Midtown, you can visit LAVO Nightclub, one of the best nightclubs in Manhattan. This club by Central Park is surrounded by lots of activity, and inside, it’s even wilder.
The venue has two floors as well as a couple of full-service bars where you can order unique drinks and cocktails. Also, if you’re hungry, the upper level has a restaurant that serves sophisticated Italian food. The vibe is intimate and offers a lull in the action if you need to take a rest.
Back downstairs, the party atmosphere is ramped up with a large LED screen, a dance floor, and some of the best audio and visual equipment in the city. LAVO hosts regular special performances and events with celebrity guests and world-class DJs like Tiesto and Steve Aoki, so it’s a good time. Without a doubt, this is one of the best New York City nightclubs, especially if you like listening to the latest electronic music.
- Location: Midtown East, Manhattan
- Hours: Thurs – Sat 11 pm – 4 am
- Cover charge: $40+
8. Le Bain, a nightclub in NYC with beautiful views
Le Bain is another nightclub in NYC that stands out for its unique venue and services. It also has a privileged location on the 18th floor of The Standard, High Line, one of the best hotels in Manhattan.
This penthouse dance club in New York City also serves as a rooftop bar, so you can enjoy drinks, dancing, and delightful views of Manhattan. The outdoor terrace has a summery vibe, with AstroTurf and patio seating. Here, you can nibble on light dishes like crepes, and watch the sunset while the music plays at a more tolerable volume.
Inside, the discotheque features a DJ booth, a dance floor, and an indoor jacuzzi under a glittering disco ball. It’s mostly a younger crowd here, and the venue fills up quickly, so it’s a good idea to get there early.
- Location: Greenwich Village, Manhattan
- Hours: Tues – Fri 4 pm – 4 am; Sat 2 pm – 4 am; Sun 2 pm – 12 am; Mon 4 pm – 12 am
- Cover charge: $10+
9. Trans-Pecos, the best 21 and under nightclub in NYC
If you’re looking for an 18-and-up nightclub in New York City, check out Trans-Pecos. This venue is open to all ages in an effort to bring art, music, and camaraderie to the wider community. Of course, you must be 21 to drink!
As a live music venue and concert hall, Trans-Pecos focuses on avant-garde performances and artists, so it’s a great place to go if you want to hear less mainstream music. Also, the club is in Queens, so even if you’re not in Manhattan, you can still enjoy New York City’s nightlife.
The lower level of Trans-Pecos is the main party area, with an underground stage and live music. Different DJs perform throughout the month, and the club also hosts community activities during the day. Upstairs, there is a Vietnamese restaurant and a bar where you can replenish yourself throughout the evening.
- Location: Ridgewood, Queens
- Hours: Fri 11 pm – 4 am; Sat 6 pm – 4 am; Sun, Tues 7 pm – 4 am; Wed 7pm – 12 am; Thurs 7 pm – 11 am
- Cover charge: $10+
10. Avant Gardner, a full-service nightclub in New York City
Finally, Avant Gardner is a massive nightclub in NYC, specifically in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The 80,000ft² space consists of several full-sized dance halls, each with a unique atmosphere.
The Brooklyn Mirage is an open-air concert venue that’s perfect for summer shows. It has a 200-foot-wide video wall that displays the performances in 15k resolution, so you won’t miss anything.
Meanwhile, the Great Hall is in an industrial warehouse, so it has a distinct look with exposed beams, brick walls, and high ceilings. Lastly, the King Hall is a more intimate venue with warm lighting and glass ceiling panels. It has a dance floor and a world-class surround sound system, so it’s ideal for special events.
In addition, Avant Gardner has a rooftop garden and a food court, although table service is also available. It’s one of the best clubs for dancing in NYC, and it hosts performances and guests every month, so be sure to check the event calendar.
- Location: East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- Hours: Mon 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm; Tues – Wed 7 pm – 12 am; Fri 8 pm – 1 am; Sat 2 pm – 1 am; Sun 4 pm – 12 am
- Cover charge: $35+
That’s it for the best nightclubs in New York City! Before I go, here is a map of all the NYC clubs I mentioned so you can plan your night out.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below. I’d be happy to hear from you. Have an amazing time enjoying the best nightlife in New York City!