Whitney Houston could not have said it better — sometimes, we just wanna dance with somebody. Or even better, dance with a lot of people. However, finding a good spot to let loose and chase the blues away can be tricky. Lucky for you, we’ve done the research (a.k.a. the late nights and early mornings) to find the best dance clubs in NYC and now all you need to do is figure out the perfect outfit for a night on the town...Oh, and master that two step, of course.
Photos: Courtesy of Westway, Marquee, LeBaron Superclub Dance Party
Nightlife legend Susanne Bartsch and bow-tied promoter Michael Fragoso take over this club-music mecca on Thursday nights, and it’s a sight you don’t want to miss. While Madonna blares from the world-class speaker system, male go-go dancers, drag queens, and performance artists parade throughout the space. It’s called Catwalk Thursdays for a reason.
Marquee NYC, 289 10th Avenue (between W. 26th and W. 27th streets); 646-473-0202.
If you are feeling fired up after a boozy brunch on Saturday, head to the rooftop of the Dream Downtown to continue the party. Rihanna remixes and other pop-y club hits start pumping from PH-D at around 5:30 p.m. for Dustin Terry and Matthew Assante’s post-brunch party. Yes, it’s an official post-brunch party, kids, and you will spot some Herve Leger in the crowd, even though it’s still daylight.
PH-D at the Dream Downtown, 355 W. 16th Street (between Eighth and Ninth avenues); 212-229-2511.
Though its fashion-week heavy sister, Bow, shuttered its doors as quickly as they opened, Finale seems to be holding strong for the dance-dance-dance heavy crowd serving up DJ sets that range from EDM to epic mixes. Yes, there are still trippy lights; yes, there are still stripper poles; and yes, there are still tons of people buying bottles to reserve their spot on the crowded dance floor. Still, the party don't stop until you do.
Finale, 199 Bowery (at Prince Street); 212-980-3011.
What Sunday Blues?
Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin’s outdoor dance party on Sunday afternoons is well worth the trek to Carroll Street. It’s a simple concept: cheap beer and sangria, good beats, and a cool crowd. Rule number one: Enjoy yourself. Rule number two: Don’t have too much fun that you throw a disco ball. Cover is $15 and if you RSVP, it’s $10 as long as you get there before 5 p.m. We guarantee it will be packed.
Mister Sunday, 400 Carroll Street (between Bond and Nevins streets); Brooklyn. Visit Mister Saturday Night for more details.
You will always find a dance party at the ever-popular Lavo. (The bigger challenge here can be finding space to really move, but we aren’t complaining.) Head to this midtown haunt to end your weekend with a real bang at Rocco Ancarola’s weekly dinner party, Riviera Sunday. Think dancers on stilts and tabletop gyrating. We highly encourage making a reservation.
Lavo, 39 E. 58th Street (between Madison and Park avenues); 212-740-5588.
Photos: Courtesy of (Le) Poisson Rouge, PH-D, MarqueeLive Acts There is ALWAYS something happening at LPR, one of our old favorite downtown spots. Check (Le) Poisson Rouge to see the full lineup of upcoming acts and events, including a slew of weekly and monthly parties. DJs Herbert Holler, Cosi, and Marc Smooth host their notorious, award-winning Freedom Party on Fridays. Old-school, hip-hop music? Count us in. Also, don’t miss their annual Michael Jackson tribute night, happening on August 30. It will be a real thriller.
(Le) Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street (between Thompson and Sullivan streets); 212-505-3474.
As part of The Standard’s music program, Standard Sounds, there’s a bimonthly concert featuring local and international musicians at their East Village basement space Chez Andre. So far, the in-the-know music and fashion set has turned out to catch acts like Tegan and Sara, Au Revoir Simone, and Chrysta Bell. Entry is free with RSVP.
Chez Andre at The Standard, 25 Cooper Square (between E. Fifth and E. Sixth streets); 212-475-5700.
Foolproof Moves
There’s hardly a night when the music isn’t pumping at Andre Saraiva’s Paris-import, Le Baron. Aside from the slew of private parties, the dimly lit Chinatown boîte has several weekly fêtes where you can dance it out. One of our favorites? Eli Caner and Ania Goclowska’s Friday night KITCH! party in the cellar with a new DJ every week. Bonus: These ladies bring in a good-looking crowd.
Le Baron, 32 Mulberry Street (at Mosco Street).
We have fond memories of late nights at the good old Westway. The former strip club is still going strong with its Westgay night (designers like Alexander Wang and the Proenza boys have been known to stop by), but they also have their newest Thursday dance party, “Party Tits.” We advise making sure you don’t have an early-morning meeting on Friday.
Westway, 75 Clarkson Street (at Lincoln Highway); 212-620-0101.
Though the "secret" party on the roof has taken reins of this spots popularity this summer, The Jane's main room still pops off — especially on Saturday nights. We love the laid-back (but still raucous) vibes...and the fact that the DJs actually take requests. The double-decker setting (fireplace included) doesn't hurt, either.
The Jane Hotel, 113 Jane Street (at West Street);212-924-6700.
When In Brooklyn…
Go to Bossa Nova Civic Club. Yes, the secret is out about this 1,900-square-foot tropical-themed club in Bushwick, but we still love it. Don’t come here expecting unce-unce-unce beats — or drinks in mason jars, for that matter. Expect $6 draft beers and kick-ass house music by some of our favorite DJ’s in the city, including Lloydski from Roberta’s Tiki Disco parties.
Bossa Nova Civic Club, 1271 Myrtle Avenue (at Hart Street); Brooklyn; 718-443-1271.
Without a doubt, this is a can’t-miss Williamsburg hotspot. The warehouse space has a mega sound system and killer DJ’ s manning the decks (including Cassy and James Murphy). Wear whatever and dance like no one is watching.
Output, 74 Wythe Avenue (at N. 12th Street); Brooklyn.
They’ve got cheep-beer, a taco truck, an outdoor patio, and plenty of dance space. It’s a win in our book. It’s a low-pressure, casual spot we keep going back to. Oh, and don’t bother with heels here. Your feet will be thanking us the next morning.
The Woods, 48 S. Fourth Street (between Kent and Wythe avenues); 718-782-4955.
