The 10 Best Places to Go Dancing in NYC

Navigating a night out in New York City can engender more anxiety than a supposed fun evening of partying should. Follow our list for the best of the best places to get your groove on, whether you're looking for a glamorous disco soirée, an outlandishly themed dance-a-thon or a chilled night of boogying in the East Village.

Paint the Big Apple red in New York's 10 best destinations for dancing

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Avant Gardner

Brooklyn

With the aesthetics of a Berlin warehouse, this industrial complex in Bushwick houses multiple dancing spaces, including the Brooklyn Mirage, an outdoor space akin to Tomorrowland, and the fantastical Lost Circus. The space hosts large-scale events, such as the revered Cityfox NYE blowout and DJ nights in which artists such as Fisher and Galantis hold court in the Great Hall. The Avant Gardner Food Court even serves gluten-free pizzas and truffle burgers to keep you fuelled up all night long.

Address

140 Stewart Avenue Brooklyn NY 11237

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Socialista

SoHo

While a night out at Socialista might not entail pushing your way to the front of a crowd and raging by a DJ booth, you're guaranteed Shazam-able tracks from lesser-known artists all night long and a Cuba libre that'll knock your typical nightclub rum and coke out of the park. Catch up over cocktails on one of the vintage couches before dancing on said sofa when the music really revs up.

Address

376 West Broadway 2nd Floor 10012

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Gospël

SoHo

A new downtown classic, Gospël is where you'll find your friend with the best Spotify playlists dancing behind the DJ booth. A decently large space, this place has an atmosphere that's always thumping but never cramped, making it a truly enjoyable spot for dancing (we promise, you won't be counting down the minutes until you can hop in an Uber back home). Illuminated by the lounge's golden hues, the crowd always looks deliciously glamorous, but never feels stuffy or too try-hard. Everyone is here for a good time, and that's just what you'll get thanks to a constant line-up of sought-after performers.

Address

281 Lafayette Street NY 10012

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Paul’s Casablanca

SoHo

The sister club to Paul Sevigny's original Tribeca hit, Paul's Baby Grand, Paul's Casablanca has taken over as the see-and-be-seen hotspot for downtown NYC's bright young things. With interiors following a Moroccan theme, the design here is just as photogenic as its predecessor (though you'll get snapped at for taking photos). The small space with intimate booths makes it a great place to come dancing with a tight-knit group of friends, as well as for bumping into the jet-setters you Insta-stalk on the regular. Roll up after a late dinner and get ready to dance until the wee hours while one of Paul's eclectic team of DJs spins classic tunes and sing-a-long disco beats.

Address

305 Spring Street NY 10013

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Escondido

Little Italy

Located right on the Bowery, Escondido couldn't possibly have a more central location. This lounge in the sprawling Sohotel greets its fair share of leggy Europeans and Brooklyn creatives looking for a night out away from their typical haunts. The bar adorned with huge bouquets of flowers, as well as the glittering skull in place of a disco ball, set Escondido apart from its nearby counterparts such as La Esquina, and bring out the atmosphere of a Mexican speakeasy when paired with its red booths and curtains. Order a few mezcal cocktails to start the night off and you'll be hitting the dance floor in no time.

Photo: Kenny Rodriguez

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House of Yes

Brooklyn

An icon in New York City's nightlife world, House of Yes is the gathering place for some of the city's wildest night owls. A temple for OTT-themed parties and shows, the events here are all about letting loose and making the most of the moment. Embrace it by going all-out with your costume for themes such as "dirty circus", "seven heavenly sins" and "house of hallucinations", and prepare to be wowed by the performances on stage as well as those on the dance floor.

Address

2 Wyckoff Avenue Brooklyn NY 11237

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Flower Shop

The idea of a 70s basement might turn some off, but that old-school aesthetic is just what draws in the crowd of 20-somethings that fill the space at Flower Shop on a weekly basis. Upstairs is all vinyl booths where you can dine on classic dishes with a twist, such as pork-and-sage scotch eggs and buttermilk-fried chicken with spicy honey before descending the stairs. Pro tip: getting here early for dinner will save you waiting in the queue that gets pretty long as the night wears on. Downstairs, the party is usually in full swing by 10:30pm, when LES hipsters gather around the pool table and jukebox. Thanks to the laid-back atmosphere here, it's the perfect place to come when you want to go out and dance but also have the opportunity to chill.

Address

107 Eldridge Street NY 10002

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Nublu

Anyone who could easily participate in a dance marathon should have Nublu on their list. This Avenue-C hideaway marked by a blue light at its entrance is a favourite among ravers who have had their fair share of massive all-night parties and are looking for music that's of the same caliber but without the hordes of people. A space that will make you feel like you're at a quasi-private show, the club regularly features up-and-coming groups such as Brazilian Girls, as well as late-night DJs and after-parties for big-time concerts such as Phish.

Address

62 Avenue C NY 10009

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Her Name Was Carmen

SoHo

A club that's set to celebrate its one-year anniversary at the beginning of 2020, Carmen is a favourite destination among New York's nightlife regulars. Evenings here start with fresh Latin-inspired seafood dishes in the restaurant upstairs before drifting to the basement to boogie. The design is 50s and 60s Latin America through and through - think: brightly coloured murals featuring exotic animals splashed across the walls and bold plant arrangements that greet you as you sidle up to the bar. Make sure you order one of the Amazonia cocktails infused with peach and honey.

Address

527 Broome Street NY 10013

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Berlin

For a no-frills night of high-intensity dancing, this is your spot. There are live bands and DJs every night (they're always open until 4am), so this is your go-to on a weekday evening when you're in the mood to dance, even when you didn't put a ton of time into primping. The grungy cool kids that pack this space on a nightly basis are drawn in by the great music and low-key environment, so you'll fit right in if you come here with the same mindset.

Address

25 Avenue A NY 10009