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New York Nightlife and Clubs

NYC.com's guide to New York nightlife features expert reviews and recommendations for the top hot spots, dance clubs, jazz and live music venues, not to mention information on all types of bars, from dives and local hangouts to nightclubs and lounges in Manhattan and beyond. Also check out our guides for comedy fans, bar-hoppers, music lovers, the under-21 crowd, plus our all-new Best of New York Nightlife, packed with great features!

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Club Lust

Hang with the hip-hop scene at this boom bap'n busty booty club. Nestled in warehouse district of Sunset park, separated from the more gentile world of homes and families by the elevated BQE, Club Lust has emerged as the go to strip club / party joint of the Hip Hop scene.

B.B. King Blues Club & Grill

Theater District

Conveniently located in the heart of Times Square near Penn Station and Port Authority, The B.B. King Blues Club & Grill offers music fans a unique experience. Owned by the Bensusan Family, proprietors of the world renowned Blue Note Jazz Club, the club features world-class musical talent and consists of two distinct spaces: the Showcase Room & Lucille’s Grill. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill offers music fans a unique experience. Owned by the Bensusan Family, proprietors of the world renowned Blue Note Jazz Club, the club features world-class musical talent and consists of two distinct spaces: the Showcase Room & Lucille’s Grill. The main space or "Showcase Room," is classical in form and spirit: two-tiered, horseshoe-shaped seating (booths & tables) centered around a 30-foot stage presents up close and personal views of all performances. The 40-foot bar is a haven for the reserved listener, while the 32-foot dance floor gives the energetic concertgoer room to shake. The atmosphere is enhanced with two 8-foot big video screens on either side of the stage. The menu mirrors the diversity of the city with a hint of Southern fare and is available during all seated shows. Aside from the "Showcase Room," Lucille’s Grill is one of Manhattan’s best-kept secrets. The mahogany framed, bi-level bar & grill offers an intimate yet casual dining atmosphere. Colorful contemporary art create the perfect environment for a memorable lunch or dinner. The menu highlights southern cuisine: fresh grilled seafood, classic salads, and hearty steaks accompanied with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes.

Union Hall

Park Slope

Union Hall is a 5,000 square foot bar, restaurant and venue for live music and comedy in the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn. Painstakingly converted from a warehouse, it offers cozy firesides, a stately library, two indoor bocce courts, outdoor garden seating, and a downstairs bar and music venue. Union Hall is equidistant from its siblings, Floyd and The Bell House, and perfectly balances being both a bar and a live music venue.

169 Bar

Lower East Side

Cool and trendy, one of Chinatown's original watering holes; in fact, a mainstay of the neighborhood for over 50 years. Listen to live music, or just chill out, play pool and enjoy the DJ.

Caroline's Comedy Club

Theater District

Caroline's first opened as a cabaret in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood in 1981. Owner Caroline Hirsch, a lifelong comedy fan, soon began booking comedians. The comedy acts – which included now legendary performers like Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Rosie O’Donnell and Jay Leno – were a tremendous success, and Caroline's soon became a full-fledged comedy club. As comedy’s popularity surged throughout the 80s and into the 90s, so did Caroline's. Now located in the heart of Times Square in New York City, Caroline's on Broadway is one of America’s premier comedy nightclubs, presenting the best live entertainment seven nights a week, 365 days a year.

Sixpoint Brewery

Red Hook

At present this brewery sells only by the keg, but tours and sampling are possible. Their beer is increasingly showing up in NYC bars and will soon be available bottled. Six points have long been associated with the craft of brewing. Since the Middle Ages, it was customary for brewers to brand their beer with a six-pointed star to signify purity and excellence. By the early twentieth century, some brewers maintained this tradition by incorporating the symbol into their logos. In the 20th century, breweries turned their focus to marketing and mass-production and neglected the traditions and customs of craft breweries. Was the legend of the six-pointed brewer’s star dead… or just dormant? Sixpoints has resurrected the legend of the six-pointed brewer’s star. Sixpoints' logo and mission is a modern interpretation of classical brewing traditions, to respect and honor the century-old traditions of craft brewing while forging ahead with new techniques, styles, and flavors. Every Sixpoint Craft Ales recipe is derived from at least one of hundreds of individual homebrewed batches of beer. Knowing this, it is their firm conviction that homebrewers are the creative geniuses and mad scientists behind the resurgence in craft beer.

Rooftop Reds

A real New York treat. Enter the Navy Yard at the Sand Street entrance, let the security officer know you are heading to Rooftop Reds, and they will give you directions to Building 275. Hike up the 4 flights of stairs and land in a kind of New York heaven. Huge rooftop with small bar where the proprietors serve up wine from around the state, and some of their own stuff. Grab a bottle find a table, and sit amongst the very grapes that will, in do time, be turned into wine! Great views, friendly service. Pack a picnic or buy one of the pre-made offerings.

Saint Vitus

Greenpoint

Rock bar for rockers, expect a lot of black, including the dried roses above the bar, and Sabbath on the Jukebox. Cheep beer as well as craft to fuel the headbanging antics of rock connoisseurs who flock to this joint to catch world-class metal acts. 10 minute walk from the trains, and if coming from Queens the joy of crossing Newton Creek! Do not fall in when heading home!

Salon de Ning

Midtown

This lively hotspot on the top floor of the famed Peninsula hotel allows dramatic, sweeping views of many of Manhattan's architectural gems from its east and west terraces. A favorite with New York's business crowd, The Salon de Ning offers just the right amount of Chinoiserie, and is open from 4:00 pm in the summer and from 5:00 pm in the winter. It is also available for private parties, from May to October, weather permitting.

Jazz Standard

Rose Hill

Jazz Standard presents an extraordinary lineup of world-class artists, warm hospitality, pitch-perfect sound, comfortable seating and earlier sets for those that want to drop in right after work. From classic jazz to funk, R&B, blues, and more, Jazz Standard brings you the legendary artists of today and the brightest stars of tomorrow.

Birdland

When the original Birdland opened fifty-one years ago in December, 1949, Charlie Parker was the headliner and the club was located on Broadway, a few blocks west of 52nd Street, which was a hotbed of jazz in the 1930s and 40s. For the next fifteen years, the club's survival formula was built upon memorable double and triple bills, commencing at 9 p.m. and sometimes lasting 'til dawn. In addition to Bird, many jazz legends were regulars at the club. Count Basie and his smokin' big band made Birdland their New York headquarters, eventually recording George Shearing's "Lullaby of Birdland" live at the club. John Coltrane's classic Quartet regularly appeared at the club in the early 1960s, recording "Live at Birdland." And the infamous Symphony Sid Torin made a name for himself broadcasting live from the club to radio listeners up and down the eastern seaboard. But as a new popular music, Rock & Roll emerged, Birdland's fortunes declined in the 60's and its doors were closed on Broadway and 52nd in 1965. After many 5 am nights, the club went silent. Birdland was reborn uptown in 1986 at 2745 Broadway, on the corner 105th Street. The uptown Birdland was triangular. The stage was in the narrow center, and as the triangle widened, there was a bar with small tables. No musicians would deny the unique acoustics this setup produced. In ten years, more than 2,000 emerging artists performed at the club. On many occasions, artists who performed at the original club on 52nd street graced the stage of the second version of Birdland as well. Still there was something missing. "After ten successful years uptown, I felt the mystique of Birdland returning to midtown - it would be the natural continuation of the legendary jazz corner of the world," said Birdland owner John Valenti. Now, half a century later, the Birdland banner has been reborn in midtown. After a decade of neighborhood success on the Upper West Side, John decided to move the club back to Midtown. The new Birdland offers top-flight jazz in a world class setting, good sight lines and acoustics, elbow room, and a menu ripe with award winning Southern Cuisine. Since the reemergence of the club, midtown Manhattan has been treated to some of the best jazz on the planet, including memorable sets by such musicians as Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Roy Haynes, Lee Konitz, Tony Williams, Mark Murphy, Diana Krall, Michel Petrucciani, John Scofield, Kevin Mahogany, Dave Holland, and Tito Puente, as well as the big bands of Chico O'Farrill, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Maria Schneider.

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club

Upper West Side

Located in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights, Smoke Jazz Club offers up a different variety of music throughout the week. On Monday nights, there’s a jam session, which typically begins around 10:30 after the headliners have played their sets. On Tuesday nights the club caters to fans of B-3 music with different organ and guitar combinations. The weekends at Smoke are usually filled with well-known musical acts that are typically based in and around New York City. Many times the prices at Smoke range from $15-$30 with a two drink minimum depending on the popularity of the band or musician that night. The atmosphere is very swank and low key, with a capacity of no more than 75 people. The bar and wait staff are always considerate and make patrons feel at home. Smoke has augmented its reputation as one of Manhattan’s most distinguished jazz venues with an addition very uncommon to jazz clubs—great food. Smoke serves innovative American Bistro fare developed by critically acclaimed executive chef / consultant Patricia Williams. The menu features aged, steakhouse-quality, 14 oz prime steaks, and a skillfully assembled and popular wine list. Another representative customer favorite is the lemon and thyme-infused, oven roasted chicken served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and roasted carrots. Smoke’s knowledgeable and unobtrusive wait staff helps to ensure a memorable dining experience.

Nuyorican Poets Cafe

East Village

Founded circa 1973, The Nuyorican Poets Cafe began as a living room salon in the East Village apartment of writer and poet, Miguel Algarin. Algarin, a college professor at the center of this blossoming arts community, was dedicated to bringing new work into the public eye. By 1975 it became clear that there were many poets and too much energy for Algarin's living room. William Morrow Inc. had just published an anthology titled “Nuyorican Poetry”. Miguel Piñero's “Short Eyes” had just won two awards as best play of the 1974 season. Poetry, the vital sign of a new culture, needed to be heard live. So Algarin rented an Irish bar, the Sunshine Cafe on East 6th Street, which was christened The Nuyorican Poets Cafe. By 1980, the overflow of audiences led the Cafe to purchase an “in rem” building at 236 East 3rd Street to expand its activities and programs. A non-profit organization, the Cafe has emerged as one of the country's most highly respected arts organizations and has become an acclaimed forum for innovative poetry, music, hip hop, video, visual arts, comedy and theatre. The mission of the Cafe is to create a multi-cultural venue that both nurtures artists and exhibits a variety of artistic works. Without limitation, they are dedicated to providing a stage for the arts with access for the widest public. The Cafe's purpose has always been to provide a stage for the artists traditionally under-represented in the mainstream media and culture; promoting their work while building an audience and providing an ongoing support system for them as they grow. The Nuyorican organization provides cultural programming to the whole of the East Village community. Their programming includes poetry and prose readings, theatrical and musical performances, and visual art exhibits. The weekly Poetry Slams are a hugely successful popularization of poetry conducted in mock epic contest judged by people selected at random from the audience. Their lesser known Theater Program has been awarded over 30 Audelco Awards and was honored with an OBIE Grant for excellence in theater. Theater events are held early evening from Thursday through Saturday with frequent Sunday matinees. The up and coming Latin Jazz Jam Session on Thursday nights fills the Cafe with its own special flavor and has been a weekly “Critics Choice” at New York Press for six consecutive years. Their Fifth Night Series has produced over 40 films from screenplay readings since its inception in January '94. Their Hip Hop events include an open mic and competitions for poets, freestylers and emcees, as well as collaborations for story tellers and jazz musicians – becoming a legendary hotbed for new talent. Finally, every month the comedy troupe, Nuyorican Rule, brings its humor on the urban, social, political and familial Latino experience to the Cafe.

Comedy Cellar

Greenwich Village

The Comedy Cellar is a famous comedy club in New York's Greenwich Village featuring the edgiest acts, the widest variety, and a club atmosphere second to none. The crowd is an eclectic mix of Village hipsters, yuppie types, agents, producers and TV bookers. Stars like Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, or Robin Williams will sometimes drop by here to try out new material. Each week consists of two shows a night on Sunday through Thursday, three shows each Friday, and four shows on Saturday. The Cellar is located under and connected to the Olive Tree Café, where many of the comedians like to hang out after performing.

Gotham Comedy Club

Chelsea

Native New Yorkers Chris Mazzilli and Michael Reisman opened the original Gotham Comedy Club in May 1996 and it has proven to be a leader in the industry, bringing comics such as Dave Chappelle, Lewis Black and Colin Quinn (to name a few) to the stage. Gotham Comedy Club has become the backdrop for many TV shows and films such as Jerry Seinfeld's 2002 Miramax film "Comedian" and Larry David's pilot of "Curb Your Enthusiasm". In 2005 Gotham Comedy Club opened it's new 10,000 square foot flagship location providing New York with live performances from today's elite comedians. Located in a 1929 building next door to the historic Chelsea Hotel, the new Gotham Comedy Club draws upon the charm and ambiance of the 1920s to capture the spirit of an upscale theater environment. Comedy Central's Live At Gotham features the country's hottest comedians doing fresh stand-up here. Each week, a new host introduces up-and-coming comedians for an hour of original comedy. NBC's Emmy-nominated series Last Comic Standing brings dueling comedians to duke it out on Gotham Comedy Club's stage, the comedy venue where some of the nation's most notorious comedians began their careers.

Pete's Candy Store

Williamsburg

One of Williamsburg’s brighter spots, Pete’s Candy Store is always busy. The backroom offers local countryish music and has weekly events like the Quizz-Off, a trivia competition. Get one of the few tables early and enjoy.

Phoenix

East Village

This incredibly swinging bar always has great beers on tap, songs on the jukebox, and hotties wandering around the pool table. Check it out!

Irving Plaza

Irving Plaza has been a NYC landmark since 1978, presenting iconic artists and emerging talent across all genres for more than 50 years. From punk to alternative, indie to hip-hop, rock to pop, the venue has been a must-play stop on tours and for special performances, including Sir Paul McCartney, The Foo Fighters, U2, Green Day, Ariana Grande, The Ramones, Nine Inch Nails, Childish Gambino, Katy Perry, Eminem, Nas, and many others. Its location, one block east of Union Square adds to its convenience and charm. Guests enter through an expanded lobby to the legendary music hall with polished wooden floors, crystal chandeliers and a fixed stage. A U-shaped balcony with fantastic sight-lines overlooks the dance floor. The main floor features a full-service bar at the back of the hall. The Balcony Lounge is the perfect setting for a cocktail reception with a rock and roll edge. Production elements include state-of-the-art lighting, sound and video.

Webster Hall

East Village

Webster Hall has managed to soldier on over the years, while most of it's big club competitors long since called it a night. Their location in the East Village helps, and the club is something of an annex for less studious minded NYU students. Young crowds and cavernous space with many dark corners means you can expect the usual bacchanalian drives of the uninitiated, but ready to party, youth to find their outlet. With 5 or more unique environments throughout the building and a 1,500 capacity theatre space on the second floor, Webster Hall regularly hosts performances by the biggest artists in the world. Artists such as Ray Charles, Paul Simon, Green Day, The Killers, Prince, Nine Inch Nails, Micheal Bublé and Mick Jagger are among the notables that have graced Webster Hall's internationally recognized stage in recent years. Additionally, Webster Hall hosts the official NYC Halloween Parade Afterparty and New Years Eve Ball annually Webster Hall has a remarkable and long history. Built in 1886, designed by renowned architect Charles Rentz, Webster Hall was described as the "Jewel of the Village" by Eugene O'Neil. It was where the original bohemians, like Emma Goldman, Marcel DuChamp and Margaret Sangor, created unique costume balls to benefit nascent social and political causes. It was not unknown to witness Emma Goldman, the outspoken exponent of Anarchist philosophy on one night herald the cause of free love and birth control, and on the next, see the refined atmosphere and grace of a society function celebrating the nuptials of two of its elite. Based upon the bacchanals in Paris and called such names as the "Blind Man's Ball," "The Pagan Rout", and "The Futurist Ball" they created the reputation of Greenwich Village which exists today. As Floyd Dell recalled,"they were spontaneously joyous and deliberately beautiful, focusing in a mood of playfulness the passion for loveliness which was one of the things that brought us to the village." It was the birth of the modern nightclub. During prohibition, the balls moved from the social and political trends of the past to the hedonistic attitude of the "speak." Protection largess was lavished upon local politicians and the police who could turn a blind eye to the merrymakers who attended despite, or perhaps because of, whispers that the venue was owned by the infamous mobster Al Capone. Appropriately enough, prohibition's repeal was the cause for one of Webster Hall's most legendary celebrations "The Return of John Barleycorn." But the depression and new political orthodoxy ended nightlife's first golden age. In the 50's, R.C.A. Records recognized the extraordinary acoustical integrity of the building and converted it into their East Coast recording venue, Webster Hall studios. Carol Channing recorded "Hello Dolly," Harold Prince recorded "Fiddler on the Roof" and luminaries such as Julie Andrews, Elvis Presley, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra added their presence to the panoply of stars that the venue had witnessed. On May 1st, 1980 The Ritz opened as the famous showcase venue for emerging rock acts. Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Prince, Sting, Kiss, B.B. King, and Guns n' Roses all performed on what was routinely called,"the best stage in New York City." The Ritz was the first nightclub to feature a video component, which soon set the trend across America. The Ritz relocated in 1986 giving the opportunity for Webster Hall to be born. In 1990, the Ballinger Family from Toronto, Canada, rewrote the rulebook on New York nightlife. They restored the luster of Webster Hall, fusing state of the art audio, video, and lighting technology with the spirit of the past. The original color scheme was painstakingly recreated and once again Webster Hall is a shining jewel of New York City.

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