Although it seems like New York City nightlife has been all about the wine bars and laid-back lounges lately, the beat goes on at a whole new crop of dance clubs—and we’re not talking about the big boxes on West 27th Street. Put on that party dress and get ready to sweat at these grind houses as you dance the night (and perhaps even some calories) away this summer.
Santos' Party House
100 Lafayette St. (@ Walker St.)
TriBeCa 212.714.4646
Kept hush-hush until now, Santos’ Party House has officially opened its doors to the public and already has an impressive list of DJs (Moby, James Murphy, Neil Aline, Pal Joey) lined up to play an eclectic mix of music. The new Tribeca club by Andrew W.K. (of
Party Hard fame) has a nightly $5 cover, but with cheap drinks, an amazing sound system, and even better people-watching (witness encounters between Heatherette types, future art stars, and black-clad Euros), you’ll never be bored in this space complete with trippy-colored walls and a disco ball.
Le Royale
21 7th Ave. S. (@ Leroy St.)
West Village 212.463.0700
The bi-level space that once housed hipster hotspot Luke & Leroy is now home to Le Royale. Don’t expect the glam, Euro models and bottles crowd here though. Despite what the French name would have you think, this joint caters to music lovers and often has live performances in the upstairs bar (call ahead to get on the list to avoid the $10 cover charge).
Kiss & Fly
409 W. 13th St. (9th Ave. & Washington St.)
Meatpacking District 212.255.1933
Many of the Euros that frequent Kiss & Fly start their night off at Bagatelle, the restaurant next door where the stylish nibble, and if they get lucky, make it through the hidden door that leads to the back of Kiss & Fly’s luxe interior. Once inside, it’s clear what all the hype is about as you get down to house beats amidst columns and hand-carved wood. Worried about getting too sweaty? In addition to an outdoor smoking area, every so often a nitrous tank keeps dancers cool with bursts of chill air.
1 OAK
453 W. 17th St. (9th & 10th Aves.)
Meatpacking District 212.242.1111
Getting in is no easy feat, but once inside expect a cavernous space set with a fittingly raw-oak ceiling, along with a fireplace, artwork, banquettes, and a long, black bar. Dance to an eclectic mix of music in a room where the uber-stylish crowd is, for the most part, meticulously maintained at a decidedly un-claustrophobic level.
Arlo & Esme
42 E. 1st St. (1st & 2nd Aves.)
East Village 212.777.5617
A café by day and wine bar by night, Arlo & Esme comes complete with a laid-back, bottle service-optional, downstairs dance club. Here you’ll find unpretentious East Villagers dancing and kicking back in a cavernous, dimly-lit exposed brick with projection screens, a pool table, and a Ms. Pacman machine. Expect old school, hip-hop, and classic beats on the one’s and two’s.
~ Sharon Feiereisen
