Groove To The Rhythm At 20 Best Places To Go Dancing In New York
New York has always been a city that moves to its own beat, and when night falls, its dance floors come alive with energy.
Glitzy clubs pulse with house music, while intimate lounges let salsa rhythms take the spotlight.
Every neighborhood hums with its own sound, offering spaces where cultures and styles collide in unforgettable ways. The result is a nightlife that feels electric, unpredictable, and irresistibly fun.
If you’re ready to follow the music, these are 20 of the best spots to dance the night away in New York.
1. House of Yes (Brooklyn)
Step into a wonderland where self-expression reigns supreme! The moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by aerial performers dangling from the ceiling and colorful characters in elaborate costumes.
The vibe here is electric – a perfect blend of circus arts, dance music, and theatrical magic. Their themed parties are legendary among Brooklyn’s creative crowd.
2. The Delancey (Lower East Side)
Tucked away on the Lower East Side, this three-level party paradise offers something for every mood. The rooftop garden provides a breezy escape from the thumping bass below.
When winter hits, heat lamps keep the good times rolling under the stars. Downstairs, the rock-focused main floor and basement dance club attract a diverse crowd of music lovers ready to move until the early hours.
3. Gonzalez y Gonzalez (Greenwich Village)
Craving spicy salsa moves with your margarita? This Greenwich Village hotspot delivers authentic Latin vibes that will transport you straight to Havana.
Live bands keep the energy high while friendly regulars are always ready to show newcomers a few steps. The rustic décor, complete with hanging sombreros and colorful lights, creates the perfect backdrop for shaking those hips.
4. Taj Lounge (Manhattan)
Luxury meets rhythm at this upscale Manhattan gem. Velvet ropes and elegant décor set the stage for a sophisticated night of dancing.
Famous DJs spin a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and international beats that keep the well-dressed crowd moving.
The plush seating areas surrounding the dance floor offer perfect perches for people-watching between dance sessions.
5. S.O.B.’s / Sounds of Brazil (West Village)
Music lovers flock to this legendary West Village institution for authentic global rhythms. Since 1982, S.O.B.’s has been showcasing everything from Brazilian samba to reggae, salsa, and hip-hop.
Many future stars got their start on this very stage! The intimate space encourages close dancing, while the stellar sound system ensures every beat hits just right.
6. Bembe (Williamsburg)
Hidden behind an unassuming door in Williamsburg lies a tropical paradise of Afro-Latin rhythms. Percussion instruments hanging on the walls aren’t just decoration – patrons are encouraged to grab them and join the beat!
The tiny, sweaty dance floor creates an electric atmosphere where strangers quickly become dance partners. Rum-based cocktails flow freely, fueling the non-stop movement until the early morning hours.
7. Elsewhere (Brooklyn)
What happens when art meets dance in a massive converted warehouse? Elsewhere is the spectacular result! This sprawling Bushwick venue features multiple rooms with different vibes and sounds.
The rooftop offers breathtaking city views and more relaxed beats. Meanwhile, the cavernous main hall hosts cutting-edge electronic artists that draw in Brooklyn’s hippest crowd.
8. Nowadays (Ridgewood)
Imagine a playground for grown-ups where the music never stops! This indoor-outdoor space on the Brooklyn-Queens border has a backyard that feels like the coolest house party ever.
Inside, wooden panels and perfect acoustics create a warm atmosphere for serious dancers.
The crowd here appreciates the music as much as the movement, often closing their eyes to feel every beat of the carefully curated electronic sounds.
9. The Brooklyn Mirage (Brooklyn)
Summer nights reach their peak at this open-air electronic music paradise. Palm trees, multiple levels, and stunning light shows transform this massive space into something straight out of Ibiza.
The surrounding walls create a magical city-within-a-city feeling. When the sun sets and lasers cut through the night sky above thousands of dancing bodies, there’s simply no better place to be in New York.
10. Public Records (Gowanus)
Audiophiles, rejoice! This former recording studio in Gowanus has been transformed into a temple of sound where every note comes through with crystal clarity.
The minimalist space lets the music take center stage, with a sound system that must be experienced to be believed.
By day, it’s a café and listening room; by night, it becomes a sanctuary for those who take their dance music seriously.
11. The Sultan Room (Brooklyn)
Middle Eastern flair meets Brooklyn cool at this Bushwick hotspot. Colorful tiles, plush seating, and intricate lanterns create an atmosphere that feels both exotic and welcoming.
The venue hosts everything from disco nights to global bass parties. After working up an appetite on the dance floor, hungry revelers can refuel at the connected restaurant, Turk’s Inn, without missing a beat.
12. Retroclubnyc (Manhattan)
Journey back to the glory days of disco at this throwback paradise! Mirror balls spin above a light-up dance floor straight out of Saturday Night Fever.
The DJ spins nothing but hits from the ’70s and ’80s, creating a time-warp experience that attracts dancers of all ages.
Regular theme nights celebrate everything from Studio 54 to ’80s prom, complete with costume contests and vintage cocktails.
13. The Bowery Electric (East Village)
Rock ‘n’ roll spirit lives on at this East Village institution! The upstairs hosts live bands while the basement transforms into a sweaty dance party fueled by indie, new wave, and rock classics.
The crowd here is refreshingly unpretentious – just music lovers looking for a good time. Vintage concert posters and moody lighting create the perfect backdrop for dancing like nobody’s watching.
14. Marquee New York (Manhattan)
Ready for a taste of Vegas-style nightlife? This Chelsea superclub delivers glamour in spades with its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.
Celebrity sightings are common as international DJs command the booth. The dramatic main room features multiple tiers surrounding the dance floor, creating an amphitheater-like experience.
For those seeking the ultimate VIP treatment, bottle service tables offer prime viewing of both the DJ and the fabulous crowd.
15. Webster Hall (East Village)
Dance where generations of New Yorkers have let loose since 1886! This historic venue has survived prohibition, multiple renovations, and changing music trends while maintaining its special magic.
The Grand Ballroom’s sprung dance floor literally bounces with energy during their famous weekend dance parties.
Look up to admire the ornate balconies and ceiling details that have witnessed over a century of revelry.
16. Nublu (East Village)
Jazz meets electronic beats at this intimate East Village institution. Founded by a Turkish saxophonist, the venue has become a laboratory for musical experimentation and cross-cultural rhythms.
The tiny blue-lit space forces dancers to get cozy, creating instant connections. Regular nights feature everything from Brazilian funk to Afrobeat and experimental jazz fusion.
Musicians often jump in for impromptu jam sessions that keep the dance floor moving in unexpected ways.
17. Club Cumming (East Village)
Actor Alan Cumming’s namesake venue creates the feeling of dancing in your most fabulous friend’s living room. This LGBTQ+ hotspot welcomes everyone with open arms and zero pretension.
One night might feature drag performances, while another offers cabaret or dance parties.
The tiny space encourages conversation between strangers, creating a community vibe that’s increasingly rare in New York nightlife.
18. Terrazza 7 (Queens)
Latin rhythms rule at this beloved Queens institution where locals have been perfecting their dance moves for years.
The elevated transparent dance floor creates a unique experience – dancers above, musicians below!
Don’t worry if you’re a beginner – friendly regulars are always happy to teach newcomers the basic steps to salsa, cumbia, and merengue.
19. Republic Nightclub (Queens)
Queens gets glamorous at this massive multi-level club that rivals anything in Manhattan. The state-of-the-art sound system pumps everything from Top 40 hits to hip-hop and Latin beats.
VIP bottle service areas surround the expansive dance floor, while multiple bars ensure you never wait long for a drink.
The dress-to-impress crowd comes ready to dance until sunrise. Their themed nights attract partygoers from all five boroughs.
20. Output (Brooklyn)
Electronic music purists have found their heaven in this converted warehouse space. With a strict “no photos” policy, the focus stays firmly on the music and movement rather than social media.
The Funktion-One sound system is among the best in the city, delivering crystal-clear beats that you feel in your bones.
The rooftop offers spectacular Manhattan skyline views for when you need a breather from the pulsing main room.
