NYC Entertainment | Nightlife in New York City

Entertainment and Nightlife in New York City
Bartenders in NYC have an uncanny talent for remembering faces. Make sure to tip

Bartenders in NYC have an uncanny talent for remembering faces. Make sure to tip

Entertainment and Nightlife in New York City

Are you looking for the best in NYC nightlife? Well, you're in the right place. Here at NYCTourist.com, you'll learn everything you need to know about entertainment and nightlife in NYC, including how to get in to the most popular NYC clubs, where to find the best bars in NYC, and what cheap NYC hotels are close to New York nightlife hotspots. Whether you're looking for cool, kooky NYC bars or trendy NYC clubs, you're sure to find what you're after.

Here are a few beginner's tips:

  • Dress to Impress: Most popular clubs in NYC enforce strict dress codes. If you don't look like you belong, you won't get in. Check club websites for dress codes.
  • Tip Your Bartender Well: Bartenders in NYC have an uncanny talent for remembering faces. If you stiff them on the tip, they'll note it, and you probably won't get a drink again. Of course, if you tip them well, they'll remember that, too, and they'll pour stronger drinks and take your order first. This is especially true in upscale NYC clubs.

To learn more about nightlife in New York City, continue reading below!

Located in the Midtown West neighborhood of Manhattan, The Royalton New York stands right in the center of it all

Located in the Midtown West neighborhood of Manhattan, The Royalton New York stands right in the center of it all

Hotels Close to Nightlife in NYC

If you plan on doing your share of partying in NYC, do yourself the favor of booking a room in an New York hotel close to nightlife in NYC. Here are a few of our top New York City hotels for partying:

  • The Royalton New York: Located in the Midtown West neighborhood of Manhattan, The Royalton New York stands right in the center of it all, close to popular NYC attractions and the best nightlife in NYC (the world-famous Pacha Club NY stands just steps away). This 4.0-star luxury hotel boasts a lively on-site bar, a 24-hour fitness center, and a breathtaking lobby with an enormous cast-bronze fireplace.
  • The GEM Hotel Chelsea: For those who would rather spend their money on signature NY drinks than on trendy NY hotel rooms, there's the GEM Hotel Chelsea, a cheap NYC hotel close to New York nightlife. This popular NYC hotel stands just minutes away from many of New York City's hottest clubs, including Marquee NYC.
Are you looking for fun things to do in New York City after dark?

Are you looking for fun things to do in New York City after dark?

NYC Nightlife - Cool Bars in NYC

Are you looking for fun things to do in New York City after dark? Do you want to learn about NYC nightlife and nightclubs in NYC? Are you on a quest for the coolest, hottest, swankiest bars in NYC? If so, you're in the right place! Below you'll find two of our favorite NYC nightlife hotspots.

  • The Rum House: Located in Manhattan's Times Square, just steps away from New York City's Theater District, The Rum House is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before or after a Broadway show. This upscale bar in NYC is sure to delight music lovers and cocktail purists alike with its leather upholstery, piano players, and high-end drinks.
  • Smith & Mills: One block east of the Hudson River lies the small, pocket-sized bar known as Smith & Mills. At this eccentric Tribeca bar, which occupies a mere 450 square feet, food is served on antique flatware and beer in Mason jars.

To hear more about NYC nightlife, keep reading below!

NYCTourist Travel Info
  Nightlife Info Price
1. Bembe NYC

Hello, Brooklyn! The Bembe Nightclub in Williamsburg is one of the best places to let loose in NYC, and regularly hosts some of the most exciting dance parties New York City has to offer. From their refreshing tropical cocktails to the live DJ's and drummers, Bembe NYC is the perfect New York nightclub for young tourists in NYC.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
Nightlife Cost
Details
0
0 Reviews
2. Beacon Theatre
at the Hotel Beacon NYC

Located on site at Hotel Beacon NYC, the Beacon Theatre is a three-tiered, 2,894-seat music venue and former movie palace. Having been built in 1929, the theater was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
Nightlife Cost
Details
0
0 Reviews
3. Stonewall Inn

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000, The Stonewall Inn NYC is a lively gay bar located in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. Here you'll find everything from drag shows, live music, and karaoke to cabaret and strip shows, in addition to strong drinks and a great party atmosphere.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
Nightlife Cost
Details
0
0 Reviews
4. Julius Bar

The favorite haunt of Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, and Rudolf Nureyev, Julius NYC is the popular gay bar where the famous "Sip-In" was held to promote gay rights. The drinks are cheap and strong and the atmosphere is casual. Sundays, beer is available at half-price!

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
Nightlife Cost
Details
0
0 Reviews
5. Carolines on Broadway

Carolines on Broadway NYC is an iconic comedy club located in Midtown Manhattan. With regular performances by A-list celebrity entertainers such as Charlie Murphy and Jerry Seinfeld, it is widely considered to be one of the best comedy clubs in New York City.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
Nightlife Cost
Details
0
0 Reviews
6. Comedy Cellar

The Comedy Cellar NYC is an iconic NYC comedy club located in the heart of Manhattan's Greenwich Village. Aside from great food and affordable drinks, this cool NYC hangout offers the very best talent in the entertainment industry, with recent performances by Colin Quinn and Dave Attell, among others.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
Nightlife Cost
Details
0
0 Reviews
7. Pieces Bar NYC

Offering fun activities such as karaoke singalongs, costume contests, jello wrestling, and beer pong, along with a hot, friendly staff and inexpensive drinks, Pieces Bar NYC is the quintessential New York City gay bar. It's even located right next to Gay Street (no joke)!

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
Nightlife Cost
Details
0
0 Reviews
8. Rush NYC

One of New York City's few 18+ clubs, Rush New York is the perfect place for NYC tourists who like to party but who aren't yet old enough to drink. This NYC gay bar features hot bartenders, sexy go go boys, strong drinks, and loud music. Don't miss this sexy 18+ club in NYC!

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
Nightlife Cost
Details
0
0 Reviews
9. Grassroots Tavern

Head to Grassroots Tavern New York for some of the best drink deals in the NYC nightlife scene.  This St. Marks neighborhood bar in the East Village has $4+ pints, $7+ pitchers, happy hour deals Monday-Friday and heavy-handed bartenders.  The dive-y scene attracts locals and keeps many tourists out - but if you're into cheap drinks and a simple good time, step inside!

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
Nightlife Cost
Details
3.5
1 Review
10. Sapphire Lounge

Sapphire Lounge in NYC features $4 happy hour deals daily, plus well-known NYC DJs regularly.  This Lower East Side bar and lounge provides a lively dance floor, full bar and low prices.  Listen to the best hip hop, pop and dance music from the 90s- present as you dance the night away at Sapphire New York!

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
Nightlife Cost
Details
3.75
1 Review
11. HA! Comedy Club NYC

Ha! Comedy Club NYC is located in Times Square and is open nightly for various live comedy shows with start times from 7:30pm-1:15am.  Ticket vendors can be found, and will often find you on the streets of Times Square, near the Ha! Comedy Club, selling tickets for just $20.  Each show requires a two drink purchase minimum per person, including children.  A full bar including soft drinks, juices, alcohol and food provides plenty of options for all ages.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
Nightlife Cost
Details
1
1 Review
Pricing Guide     Venue Price Range     $ - Inexpensive     $$ - Moderate     $$$ - Expensive     $$$$- Ultra High End
Pacha Club boasts a 3,500-square-foot wooden dance floor

Pacha Club boasts a 3,500-square-foot wooden dance floor

The New York Nightlife Scene and Things To Do at Night in NYC!

We’ve all heard that New York is the city that never sleeps – and it’s true! If hitting the town, checking out the clubs, seeing the lights in Times Square, or just hanging out at a great lounge or bar is your thing, then NYC can deliver. There are hundreds of restaurants that have bars and lounges for early evening entertainment and hundreds more pubs and bars in New York (especially Manhattan) that are open deep into the night. New York’s club scene is broad and varied and is led by Webster Hall in the East Village – one of New York City’s most popular nightclubs featuring five (yes FIVE) dance floors, live music, famous DJs, and an iconic history of entertainers (our nightlife tip is to buy tickets early as this is a hot place to hang out, dance, and party).

Another way to spend the night is dinner and live music at a New York jazz club like Cleopatra’s Needle on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. If you’re into laughing (let’s hope so) then New York boasts some of the best comedians and comedy clubs in the world such as the Broadway Comedy Club, Caroline’s on Broadway, World Comedy Club in Manhattan's Midtown West, Dangerfield’s, and the NY Comedy Club where "Laughter is an instant vacation!" Yes, most have a two drink minimum but that’s nothing compared to the quality of entertainment.

If you’re looking for NYC concert tickets, entertainers or other things to do at night in NYC then check out our up to date NYC events calendar.

Clubs and Nightlife in NYC

Some of the best clubs in the world can be found in New York City. One famous NYC nightclub is Pacha Club NY. Located in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Midtown Manhattan, Pacha Club boasts a 3,500-square-foot wooden dance floor and four stylishly decorated floors with large open spaces and intimate seating coves. Notable attractions at this popular club in NYC include Pacha's famous shower booths, where bikinied girls dance under colored LED lights, and the jet-setting celebrities who people the ultra-exclusive mezzanine floor.

Another popular NYC club is Marquee NYC. This trendy nightclub in NYC evokes the elegant sophistication of an old-fashioned gentlemen's club with its scuptural glasswear, custom-made ice buckets, 42-foot vaulted ceiling, and 35-foot "wishbone" staircase. With a maximum capacity of just 600 people, Marquee NY is the perfect size for an NYC nightclub, neither too big nor too small.

NYC Event Tickets

Manhattan Inn Piano Bar is a cool and quirky NYC piano bar located in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Manhattan Inn Piano Bar is a cool and quirky NYC piano bar located in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn.

NYC Nightlife - The Best Bars in NYC

Looking for cool bars in NYC? We've got you covered! Check out these trendy NYC bars with live music and bar food. They're two of the best bars in New York City!

  • Manhattan Inn Piano Bar NYC: Founded in 2009 by Brooke Baxter and Rolyn Hu, Manhattan Inn Piano Bar is a cool and quirky NYC piano bar located in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn. This popular NY piano bar offers live music seven nights a week and a full bar that serves quality small plates and full-course meals.
  • Le Poisson Rouge NYC: Founded by musicians on the former site of the Village Gate, Le Poisson Rouge is one of the best places to see live music in NYC. This cool NYC bar features a 28' x 21' fixed corner stage, a 23'-diameter hardwood dance floor, and flexible event space that can seat 250 and stand 700. Aside from signature NY cocktails like the Garfunkel and the Pumpkin King, Le Poisson Rouge serves delicious small plates like quesadillas, nachos, and pizza.