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Any bar can become a dance party if you try hard enough. It does not matter to me what type of bar I am in; hole in the wall pubs or a club with disco balls and strobe lights, if there is music there will be a dance party going on. Heck I throw myself a dance party weekly in my apartment alone. Anyway, even though you can shake your groove thing anywhere, not all bars are equipped with a designated dance floor. Here are a few of my favorite bars in Manhattan where you can really bust a move.
In my 20’s Bowery Electric was my go-to bar. I LOVED Bowery Electric and frequently went with friends and co-workers. It’s two floors of dancing. The first floor has a bar and seating area when you first walk in, but the back room has a small dance floor that plays (at least did when I went) more “chilled” music. The basement has a bigger dance floor (and a different waiting line) with more upbeat music and a club vibe. There is also a very small secret back room in the basement that you can rent out for parties. I have always had a great time at Bowery Electric, dancing and having fun with friends! Fun (embarrassing) fact: the only time I have ever been kicked out of a bar was at Bowery Electric. It was 3am, celebrating a friend’s birthday when I got mad at the DJ for not playing enough Madonna. I wanted to dance to “Like a Prayer”. He refused for the millionth time (he already played “Get Into The Groove” was his excuse.. a goodie but not the same) when I finally said “what kind of a terrible human being does not play Madonna?”. Then a hand tapped my shoulder and a bouncer told me it was time to leave. Never been more proud of myself.
Acme has a great dance floor but it can get a little crowded sometimes. With that being said they play a variety of music from oldies to 90’s jams to current hiphop. You never know what song is next and I love it! The place has a great vibe with a disco ball and a DJ. A place that you can always rely on for a good time. The dance floor is in the basement and the top floor is a bar/restaurant. Get there somewhat early because there is always a line to get in.
If you are looking for a true club scene you may want to try Paradise Club (new club) in Times Square. You probably just scrunched your face in disgust when I said Times Square didn’t you? I do too, but a few months ago I was convinced by a few friends that Paradise Club was worth the hassle. I caved and am so glad I did, I had a blast! When I went there I saw David Schwimmer (Ross Geller from Friends). If it is good enough for Ross, it’s good enough for me. It’s a fun vibe and feels like Studio54 days (ok maybe not as wild, yet, but it is owned by Ian Schrager) where you do not know what or who you are going to see there. There are definitely some interesting characters. In the middle of the dance floor there is a stage with a runway where you may catch a show or performance of some sort. Earlier in the evening there is dinner and a show, but then quickly the tables are moved and it becomes a club. Lots of fun!
Hotel Chantelle is a bar for everyone. If you love rooftops, it has a beautiful french interior restaurant on the top floor. The main floor has a bar and lounge area where on Thursday nights there is a burlesque show. I’ve attended one before, it was… interesting. The basement has a definite club vibe. The first time I went to Hotel Chantelle a guy dressed as a skeleton put glitter all over my face and I was instantly hooked. Each floor of Hotel Chantelle is fun as each have a different vibe.
More of a concert platform than a dance floor with a DJ but none the less it’s a dance party. Le Poisson Rouge is an experience for sure! Friday is always 90’s night and Saturday night is 80’s. There is a cover band both nights playing all of the wonderful hits of both decades. It’s a pretty big space where you can throw your limbs around and dance like no one is watching…. err so I’ve been told. Some of my favorite nights in NYC have happened at Le Poisson Rouge.
If you are looking for a place to dance but do not want a fist pumping night club then The Blind Barber is the place for you. It’s a barber shop during the day, then at night slip through the back doors to this vintage style speakeasy. The dance party usually starts happening later in the evening with tunes from the DJ. Go there a little early to lounge and have a few drinks with friends before hitting the dance floor.