Whether you are Latino or just have a few Salsa-On-2 lessons under your belt, a party with great Spanish music and social dancers is the recipe for a fun night.
However, when you are searching for Latin dance clubs, they tend to be hard to find – even in the best party city in the U.S.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the mainstream music culture in New York City’s nightlife has shifted in favor of EDM. So, the prominence of Latin Clubs has been on a decline – especially since the 2020 pandemic.
The glory days of renowned clubs like the Latin Quarter (a.k.a. LQ), La Marina, and Copacabana Times Square are long gone – they’ve been shut down for years! As of 2023, there are currently only 10 nightclubs that are dedicated to the Latin music genre and Spanish culture in Manhattan, NYC. This excludes the countless lounge bars without dance floors and clubs with occasional “Latin Nights” that are commonly misrepresented as “Latin clubs” (e.g. Solas, Taj, Lavo, Vida Verde, Bar 13, etc.)
This is a lesser-known nightlife trend in NYC that you won’t hear about in the news. And one that is an inconvenience for partygoers misled by outdated information on defunct Spanish clubs, hyped-up promotions for unpopular Salsa parties from dance studios, and happy hours with Sensual Bachata instructors out to hook up with students.
But don’t despair. As, a leading NYC club promoter and one of the top nightlife bloggers in the country, I’m your connection for the latest nightlife trends. So I’ve curated this unranked list of “The Best Latin Clubs in Manhattan NYC For Latin Music and Dancing” right now, with strict criteria:
- The main theme of the venue is Latin American
- Live DJs and/or performers primarily play Latin music all night.
- The venue has an open and active dance floor.
- The party attracts crowds of dancers.
- The club is centrally located in Manhattan, not the outer boroughs of Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island.
So, get your dance shoes, stylish clubbing outfit, and Spanish-English dictionary ready to translate your best pickup lines for the most popular spots where Latinos hang out and dance to Salsa, Bachata, Reggaeton, and Merengue music!
Note: The terms Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably. However, “Hispanic” refers to people whose primary language is Spanish, while “Latino” refers to people with Latin American origins.
YUCA
LOWER EAST SIDE
111 AVENUE A, NEW YORK, NY 10009
YELP RATING: 4 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Thursday – Saturday
Party Times: After 8 PM
Music Genres: Reggaeton, Salsa, Top 40
Vibes: Hanging with friends, meeting singles
What To Wear: Casual wear
Bottle Service: Yes, at the bar only
Hookah Service: Not Available
Yuca is a Pan-Latin restaurant that transforms into the best and only Latin dance club in the Lower East Side. The live DJs play it all, from Reggaeton to Merengue, to Salsa and Top 40 – you might even get a little cumbia thrown in here and there.
Yuca’s Latin party attracts a diverse local crowd of Spanish music lovers with varying levels of dance skills – so don’t expect many tourists or Salsa pros. There is a doorman and cover charge of $10 per person, but no dress codes demanding shoes and heels – this spot is ultra casual. Nevertheless, you should get a little cute if you want to mingle with the many singles that hang out here. The drinks are strong – the Caipirinha will put hair on your chest – so bottle service isn’t a common option here but is available upon special request. Although Yuca is big on energy, it is small on space. So, throw on a great perfume and deodorant for its close quarters, keep your turns and spins tight, and don’t be shy to resort to Perreo at every possible opportunity!
GONZALEZ Y GONZALEZ
GREENWICH VILLAGE
192 MERCER ST, NEW YORK, NY 10012
YELP RATING: 3.5 STARS
Latin Nights: Thursday – Sunday
Party Times: After 8 PM
Music Genres: Salsa, Bachata, Merengue
Vibes: Hanging with friends, meeting singles
What To Wear: Casual wear, dancing shoes
Bottle Service: Yes, at the bar
Hookah Service: Not Available
Gonzalez Y Gonzalez is a Mexican restaurant in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, famous for Latin music and dancing! From Thursday – Sunday, Gonzalez Y Gonzalez hosts free Salsa classes then transforms into a Salsa dance club featuring live DJs and Salsa bands playing Latin music all night.
The Salsa party at Gonzalez Y Gonzalez (referred to as “GnG” by locals) commands a strong following, with a mature Hispanic crowd (primarily Mexican and Dominican), ages ranging from the mid-20s-40s, of social dancers. So even if you are a newbie dancer, you will always find plenty of willing dance partners to show you a few steps. The bouncers are not strict on dress codes, but most guests wear business casual styles, which is ideal if you want to meet singles. People often come here in groups, so you should bring a wingman/wing woman to help open dialogs with the non-dancers. Gonzalez Y Gonzalez is a local gem, and, given its cult following, it is arguably the most popular Salsa club in NYC – so arrive early or you will be in for a long wait outside!
CLUB CACHE
UNION SQUARE
35 E 13TH ST 2ND FL, NEW YORK, NY 10003
YELP RATING: 3.5 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Thursday – Saturday
Party Times: 9 PM – 4 AM
Music Genres: Salsa, Bachata, Reggaeton
Vibes: Hanging with friends, meeting singles
What To Wear: Casual wear, business casual
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: No
Club Cache is a stylish Latin nightclub in Union Square, Manhattan featuring 3 dance floors with a rooftop. This makes it one of the few venues designed to be a club on this list, not a converted restaurant. Club Cache hosts Latin events and free dance classes every opening night, with Salsa and Bachata parties from Thursday to Saturday:
- Salsa lessons then a party on Thursdays
- Bachata lessons then a party on Fridays
- Sales lessons then party on Latin Mix Saturdays
This format attracts diverse crowds of experienced and beginner dancers, both young and old. Although the door is not strict on dress code, they do charge a cover for entry, which you can avoid by purchasing one of their reasonable bottle packages. This is an excellent spot for tourists and locals alike to make new friends during the dance classes and then party together for the rest of the night.
CAFE NUNEZ
GARMENT DISTRICT
240 W 35TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10001
YELP RATING: 3 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Daily
Party Times: After 5 PM
Music Genres: Reggaeton, Merengue, Pop
Vibes: Hanging with friends
What To Wear: Casual wear, Streetwear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah: Yes
If you are looking for a spot that pumps Spanish music around the clock near Penn Station, then Cafe Nunez is it. Cafe Nunez is a popular local Spanish restaurant and bar in The Garment District of Manhattan. You can easily be deceived upon first glance by the dining area and buffet in the front – but locals know that the party is in the back!
Cafe Nunez regularly throws Latin after-work happy hour parties that attract locals after 5 PM with great happy hour specials and live DJs spinning Reggaeton, Merengue, and pop music. Since it is the only Latin lounge in this primarily commercial neighborhood, you can expect a mature and diverse crowd with a largely Hispanic demographic. There are bouncers at night, but they only check IDs – so there is no cover charge and you don’t have to worry about dressing up, it’s super casual. Groups typically hang out here, so it is best to go with friends or you may feel a bit awkward in this compact space. Between the good eats, reasonably priced bottle service specials, hookah, and great music selections, Nunez always sets you up for a fun night out with the crew.
LA MACARENA
THEATER DISTRICT, TIMES SQUARE
234 W 48TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10036
YELP RATING: 3 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Monday – Sunday
Party Times: After 4 PM Weekdays, 2 PM Weekends
Music Genres: Salsa, Bachata, Reggaetón, Pop
Vibes: Hanging with friends, meeting singles
What To Wear: Casual wear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: Yes
La Macarena is a modern Latin American restaurant and sports bar located in the Theater District of Times Square. Out of all the Latin nightclubs in NYC, this stands out as one of the most stylish and one of the few that offers parties every night of the week!
La Macarena goes all out to appeal to everyone, with DJs spinning a diverse mix of Latin and pop music, lighting effects, and even C02 jets for choice crunk moments. This Latin party attracts a diverse crowd to match in age and color. You can opt-in for bottle service and/or hookah to hold a VIP table, which may be ideal for large groups and birthday parties. There is no cover charge and the door isn’t tough, so you can wear trendy casual or urban wear – but you should level up your style a little if you want to hook up with the many singles that attend. With its solid brunch parties, dinner parties, and nightlife parties throughout the week, La Macarena knows how to reel you in and can keep you hooked from day to night!
IGUANA NEW YORK
THEATER DISTRICT
240 W 54TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10019
YELP RATING: 3 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Thursday – Saturday
Party Times: After 6 PM or 9 PM
Music Genres: Salsa, Bachata, Reggaetón
Vibes: Hanging with friends
What To Wear: Business Casual wear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: No
Iguana is a modern 3-level Mexican-themed restaurant in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan and one of the longest-standing Latin clubs on this list. Throughout its long tenure in NYC, it has held a multitude of different types of parties that made it a staple in the nightlife scene. Currently, its parties adhere to Spanish themes:
- After-work parties with free Salsa or Bachata Lessons after 6 PM
- Weekend Latin parties after 9 PM
The Salsa parties at Iguana are hosted on its upper and lower levels and attract mature crowds of dancers, ages ranging from 30 and up. Although security does not enforce strict dress codes, business casual wear is ideal given the crowd and classy venue. There is typically a $20 cover charge at the doorman’s discretion – they usually don’t charge until it starts getting crowded. Bottle service isn’t the norm here, most guests stick to ordering cocktails and coronas at the bar. Generally, the parties here tend to be relatively tame, and the weekday after-work parties are hit or miss. So, it’s best to go here on weekends for the best experience.
COPACABANA NIGHTCLUB
MEATPACKING DISTRICT
625 W 51ST ST, NEW YORK, NY 10019
GOOGLE RATING: 3.5
Latin Party Nights: Friday – Saturday
Party Times: After 7 PM
Music Genres: Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Disco
Vibes: Hanging with friends, meeting singles
What To Wear: Business Casual wear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: No
Copacabana is one of the most iconic Latin clubs in NYC, permanently ingrained in American pop culture via music and film. It is also among New York City’s most tenured nightclubs, with multiple variants in different locations dating back to the 1940s! After closing its Times Square location in May 2020, the famous Copacabana nightclub reopened in February 2022 and is now located inside the Casa 51 event space in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan.
Copacabana currently features ticketed parties, “Disco Fever Fridays” and “Iconic Copacabana Saturdays” with its best agenda:
- Complimentary Salsa/ Bachata Lesson from 8 pm -9 pm
- Live Immersive Band at 9 pm
- 11 PM Dance show
- After Midnight Sult ry Samba & Lola Burlesque Show
At The Copa’s Salsa and Bachata parties, you can expect a diverse crowd of dancing enthusiasts. It’s ideal to come with a group of friends, but you can make new friends during the dance session and line up partners for the night. There is a charge for entry and bottle service and drink packages are available upon request, but most guests hit the bar for cocktails. The dress code isn’t strict but go for business casual to fit in with the mature crowd. Although it is nowhere near as popular as it once was, the brand is timeless, go for the bragging rights to say that you were “At the Copa, Copacabana.”
OPUS LOUNGE
INWOOD
417 W 202ND ST, NEW YORK, NY 10034
YELP RATING: 1.5 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Friday – Sunday
Party Times: 11 PM – 4 AM
Music Genres: Reggaetón, Merengue, Hip Hop
Vibes: Hanging with friends
What To Wear: Urban Wear, Streetwear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: Yes
You haven’t really experienced New York City’s Hispanic nightlife culture until you have experienced it in Upper Manhattan. Opus Lounge is one among many Spanish restaurants in the predominantly Hispanic area of Inwood, Manhattan that throws a party when the sun goes down.
Unlike the many nearby Latin lounges, Opus Lounge’s party goes all in for the club vibe, featuring popular Spanish DJs (e.g. DJ Camilo and DJ Pereiro), Latin performers, and big booty bottle girls to make the bottle-popping experience desirable for men. The music is primarily Reggaeton, Merengue, and Top 40 Hip Hop (especially when celebrity rappers appear), appealing to its urban local crowds – so brush up on your Merengue and Sandungueo. If you dress in formal wear here you may feel out of place – leave the suits at home and stick with trendy urban fashion. It’s important to note that this party is in the hood, caters to a Hispanic audience (primarily Dominican), and is best for groups. So, if you are a tourist and/or don’t speak Spanish, your cover charge and drink prices may be higher than everyone else’s – you’ve been warned. Nevertheless, this is as good as clubbing gets in Upper Manhattan.
Interactive Map Of Latin Clubs in Manhattan
Many of these clubs are outside of tourist areas. So, here’s an interactive Google Map with the location of each Latin Club in Manhattan pinned to find one near you:
A few Latin Club candidates, like Kana Soho Bar and Escondido, were excluded from the list pending further research.
But, if you have any favorite Latin spot that you would like to nominate for this list, add it to the poll below for consideration. Or follow then DM me on Instagram with your recommendation. Shout out to the beautiful Latina Liz, killer bartender Leo, and Salsa dancing Yessie for upvoting Gonzalez Y Gonzalez in my Instagram poll for this article.
And, if you own a Latin club and want to be featured on this industry-leading blog then treat me and a group of my stylish followers to a complimentary dinner with bottle service and show us how awesome your party is!
Expert Tips For Attending Latin Clubs
Many Latin Clubs in Manhattan are relatively new, have crappy club promoters, or are poorly marketed. This is why you may not hear of them and locals primarily frequent them – which puts tourists and out-of-towners at a disadvantage.
Locals often know the best times to arrive – during Happy Hours or dinner times – and stay for the party. And since most of these Latin venues are relatively small, they fill quickly with crowds who won’t relinquish their spots for the entire night!
Also, since most of these Latin clubs are not in party hubs, you may have limited alternatives nearby. So, if you want to club-hop then you may prefer other popular mainstream nightclubs in busier neighborhoods.
Finally, here are 3 insider tips to improve your experiences at any Latin nightclub:
- The best Latin Clubs tend to be small businesses owned and run by Hispanic people.
- Take dance lessons! And if you are not a great dancer, don’t fake the funk. Seek an experienced partner who doesn’t mind teaching you some steps or getting stepped on.
- Always go with a friend that speaks Spanish. It will help you get into Latin clubs easier, mingle better, and avoid price markups reserved for Gringos!
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