Top 10 Best Hip Hop Clubs in NYC

Hidden away within the downtown location of the Tao Group’s highly coveted restaurant is an exclusive nightclub for those “in the know” called Tao Downtown. Separated from the restaurant, the 2500 square foot drinks-only nightlife space has steadily kept a low-key profile while attracting wealthy Manhattanites and celebrities for late night cocktails, music, and dancing. In fact it is so exclusive that many who visit the restaurant don’t even realize it exists. The nightclub has an intimate and almost dark ambiance that makes the place almost feels like a speakeasy. For those in the know, Tao Downtown remains one of the Meatpacking hotspots. It is important to note that dining at the restaurant does not guarantee entry into the club; only a VIP table reservation or a personal invitation from Tao Group’s management team will guarantee you a spot.

Famous for its 12’ vaulted gold leaf ceilings , golden skulls, and crystal chandeliers, Goldbar has been a top nightlife destination in New York for over a decade as the embodiment of sophistication. The first class team behind Goldbar strives to offer nothing short of an exceptional and genuine nightlife experience. The décor, fit for royalty, sets the mood for lavish indulgence. With an impressive cocktail menu, created by renowned mixologist Tim Cooper, Goldbar is devoted to innovative drinks, with only the freshest ingredients and finest of spirits.

From the brilliant minds behind the Marquee, Tao, and Lavo nightclubs, PHD Midtown offers a wonderfully intimate indoor and outdoor experience that is absolutely perfect for everything from weekend partying to after-work drinks and private events. Located on the 15th and 16th floors of the Dream Hotel in the heart of NYC, PHD Midtown is full of greenery, plants, and vines that make the place feel vibrant and alive as deep house and chill music fills the air. Try something from the extensive beverage program and specialty seasonal cocktail menu, or if you’re looking for a bite to eat, we recommend the truffle parmesan fries or the flaming mac n cheese to start off your night.

The DL is one of the friendliest, least pretentious, and high-energy nightclubs not just in the Lower East Side, but across all of New York City. This bass-rattling multi-level venue is fully equipped with an outdoor rooftop wood deck patio with retractable roof where the main dance floor congregates around a DJ spinning popular open format tunes. 
Down below, the second level of the DL is a darker, grimier no-frills hip-hop sweatbox that has become the calling card for LES nightspots over the years; the entrance level first floor is an inviting bar/lounge with modern tunes playing in the background. Views of the New York City skyline, strong drinks, great music, and a younger crowd full of college students – mostly from NYU, Hunter, Baruch, & the Manhattan fashion schools – early twentysomething Tri-State area professionals looking to blow off steam, and visiting tourists gone wild make the DL a must-visit option for weekend fun.  Be sure to book this hot spot in advance, you can submit a bottle service request for The DL here.

Placed on top of the beautiful Dream Hotel is a rooftop nightclub unlike anything else you’ll find in the Big Apple. PHD Downtown is at the intersection of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, and offers a mind blowing panoramic skyline view of the city. Once inside, you’ll find the penthouse adorned with timeless decorative flair in the form of Italian Portoro marble, Macassar ebony, nickel finish walls, and amber Venini glass chandeliers. If you’re lucky enough to have the budget to get into the highly desired VIP seating area, you find custom-built Italian leather banquettes with marble tables if you sit indoors and a cozy seating niche perched on the heated terrace 15 stories above the non-stop bustle NYC if you sit outside.

The Vault is a fan favorite nightclub in Brooklyn where you’ll get to experience a chill club with an excellent atomostphere, an impressive cocktail menu, good music playing. The venue is open every Wednesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 4:00 AM. You’ll find the venue located on 16th Street between 9th and 10th Ave next to Buddakan’s outdoor patio seating. Just look out for the flashing arrow above the door to find the main entrance.

Offering a floor to ceiling view of the Hudson rive that will take your breath away, Harbor Rooftop Club is a go to destination to enjoy great music, delectable food, unique cocktails, and so much more. This is a true hidden gem of New York nightlife, and the Salon level is the perfect outdoor terrace if you’re looking for a more intimate experience. At night, this tropical paradise brings in some of NYC’s top DJs to light up the venue with the best music in town.

Not actually a hotel, Ravi Patel’s LES spot is named after a French World War II safe house. Hotel Chantelle is retro in design as unmarked doors transport you into Patel’s version of 1940’s Paris. The room exudes warmth as dark mahogany wood panels blend with the black leather pin tucked banquettes under the glow of flickering exposed bulbs, candles, and a gold floral pattern that bounces off dark wallpaper. Cozy up in the banquettes or sit at the bar, where friendly bartenders are happy to explain the cocktail list, which features modern twists on old-school classics. They’ll lead you towards three concoctions: The Pineapple Express (jalapeño-infused tequila, pineapple, and pomegranate), Libertine (gin, cucumber, lime juice), and the Kir Yvette (sparkling rosé, lemon juice). Mix up your night with the attached rooftop restaurant or underground dance club.

NYC Nightclubs FAQ

What time do NYC Nightclubs typically open?

The nightclubs open around 10 or 11 PM.

What time do NYC Nightclubs typically close?

Most close at 4 AM.

What is the dress code like at NYC Nightclubs?

Guys can wear nice jeans and a form fitting plain t-shirt or a nice button down shirt. Girls can wear jeans or a comfortable but stylish dress if they prefer. Of course guys and girls can never go wrong with dressing up even more – there is no such thing as overdressing when it comes to nightclubs.

How can I book bottle service for NYC Nightclubs?

You can book table service using our free mobile app. Or, if you’re on desktop you can use our webapp.

How much is bottle service at NYC Nightclubs?

Table minimums can get pretty expensive, but every venue is different. The best way to find out is to use our app.

What clubs in NYC do celebrities go to?

You’ll find celebrities at 1 OAK, Soho House, Le Bain, TAO Downtown, The Skylark, Fleur Room, 40/40, and Please don’t tell.

What part of Manhattan has the best nightlife?

East Village, Lower East Side, Chelsea, and Meatpacking district tend to have the best nightlife options.

What are the best EDM clubs in New York?

The best EDM nightclubs in Manhattan are probably Marquee and Lavo. If you include Brooklyn – Avant Gardner, Elsewhere, Quantum, Schimanski.

What are the best Hip Hop clubs in New York?

The best hip hop clubs in New York are 1 OAK, Up & Down, Avenue, Jane Ballroom, Goldbar, and Tao Downtown.

What are the hottest clubs in New York?

It depends what you’re looking for. The more exclusive venues in New York are Paul’s Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, The Box, 1 Oak, Fleur Room, Paradise Club. Find a full list of the best clubs in NYC here.

What are the best boozy brunches in New York?

The best boozy brunches are Bagatelle Brunch, Beauty & Essex Brunch, and Lavo Brunch.