By Caroline Grogan and Chandler Presson By Caroline Grogan and Chandler Presson | July 7, 2023 | Lifestyle Feature
As Lana Del Rey once said, “I’m a Brooklyn Baby.” While downtown Manhattan nightlife tends to get all the hype, Queens and Brooklyn are home to some of our favorite nightlife haunts, particularly during the summer. For a change of pace, head to these bars and nightclubs in Brooklyn and Queens, where you can find everything from the techno club scene to open-air rooftop bars.
See also: Inside The Secret Restaurants Of NYC, From Hidden Burger Joints To Caviar Speakeasies
56-06 Cooper Ave., Queens / 347.523.8535 / Website
On those nights when half of your friends are looking for a chill night out while the other half want to dance until they drop, Nowadays is the perfect compromise. Inside, you’ll find a bar with a large selection of beer, wine and cocktails as well as a no-phones-allowed dance floor where guests can let loose among the pounding music and strobe lights. Head for the beachy outdoor patio and you are met by soft string lighting, food and drink vendors and hammocks and picnic tables - think summer camp, but boozy.
1271 Myrtle Ave., Brooklyn / Website
Bossa Nova, a dark, trendy nightclub spot in Bushwick, is New York’s coziest house and techno music hangout. With craft cocktails and tropical accented decor amid a hopping dance floor, there’s no better place to let loose and stay out until the sun comes up.
52-19 Flushing Ave, Queens / 347.915.5615 / Website
Live out your wildest Brooklyn rave dreams at Basement NY, an off-the-beaten-path venue in Queens with a funky crowd and lineup of EDM DJs that emphasize their highly engaged dance floor. With dark techno music and an eclectic crowd, Basement is the closest you can get to experiencing Germany’s infamous Berghain without leaving NYC.
599 Johnson Ave., Brooklyn / Website
Summer is rooftop season in New York City, so where better to spend a night out than Elsewhere’s rooftop bar? With live music and an unbeatable view of the sunset, it’s a great spot to meet up with friends and make new ones in between sets.
1260 Myrtle Ave., Brooklyn / 917.818.1738 / Website
Steps away from the F train lies Mood Ring, a small bar that packs a big punch. The cocktail menu features delicious and well-priced drinks such as the First Date, a mix of vodka, elderflower liqueur, earl grey simple syrup, lemon and rosemary. Grab a drink at the bar before heading back to the dance floor adorned with colorful lights and fog machines.
2 Wyckoff Ave., Brooklyn / 646.838.4937 / Website
Unforgettable evenings start at House of Yes, a performance-fueled nightclub known for its dance, circus, theater and cabaret. This famous club is known for its inclusive environment, great music, delicious cocktails and unbeatable crowd. Be sure to grab tickets for performances early, as they can sell out!
233 Butler St., Brooklyn / 347.529.4869 / Website
Public Records is home to a delicious restaurant and incredible DJ performances through its lineup of ticketed performances taking place all summer long. Check out their Instagram page to stay up to date on upcoming events and performances.
632 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn / 347.441.4777 / Website
Ponyboy is one of our favorite spots to grab a good meal and great drinks followed by a night of dancing. With inventive cocktails and great DJs, there’s plenty to love about Ponyboy. We highly recommend the carne asada tacos alongside the Forgetmenot, a mix of Ilegal mezcal, watermelon, ginger, lime jalapeño aquafaba and a matcha salt rim.
140 Stewart Ave., Brooklyn / 347.987.3146 / Website
There’s a reason many consider Brooklyn Mirage to be the best live music venue in NYC. Thanks to the incredible energy, dazzling light shows, unmatched acoustics and immaculate vibes, nights at Mirage feel life-changing. Be sure to grab tickets early and see what all the hype is about.
Photography by: courtesy of Mood Ring
