By Caroline Grogan By Caroline Grogan | August 11, 2021 | Food & Drink
As Lana Del Rey once said, “I’m a Brooklyn Baby.” While downtown Manhattan nightlife tends to get all the hype, the post-reopening lines have made bar hopping in and around the East Village an experience only the brave are cut out for. 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: Hottest Nightclubs and Lounges in NYC
Nowadays
56-06 Cooper Ave, Queens / 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 amongst the pouding 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.
Bossanova
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 amidst a hopping dance floor, there’s no better place to let loose and stay out until the sun comes up.
Carmelo’s
1544 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn
When you’re sick of the long lines and packed crowds at downtown Manhattan bars, head to Carmelo’s for room to breathe and a taste of the Brooklyn crowd. The cash-only bar is a refreshing reprieve from typical New York prices, with strong $8 frozen margaritas and cocktails as well as a beer and a shot for $5.
Snag a booth downstairs or head to the upstairs level to shoot pool and play around with the old-school arcade games.
Basement NY
52-19 Flushing Ave, Maspeth / 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 emphasizes 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.
Elsewhere
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.
Mood Ring
1260 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn / Website
Steps away from the F train lies Mood Ring, a small bar that packs a big punch. The cocktail menu features astrology-themed drinks with irreverent names like “Coke Nail,” “Kiss Me, I’m Emo” and “Uncut Geminis.” Grab a drink at the bar before heading back to the dance floor adorned with colorful lights and fog machines.
Come prepared with a $10 bill for the cover charge at the door.
The William Vale
111 N 12th St, Brooklyn / Website
Calling all early birds! The William Vale hotel, home to Brooklyn’s longest rooftop pool, has brought back Daybreaker, their sunrise celebration. The party begins at 6a.m. with an hour of rooftop yoga and meditation while looking out at the Manhattan skyline.
The vibes and the view are well worth the early wakeup call.
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