Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a promotion, a going away party or simply the weather getting warmer, a classic New York City restaurant dance party is sure to be a good time. Why suffer through a boring dinner followed by a rowdy night out when you can start the party while you carb load? NYC nightlife is world-renowned for a reason, and we think restaurant dance parties are the real hidden gems of the city. Keep reading for the rowdiest restaurants in NYC, from 12 Chairs, to HaSalon, and beyond!
See also: The 20 Best Party Brunch Spots In NYC
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Multiple locations / Website
Not only is Kyma home to some of the best Greek food in town, but it’s also responsible for throwing some of the wildest dance parties in all of NYC. We love both the Flatiron and Hudson Yards locations for a night full of bubbly and dancing. The crowd will go wild when the sparklers come around, eliciting a sense of euphoria rarely found outside of a downtown club.
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735 10th Ave. / 212.495.9024 / Website
When it comes to dancing on tables, nobody does it like HaSalon. This critically acclaimed Israeli spot offers two seating options: the first is very tranquil and lowkey, and the second is incredibly upbeat and alive. As the clock strikes 11, the dining room transforms into the hottest nightclub straight out of Tel Aviv: paying homage to Israeli culture, while simultaneously putting a fresh, New York spin on things. The only thing that could possibly rival the high-energy environment is the impeccable food.
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527 Broome St. / 917.262.0107 / Website
Step out of NYC and into a coastal oasis at Her Name Was Carmen, where Latin American culture and cuisine reign supreme. This hotspot brings fabulous live DJs and musicians to party with you all weekend long, providing the perfect ending to a delicious meal of lobster pasta, branzino, Wagyu hanger steak or pan-seared salmon. We highly recommend heading over on a Wednesday, when sommelier Yuval Bar-Khoba brings the best wineries from around the world to your table.
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189 Hester St. / 212.966.6006 / Website
There’s a reason everyone knows and loves Puglia. A true NYC staple, Puglia has been a favorite among 20-somethings looking for a good time for generations. Serving heaping portions of Italian food ranging from massive mozzarella sticks to melt-in-your-mouth rigatoni alla vodka, Puglia is the perfect place to stuff your face and jam out to ’90s throwbacks. Although this Little Italy hot spot does serve hard alcohol, we recommend skipping the liquor and ordering wine for the table. Affordable bottles that go down like water? Sign us up.
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26 Greenwich Ave. / 212.933.1080 / Website
Le Baratin is a more low-key spot to have a very high-key celebratory night. Although we don’t typically associate sophisticated French food with dancing on tables, this casual West Village bistro defies all our expectations and then some. Can’t-miss dishes? The burger, any (or all) of the mussels, and multiple rounds of espresso martinis complete the full Le Baratin experience. Be sure to come hungry and ready to dance for an unforgettable night.
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Multiple locations / Website
What appears to be a quaint Israeli restaurant on the outside is actually a roaring Gatsby-approved party on the inside. Similar to HaSalon, 12 Chairs brings the vibrant party culture of Tel Aviv straight to the streets of Manhattan. The restaurant is always packed to the brim, which is a testament to how unparalleled the experience really is. The vibes at 12 Chairs are so unbeatable, you will definitely leave with a smile on your face and tons of new friends you met in the bathroom line. Oh, you’ll probably dream about those mouthwatering Lamb Arayes for weeks to come.
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Multiple locations / Website
Don’t be fooled, this no-frills Neopolitan eatery isn’t as innocent as you might think. Similar to Puglia, Patrizia's serves gigantic family-size portions of Italian food and almost as much wine as a Napa Valley vineyard. With gluten-free options and pretty much any Italian dish you can think of, Patrizia’s will please even the pickiest of eaters. Get ready to wave your napkin above your head while dancing to throwback songs spun by the live DJ. Don’t skip dessert, as Nutella pizza and cheesecake are the fuel you need for a night full of partying.
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34 E 52nd St. / 212.935.3434 / Website
Known as the "power broker's lunch and entertainment industry's dinner," this family-run Tuscan eatery has a little something for everybody. Even the wild 20-somethings who are here for a good time, not a long time. Although a bit more hush-hush than the other spots on this list, Fresco By Scotto knows how to throw a party. Diners can expect high-quality Italian food, wine, music and, of course, company.
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15 Watts St. / 347.919.5063 / Website
With upscale design, gorgeous deep blue half-shell seating and delicious food, there’s a lot to love about Maison Close. This beloved French spot is a favorite among New York’s finest. The secret is held with the accomplished executive chef Geoffrey Lechantoux, who’s worked in some of the hospitality industry’s finest kitchens. We recommend grabbing plenty of bubbly before indulging in dishes such as truffle linguine and seared scallops.
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343 W. Broadway / 212.991.8175 / Website
Find yourself surrounded by New York’s most fashionable crowd at Little Ways, a Soho dinner club located inside a historic two-story townhouse. Brought to life by the team behind The Flower Shop, Little Ways is definitely a spot to see and be seen. As good as the people-watching is, the food is just as notable, with dishes such as steamed halibut and crab linguine always hitting the spot. Insider tip: Try the espresso martini!
Next time you have an occasion worth celebrating, head to one of NYC's best restaurants-turned-dance-parties and prepare to swing your napkin above your head, drink far too much champagne and dance the night away.
Photography by: courtesy of Maison Close
