Is New York really the city that never sleeps? We ask these NYC insiders who live the city by night how to party like a New Yorker.
What’s it like to be a DJ in one of the nightlife capitals of the world? Listening bars to start the night, dawn-reaching nightclubs to end it in, and, naturally, where to recover the next morning – here is everything you need to know about going out in New York City according to three of the city’s coolest DJs.
Zainab Hasnain, Zeemuffin
I’m a DJ and producer born in Lahore, Pakistan, and raised in New York. New York City is more than just my home; it’s the place that introduced me to my deep love for music, nightlife, fashion, and culture. Being a bred New Yorker is a huge point of pride for me and an energy I carry into all of my work.
What makes NYC’s nightlife different to anywhere else?
New York is where disco, hip-hop, punk, and so many other iconic musical movements were born, so it truly feels like the mecca of culture. While the golden days of iconic clubs like the Loft or Studio 54 are gone, the city still carries that same pulse of rebel energy where mini subcultures are forming in every corner, ready to burst onto the global stage at any time. You can truly get your fill of any flavour of nightlife in this city, from underground techno to salsa and dancehall, and everything in between, at any hour of the day. It truly is the city that never sleeps.
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District in NYC with the best nightlife?
Brooklyn is the only place you need to be to go to a good party. The golden days of Manhattan are behind us, and if you really want to experience authentic NYC nightlife, you need to go to Brooklyn – Bushwick and Greenpoint are where you need to be.
Favourite bars with great music in NYC?
My favourite place to go right now for good music is Gabriela in Williamsburg. The club is owned and operated by iconic DJ/Producer Eli Escobar, and his Romance Thursdays party is one of the best nights in the city right now.
Favourite clubs in NYC?
It would have to be Public Records, Elsewhere, Nowadays, and Signal. These are my favorite sound systems in the city, and where true music lovers go with open ears, ready to discover something new. Their curation is also incredible, and they are great at showcasing both rising local acts as well as hosting some of the best talent from abroad. Public Records is particularly great because they also have vinyl listening nights, arguably the best sound system in all of New York.
Any interesting venues in NYC changing the city’s club scene?
I’m hearing a lot of good things about this place, Refuge, a new high-def club in Brooklyn that apparently has an insane sound system. Outside of the club itself, I think some amazing up-and-coming DJs and parties are bringing new sounds to the city’s scene. Some of my new favorite DJs right now are Armana Khan and Shekdash. And my tried, and true parties that just continue to evolve the sound of NYC are Laylit, Papi Juice, Soul Summit, and Tiki Disco.
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Upcoming events worth booking?
If I were in town, I would be going to see Nabiha Iqbal and Lovie at Nublu Classic in the East Village for New Year’s Eve. Two highly knowledgeable and lovely selectors, so you know it’s going to be a great time!
Favourite spot to recover the next morning?
You can’t go wrong with Little Flower Cafe in Astoria, Three Decker diner in Greenpoint, or Cafe Paulette in Fort Greene.
Karissa Mitchell, A-List Kariss
I initially moved to New York in pursuit of a career in fashion journalism, but it quickly spiralled into being a celebrity stylist, into a fashion editor, into a DJ, and before I knew it – I was 10 years in and the city of dreams showed me that I was capable of way more than I even imagined.
What makes NYC’s nightlife different to anywhere else?
What makes NYC nightlife different from any other scene I’ve experienced is the community of it all. Anywhere else I go, the options are strictly a club or lounge. In New York, there are so many niche events, and independent themed party series that beat your generic club night elsewhere.
District in NYC with the best nightlife?
I’ve had the most fun in Brooklyn.
Favourite bars with great music in NYC & why?
Erzulie is my absolute fave because it’s where my DJ career, and love for NYC nightlife began. No one hasn’t been to Erzulie.
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Favourite clubs in NYC & why?
Immediately after Erzulie, I would say I love the set up of The Sultan Room, it’s a lot like Elsewhere, different floors, different DJ’s all at once. Record Room is always a great time; I love that it’s a tight space because we don’t need but so many people inside anyway. I also don’t know if I have enough night life experience to mention the best places to party. But these are my usual places to hang.
Favourite spot to recover the next morning?
My favourite morning after recovery spot is the deli for a good bacon egg and cheese and yellow recovery Gatorade. On my best morning after energy, it’s Rule of Thirds for the Japanese Souffle pancake.
Tasmin Meyer-Ersahin
I was born and raised in the East Village, NYC. I’m a photographer, director, and vinyl DJ. My parents own Nublu and Studio 151 in NYC.
What makes NYC’s nightlife different to anywhere else?
The crazy thing is that New York has the coolest nightlife history out of any place. And the most culturally significant part of New York nightlife has always been what’s happening around artists and bands. Growing up here, with friends and family who are artists and musicians, what we are doing feels in direct lineage to what came before us. The people who made the music and art we love, hung out on the same streets and parks we do. So that past doesn’t feel far away. My participation in New York nightlife is really about that – my parties are a meeting place.
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District in NYC with the best nightlife?
Downtown Manhattan.
Favourite bars with great music in NYC & why?
Studio 151, Lucien, Slipper Room, Fanelli, Funny Bar, Time Again, Josie’s, Sophie’s, Toad Hall. These are neighbourhood classics.
Favourite clubs in NYC?
I am biased – but Nublu is the best. It’s been on Ave C for 24 years. It’s a club that is about music and musicians. I throw a party called ‘I Love Rockstars’, on the second floor bar – Studio 151 – every Tuesday night. It’s rock and roll on vinyl and I think it’s the best party in NYC. Once a month we make it a two-floor party and have bands playing downstairs at Nublu as well.
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Best lesser-known spot for partying in NYC?
I like the Hancock in Brooklyn. I’ve also been to some parties lately happening in lofts.
Favourite spot to recover the next morning?
Café C&B in the East Village.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?