Nightlife in New York City

THE 10 BEST New York City Nightlife Activities

Nightlife in New York City

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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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What travelers are saying

  • Ronald Fairbairn
    New York City, NY240 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The seating is relaxed - two to a table, generally good views to the stage, food (e.g. ribs) is fine (not really great) and the acoustics are just superb. But what I personally appreciated best was the consideration and friendliness of the staff which contrasts so much with some other Jazz Clubs (e.g. Blue Note). And the music? The music is the best jazz you can find probably anywhere.
    Written September 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mrstats69
    Parker, CO502 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We always try to catch a comedy show when we visit NYC, and we picked this place because we had never been before. They make you line up around the corner before the show (watch out for the homeless asking for money), and you have to put your phones in a sealed pouch beforehand as well.

    The room itself is in the cellar, as the name says, but the tables are all VERY close together, you could feel the person’s breath behind you on your neck, that’s how close the seats are. The wait staff are attentive and friendly, and there is a 2-item minimum per person, and the drinks aren’t cheap as you can imagine.

    Out of the host and 5 other comedians we saw that evening (8:45pm show), 3 were very funny with original and up-to-date jokes. Be aware, if you sit upfront, you will be part of their acts.
    Written September 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stowey-Traveller
    Nether Stowey, UK449 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Large roof top bar with great views of The Empire State Building. Although busy we got a nice table with chairs, you pay a premium for drinks but the frozen cocktails were particularly good. Great place to spend an evening in good company.
    Written September 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ldjs
    Fort Lee, NJ840 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful experience, great evening of fun and music.
    The club is intimate enough to fully experience the music and get to know the performers. The views of the city are magnificent and service is prompt.
    Matthew Whitaker was amazing and his family was at the club, making for a particularly soulful experience.
    Enjoyed strong drinks and light appetisers and dynamic atmosphere with younger crowd at 9 pm.
    The table seating is preferred, but bar seats are good too.
    Would recommend for groups and couples, and also for solo music lovers.
    Written August 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JOHN S
    Buffalo, NY11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s quite simply the best bar I’ve ever been to in my life. It’s a step back in time. It’s a museum with a heartbeat and it’s a really fun place to hang out and have a few beers. Every time I’m in New York, I stop in for a visit. It never disappoints!
    Written September 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nick H
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just incredible.. musicianship.. atmosphere.. perfect .. went with my daughter and we both just beamed the whole evening
    Written September 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Russell F
    8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Authentic dive bar, reasonable range of beers at great prices. Lively and crowded, not the place for a quiet romantic drink, but enjoyable nonetheless. Service was good. Its a cash only bar, which wasn't a problem for us. Overall an enjoyable experience.
    Written September 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • P&J's Travels
    Farnham, UK191 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enjoyed a superb evening at Terra Blues. Quality Blues artists, atmospheric club and great value. Highly recommended.
    Written June 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Weltreisende1509
    DĂĽsseldorf, Germany13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Got this tip from a friend just before flying and took a chance to visit Smalls Jazz Club because we were in the neighbourhood. They had seats available and we stayed! Always would come back!
    Written August 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SallyPembrokeshire
    Wales, UK142 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enjoyed a pleasant meal here with family whilst on holiday in NYC. Visually amazing restaurant with a good, happy atmosphere and music playing in the background. Lots of memorabilia to view and read about the history of the building. The restaurant is accessed through the gift/clothes shop upstairs. It was busy but we were able to get a table for five as a 'walk in'. We were seated right away by really friendly, happy, attentive staff. Expected main course portions to be bigger than they were (burger and chips) by USA standards but the ice cream sundae's/desserts were huge and tasted amazing! Meals were expensive but you are paying for the experience of eating in the iconic Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square NYC so that is to be expected!
    Written August 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stephanie J
    New York, New York, United States216 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Let's just say I've been to the Box a million times with my girls!! A million times with promoters!! Every time I went the owners were very nice to me and invited me to come back. Now I visit 2 girls 2 guys. And we were treated like Donkey Cattle!!!!
    We were willing to spend some money. Then a promoter said I could come in with his crew at the same exact time the doorman was being extremely rude. So ......very confusing.
    So TripAdvisor people..... just a heads up before you go. If your a single girl you may get treated like a princess but as a couple , quite the exact opposite.
    Written June 14, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • philiplZ9925JG
    Malmö, Sweden3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing band…amazing atmosphere….best place in NY..we loved it……..I will come back next year..it’s for sure…..:-))
    Written May 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nikita T
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everything was great. Open late. Only reason for 4 stars and not 5 is the food menu is light fare, so you definitely need to eat before you arrive. But overall great experience. Note the $15 cutting fee if smoking your own sticks.
    Written September 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RochesterTraveler585
    Rochester, NY160 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We just left a rousing performance of Oh, Mary! at the Lyceum Theater and we were ready for a nightcap. As we walked along 45th St, we saw the sign for Bar 54 and a QR code that said it was reservations only. On a whim, I scanned the code to see if there was anything available - sadly there was nothing same day - but as we turned to leave the Hyatt Bellman asked if we were wanting to go to the roof bar. He said we could go right up, no reservations were necessary at that time. We rode the elevator to the 54th floor where we were met by a surly maître d' who sniffed at us when we said that we did not have a reservation, and who reluctantly seated us on a low couch next to the waitstation on the terrace. There were many open tables along the balcony railing so when the server came by we asked her if we could be seated there. She pleasantly moved us to a table with the million dollar view. We had a few drinks and a truly wonderful charcuterie board. The server was kind, welcoming, helpful and seemed truly glad to be there. She even took a few pictures for us.

    I will note, that it was a Thursday evening around 10;00 p.m., after theater, in the summer. The bar was well populated with an adult tourist crowd. People seemed genuinely glad to be there, gawking at the skyline views and the lights of Times Square below. People were laughing, taking selfies and enjoying themselves - as were we. It was very nice. This makes the snooty maître d' seem all the more out of place. This is not an IT club with A-List clientele. It is a lovely rooftop bar, that makes a fun and exciting splurge for a handful of tourists who are grateful to be there and who can afford the price. He should be nicer. He should take a note from the servers and the bartenders who also all seemed to be glad to be there on a nice summer evening.
    Written August 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN5,971 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great NYC comedy club located in Chelsea. Went to one of the Gotham All-Star nights. Although, I didn't recognize any of the names of the comics who performed, all were great and provided many laughs. Small room without a bad seat in the house. However, don't sit along the stage unless you don't mind being picked on by the comics. $28 plus 2 drink minimum per person for a 90-minute show. There are usually 2-3 shows per night. I was able to book a table for 4 just a week before the show which was convenient unlike Comedy Cellar that was completely booked out well in advance.
    Written March 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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