In February 2011, I moved back to The Big Apple. Within eight months, I was introduced to New York nightlife promoter style and have not looked back since. Through my intermediate socialite lifestyle, I have found these clubs are the Top 6 nightclubs to party at in NYC.

1. Avenue

Avenue nightclub plays great music. It’s a well-crafted mix of rap and dance music a consistent flow of club bangers on the track. The only issue: Avenue doesn’t have a “dance floor.” It’s a table club with no room to just go dance it out. It’s still fun but you need to be really pretty/sincere, on the list, or ready to by a table.

Bonus: If you’re lucky, you may get punched by Lindsay Lohan.

2. PhD in Dream Hotel Downtown

PH-D is aesthetically the best club and the DJ is usually spinning something super trendy and going hard. If you’re looking for a “happening” club Thursday-Saturday (Sunday afternoons in the summer) that is also spacious, PhD is a semi-exclusive spot that is always a good time.

Bonus: It has an awesome roof top view of the Empire State Building.

3. Marquee NY (featured image)

Marquee nightclub is an upscale interesting and usually houses big name dance DJs when they’re in town. It’s one of those clubs that “pops off” at a later time, approximately  1 a.m. ish. The music caters more to house and electronic dance music, and has a pretty eccentric crowd. Marquee even has a gay night! Straight or gay this vibrant club comes with occasional costumes – it’s so retro underground but so New York Hot Spot. On a side note, the drinks here are over $17 so for guys that may be presented with a bar tab type deal and your girlfriend for free, take it.

Photo by: Meagan K. Cunningham

4. Lavo

Lavo NY is the best dinner and nightclub combo I’ll probably ever experience in New York.  (aside from Hurricane Club ::tear::.)

For the nightlife scene, Lavo is super glam chic in decor and the music is most likely on point and it gets better as the night goes on. Since 2014 the club has changed a little, skewing a little bit more towards a low-key celebrity crowd. At times, it serves as  a DJ venue with models and Heidi Klum throws her annual Halloween party there. Ladies, If you want to get in there without a table or an invite, I suggest a strappy dress, high heels, a big smile and a pretty girlfriend. It can be done.

Or, I recommend at least having dinner there. The fried oreos are delicous and so is their penne pasta.

5. DL (Delancey & Ludlow)

This is the spot to take your friends for a carefree fun night. DL is three levels. First floor is a restaurant/bar, second floor has a hip-hop feel and the third floor is Top 40 and dance. The door is fairly easy for girls and usualy $20/$30 for men. It’s New York, you still better look hott. DL also serves food and brunch.

(They’re Chicken Meatballs are delicious and I think the DL serves food until 12 am)

6. 1Oak NY

Also known as One of A Kind, this hotspot really gets going after 1:30 a.m. and you either need to be famous or have a table to get in here. 1Oak’s music choice is mainly hip-hop, rap and some EDM. It is thee club to turn up in or go H.A.M. I woke up in a new Bugatti.

7. Riff Raffs

Riff Raffs, is a trendy  upscale nightclub that plays a variety of music. If you’re lucky you’ll get EDM but it’s mostly a mix of radio hits. A bonus is that tt’s not an overcrowded spot to go to but you should get there before 11:30. For single girls, it s pretty easy to join a table for this club. Check Instagram.

Ladies, same story: High heels, contoured makeup, hair down, bring a gf. Also if it’s your first time at Riff Raffs,  ask the bartender for makeup!

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Wherever you go, have fun, smile and if no one is buying you drinks, buy them yourself! If you have any nightlife suggestions tweet me @MeaganKristenC or leave a comment!