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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Chelsea

DJ and bar spots

You want a drink in a space where the DJ sets the tone for the entire evening.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Cocktail bar

Small hidden bar with an exclusive entrance and dark, musky ambiance creates a cozy late-night vibe. Innovative cocktails complement an impressive vinyl collection and great music from a live DJ. Seating includes unique log stools, adding to the bar's distinctive aesthetic.

Different DJs every night keep the music fresh and lively. DJ Linda Tran creates a good vibe and sometimes shares free downloads with the crowd.

Cozy vintage-style atmosphere with an exclusive entrance sets a unique vibe. Bar food includes umami-packed cabbage and pairs well with Japanese izakaya drinks for a satisfying experience.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are highly original and meticulously balanced."

"The cocktails here are original, with Asian elements and balanced flavors."

"The DJ here is great and really creates a good vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations on weekends are encouraged to secure a table.

2

Customers should follow the green lights to find the bar easily.

3

The 'Unruly Pear' cocktail costs $19, so plan your budget accordingly.

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Two distinct rooms offer contrasting atmospheres: an underground nightclub with house and techno music and a velvet listening lounge featuring vinyl DJs and an excellent sound system. The space feels like a private listening lounge with a relaxed, music-focused vibe that balances lively energy and chill conversation.

Vinyl DJs spin in a carpeted listening lounge with an excellent sound system. The crowd gets energetic when the vinyl DJ plays, and both bar areas feature great DJs.

Velvet listening bar offers a uniquely decorated space with a private lounge vibe. Both bar areas feature great DJs and allow clear conversation in the chill room.

People are saying

"This place has two rooms, one a club and the other a vinyl listening lounge."

"Planning a party here was seamless thanks to the accommodating staff."

"The vinyl DJ room has an excellent sound system."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9pm to 11pm in the vinyl listening lounge.

2

The venue closes at 1:25 AM, and the last DJ may not play.

3

Renting the space from 8-10:30 pm instead of 8-11 pm is more beneficial for events.

03
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Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant offers an intimate space with garden seating under a retractable glass roof and a covered outdoor patio with fireplace. Loud, energetic music from an awesome DJ fills the air, creating a lively and vibey atmosphere. The decor is elegant yet cozy, blending understated style with warmth.

A live DJ creates a warm and intimate atmosphere that fits the cozy, upscale interior perfectly.

Sitting at the bar offers attentive service from staff like Olger and Steven. The bar hosts a happy hour from 5:30 to 6:30 and welcomes early arrivals with friendly seating.

People are saying

"It's the perfect spot for a cozy dinner or a special night out."

"The bartenders here craft amazing cocktails and are so friendly."

"The DJ's music created a really lively and cool atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations should be made in advance as they are only held for 10 minutes.

2

Customers have only 70 minutes to eat before being asked to leave.

3

Happy hour offers great drinks and food from 4-7pm on weekdays.

04
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Cocktail bar

Rooftop garden offers breathtaking city views and a chill, inviting atmosphere with lively music from a DJ and occasional silent disco. Crowds bring energy that can make the space noisy, while fans keep it comfortable. Late-night club downstairs adds to the vibrant nightlife experience.

DJ sets keep the energy high and the crowd moving. The music keeps everyone dancing throughout the night.

Rooftop bar offers a great skyline view and a well equipped selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits. Bartenders like Ray, Pedro, and James are friendly and skilled, creating a welcoming atmosphere with great energy.

People are saying

"I loved the skyline view of the Empire State Building."

"The bartenders here make great drinks and are super friendly."

"The DJ set was awesome; it was a night to remember."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 9:30 pm with special pricing on drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

3

The venue accommodates up to 100 guests for private events.

05
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Mexican restaurant

Space blends cozy sophistication with traditional Mexican style and soft lighting. Loud live DJ music fills the room, creating an energetic atmosphere that encourages dancing but challenges conversation. Tables sit close together in a compact area that mixes restaurant and club vibes.

A live DJ creates an energetic atmosphere with an electric vibe and controls the lighting to highlight the disco ball. The music fits a great NYC vibe and keeps the energy high throughout.

Strong drink crafting stands out with Erica's cocktails served by Ali. The bar has a lively vibe that supports a solid team effort behind the counter.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and delicious."

"The seafood here is fresh and flavorful, especially the shrimp tacos."

"The margaritas here are a dangerous five dollars."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation for weekend nights to secure a table.

2

Happy hour offers $5 margaritas and tacos all day, every day.

3

You only get 90 minutes at the table during peak hours.

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Warm, elegant space with dim lighting and chic decor creates an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere. Live jazz and piano music often enhance the vibe, adding a classy, nostalgic touch. Strong, unique cocktails and thoughtfully designed seating make it a spot for relaxed yet refined evenings.

Fridays and Saturdays after 11 pm feature an after dark concept with dinner, drinks, and a DJ. The DJ plays to a crowd mostly in their late 20s, creating a really fun evening vibe.

Sexy atmosphere with a gorgeous lounge room and amazing music sets the tone. The bar scene features young, good looking people and skilled bartenders creating a lively vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and a total hit."

"The bartenders here are so friendly and make the night memorable."

"The DJ's vibe made us stay longer for more drinks and dancing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a 90-minute dining limit for tables.

2

Live jazz is available on Sundays from 7-9 pm.

3

Expect to spend around $300 for two people with drinks and shared dishes.

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Speakeasy bar with 1920s prohibition theme and secret entrance behind a fake candy shop. Soft lighting and live jazz and swing music create an intimate, cozy vibe. Strong, well-made cocktails complement the vintage decor featuring a brass bathtub centerpiece.

Live DJ performances create a lively atmosphere that shifts throughout the night. Fridays feature an absolutely insane DJ, while other nights include solid sets that enhance the overall vibe.

An intimate bar with a strong focus on gin cocktails and interesting decor creates a unique atmosphere. Reservations are recommended to avoid waiting outside in line.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are tasty and crafted with soul."

"The bar had a huge crowd and loud music."

"The cocktails here are rich, bold, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect to wait outside if you arrive without a reservation.

3

The burlesque show occurs on Sundays and Tuesdays at 8:30 PM.

08
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Fine dining restaurant

Basement setting features an open layout with a giant panda statue and a live DJ playing classic R&B and hip-hop at a balanced volume. Atmosphere blends classy and electric vibes, though dress code adherence varies. Cocktail offerings include well-crafted signature drinks with balanced flavors.

Live sets feature classic R&B hits played at a volume that allows conversation. DJ Luigi's set stands out, prompting requests for the microphone.

Bar area and tables sit in the first section with an adjoining room for bigger groups in an open layout. Staff like Keisha and two helpful girls make the bar experience welcoming. The crowd mixes an urban sports bar vibe with a playful, casual feel.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and elevated Chinese cuisine."

"The DJ service was great and they really took care of us."

"Keisha at the Bar made our experience amazing and created great conversation."

Good to know

1

Dragon Hour takes place Monday through Friday, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

2

Expect a sensory experience during Dragon Hour with special food and drink pairings.

3

Reservations are recommended for the luxury dinner experience to ensure availability.

09
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Gay bar

Large multi-level leather bar features multiple bars, a huge dance floor, and a heated rooftop patio. Atmosphere blends sex-positive kink-friendly vibe with crowded, intense lighting on the main floor and more open space upstairs. DJs play on each level, creating varied energy throughout the venue.

The DJ lineup features great events and some favorite DJs playing on Fridays. The dance floor comes alive with a lively atmosphere, though some nights have only a basic DJ and low activity.

An iconic gay bar with a strong leather bar vibe and loud music that stands out from others. The bar offers good bar food and features a well-regarded bartender named Georgi.

People are saying

"The bar staff, especially Jake, are so attentive and keep everything moving."

"It's a respectful LGBTQ place where you can truly be yourself."

"You'll need cash for the DJ cover charge."

Good to know

1

The Sunday beer blast has no cover and $4 draft beers.

2

Happy hour is from 7 PM to 9:30 PM on Fridays.

3

Free entry is available on Thursdays.

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Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion restaurant offers a stylish space with tasteful decor, soft lighting, and plush seating. Loud music and a live DJ create an electric atmosphere that shifts into a club vibe late at night. Guests often dress up, and the environment suits date nights and social occasions.

A live DJ plays a good set that lifts the loud environment. The music creates a lively mood that keeps energy up.

Lively vibes fill the bar area, making it a chill spot to wait or grab a drink. Service from Patty and Niko stands out for being even better than the dining area.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here feel like stepping into an ancient, multi-level Asian temple."

"The bar staff here is so professional and attentive."

"The DJ played great music, creating an amazing ambiance."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy dining hours.

3

Tourists must present a physical passport to order alcohol; no photo IDs accepted.

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Chelsea, New York

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