Whether you’re deeply rooted in Latino culture or have just mastered the basics of Salsa-On-2, the allure of a vibrant night filled with captivating Spanish music and social dancing is undeniable. Finding authentic New York Latin Dance Clubs, however, can be surprisingly challenging, even in a city as dynamic as New York.
It’s an often-overlooked reality of New York City’s nightlife: the mainstream music scene has largely embraced EDM, leading to a decline in the prominence of dedicated Latin clubs, particularly since the 2020 pandemic.
The legendary eras of clubs like the Latin Quarter (LQ), La Marina, and Copacabana Times Square are now distant memories, closed down years ago. As of 2023, Manhattan boasts only around 10 nightclubs genuinely dedicated to Latin music and Spanish culture. This excludes the numerous lounges without dance floors and venues that host occasional “Latin Nights”—often misleadingly promoted as dedicated “Latin clubs” (such as Solas, Taj, Lavo, Vida Verde, Bar 13, S.O.B.’s, etc.).
This shift is a lesser-known trend in NYC nightlife, rarely discussed in mainstream media. It’s a frustrating reality for those seeking genuine Latin dance experiences, often misled by outdated information on defunct clubs, over-hyped Salsa parties promoted by dance studios, and happy hours where Bachata instructors are more focused on networking than genuine dance.
But don’t lose heart! As a seasoned NYC club promoter and a leading nightlife blogger, I’m here to guide you through the evolving nightlife landscape. I’ve curated this definitive, unranked list of “The Best Latin Clubs in Manhattan NYC For Latin Music and Dancing” right now, based on strict criteria:
- The venue’s primary theme is Latin American culture.
- Live DJs and/or performers predominantly play Latin music throughout the night.
- The venue features an open and active dance floor.
- The parties attract genuine crowds of dancers.
- The club is centrally located in Manhattan, not in the outer boroughs of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island.
So, get your dance shoes ready, choose your most stylish clubbing outfit, and perhaps brush up on your Spanish pickup lines! These are the hottest spots where Latinos and Latin music enthusiasts gather to dance to Salsa, Bachata, Reggaeton, and Merengue!
Note: While “Hispanic” and “Latino” are often used interchangeably, “Hispanic” refers to people who primarily speak Spanish, whereas “Latino” encompasses people of Latin American origin.
Vibrant crowd dancing at Yuca Bar NYC, a top Latin club in Manhattan, showcasing the energetic nightlife and dance scene.
YUCA
LOWER EAST SIDE
111 AVENUE A, NEW YORK, NY 10009
YELP RATING: 4 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Thursday – Saturday
Party Times: After 8 PM
Music Genres: Reggaeton, Salsa, Top 40
Vibes: Socializing with friends, meeting new people
What To Wear: Casual wear
Bottle Service: Available at the bar only
Hookah Service: Not Available
Yuca, a celebrated Pan-Latin restaurant, transforms into the Lower East Side’s premier and only dedicated Latin dance club at night. The DJs here are versatile, spinning everything from high-energy Reggaeton and Merengue to classic Salsa and popular Top 40 hits, with a touch of Cumbia occasionally making its way into the mix.
Yuca’s Latin parties draw a diverse local crowd of Spanish music aficionados with varying dance backgrounds—expect a more local vibe rather than a tourist-heavy or professional Salsa dancer scene. There’s a doorman and a $10 cover charge, but the atmosphere is relaxed with no strict dress code. Feel free to dress casually, but consider adding a touch of style if you’re looking to mingle with the singles who frequent this lively spot. Drinks are generously poured—the Caipirinha is particularly potent! Bottle service is not the norm but can be arranged upon request at the bar. Yuca is known for its energetic atmosphere, but it’s also intimate. So, a good fragrance is recommended for the close quarters. Keep your dance moves compact, and don’t hesitate to embrace Perreo whenever the opportunity arises!
Gonzalez Y Gonzalez Latin club in Greenwich Village, NYC, featuring a lively bar area and live singers captivating the audience. Photo By C Nez Byrd.
GONZALEZ Y GONZALEZ
GREENWICH VILLAGE
192 MERCER ST, NEW YORK, NY 10012
YELP RATING: 3.5 STARS
Latin Nights: Thursday – Sunday
Party Times: After 8 PM
Music Genres: Salsa, Bachata, Merengue
Vibes: Socializing with friends, meeting new people
What To Wear: Casual wear, dancing shoes
Bottle Service: Available at the bar
Hookah Service: Not Available
Gonzalez Y Gonzalez, a popular Mexican restaurant in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, is renowned for its vibrant Latin music and dance scene! From Thursday to Sunday, “GnG,” as locals call it, hosts complimentary Salsa classes followed by a lively Salsa dance club experience with live DJs and Salsa bands playing Latin rhythms all night long.
The Salsa party at Gonzalez Y Gonzalez has cultivated a dedicated following, attracting a mature Hispanic crowd (primarily Mexican and Dominican) ranging from mid-20s to 40s, all passionate about social dancing. Even if you are a beginner dancer, you’ll find plenty of welcoming dance partners ready to guide you through the steps. While there’s no strict dress code, most guests opt for business casual attire, making it a great place to meet singles. People often arrive in groups, so bringing a friend can be helpful for initiating conversations, especially with those who aren’t on the dance floor. Gonzalez Y Gonzalez is a true local gem, and arguably the most popular Salsa club in NYC given its strong community following. Arrive early, or be prepared for a wait!
Energetic crowd dancing at Club Cache NYC, a multi-level Latin club in Manhattan, highlighting its vibrant dance floor and lively atmosphere.
CLUB CACHE
UNION SQUARE
35 E 13TH ST 2ND FL, NEW YORK, NY 10003
YELP RATING: 3.5 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Thursday – Saturday
Party Times: 9 PM – 4 AM
Music Genres: Salsa, Bachata, Reggaeton
Vibes: Socializing with friends, meeting new people
What To Wear: Casual wear, business casual
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: No
Club Cache is a stylish, multi-level Latin nightclub in Union Square, Manhattan, featuring three dance floors and a rooftop area. Unlike many venues on this list, Club Cache is purpose-built as a nightclub, not a restaurant conversion. Club Cache hosts Latin-themed events and free dance classes each night it’s open, with Salsa and Bachata parties from Thursday to Saturday:
- Salsa lessons followed by a party on Thursdays
- Bachata lessons followed by a party on Fridays
- Salsa lessons followed by a Latin Mix party on Saturdays
This format attracts a diverse crowd, from experienced dancers to beginners, spanning various age groups. While the dress code is relaxed, there is a cover charge, which can be avoided by purchasing one of their reasonably priced bottle service packages. Club Cache is an excellent spot for both tourists and locals to socialize, learn some moves during the dance classes, and then party together into the night.
Cafe Nunez NYC showing a view of the dance floor and guests seated at tables, capturing the restaurant's transition into a Latin party spot. Photo By C Nez Byrd.
CAFE NUNEZ
GARMENT DISTRICT
240 W 35TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10001
YELP RATING: 3 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Daily
Party Times: After 5 PM
Music Genres: Reggaeton, Merengue, Pop
Vibes: Socializing with friends
What To Wear: Casual wear, Streetwear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah: Yes
If you are looking for a spot near Penn Station that plays Spanish music constantly, Cafe Nunez is your destination. This popular local Spanish restaurant and bar in Manhattan’s Garment District might initially seem like a typical eatery with its dining area and buffet at the front, but locals know the real party happens in the back!
Cafe Nunez is known for its regular Latin after-work happy hour parties, drawing in locals after 5 PM with attractive happy hour specials and live DJs spinning Reggaeton, Merengue, and pop music. As the only Latin lounge in this primarily commercial neighborhood, it attracts a mature and diverse crowd, largely Hispanic. Bouncers are present at night mainly for ID checks, so there’s usually no cover charge and no need to dress formally—it’s very casual. Groups typically gather here, so it’s best enjoyed with friends, otherwise, you might find the intimate space a bit awkward on your own. With good food, reasonably priced bottle service specials, hookah, and a great music selection, Nunez sets the stage for a fun night out with your crew.
La Macarena NYC showcasing a vibrant dance floor scene with a lively crowd, emphasizing its status as a top Latin club in Manhattan.
LA MACARENA
THEATER DISTRICT, TIMES SQUARE
234 W 48TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10036
YELP RATING: 3 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Monday – Sunday
Party Times: After 4 PM Weekdays, 2 PM Weekends
Music Genres: Salsa, Bachata, Reggaetón, Pop
Vibes: Socializing with friends, meeting new people
What To Wear: Casual wear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: Yes
La Macarena is a modern Latin American restaurant and sports bar located in the Theater District of Times Square. Among Latin nightclubs in NYC, La Macarena stands out as one of the most stylish and one of the few that offers parties every night of the week!
La Macarena aims to please everyone with DJs playing a diverse mix of Latin and pop music, enhanced by lighting effects, and even CO2 jets for energetic moments. The Latin party here attracts a diverse crowd in terms of age and background. You can opt for bottle service and/or hookah to secure a VIP table, which is ideal for larger groups and birthday celebrations. There’s no cover charge, and the door policy is relaxed, so you can wear trendy casual or urban wear. However, stepping up your style might help if you’re hoping to connect with the many singles who attend. With its popular brunch parties, dinner events, and nightly nightlife parties, La Macarena knows how to draw you in and keep you entertained from day to night!
Iguana NYC showcasing the first-level dining area, giving a glimpse into its spacious layout as a popular Latin dance lounge. Photo By C Nez Byrd.
IGUANA NEW YORK
THEATER DISTRICT
240 W 54TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10019
YELP RATING: 3 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Thursday – Saturday
Party Times: After 6 PM or 9 PM
Music Genres: Salsa, Bachata, Reggaetón
Vibes: Socializing with friends
What To Wear: Business Casual wear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: No
Iguana, a modern, three-level Mexican-themed restaurant in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, is one of the longest-running Latin clubs in Manhattan on this list. Throughout its history in NYC, it has hosted diverse parties, becoming a staple in the city’s nightlife. Currently, its parties are focused on Spanish themes:
- After-work parties with free Salsa or Bachata lessons starting at 6 PM
- Weekend Latin parties starting at 9 PM
The Salsa parties at Iguana are held on its upper and lower levels, attracting a mature crowd of dancers aged 30 and up. While security doesn’t enforce strict dress codes, business casual attire is recommended given the sophisticated venue and clientele. There’s typically a $20 cover charge at the doorman’s discretion, usually applied when it gets crowded. Bottle service isn’t typical here; most guests prefer cocktails and beers from the bar. Generally, the parties here are relatively relaxed, and the weekday after-work parties can be inconsistent. Weekends are your best bet for a great experience.
Copacabana Nightclub Hells Kitchen NYC, showing a lively dance floor with dancers and live performers, highlighting the club's iconic status in Latin music.
COPACABANA NIGHTCLUB
MEATPACKING DISTRICT
625 W 51ST ST, NEW YORK, NY 10019
GOOGLE RATING: 3.5
Latin Party Nights: Friday – Saturday
Party Times: After 7 PM
Music Genres: Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Disco
Vibes: Socializing with friends, meeting new people
What To Wear: Business Casual wear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: No
Copacabana is one of the most iconic Latin clubs in NYC, deeply embedded in American pop culture through music and film. It’s also among New York City’s longest-standing nightclubs, with various iterations in different locations dating back to the 1940s! After closing its Times Square location in May 2020, the famous Copacabana nightclub reopened in February 2022, now located within the Casa 51 event space in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan.
Copacabana currently hosts ticketed parties, “Disco Fever Fridays” and “Iconic Copacabana Saturdays,” with a fantastic schedule:
- Complimentary Salsa/Bachata Lesson from 8 pm to 9 pm
- Live Immersive Band at 9 pm
- 11 PM Dance show
- After Midnight Sultry Samba & Lola Burlesque Show
At The Copa’s Salsa and Bachata parties, expect a diverse crowd of dance enthusiasts. It’s ideal to come with friends, but you can easily meet new people during the dance lesson and find dance partners for the night. There’s an entry fee, and bottle service and drink packages are available, though many guests prefer the bar for cocktails. The dress code isn’t strict, but business casual is recommended to fit in with the mature crowd. While it may not be as popular as in its heyday, the Copacabana brand is timeless—go for the experience and to say “I was at the Copa, Copacabana.”
Opus Lounge NYC showcasing the venue and a crowd on the dance floor, highlighting its vibrant atmosphere in Upper Manhattan. Photo By Edmary S (Yelper).
OPUS LOUNGE
INWOOD
417 W 202ND ST, NEW YORK, NY 10034
YELP RATING: 1.5 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Friday – Sunday
Party Times: 11 PM – 4 AM
Music Genres: Reggaetón, Merengue, Hip Hop
Vibes: Socializing with friends
What To Wear: Urban Wear, Streetwear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: Yes
You haven’t fully experienced New York City’s Hispanic nightlife until you venture into Upper Manhattan. Opus Lounge is one of many Spanish restaurants in Inwood, a predominantly Hispanic area of Manhattan, that turns into a party hotspot after dark.
Unlike many nearby Latin lounges, Opus Lounge goes all-out with a club vibe, featuring popular Spanish DJs (like DJ Camilo and DJ Pereiro), Latin performers, and bottle girls, enhancing the bottle service experience, especially for male patrons. The music primarily features Reggaeton, Merengue, and Top 40 Hip Hop (particularly when celebrity rappers make appearances), catering to its urban local crowd—so be ready to dance Merengue and Sandungueo. Formal wear would feel out of place here; stick to trendy urban fashion. It’s important to note that this party is in a more local neighborhood, caters to a Hispanic audience (mainly Dominican), and is best enjoyed in groups. If you’re a tourist and/or don’t speak Spanish, be aware that you might encounter higher cover charges and drink prices—consider this your heads-up. Nevertheless, this is as good as clubbing gets in Upper Manhattan.
Interactive Map of Latin Clubs in Manhattan
Many of these clubs are located outside typical tourist areas. Here’s an interactive Google Map pinpointing each Latin Club in Manhattan to help you find one nearby:
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There are also some newer new york latin dance clubs worth exploring, such as 48 Lounge, Kana Soho Bar, and Escondido. These are not included in the main list pending further review.
If you have a favorite Latin spot you’d like to recommend for this list, feel free to direct message me on Instagram with your suggestion! Special thanks to the beautiful Latina Liz, awesome bartender Leo, and Salsa dancing Yessie for their suggestions in my Instagram poll for this article.
And if you own a Latin club in New York and want to be featured on this leading nightlife blog, invite me and a group of my stylish followers for a complimentary VIP experience to show us what makes your party special!
Expert Tips for Enjoying New York Latin Clubs
I’m passionate about VIP nightlife experiences, so here are some essential tips to enhance your nights out. Many Latin Clubs in Manhattan are relatively new, may have less experienced promoters, or might not be heavily marketed. This often means they are primarily frequented by locals, which can be a disadvantage for tourists or those new to the city.
Locals usually know the best times to arrive—during Happy Hour or dinner—and stay as the party evolves. Since many of these Latin venues are on the smaller side, they can fill up quickly with regulars who settle in for the entire night!
Also, as these Manhattan Latin clubs are often not in the main nightlife districts, your options for nearby alternatives might be limited. If you’re interested in club-hopping, you might prefer exploring more mainstream nightclubs in busier neighborhoods.
Finally, here are three key ways to significantly enhance your experience at any Latin nightclub:
- The best Latin Clubs are often small businesses, owned and operated by Hispanic individuals.
- Take dance lessons! And if you’re not a skilled dancer, don’t pretend. Find an experienced partner who’s willing to teach you some steps or doesn’t mind a few missteps.
- Always go with a friend who speaks Spanish. It can make entering Latin clubs easier, improve your social interactions, and help avoid potential price differences for non-Spanish speakers.
If you found this guide helpful, please bookmark and share it to support the Latin nightlife scene. And be sure to explore the rest of my blog for more insights on great parties, bars, and nightlife industry secrets!
