If you’re feeling tired of the Dublin nightlife scene and ever find yourself in New York one weekend, I’m offering a brief yet sincere guide to a Saturday night in the city that never sleeps. I make no promises except for a good time, and I’m including some Dublin establishments that felt comparable to each stop on the list.
Nothing quite screams fun like a German beer hall located in the yuppie mecca of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Radegast Hall and Biergarten is a perfect start to the day at, dare I say, 2pm? On Saturdays, they have a Jazz Band – The Brass Monkeys – playing hits, everything from Pink Pony Club to Earth, Wind, and Fire, in their upbeat trumpet renditions. Don’t be afraid to get up on those tabletops and strut your stuff; it’s part of the experience. They serve a selection of German draught beers that come in the signature 1-liter steins. If you’re not keen on feeling like you have to throw up, opt for one of their house cocktails. My recommendation: the Singapore Sling – light and refreshing. When your body is no longer able to metabolize alcohol, that’s the perfect time to dive into some of their German-inspired bites: bratwursts, pretzels and cheese, or even a chicken schnitzel sandwich if you’re feeling freaky enough. Liter beers will run you around $30, and cocktails are $15. They don’t do student deals here, so I hope Dad’s got your credit card bill covered. (The closest Dublin relative would have to be the Brazen Head or The Market Bar. This is one you have to see to get a feel for.)
By 5 or 6 pm, the live music has ended, and the buzz of the beer hall has died down. It’s time to wander into Manhattan. If you’re looking to take in the industrial splendor of Manhattan’s skyline at night, I’d recommend an electric Citi Bike over the Williamsburg Bridge as your mode of transport. Faster than the subway, cheaper than a taxi. Make sure you’re sober because drunk wipeouts on the bridge bike path aren’t pretty, I can speak from experience. Once you’ve landed in the East Village, hopefully unbloodied, I’m recommending some good old Irish fun and sending you to either McSorley’s Old Ale House or The Swift Hibernian Lounge. Both are perfect spots for that classic Irish hospitality and to have a casual drink and conversation. McSorley’s famously brews and only serves their own ale, going for $8 a pint. Swift’s pints go for $9. Get comfy there and take in the great ambiance and possibly great people. (These spots will feel very familiar to Dublin. O’Donoghue’s, Doheny & Nesbitt’s, The Long Hall, and The Hairy Lemon all offer a similar vibe.) 8pm is approaching, the ale has gone to the head, and it’s time to get moving again. We’re going to keep it on the east side for now and hit up one of Lower Manhattan’s best rooftop spots, Mr. Purple. A 15-minute walk or so from both McSorley’s and the Swift, the mosey over is worth the views. The rooftop gets packed quickly, so be punctual. You can expect some decent DJing and pleasantly overpriced drinks. Beer starts at $10 and cocktails at $20. Oh, and don’t mistake a broom closet for the bathroom, because security will try to lock you in there. Stay vigilant! (If there’s one thing Dublin nightlife lacks, it’s good rooftop bars. The closest thing is going to be Sophie’s on Harcourt Street or The Anantara Hotel Rooftop Bar.) Assuming you’ve adequately gotten your drink on, and your dance on, and you’ve soaked in the views of the city for a few hours, it’s nearing 11pm, and Studio 151 is about to open, a 15-minute stroll back towards the East River. Known for its selection of vinyl house music and its intimate upstairs dancefloor, Studio is one of the most unique bars on the list. You may have to bite your tongue at the door because they’ve been known to charge $30 cover. The prices on their drink menu aren’t much friendlier, but their house sets truly are one of a kind. Just don’t dance too hard, or else the vinyl records start skipping and the DJ will start giving you dirty looks all night. If you do end up feeling thirsty despite pricing, ask for one of their Moscow Mules; extremely well-made, and at $18, they better be. (You’ll get a good grasp of this bar by visiting Smithfield’s Fidelity Bar & Studio or Parnell Street’s The Big Romance.)
It’s 1am, and you’ve likely been shot down by a girl who let you know they actually use they/them pronouns. You’ve been sitting on the couch at the far end of the room, talking to two Ukrainian women about how they fled the war, and how they don’t think President Zelensky is a good man. You know what your mother always tells you: nothing good happens after midnight. Your mother was right, but it’s time to hop on the subway and go to Queens to cap off the evening. Options are plentiful, and you’re guaranteed a groove or two. One possibility is Knockdown Center – abandoned warehouse turned dance venue – dress in all black and act like you’re questioning your sexuality if you want to get past the bouncers. Next is Mansions – a small room known for its carpet dancefloor and techno/house sets. The carpet seems to trap all the heat, so get ready for an uncomfortable amount of sweat. Next is the freakiest joint of the bunch, Nowadays. Their cover charge can go for $25 and up, but they’ll accommodate you if you ask a few days in advance, per their website. Be prepared for a safe space lecture upon entering that will make you feel unsafe. No phones or talking on the dancefloor. They come stocked with a plethora of complimentary goodies ready to be dished out: Narcan, condoms, masks, and fentanyl test strips. Drinks aren’t served until 10 am, but they party all day into Sunday night. Alternate between the backyard smoking garden and the dancefloor to get the full vibe. When someone inevitably offers you illicit substances, do as Nancy Reagan would and “Just say no”. (If you want a taste of this scene, I’d direct you towards Dublin locales like The Pawn Shop, Wigwam, or The Racket Space.) If all goes well, daybreak will be your cue to return home. If you’re responsible, you could be tucked in bed by 4am.
I hope this brief guide was educational and entertaining, and if you do end up in New York one weekend, don’t be afraid to deploy it at your leisure, nor should you be afraid to stray. Get out there and find your own spots!
