If you can hold a gun, vote on the country’s political matters, and be forced to go to a grown ups doctor without farm animal wallpaper, shouldn’t you at least be able to party with the adults? Even if you can’t legally drink, we believe that once you are no longer a minor you should not be shunned from nightlife like some kind of leper. So we decided to compile a comprehensive list of not just parties that allow kids under 21, but the BEST of the city’s under 21 parties, because duh, you’re worth it too.
Best Under-21 Party in NYC: Webster Hall
125 E 11th Street | New York, NY 10003
Every night at Webster Hall is 19 and over, but one of their best parties (and one of our favorite 19+ parties) is their Circus Saturdays party. Like the name suggests, this party goes down every Saturday night. This is one of the most unique and fun themed parties in the city, and features the real components of a circus, like trapezes, fire breathers, and snake charmers. Webster Hall combines them with a sexy club setting and lots of dancing the Ringling Brothers would frown upon. Webster Hall is a legendary venue that presents you with four separate levels for nighttime debauchery, so when you throw in a trippy circus theme, you definitely have a wild party on your hands.
Best Under-21 Party in NYC: Leather Lounge
454 W 128th Street | New York, NY 10027
Located on the Upper West Side, Leather Lounge is known for its variety of music, industrial chic space, and ample room to lounge and party. An 18 and older person’s worst fear is to go to an 18+ club and actually end up partying with 15-year-olds trying to be 18, and this club is definitely not one of these places that feels juvenile. Leather Lounge caters to the 21+ crowd every night, except Saturdays, so when they open their doors to the younger club-goers, they get to experience the same fun vibe. So no matter what your age, Leather Lounge Saturdays are always a good time, and not a place where you feel like you’re back at your 10th grade spring fling dance.
Best Under-21 Party in NYC: Pacha
618 W 46th Street | New York, NY 10036
If you live and breathe to the beat of house music, Pacha is your scene. Pacha, a four-story monster club located in Hell’s Kitchen, is known as the ultimate dance club in NYC, so thank god they let the under-21 crowd (19+ to be exact) take part in the fun too. Almost every night of the week they feature top names like Victor Calderone, David Guetta, and Erick Morillo who spin mind-numbing parties that tend to last well into the next morning… like around brunch time. If you’ve never been there, however, be prepared. The club is filled with head-banging and body thrashing shirtless guys and sports bra-wearing girls, and sunglasses are always welcome in the dark pulsing fog of Pacha NYC.
Best Under-21 Party in NYC: SOB’s
204 Varick Street | New York, NY 10014
If you are looking for a club featuring something other than the normal hip-hop, top 40, or house music, head over to SOB’s (Sounds of Brazil) for a sexy night of the finest world music. Known as the house of universal music, SOB’s specializes in everything from salsa, to hip-hop and R&B, to soul and funk. SOB’s always hosts top notch DJs and performers, playing eclectic mixes with a tropical and Latin flavor. Unfortunately, there are no set nights that are 18+, you have to just keep a look out on their site to find out when you can go that week. A little bit of a hassle, yes, but we wouldn’t be mentioning this place if it wasn’t worth it. If you are someone who likes to party at all the ordinary venues, definitely go to SOB’s to experience the same type of party night you are used to, with a unique twist that won’t drag you out of your comfort zone.
Best Under-21 Party in NYC: Rush
579 6th Avenue | New York, NY 10011
Maybe you are gay, or maybe you’re straight, but either way going to a gay club is insanely fun, and gives you a different kind of club experience that just feels more wild and free. Rush is always 18+ so you can go any night, and definitely try to because this is one of our favorite gay clubs in New York City. Adorable gay boys grace the polls in their superhero tighty-whities, and frequently invite those girls or guys who are willing to throw caution to the wind to jump up and dance with them on stage. Everyone is friendly and there is always an eclectic group of people, so no matter who you are or what you wear, the only thing that will alienate you from the crowd is if you aren’t willing to dance and have a good time.
