Music, moves and mojitos: Where to have the best night out in NYC

Black Flamingo

The Williamsburg hotspot regularly hosts DJs like classic hip-hop duo Stretch & Bobbito and parties like long-running NYC series Let’s Play House in its subterranean dance space. If you work up an appetite grooving to the expertly selected house, funk and disco, head upstairs where the bar serves food, including a selection of tacos with fillings such as grilled hearts of palm and seared mofongo, and other light grub. 168 Borinquen Pl, Brooklyn (718-387-3337, blackflamingonyc.com)

Nowadays

The outdoor dance music spot is the home of Mister Sunday, a friendly weekly party that proves you can have a good time dancing and still make your early bedtime. Resident DJs Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter supply the music, which ranges from upbeat soul tunes to bouncy house. The park-like setting resembles a picnic spot but no need to pack extra dancing fuel: Nowadays has a robust menu of burgers, salad and other good, as well as a full range of drinks including margaritas and sangria. 56-06 Cooper Ave, Queens (718-386-0111, nowadays.nyc)

Lincoln Center Midsummer Night Swing

Damrosch Park turns into the city’s hottest open-air club for three weeks every summer. Categorized by genre and its accompanying dance steps the series has nights dedicated to salsa, boogaloo, disco, swing, tango and more, with DJs and live bands pounding out the rhythms. Even better, if your moves are a bit rusty, show up early for a free lesson led by a professional dance instructor. Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, W 62nd St (lincolncenter.org/midsummer-night-swing)

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Diana Robinson

Bossa Nova Civic Club

The techno haven is one of the city’s best spots for a low-key dance party, with top DJs spinning in its foggy backroom. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but inside, the palm-tree-lined space is an oasis for those who want to escape into a dance-y haze. Grab a maté cocktail or a fresh juice, or just sip some of the club’s cucumber-infused water, set out in large, convenient jugs right next to the dance floor. 1271 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn (718-443-1271, bossanovacivicclub.com)

Trans-Pecos

This Queens venue hosts an eclectic array of music—from indie-rock to experimental noise and free jazz—so do your research before you head out. House music and all ranges of electronic sounds are also well represented, and its homey interior is an ideal place to post up into the wee hours of the night. Look for daytime parties on the weekends and make sure to stop by its Trans Am café for a smoothie or coffee when you’re lagging. 915 Wyckoff Ave, Queens (thetranspecos.com)

Baby’s All Right

The Williamsburg hot spot almost always has someone spinning in its cozy front bar. Look out for its multi-room blowouts, which substitute the venue’s typical indie-rock fare for a dance-focused party vibe. Baby’s Big Disco is just one of the can’t-miss monthlies. Cool your heels with a Pink Baby cocktail—the venue’s signature slushy made with grapefruit juice, yerba maté and vodka, and served in a classy champagne coupe. 146 Broadway, Brooklyn (718-599-5800, babysallright.com)

Join the conga line and see the best dance moves in NYC at ON YOUR FEET!—where Broadway’s hottest dancers show you how it’s done! Get to the Marquis Theatre before the final Broadway performance on Sunday, August 20th.