Most all-time influential New York clubs

There’s no use arguing that New York is the nightlife capitol of the world—that title wandered east, to London and then Berlin, years ago. But through the ages, we have had our share of game-changing clubs and parties, and here are the ones that altered the after-dark universe.

1. Paradise Garage
   From 1976 until 1987, an erstwhile parking depot located at 84 King Street was the Paradise Garage. The fabled boîte, helmed by resident DJ Larry Levan, forged one of New York’s lasting contributions to the clubbing universe, soulful house: a deep, powerful and emotion-drenched R&B-based style that reverberates through the city to this day.

2. The Roxy (circa the early ’80s)
   Squeezed between it’s roller-disco and gay eras, the early-‘80s saw Afrika Bambaataa, Zulu Nation and others forge the electro-funk hip-hop style here while break-dancers spun.

3. The Loft
   In the early ‘70s, David Mancuso began holding private, invitation only rent parties in his loft. The regulars of DJs and promoters would go on to dominate the city’s clubbing.

4. Area

5. Danceteria
   A center of the new wave clubs between 1980-86, it hosted Madonna’s first live performance.

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