More outdoor dance spots

Tonic East

Photo: Jodie Love

Tonic East

Comparing this neon palace to Vegas would be too flattering; it’s more like Epcot Vegas. But hey, you and your friends are like Epcot Entourage, so it’s worth a visit, despite the plastic feel. Jump up to the roof, check out the ESB and then dance on the space that clears out on the second floor. After, high-five your friends and think of all the cash you’ve saved visiting Pleasure Island right here at home.
Perfect for: Mini-Erics and the Sloans who love them.
411 Third Ave at 29th St (212-683-7090)

Bar 13

Where NYU kids go to impress their dates, this darkly lit, Real World: Miami–esque bar features a rooftop view of the university area. A night here can be either embarrassing (see “Last call and response,” page 30) or romantic, and often is both, especially after a few two-for-one beers or house vodkas, served during happy hour (5–8pm). Saturdays, Sounds of Tijeras spin Latin grooves.
Perfect for: Anyone who’s been out of college for a few years, who’ll be able to clean up like Matthew McConaughey in Dazed and Confused.
35 E 13th St at University Pl (212-979-6677)

Hope Lounge

By day, this is a fine place to chill, although the concrete-floored back patio, while large, isn’t exactly South Beach. At night, though, it takes on a twinkling glow. After you’ve talked up your next husband or wife, move inside to the dance floor and shake it to DJs or live bands, such as American String Conspiracy, a folk-blues group playing Thursday 12.
Perfect for: Meeting someone who’s also relieved that the latest Mooney Suzuki is so much better than its last.
10 Hope St between Havemeyer and Roebling Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-218-7191)

Boucarou

It’s a club. No, a restaurant. No, a club! Even if the press (and, sometimes, Boucarou itself) can’t decide, you can have it both ways at this West African–inspired lounge that also serves food. Sit downstairs and order the côtes d’agneau (lamb chops with Okinawa mashed potatoes, haricots verts and port wine sauce, for $25) or just grab a Kirin ($7) and sneak upstairs, where the retractable rooftop “should be working soon,” according to one staffer. At least the dance floor is open now.
Perfect for: Boldfaced names who want to feel connected to other boldfaced names, especially since Africa is so in right now.
64 E 1st St between First and Second Aves (212-529-3262)