Webster Hall

• Address:
  125 E 11th St
  New York, NY 10003
• Visit website

A New York City landmark, Webster Hall is the oldest venue operating as a club in the city. Built in 1886, the towering brownstone building has seen it all. It was the place where New York’s social elite used to throw balls, which then turned into a speakeasy during the prohibition, and was then used as a concert hall after World War II.

It has evolved through the 80’s and 90’s to become one of New York’s largest dance palaces. From the disco craze to the club kids era, from raves to circuit parties, Webster Hall has played host to all dance music trends and sub-cultures.

The venue retains a majestic theater feel, with the main dance floor is surrounded by a 3-tier mezzanine and the very high ceiling, ornamented with wooden embossed motives, and equipped with state of the art lighting.

A large stage occupies the back of the room, on which stands the DJ, in direct connection with the crowd of revelers. The stage is also utilized to feature live club performances by voguers, dance music artists and other notable nightlife characters.

Webster Hall had earned a terrible reputation during the late 90’s, when it used to draw mostly a crowd of clueless tourists and obnoxious “B&T” party goers, which the true New York club heads abhorred.

But in the last year, the club has started hosting some serious dance music events, regaining some credibility with the musically educated crowds.

House music rising star Quentin Harris held some of his Kiss My Black parties, drawing a mixed crowd of house music lovers and nightlife characters. Danny Krivit has since then relocated his famous 718 Sessions to Webster Hall which sees the deep house crowd congregates one Sunday evening per month in the main ballroom for a soulful dance marathon, carrying on the legacy of Body & Soul.

And lastly, Ric Sena has moved his mega circuit event Alegria to Webster Hall, sealing the return of this venerable institution to the fore front of New York’s club scene.

Webster Hall is not a regular gay club, but it is worth keeping an eye on its schedule of events, as many good, gay-friendly parties are now happening there on a regular basis.

It is also one of the few clubs in Manhattan to invite big name international DJs from the Trance scene.