Best Dance Clubs in Philadelphia

Built on to a trolley-car diner/restaurant and a funky beer garden, the long-time Northern Liberties hipster hangout brings DJs, live bands and special events like comedy showcases to a simple, single-room space. Home to an exceptionally diverse crowd of 20- and 30-somethings, this is the place to catch surprise sets by ? uestlove of The Roots. Since its beginnings as a true dining car, it always attracted the offbeat, eclectic, creative and interesting. The place came under new management in 2006 and was remodeled and a warmer-weather beer garden was added to keep up with changing tastes and preferences.

For more than 15 years this Old City hotspot has been pumping out Latin beats for dancers shaking it to salsa, rhumba, cha-cha and tango. On certain nights, live bands take the place of DJs, and every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday professional instructors teach drop-in salsa classes. These lessons are also available privately for groups if desired. This establishment is a great place to cut a rug and experience a night out for those whose idea of great music leans more towards Latin than pop or Top 40. All levels of dancers congregate here to get their dance on, so don't be intimidated if you're a beginner, and certainly, come strut your stuff if you've got skills you'd love to show off.

This isn't so much a club, but a fun and vibrant restaurant that offers the opportunity to let loose and dance on the weekends. Enjoy music that ranges from Cuban to Latin to Tropical Dance, Salsa, Merengue, or Bachata. The tropical atmosphere, Caribbean decor, and upbeat Latin music make this a great place to let loose with fun-loving friends after a delicious weekend meal. You can also have your upcoming private event here where other services are also available including Salsa lessons should you decide to include them as part of the fun, or just sit back and watch the celebration with a delicious cocktail from their bar.

One of the standard-bearers of the gay nightlife scene, this Gayborhood club offers show tunes in the Piano Bar seven days a week for those taking a break from boogying. Showtunes also take center stage at the second-floor Ascend nightclub every Sunday, though disco, karaoke, DJs and a Wednesday ladies night populate the weekly calendar. Considered one of the most welcoming and least pretentious gay bars in town, T.O.C. also serves a full tavern menu in the downstairs Tavern Restaurant should you get hungry either before or after arriving. Come here for great conversation, good food, upbeat music, the chance to dance, or sing along to your favorite show tunes. What could be better?

The Barbary is Fishtown's in-your-face answer to the dance club, and proudly refers to itself as "Philadelphia's alternative nightlife venue, hosting a diverse monthly calendar of anything and everything. From hip-hop to goth, house and techno to emo and the legendary Tigerbeats Monday banger, the Barbary is defined by wild party vibes and full inclusion. The 2-floor, 200 person venue also plays host to on-the-rise local and indie touring bands. It's the perfect place to watch the madness...or dive right in! The recent addition of credit card readers only makes it easier to enjoy this no-frills haven for late-night dancing and debauchery.

One of the top dance clubs in the city, Voyeur is a multi-level venue whose main draw is its versatility. Indeed, the hip clientele can choose any number of ways to spend their time here –competing in trivia contests, sipping cocktails and taking in the scene in the Lounge, singing karaoke classics to the cheering masses and, of course, dancing while DJs spin everything from house to 70s disco. Offering a variety of themed nights, you can even enjoy drag nights here and shows involving their lighted runway. Special events can be held in the new St. James Room for an evening you won't soon forget.

This Northern Liberties hipster staple distinguishes itself for its lack of a cover charge and its history as the former home of a poultry butcher � whose kitchen now serves as the upstairs bar and whose bathroom, though now the DJ booth, still contains remnants of a bathroom. Dancing happens upstairs on the second floor on weekends, though from Sunday to Wednesday, DJs spin in the narrow bar downstairs, where bartenders pour 12 draught beers, 80 beers from bottles, absinthe and artisanal gin. Comfortable couches and chairs allow patrons to comfy-up and enjoy the setting, and guests have commented that it feels like a really awesome party your good friends threw in their house with all of the music you like. You be the judge.

This Delaware Avenue club complex offers up 3 rooms in which to party and groove to the music. There's a 1500-person capacity at this place, so it's not some time little lounge tucked away in a corner of the city. The complex also houses a hookah lounge for when you want to kick back and relax a bit, and a delicious variety of food is also offered. Top DJs, the state-of-the-art sound and lighting system will impress you, as well as the presence of the large waterfront deck. This is a serious destination for partiers; it's not to be missed.

At this place, you certainly won't be bored with the same-old, same-old. Start off with shrimp and crab cocktail, enjoy sophisticated cocktails and take advantage of a bottle service menu that lists nine sparkling wines, including Cristal and Dom, and ten vodkas, including Belvedere and Ketel One. Professional acrobatic performances enhance the DJ lineup at this high-end spot, where membership applications are taken at the door. The two-room club opens from Wednesday to Saturday and stays open until 3 a.m, so you're sure to get your fix of nighttime entertainment. Drinks, dancing, good music, entertainment and the chance to mingle with friends make Zee Bar a great option.

The opening of this venue meant an exciting and fresh change to the city of Philadelphia. To finally have a nightclub right in the city that attracted the best DJs and talent was much needed and welcomed. Today, the exciting energy and upscale, trendy atmosphere make it a sought-after destination for anyone looking to make their night or special event one to remember. It's truly a unique experience complete with top-shelf liquor and champagne, a bar menu to satisfy, as well as talent and musical guests to make your night one that's certainly not of the ordinary.