Anyone who loves dance adores the bachata, a dance that hails from the Dominican Republic. Like its close relatives in salsa and the merengue, bachata is as simple as it is sensual (especially when a live band is wailing away alongside you). Because the city has a substantial Dominican population, there are several places where you can dance bachata. Here are a few of our favorites.
Best Bachata Clubs NYC: Williamsburg
Brooklyn's Williamsburg is not only ground zero of NYC's thriving hipster culture, but home one of the most happening clubs to host bachata, salsa, and reggaeton (Puerto Rican dance music) in the city. Bembe features an assortment of deejays throughout the week who specialize in world music. The rhythms of bachata are a mainstay of Rhum Saturdays and ESO!! Mondays, so get ready for close-quarters dancing, because space is tight here. Be advised that it's a cash bar, and get your hips swaying in time! 81 S. 6th St., bembe.us
Best Bachata Clubs NYC: Union Square
Friday nights mean Bachata at Club Cache close to Union Square. Arrive before 9:45, and you pay a paltry $7 cover, and you'll score free bachata classes as a bonus! Here, you’ll find amateurs and expert-level dancers alike freely intermingling in the language of the dance. And if you arrive fashionably late (the evening usually lasts well past midnight), maybe you can bum a private lesson from someone who likes your moves. 35 E. 13th St., 917-684-8584, clubcachenyc.com
Best Bachata Clubs NYC: NoHo
There's simply no substitute for a live band. Gonzalez y Gonzalez offers a slate of fantastic live salsa, bachata, and merengue from Tuesday through Sunday weekly. You'll find the crowd warm and inviting and densely packed with Latin music aficionados. Sundays are Bachata Brunch is held on Sundays, and that translates into free lessons, a deejay and a band, all celebrating the magic of this artful Dominican dance. Classes begin at 3 p.m., with the band playing at 4:00 and 6:00. And if you’re in the mood for tasty tacos, GyG will have you covered there too. 192 Mercer St., 212-473-8787, gygnyc.com
Best Bachata Clubs NYC: Washington Heights
It doesn't get more local than Club Deportivo, the neighborhood venue in Wasghington Heights. Drop by on Friday nights between midnight and 4 a.m. (you read that right) for bachata, mambo and salsa music selected by a DJ, plus a floor swaying with dancers looking to kick up their heels. 2088 Amsterdam Ave., 212-923-3817
Best Bachata Clubs NYC: Midtown West
Even if you're in the heart of Midtown, there's still a terrific selection for bachata: Iguana puts all things Latin on both their turntables and their dining room tables as well. This eatery/dance club offers free classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays and bachata music rises to the top of playlists nearly every night of the week. Do bear in mind that Latin Club offerings occur on the second floor. Should you check out the downstairs, it's a different vibe of hip-hop and top 40. 240 W. 54th St., 212-765-5454, iguananyc.com/dancing
