After hours is when NYC truly comes alive (it is the city that never sleeps, after all), and we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to take advantage of group nights out. Space may be at a premium in New York, but we've got some killer activities for friend outings. Ditch the idea of yet another dull and crowded bar night. Whether a microphone (hello, karaoke!) or paintbrush tickles your fancy, peruse our list below for the best spots to take your #squad for a group night out in NYC.
Best Group Nights Out NYC: Game Nights
Monday and Tuesday night bingo at Tortilla Flats is a riotous and wondrous affair. Who knew a pitcher of margaritas made this innocent game all the better? This West Village mainstay is the perfect place to while away an evening, and ideally earn prizes to boot (their sombreros are coveted after). If you come hungry, be sure to order the restaurant’s beloved chimichangas with a side of chile con queso. Tortilla Flats, 767 Washington St., tortillaflatsnyc.com
Best Group Nights Out NYC: Shuffleboard
Since opening last year near a quiet stretch along the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club has become a veritable scene. It prides itself on being the first shuffleboard-themed club in NYC and is decked out with a peppy Florida beach vibe. There are ten courts to play on, all of them first-come, first-serve. While waiting for a court, or your teammates to take a turn, head to one of the rotating food trucks parked inside to sample anything from vegan hot dogs to Bolivian street sandwiches. The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, 514 Union St., Brooklyn, royalpalmsshuffle.com
Best Group Nights Out NYC: Karaoke
K-town (or Koreatown for the uninitiated) undeniably hosts the best karaoke bars in the city. There are oodles along 32nd Street, but Gagopa Karaoke is in a class of its own. It retains its authentic downtown karaoke vibe with retro décor: red leather sofas and requisite disco balls. Luckily the space only has private rooms so you can sing for your friends, and your friends alone. A cooler with beer and champagne is at the ready if liquid courage is required. Gagopa Karaoke, 28 W. 32nd St. gagopakaraoke.com
Best Group Nights Out NYC: Classes
Photo: Paint Along NYC/Facebook
An evening at Paint Along NYC is a guaranteed people-pleaser. All you need is one hand to hold your paintbrush and one hand for your wineglass at this BYOB studio. This is an actual class, so prepare for the instructors to truly teach technique and come around to check on any painting woes the students may be having. You may even discover that someone in your group (or you!) is a latent Picasso. Paint Along NYC, 129 E. 27th St., paintalongnyc.com
Best Group Nights Out NYC: Trivia
The weekly Nerd Alert trivia night at Black Rabbit takes the modest pub quiz to a whole new level. Questions cover a wide assortment of topics, whether you’re a comic book buff or an Ancient Greek mythology lover, there’s an answer you’re bound to know. The comfy quarters never get overly crowded, and you’re certain to find a table to perch with your group. It also doesn’t hurt that the interiors retain much of their Prohibition-era décor, including charming prewar light fixtures and a working fireplace. Black Rabbit, 91 Greenpoint Ave., Brooklyn. blackrabbitbarnyc.com
