Birds of a feather flock together, but sometimes it seems a little uncanny how French people, no matter who they are or where they come from, always seem to show up at the same places.
If you’re looking for dancing in New York with a side of Parisian flair, hit up these seven spots in Brooklyn to see where the French go to party (or, at least, bob their head and say that the DJ is pas mal).
1. Elsewhere
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This music venue, arts space, and nightclub brought to you by the creators of Glasslands embodies the full potential of the converted warehouse space. On nights when French artists like L’Imperatrice or Yelle are performing, the entire place magically transforms into a French music venue. And when the show lets out, don’t forget to check out the rooftop.
Elsewhere, 599 Johnson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237
2. Tiki Disco
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What is it about French people and Tiki Disco? The world may never know. The rotating DJ’ed event isn’t exactly a club, but it camps off on rooftops around Brooklyn and takes over the space for the night. Thought most famous for inhabiting the recently-shuttered Williamsburg hang Output, most of this summer’s events will be at either Elsewhere or The Well in Bushwick.
Tiki Disco at The Well, 272 Meserole Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206
3. House of Yes
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Bushwick’s favorite place to get glitter-bombed might have once been a niche local specialty, but while it’s still the zoo that houses Brooklyn’s varied species of weird and erotic, it can’t be denied that it can feel a little touristy at times. It’s the kind of place you’d go if you were looking for “the real Brooklyn,” but only had access to old issues of TimeOut magazine. But it’ll still be a night you’re sure to never forget… or, alternatively, remember.
House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
4. Bossa Nova Civic Club
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If you’re looking for French house music or other kinds of electronica, head to Bossa Nova Civic Club, under the Myrtle Avenue stop on the M train. It has the vibe of a DIY venue that somehow scraped up enough cash for a proper liquor license. It’s the kind of place that has actual card-carrying members, and feels a little more “authentic” than some of the more polished Brooklyn dance clubs, tending to draw some of the more hardcore European ravers.
Bossa Nova Civic Club, 1271 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221
5. The Westlight
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The rooftop bar, the Westlight, at The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg will definitely run you up a hefty tab (if you can get in). But since it’s one of the tallest buildings in all of North Brooklyn, the view is absolutely incredible. There’s usually a line of hip locals and foreigners on the ground floor, and it’s probably where your bougiest French friend will try to have their birthday party.
The Westlight, 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
6. Brooklyn Steel
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This 1,800-capacity music venue in a warehouse on the far side of East Williamsburg, but it’s hip enough and purportedly safe enough that when artists like French rapper OrelSan and French pop icon Christine and the Queens play there, Brooklyn’s French population heads up in droves.
Brooklyn Steel, 319 Frost St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
7. Santos Anne
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“Dancing” might be a strong word for what you’ll be doing at Santos Anne, the Mexican-French fusion restaurant on Union Avenue in Williamsburg. But they always have live jazz, duck tacos, and French waiters on hand to remind you how to pronounce “margarita” with a French accent.
Santos Anne, 366 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
