NYC Nightlife: Must Knows
It's no secret; I love a good party. I love getting dolled up and going out until the wee hours of the morning with my friends. I love dancing with strangers; I love feeling like I have zero responsibilities (for a few hours at least). College in New York City- Nightlife in New York City is unmatched. There is nothing like stepping into a club and feeling like you're untouchable, surrounded by the best of the best, sincerely living out your coming of age fantasies.
But don't think it's that easy.
To start, I am not promoting underage drinking and the usage of drugs and fake IDs. I am not liable for any of your decisions, and it is probably best you do nothing that I would do <3. Moving forward, if you DO take it upon yourself to hit the streets of the big ol' apple, there are numerous things you should know beforehand. Call it club etiquette. One; never go out alone and never go out with people you don't trust. Clubs are not the high school parties you went to in someone's smelly basement. Clubs, lounges, even your standard bar are the real world. There will always be people you don't know, and you have no clue what those people are capable of. Plus, going out alone is boring, it's not fun, and very dangerous. At the very least, go out with one other person, and don't separate. In addition to not separating, don't go home alone, or let one of your friends go home alone. If one of your friends voices to you that they aren't feeling well if they're tired, uncomfortable, too drunk, scared, overwhelmed, whatever it may be. They want to leave; your answer should always be "Okay," unless you're confident they are capable of getting home and they tell you they are fine to get home. In which case, have their location, and if they're ubering, have them or yourself share the ride.
One of my friends' moms always told us, "safety never takes a day off." and it's true!
I used to say fuck it to safety because I was naive to manipulation and danger until it happened to me. I had a rude awakening early on in September. My two girlfriends and I went out to this random club because some random promoter invited us. Very long story short, We each had maybe two drinks from the provided bottle at table service. Within 45 minutes, we were delirious, barely functioning, barely able to make it home. I passed out in my bed and woke up to my friends force-feeding me mac and cheese (that part's funny tho). It wasn't until the following day that we realized we were either drugged or some crazy shit was in that 5 dollar bottle of tequila. Most likely the aforementioned because I doubt we were served absinthe. It wasn't our fault; we couldn’t have done anything except be more cautious moving forward. I consider my friends and me extremely lucky to have left when we did and made it home safely.
Always watch your drinks; don't go back to it if you set it down. Always supervise your drinks being poured.
Promoters are a big part of nightlife and the best way you can find yourself in exclusive clubs. However, there's a slew of promoters, many of whom have mal intentions. Do your research, and trust your gut. Don't go out with some creepy-looking dude because he's "promising you a good time" that's a lie—instead, network. Get to know people, see who's going out with who. If a promoter invites you to a club above 16th street, watch your step. Many of the "clubs" in midtown are tourist attractions, and the demographic in those hell holes is dangerous. It's best to start by testing your luck at the door with a few friends and a harmless bouncer at a good club where you can meet people. Be an extrovert, talk to people, smile, and carry pepper spray. If you happen to meet someone and want to go home with them, that's all you, but consider the risks. Maybe get their number and postpone that night at their studio apartment in Bushwick to a later date. We don't make mistakes. We just avoid regret!
Quite frankly, all of this is applicable everywhere. Not just NYC. It's helpful in any other major city, college frat party, or local popping bar. You can have a good time while still being safe. I do it every weekend. The trauma you might have to live through is not worth a “special” night at the wretched Blue Midtown; in which you were coerced into going to. And while I would love to sit here and tell you that even the most exclusive clubs are safe, I can't. It's an unfortunate reality and inevitable. Not to be a Debby downer or anything; however, I'm nothing if not slightly negative, but let's chalk it up to being realistic. That being said, don't grow up too fast. If you're still in high school, there's no need for you to be putting yourself in these situations. Enjoy those parties in your friend's basement with beer pong and Smirnoff ice. Enjoy the simplicity of being a teenager. These days are yet to come for you, don't rush it.
If you see something, say something. Unfortunately, some people do go out alone or go on dates with people they've never met. Things happen; there's no harm in stopping someone and pulling them aside to see if they're okay. There's no harm in getting help by asking a bouncer or a bartender, even a waitress or waiter, and just in case, you've got your pepper spray gun. It's a cruel world, my friends, don't let it stop you from having a good time and relieving some stress, but don't be ignorant to evil.
Some of the greatest moments of my life have been at clubs dead sober. Don't feel obligated to drink because everyone else is. Who knows, perhaps you'll find clubbing isn't for you at all, but at least you'll be slightly knowledgeable on what to do!
That was… a lot, into the less heavy stuff. Charge your phone before you go out. Drinks typically cost around 15-25 American good old dollars (unless you're at a table, in which case that shit's free). I don't ever buy more than one drink, it's a waste of money, and you can use your feminine prowess to get them for free. If you're a dude… sorry? This world was not made in your favor. When it comes to outfits, dress practically depending on the seasons. You're going to look a fool if you're posted up in a mini dress and heels in the middle of winter. Put a jacket on, throw in some tights and find a coat check. If there's no coat check, you can leave it at a table and hope it's still there by the end of the night. Sometimes, my friends and I like to play a little game of where's the weirdest place we can hide our jackets. Last weekend it was under a staircase! It's just a tradeoff, don't bring an expensive coat to the club, and always keep your purse on you.
Hypothetically, if you're underage and are going to steal the identity of a 21-year old at least act the part. No one wants to see a recklessly drunk teenager throwing fits and vomiting in the club. Accidents happen, I get that but watch how much you drink. Just in life, watch how much you drink; it is not as cute and cool as you may think to be blackout drunk. Be kind to bouncers and bartenders unless they give you a reason not to be. Their jobs are hard. They aren't just trying to ruin your night. Be patient. Kindness gets you further than acting like you're entitled to be there. Because honestly, unless you're an A-list celebrity, you aren't (just a personal observation).
Finally, this lifestyle can put you in a chokehold. It can suck you into a bottomless hole. Prioritize your mental and physical health. If you're in school, prioritize school; otherwise, you're just wasting your time and money.
That’s all. Hydrate. Stay sexy. Never let yourself run out of money while you’re still on the town. <33333
XOXOXOXOXO
DANI
