Have you ever wondered what parties looked like in previous decades? Well, you’re about to be transported through history. Opening your eyes, you’re in the midst of a controlled chaos. Lights are flashing, fog chokes up the room, and you attempt to push through a maze of people. Welcome to the once booming party hubs in New York City. Even though you can’t physically wait in lines that once wrapped around these clubs, we can live through those who did. Worried you’ll experience major FOMO? Fear not because this journey will end with a present-day club. So, get ready; we are about to read through each party one weekend at a time.

1970: Studio 54

Platforms, bell bottoms, floppy collars, and circular shades. Welcome to the 1970s. Amongst economic struggle, an ongoing fight for equality, and protests against the Vietnam War, there was one thing that brought everyone together: disco. And if there was anywhere you wanted to party during this decade, it was Studio 54. Located at 254 W 54th Street in Manhattan, owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager opened its doors on April 26, 1977. From opening night, people traveled near and far just to wait in line in hopes of being let in to the most talked about night club. Upon entering the venue, you’re greeted with the sweet tunes of disco and an array of bright flashing lights—colors that once filled up the theater. This club had two floors: one overlooking the other like a balcony where you could look down among the sea of people. And yes, I mean sea. Studio 54 was almost always filled to capacity, so you were more than likely to come in close contact with an endless amount of strangers. But that is what the club embodied. A place where everyone could let go, party, feel free, and let the music take over their bodies.

It would be no surprise if you saw any one of these celebrities partying alongside you: Grace Jones, Cher, Sylvester Stallone, Robin Williams, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, and Mick Jagger—just to name a few. It is no wonder why this place has gone down in history. Not to mention its entertainment aspect, which included dancers, live acts, and even a live animal every once in a while. Studio 54 had become its own dimension in the midst of Earth, while still mirroring the decade. However, the heartbeat at the center of this disco soon flat lined after only three years. There were suspicions that the club didn’t have a legal liquor license and shortly after, the IRS began an investigation because of possible undocumented money. The investigation ended in the arrest of both owners. The final party was on February 4, 1980, and Studio 54 closed its doors as a club forever. An article written by Vincent Dowd of BBC World cited a quote by Anthony Haden-Guest, a journalist who reported about the club during its opening. “On a good night Studio 54 was the best party of your life.”

1980: Limelight

The ‘80s. The bigger the hair, the better the time. Vibrant colors were also first introduced into fashion, so what better name than Limelight to reflect this era. First known as the Church of Holy Communion, this landmark located on the Avenue of the Americas had an immense transformation. Its owner Peter Gatien was known for his other club ventures and decided to take on the big city’s party scene. Limelight opened its doors on November 9, 1983 with Andy Warhol as the host of the night. It wasn’t long after that when this club became one of the most notorious party scenes in NYC.

The most memorable feature of this club was its architecture. I mean how could it not be? You were partying in a church after all. Its gothic design and stained-glass windows made for an experience you could never forget. The music scene shifted here; during the 1980s, it was more focused on rock and disco. The ‘90s, however, was a time where emerging techno and industrial sounds were becoming popular in this club scene. Some celebrity sightings at Limelight include: Members of Guns N’ Roses, RuPaul, P. Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Cyndi Lauper, and 50 Cent. It is no doubt that this was one of the hottest night clubs at the time. Take it from Maria Altikatis, who used to find herself partying there with her friends during its peak.

“I started clubbing in NYC in the late ‘80s, and the most popular club to go to back then was Limelight. I remember there being many small rooms, each one of them crowded. It was such a weird feeling to look up every now and then and think about how it used to be a church. We would get there around 2am and party until… whenever! Back then, clubs did not have a designated closing time. After the club we would go to the diner for breakfast; it truly is a city that never sleeps.”

Just like Maria, this place was a highlight to many. The legendary “Club Kids” were born out of this scene of techno, and they became a symbol of creativity for their remarkable fashion looks. Some names you may recognize within the group are Richie Rich, RuPaul, and Amanda Lepore. This club had a good run and was able to see party goers of three different decades. Limelight officially closed its doors in 2007.

1990-2000: The Tunnel

Moving past the neon 1980s, we enter the ‘90s—the infamous decade of Y2K. It was pivotal time for music, fashion, movies, and technology, while still marking the end of the century. If you were overhearing hype about a nightclub at the time, it would be The Tunnel. Located at 222 12th Avenue in Chelsea, this didn’t look like your average club. It was nestled in the Terminal Warehouse building, giving it an industrial feeling like no other. Although the club opened in the year 1986, it was soon sold to someone who may sound familiar. Remember the name Peter Gatien? Well, alongside being the owner and developer of Limelight, he also took over this historical building as well. Seems like he really had an eye for turning unconventional spaces into nightclubs. But hey, it worked.

It is no question where the club’s name came from; The Tunnel describes the space perfectly. The building remained true to its original architecture, with train tracks still visible in some areas. The bathrooms were even made from old locker rooms which were used by workers from the early 1900s. It is no doubt that being able to party in this club was euphoric. Brandi Byrd recounts her own experience of partying at The Tunnel.

“I never sat down in that place. People came from all over NY to go there. I loved going there and seeing all the up and coming artists perform, and then actually party with them. I would say what I miss most about those times is that there was no care [in the world]. We just wanted to dance and have fun.”

This club also had a variety of different DJs who made their mark here. Some included Funkmaster Flex, Junior Vasquez, Danny Tenaglia, Johnathan Peters, and Hex Hector. After about ten years full of parties that went down in history, the music could no longer be heard bumping from the exterior. In the year 2001, The Tunnel came to its end, and the building still stands as a historical landmark that mimics the echo of the once functioning railroad and the vibrations of music still lingering.

2020: The Good Room

So here we are—present day. Did any of these party relics leave you wanting to emulate that same experience? Well, even though time travel hasn’t been invented (yet), we can take a look around and see that there are still gems right before our eyes. The Good Room has served as one of those places since 2015. The ambiance of the club causes one to have an experience that is often sought after. No one is there to judge; you just let the music take over. Located at 98 Meserole Avenue in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, you become immersed into a different world. The club has two main rooms; the “good” room and the “bad” room where, depending on the night, you are most likely to hear two different DJ’s perform in each room. The Good Room is one big open space with a featured disco ball reflecting glimpses of colored light pairing well with the clubs overall dark scene. While you are dancing, you see people around you in still motion as the lights strobe which makes it feel like you are staring in your own movie.

This nightclub is really about one thing: the music. Their website even states that the “Good Room was built by music lovers for music lovers.” It is amazing to really see how music brings people together. Isiah Byrd is a frequent Good Room goer, and he describes the first time he was introduced to his soon to be favorite nightclub.

“As soon as you step into the building you automatically feel that let loose, fun energy. Don’t get me started on the music! The way it pounds through you makes you want to hit every beat accompanied by the smoke and beautifully orchestrated lights that put you in a dance-like trance. This was very refreshing to me because the Good Room was probably one of the first places I've been where every single person is dancing and embracing each other.”

Does this sound like the place for you? Just hop on their website and see the different DJs and artists preforming every Friday and Saturday. Whether you find yourself in the good room or the bad room, make sure you are there for the art of the music and to dance the night away.

There you have it. We have traveled from the 1970s till now and have been to four different nightclubs. Although all of them are unique in their own way, they share the aspect of bringing people together for good times, good music, and good moves. As long as there are people, there will always be music, and as long as there is music, there will always be nightclubs. Each generation of club goers will have its favorite spot unique to them and their own memories. And it isn’t the club itself that lives on—it’s the nights shared there. So, the question is where will you find yourself the next time you go out? Wherever it is, you’ll be making history one dance move at a time.

*Alexa play “Finally” by CeCe Peniston*

Editor’s Note: This article was written before the shut down of non-essential businesses due to COVID-19.

Time Traveling Through NYC's Club Scene

1970: Studio 54

1980: Limelight

1990-2000: The Tunnel

2020: The Good Room