Best clubs in Newark: top-rated dance spots and lounges

TL;DR:

• Newark nights cluster downtown and in the Ironbound.
  
• QXT’s is the city’s landmark underground dance club.
  
• Allure and Fernandes run Latin party nights with DJs.
  
• Tasca adds Brazilian live music and weekend dancing.
  
• Barcode in Elizabeth is the big-room option nearby.

Content type: HELPFUL CONTENT.
We checked official venue sites, Instagram feeds, and local guides on 10 October 2025. We focused on clubs and club-like lounges with dance floors or steady DJ calendars. We excluded places that are bars only or closed long term.

Quick map cue: Downtown hosts QXT’s near Prudential Center. Many Latin rooms sit in the Ironbound on or near Ferry Street. The large, production club Barcode is 10 to 15 minutes away in Elizabeth.

The shortlist: top rated local clubs

1) QXT’s Nightclub

Where: 248 Mulberry St, downtown Newark.
Why go: Newark’s longest running underground club. Three rooms, themed parties, and a loyal dance crowd. The official site lists events, hours, and 21 plus entry. Recent posts show Flashback Fridays and alternative formats.
Music: 80s and 90s nights, goth and industrial, synth, darkwave, plus open format events.
Vibe: Inclusive, music-first, low frills, strong DJs.
Best night: Friday theme parties. Saturdays rotate.
Tip: Check the site before you go. QXT posts maintenance breaks and special nights on its calendar.

2) Allure Lounge

Where: 415 Halsey St, near Springfield Ave.
Why go: High energy Latin and open format parties with frequent promoter nights. Instagram location and page activity show weekly events, birthday packages, and Sunday parties.
Music: Reggaetón, Latin hits, hip hop, open format.
Vibe: Dressy crowd, bottle service, hosted nights.
Best night: Friday and Saturday after 10 pm.
Tip: Follow promoters on Instagram for guest list windows and table contacts.

3) Fernandes Night Club

Where: 164 Fleming Ave, Ironbound.
Why go: Classic Ironbound dance hall with Latin live music and DJ-led nights. Newark’s tourism board lists it as a nightlife pick, and the Instagram location shows current activity.
Música: Salsa, bachata, merengue, reggaetón.
Vibe: Dance-first, mix of couples and groups.
Best night: Weekends when live bands and DJs alternate.
Tip: Bring a physical ID and some cash for quicker entry.

4) Tasca Night Club

Where: 209 Ferry St, Ironbound.
Why go: Brazilian club vibe with live bands several nights a week, plus karaoke on early weeknights. The venue keeps an active Instagram with reels for current shows.
Music: Sertanejo, forró, Brazilian pop, and Latin crossover.
Vibe: Friendly, high-energy, lots of dance partners.
Best night: Friday and Saturday when live bands play.
Tip: Arrive before 10 pm if you want a table near the dance floor.

5) Barcode Entertainment Complex, Elizabeth

Where: 429 N Broad St, Elizabeth, about 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Newark.
Why go: Big-room club with touring artists, LED production, and a clear ticket and VIP page. If you want a large dance floor and festival-style lighting, this is your best nearby bet.
Music: Open format, reggaetón, hip hop, guest performers.
Vibe: Packed weekends, bottle service, strict ID checks.
Best night: Friday and Saturday headliners.
Tip: Buy tickets early online and arrive by 11 pm to avoid a long line.

6) Mompou Flamenco Room, Ironbound

Where: 77 Ferry St, inside Mompou Tapas.
Why go: Not a nightclub, but a dependable dance-adjacent night with live flamenco shows. Newark’s tourism site lists the Flamenco Room and encourages reservations. It is a strong pre-club stop that still delivers music and movement.
Music: Live flamenco, Spanish guitar, occasional DJ-led socials.
Vibe: Intimate, seated, turns lively during sets.
Best night: Check the schedule for show nights.
Tip: Book your seat early, then head to a club after the show.

What to expect by neighborhood

Downtown Newark

Walkable around Prudential Center. QXT anchors the true club feel. Game nights and concerts can change traffic and parking. Plan ride share pickup a block or two from the main exit.

Ironbound

Latin energy most nights. Allure, Fernandes, Tasca, and many bars sit within a short drive or rideshare hop of each other. Ferry Street is the spine. Expect lines after 11 pm on weekends.

Nearby big-room option

Barcode in Elizabeth draws North Jersey and NYC crowds. Expect security checks, tickets, and VIP reservations on busy nights.

Sample night plans

Latin Saturday in Ironbound

Start with dinner on Ferry Street. See a flamenco show at Mompou, then walk or ride to Allure for reggaetón and open format. If you want live music, finish at Fernandes.

Underground Friday downtown

Head to QXT’s for an 80s or goth party. Explore the back rooms for different sounds. If you want a larger room later, ride to Barcode before midnight.

Brazilian weekend route

Book a table at Tasca for a live Brazilian band. After midnight, pivot to Allure for a DJ set, or to Fernandes for salsa and bachata.

Quick comparison table

Times and fees change by event. Always check the venue page on the day you go.

Planning checklist

• Pick your music style first.
  
• Check Instagram for tonight’s lineup, cover, and guest list.
  
• Bring a valid physical ID. Most nights are 21 plus.
  
• Carry some cash for covers and faster bar service.
  
• Choose a ride share pickup spot before midnight.
  
• Arrive by 10 pm for shorter lines or better tables.
  

Common mistakes to avoid

• Only looking downtown. Ironbound often has more dance floors on any given weekend.
  
• Ignoring tickets. Barcode and some hosted nights require advance tickets.
  
• Forgetting dress codes. Allure and Barcode lean dressy, and sneakers can be turned away.
  
• Skipping social posts. Many Newark events are promoter-led and announced late in the week.
  

Why it matters

Newark’s club list is compact, but nights vary by promoter and show. Picking the right room saves time and money, and gets you to the music you want. Use the list and table to match vibe, music, and budget without guesswork.

Sources:

• QXT’s Nightclub, official site and events, https://www.qxtsnightclub.com/ and https://www.qxtsnightclub.com/public , accessed 2025-10-10
  
• Allure Lounge, Instagram page and location feed showing weekly events and address, https://www.instagram.com/allureloungenj/ and https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/214864860/allure-lounge/ , accessed 2025-10-10
  
• Fernandes Night Club, Newark tourism listing and Instagram location, https://www.newarkhappening.com/listing/fernandes-night-club/801/ and https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/393229134409398/fernandes-night-club/ , accessed 2025-10-10
  
• Tasca Night Club, Instagram reels and profile activity, https://www.instagram.com/tascanightclub/reels/ , accessed 2025-10-10
  
• Barcode Entertainment Complex, official site and Facebook page, https://www.barcodenj.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/barcodenewjersey/ , accessed 2025-10-10
  
• Newark nightlife overview and Flamenco Room at Mompou, https://www.newarkhappening.com/things-to-do/newark-nightlife/ and https://www.newarkhappening.com/things-to-do/newark-nightlife/flamenco-dancing/ , accessed 2025-10-10