Best clubs in Davenport: top-rated nightlife and dance spots

TL;DR:

• Downtown Davenport has compact, walkable nightlife.
  
• Carriage Haus and The Loft bring late-night DJs and dancing.
  
• UP Skybar adds rooftop views and weekend DJs.
  
• Gypsy Highway and Raccoon Motel focus on live music and a dance-friendly crowd.
  
• Analog Arcade Bar is closing after Sept. 27, 2025, so go soon.

We focused on places locals rate highly and that still book DJs or live sets. We checked official venue pages, the Downtown Davenport directory, and active event calendars to confirm hours and current programming. We also favored spots that are easy to reach in the downtown core. 

The top-rated local clubs in Davenport

Carriage Haus

Why go: A downtown staple for late-night dancing. Expect hip hop, pop, and throwbacks on busy weekends.
Good to know: Typically open late Thursday to Saturday, with rotating DJs and occasional themed nights. It is in the heart of Third Street, so plan for nearby public lots or rideshare.
Where: 312 W 3rd St. Listed by the Downtown Davenport Partnership as “one of the most popular bars and dance clubs.” 

The Loft Above Boozie’s

Why go: A weekend nightclub right above Boozie’s Bar & Grille. Lights, DJs, and a true “upstairs club” vibe.
Good to know: Most action is Friday and Saturday late night. Check The Loft’s Facebook for weekly DJ posts.
Where: 114 1/2 W 3rd St. The downtown directory confirms the address and weekend nightclub format. The venue’s page posts regular weekend updates. 

UP Skybar

Why go: Rooftop cocktails with sunset views over the Mississippi, then DJ energy on peak nights. A strong pick for visitors.
Good to know: Current hours are Monday to Thursday 4 pm to midnight, Friday 4 pm to 1 am, Saturday 2 pm to 1 am, Sunday 2 pm to 7 pm. The dress is smart casual. Reservations help on nice evenings.
Where: 215 N Main St, on top of The Current Iowa hotel. Hours and details are on The Current’s site and OpenTable. 

Raccoon Motel

Why go: An intimate club room that hosts buzzy touring acts and local favorites. It is a live-music-first spot where people actually watch the show, then hang after.
Good to know: Calendars are packed, often 21+. Buy tickets early for popular shows.
Where: 315 E 2nd St. Active schedules are posted on Raccoon Motel’s site and listing partners. 

Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill

Why go: A motorcycle-themed hangout that doubles as a reliable live music club with a big dance-friendly stage and outdoor shows in season.
Good to know: Closed Mondays. Weeknight open mics and regular weekend bands. Check the events page for daily listings.
Where: 2606 W Locust St. Menu, hours, and events are on the official site and calendar listings. 

The Office Cocktail Bar & Lounge

Why go: Classic cocktails, a dance floor on busy nights, and a central downtown location make it a flexible start or end to the night.
Good to know: Hours can vary, so confirm before you go. Expect a mixed playlist and a crowd that skews toward late.
Where: 116 W 3rd St. Confirmed by TripAdvisor and the downtown directory.

Mary’s on 2nd

Why go: Long-running LGBTQ+ neighborhood bar with frequent drag shows and a welcoming crowd. It is a dependable, lively stop close to the riverfront.
Good to know: Follow their socials for show times and community events.
Where: 832 W 2nd St. Yelp and community listings recognize it as the Quad Cities’ oldest LGBTQ+ bar. 

Analog Arcade Bar (last call alert)

Why go: A beloved 21+ barcade with strong pinball and arcade lineups, karaoke Thursdays, and nightly drink specials.
Important: The owners announced the Davenport location will close after Saturday, September 27, 2025. If you want to go, make it soon.
Where: 302 Brady St. Hours and specials are posted on Analog’s site. Closure news and date appear in local coverage and social posts.

Quick picks at a glance

Plan your night

• Keep it walkable. Carriage Haus, The Loft, The Office, Raccoon Motel, and UP Skybar sit within a few blocks, so you can park once and roam. The Downtown Davenport directory is a handy map.
  
• Chase the view first. Start with sunset at UP Skybar, then drop to Third Street for DJs.
  
• Catch a show. If a band you love is at Raccoon Motel or Gypsy Highway, buy tickets early and plan dinner nearby.
  
• Time-sensitive: If Analog is on your list, go before Sept. 27, 2025.
  

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming every place is open daily. UP Skybar opens earlier on weekends, Gypsy Highway is closed Mondays. Check hours.
  
• Skipping tickets. Raccoon Motel shows often sell out. Book ahead.
  
• Forgetting it is 21+. Analog, UP Skybar, and most downtown clubs are 21+. 

Why it matters

Visitors often treat Davenport as a pass-through between bigger cities. That means many miss an easy, walkable night out with real character, from rooftop DJs to intimate club shows. This guide helps you pick the right vibe, save time, and catch special events before they are gone, like Analog’s farewell month.  

Sources:

• Downtown Davenport Partnership, “Eat & Drink” directory (Carriage Haus, The Loft, The Office, UP Skybar), https://www.downtowndavenport.com/explore/dining, accessed 2025-09-16.
  
• The Current Iowa, “Eat & Drink / UP Skybar hours and details,” https://www.thecurrentiowa.com/eat-drink, accessed 2025-09-16.
  
• Raccoon Motel, official site and 2025 event listings, https://www.theraccoonmotel.com/ and Trumba calendar, accessed 2025-09-16.
  
• Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, official site and events, https://www.thegypsyhighway.com/ and events calendar, accessed 2025-09-16.
  
• Analog Arcade Bar, hours and specials; B100 coverage of closure date (Sept. 27, 2025), https://www.analogarcadebar.com/ and https://b100quadcities.com/analog-arcade-pizza-closing-permanently-iowa-illinois/, accessed 2025-09-16.
  

Mary’s on 2nd, Yelp listing and community resource page, https://www.yelp.com/biz/marys-on-2nd-davenport and https://www.main-stream.org/resources/marys-on-2nd/, accessed 2025-09-16.