About 42 d’Or
42 d’Or is a large multi-room nightclub and events venue in Midtown West, Manhattan, located at 512 West 42nd Street . The club bills itself as a modern twist on classic NYC nightlife, blending “modern tech” with an old-school Manhattan club vibe . Promotional materials describe 42 d’Or as a “sprawling multi-room” lounge where patrons can socialize and dance under high-tech lighting and sound . With a sophisticated gold-accented design (the name “d’Or” means “of gold” in French), the venue offers a luxurious atmosphere and state-of-the-art entertainment systems that it touts as providing “pulsating light & video and thunderous sound” . In many ways 42 d’Or continues the nightlife legacy of its address: it occupies the former Playboy Club NYC space, which closed around 2020-21 , and has been recently revived as a private dance club. The venue’s capacity is substantial (hundreds of people across its rooms), making it one of the more expansive late-night clubs near Times Square in recent years.
Events and Programming
42 d’Or operates most nights of the week, curating a mix of DJ-driven dance parties, concerts, and themed events. According to the venue’s schedule, it is open Friday through Monday evenings (7:00 PM–4:00 AM) and Tuesday through Thursday later nights (7:00 PM–1:00 AM) . This means the club effectively hosts nightlife six nights a week. Common programming includes high-energy party nights featuring hip-hop, R&B, soul and dance music, with DJs spinning both current hits and classic tracks. Special theme nights and branded events frequently fill the calendar: for example, 42 d’Or has hosted annual Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties. Past promotions advertised all-inclusive open-bar tickets and big headliners – one New Year’s Eve event promised a five-hour open bar and top-shelf sound system for “the most elegant and elite” partygoers . On Halloween 2022, the club threw a “Nightmare on 42nd St” party headlined by New York rapper Fabolous , demonstrating its ability to book known hip-hop artists. Recurring nights may also include industry or graduation parties, throwback music themes, and celebrity DJ appearances. In short, 42 d’Or programs a steady stream of late-night dance events geared to a trendy crowd, often with cover charges or advance ticket sales but occasional guest-list promotions on slower nights.
Tickets and Booking
For regular club nights, tickets or cover passes are typically managed through the venue’s official partners or apps rather than a traditional box office. Patrons can check the club’s online event calendar for upcoming shows and secure tickets in advance . Buying tickets ahead of time is recommended for popular nights, especially Fridays and Saturdays, to guarantee entry. Discount codes or pre-sale deals (for example, a “DISCO” promo code has been circulated for around 10% off tickets ) may be available through third-party nightlife apps or promotions. At the door, expect to pay a cover charge – often on the order of \$20–\$50 depending on the headlining DJ and time of year. Major holidays and special concerts may cost more. Some nights may allow free or reduced entry before a certain hour or for guests on a digital guestlist, but these offers are limited. For full transparency, note that most ticket sales are final (the venue’s policies emphasize “no refunds” for events). In short, the best booking strategy is to purchase your tickets in advance through authorized sellers or the club’s event listings, and arrive early since lines form on busy nights. Upon entry, everyone is strictly required to be 21+ with a valid photo ID .
Seating and Layout
42 d’Or’s interior is built around dancing and socializing rather than fixed seating. Its main layout includes a large central dance floor facing the DJ booth, flanked by high-top tables and bar counters. The club is divided into multiple interconnected rooms and levels . The largest room houses the primary dance area and main bar; other attached lounges or secondary dance spaces offer a change of scenery. VIP bottle-service tables are located along the sides and any raised balcony sections, giving small groups a private perch above the crowd. There are a few casual standing ledges or seats around the perimeter, but no formal theater-style seating. For acoustics, the sound system is strongest on the dance floor near the DJ, so guests sensitive to loud bass may find it quieter at the back or in side areas. If you want the full concert feel, getting close to center stage or on an upper level can give a great view of the DJ or performers. In general the best spot depends on your preference – front row on the floor for atmosphere, or off to a side lounge if you prefer to chat with a drink.
Getting There and Parking
42 d’Or is at 512 W 42nd Street, on Ninth Avenue, in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen/Times Square area. Public transit access is excellent. The nearest subway station is 42nd Street–Port Authority (A, C, E lines), an about 8-minute walk . Alternatively, the Times Square–42nd Street complex (serving 1/2/3/7/N/Q/R/W/S lines) is a similar two-block radius. Because it’s in Midtown, many lines converge nearby (including the 7 train, which runs 24 hours, and the 1 train). The M42 crosstown bus runs along 42nd Street as well, though it stops running around midnight. For drivers, there is no dedicated parking lot. Street parking is very scarce; your best bet is a nearby parking garage. For example, a large garage at 600 W 42nd St sits just a block from the club and charges roughly $30 for two hours . (Most evening/nighttime hourly rates in the area are \$25–\$40.) Rideshare drivers should plan drop-off on 9th or 10th Avenue and walk over. Note that traffic during event times can be heavy; subway or walking is usually faster than cabs or car. The Port Authority Bus Terminal is also nearby (about an 8-minute walk) for out-of-town visitors arriving by coach. In short, the venue is very centrally located – a short walk from Times Square and three major subway lines – but plan on paid parking or transit if driving.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, guests queue at the main entrance where security staff check tickets (or cover payment), IDs, and perform standard pat-down or metal-detector screening. 42 d’Or enforces a strict 21+ ID policy . There is usually a small doorman fee or tip will be expected. Most nights require no advance reservation; you simply walk in line and show your ID/ticket. Cameras and phone photography are generally allowed (typical nightlife behavior), but professional cameras or video gear without press credentials may be discouraged. The atmosphere inside is dark and clubby, with bright LED walls or strobes on the dance floor and lounge lighting off to the sides. The sound system is top-quality (as advertised), so be prepared for loud, deep bass music. Dress code is upscale-smart: men should wear collared or fitted shirts and closed-toe shoes (no sneakers, jerseys, tank tops or baseball caps) , while women should wear fashionable club attire (jeans or dresses, no athletic wear). In short, business-casual cocktail attire is safest to ensure entry.
The bar areas serve a full range of mixed drinks, spirits, wine and beer. (Enjoy responsibly – water is typically offered free at the bar in compliance with city law.) Signature cocktails often appear on the menu, and bottles of liquor can be ordered with mixers if you opt for table service. As with most Manhattan clubs, drink prices are on the high side (cocktails around \$15–20, shots \$10–15). Bottle service and reserved tables are available at extra cost (with a minimum spend) and include VIP seating; ask early for availability. There is usually a coat check (for around \$10–\$20) where you can check jackets or large bags – backpacks and large purses may be frowned upon. Restrooms are located on each level and tend to get busy; plan accordingly. Inside, there are also typically a few small cloakrooms or lockers for staff use, but no large luggage storage – travel light. Free Wi-Fi is generally not advertised, so phone service is your best connection. There is no smoking allowed indoors (NY law), so an outdoor smoking area may be set up in a small patio or sidewalk spot depending on opening permissions.
Nearby Amenities
The neighborhood around 42 d’Or is famed for restaurants and hotels. For pre-show dining, you’ll find dozens of Hell’s Kitchen eateries within a few blocks. Ninth Avenue (just outside the club) offers a variety of cuisines – for example, you could try upscale Thai, Venezuelan arepas, classic New York pizzerias, energetic sports bars or chill brewpubs. Many diners and Asian fusion spots in the area stay open late (11pm or later), making them convenient for a late dinner. If you want Times Square dining, there are also chain steakhouses or themed restaurants a 5-minute walk east on 42nd Street – but these tend to be more touristy and pricey.
For drinks before or after, Midtown has plenty of options. Nearby bars on 8th or 9th Avenue and W 42nd Street offer cocktails in a more relaxed setting (some adjacent lounge-style bars attract a similar crowd). Hotel bars are plentiful (e.g. Westin, Marriott Marquis, Row NYC) and sometimes let walk-in non-guests. After the club closes, transit lines like the 1 and 7 trains still run overnight, making it easy to head back to hotels in Midtown or elsewhere in the city. Late-night snack options include 24-hour delis and pizza shops in Hell’s Kitchen, and there are multiple cabs standing by near Times Square if needed. Closest hotels in case you stay nearby include the Row NYC (46th & 8th), the Marriott Marquis (Broadway & 45th), and many more in the Times Square/Port Authority area (all within a 5-10 minute walk). To avoid any rush, plan to arrive at dinner or the club at least 1–2 hours before your event time, and note that major transit (A/C/E, N/Q/R/W) sometimes slows or closes overnight except the 1 and 7 trains.
What Makes This Venue Special
What sets 42 d’Or apart is its combination of scale, style and location. It is one of the few sizable nightclub-and-event spaces to open in the Times Square area in recent years, reviving a section of 42nd Street historically tied to nightlife. The venue’s design aims for a glamorous, high-energy feel – flashy lights, sleek bar counters, gold and dark blue accents – that recalls New York’s famed club era (some promotional blurbs even highlight “sophistication and class” in the music ambiance ). Artists and promoters speak about it as a place “to enjoy a cocktail while rubbing shoulders with the city’s elite” . In addition, 42 d’Or’s interior is flexible: multiple rooms and levels let promoters tailor different experiences simultaneously (for example, a hip-hop DJ in one room and electronic music in another). It shares lineage with its predecessor at this address (the Playboy Club & Supper Club), so there’s a thread of continuity in hosting high-end nightlife on 42nd Street .
Culturally, 42 d’Or matters because it has re-injected big-club energy into Midtown Manhattan. For local residents and visitors, it offered a new alternative to the downtown club scene, a place where well-known DJs and entertainers come, and where flashy holiday parties or celebrity appearances can happen. Its Times Square location also makes it convenient for theatre-goers or tourists looking to continue the night with dancing – something not typically found at other Broadway-adjacent hotspots. Overall, both artists and audiences appreciate 42 d’Or for its combination of cutting-edge production (light shows, DJ setup) and a sense of old-New York exclusivity. In short, it’s notable for continuing a late-night Midtown tradition in a polished, updated form.
Visitor Tips and Information
When planning your visit, remember that 42 d’Or is a high-end nightspot. Dress smartly (men in dress shoes and collared shirts; no shorts, no athletic gear) . Always carry a valid government-issued photo ID – the door staff requires it. It’s best to arrive early (around the time the club opens for the night) to beat the queues and minimize cover charges, and consider buying your ticket or signing up on the guestlist in advance if available. You should expect a coat check fee (typically \$10–\$20) and plan to tip bartenders as customary. Since the club plays loud music, bringing earplugs can help if you need them, and wearing comfortable shoes is wise for dancing. Mobile reception inside a club can be spotty, so make any important calls beforehand. Backpacks and large handbags are usually discouraged; small clutches are safer. There is no smoking allowed indoors by law, so if you smoke vaping is allowed only in the designated outdoor areas. One important tip: 42 d’Or fills up quickly on big nights, and it generally does not allow re-entry, so try to come ready to stay or leave once you enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are cover charges or tickets at 42 d’Or?
Prices vary by night and performer. On a typical weekend you might pay around \$20–\$30, but big events or headlining DJs can have cover up to \$40–\$50 or more. Buying tickets online in advance often costs a bit less than door cover on busy nights. Holidays and special concerts often run higher. Check the event details when booking.
Where is 42 d’Or located and how do I get there by subway?
42 d’Or sits at 512 W 42nd St (between 9th and 10th Avenues) in Manhattan. The closest subway station is 42nd Street–Port Authority (served by the A, C, E lines), about an 8-minute walk . Times Square–42nd Street station (serving 1,2,3,7,N,Q,R,W,S) is also just a few blocks east. The M42 crosstown bus runs along 42nd St during daytime. Taxis and ride-shares can drop off on 9th or 10th Avenue and then you walk a short block.
Is there parking at 42 d’Or?
There is no on-site parking lot. Resort to nearby parking garages. For example, a garage at 600 W 42nd St (about 1–2 blocks away) typically charges around \$30 for two hours . Street parking in Times Square is extremely limited at night. If transportation costs matter, nearby Park-and-Ride options or subways are recommended instead of driving.
What is the seating layout inside 42 d’Or?
The club is mostly standing-room. The main area has a large dance floor and bar, with high-top tables and stools around the edges. There are also smaller side rooms and lounges. VIP tables (reservable) sit along the sides or on a balcony level overlooking the dance floor. There are no fixed theater seats; you can stand anywhere you like on the dance floor or at the bars.
What’s the dress code at 42 d’Or?
42 d’Or enforces a smart-casual dress code. Men should wear collared or fitted shirts, dress jeans or pants, and closed-toe shoes – no sneakers, baggy t-shirts, tank tops, or hats . Women have more flexibility but should still dress stylishly (dresses, nice tops, etc.) and avoid athletic attire and flip-flops. The door staff is strict: being overdressed is better than too casual.
Are 42 d’Or events and tickets 21+ only?
Yes. All attendees must be 21 years or older with valid ID . IDs are checked at the door by security. If you are under 21, you will not be admitted even with a ticket.
Does 42 d’Or have a coat check and lockers?
Yes, there is usually a coat check for jackets and larger bags (for a fee, typically \$10–\$20). There are no full lockers; typically you only hand unnecessary items to the coat check. Small purses and clutches are fine on the floor, but avoid bringing big backpacks or luggage.
Can I bring a camera or take photos inside?
Casual phone photography is generally allowed, but 42 d’Or discourages professional cameras or video gear unless you have press credentials. You are welcome to snap some shots or videos for personal use, but be discreet. The staff may refuse entry to anyone carrying large camera bags or bulky equipment.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
42 d’Or is located at street level with a wide entrance, but multi-floor access depends on elevator availability. In practice, most clubs of this size in NYC have an ADA-compliant route (elevator) to the upper floors. It’s best to contact the venue in advance to confirm and arrange accommodations if you or someone in your party needs wheelchair access.
What are the best seats or areas at 42 d’Or?
There aren’t traditional seats – everything is general admission. If you want maximum party energy, stand on the dance floor near the DJ booth. If you prefer to see everything and not get pushed around, a balcony or raised VIP area on the side can give a nice overview. The edges of the main room are good for chatting away from the loudest bass, while the center is best for full experience. VIP table areas (if you book bottle service) will give you a separate section and seating with a view.
Can I re-enter the club if I leave for fresh air?
Generally no. 42 d’Or policies typically do not allow re-entry once you leave. If you step outside, you should expect to have to pay to re-enter. Plan on warming up outside in one go or use indoor alternatives if you need a break from the crowd.
What payment methods are accepted inside?
Cash and major credit cards are accepted at the bars. Some venues may offer mobile payments or having an ATM, but it’s safest to carry at least one credit card. Note that an ATM fee may apply if you need cash. Tipping bartenders is customary, and sometimes there may be a gratuity included on large bottle-service bills.
Is there an age or personal escort policy?
Aside from the 21+ policy, there is no “escort” policy like some clubs. Everyone simply needs a valid ID. Large groups may be turned away if they exceed fire-code limits, so avoid huge last-minute parties. The door staff generally reserves the right to refuse entry for inappropriate conduct or attire.
Does 42 d’Or serve food or snacks?
As a nightclub, 42 d’Or does not have a full kitchen or in-house restaurant menu like a lounge would. The main offerings are drinks. On special event nights, they may offer light hors d’oeuvres or snacks as part of a premium package (for example, New Year’s Eve packages have included small bites). If you want a meal, eat beforehand at a nearby restaurant or grab late-night pizza/deli afterward in Hell’s Kitchen.
What are common mistakes to avoid at 42 d’Or?
Common pitfalls include underdressing (remember the club enforces a dress code ), showing up without ID (you won’t be admitted), and thinking you can easily get in without a ticket on busy nights. Another mistake is not budgeting enough time: lines form on weekends, so allow extra queue time. Avoid bringing prohibited items like outside alcohol or large backpacks. Also don’t sleep on early transit – late-night subway lines can close near 1–2 AM, so check train schedules before heading in.
How early should I arrive before an event?
Doors usually open at 7pm. For year-round club nights, arriving at or shortly after 7pm can help you beat the crowd and fees. If it’s a sold-out event or after midnight party, though, most guests come later (10pm–midnight). To avoid lines and get in cheaper, aim to arrive right at opening time. If you’re on a guest list, confirm the cutoff time for free entry (often by 11pm or so).
