About Daphne
Daphne is a newly opened **nightclub** under Hotel 50 Bowery in Manhattan’s Chinatown (50 Bowery St, NYC). Operated by the Gerber Group, it launched in early 2022 as a second concept inside the hotel (sister to its 21st-floor rooftop bar, The Crown) . The venue is a retro-inspired *underground disco club* (2,500 sq ft) that channels a 1970s nightlife vibe with a modern twist . It features eye-catching design touches – a giant silk pink flower installation by Floratorium, plenty of dazzling disco balls, and plush lounge seating around the edges . This creates a nostalgic yet beautifully lit karaoke-era atmosphere. Daphne is notable because few new large-scale NYC clubs have opened post-pandemic , and it aims to “bring NYC nightlife back” with a vintage yet fresh disco/house music focus. Patrons rave about the high-energy dance floor and creative cocktails – for example, house cocktails like the Rosemary “Light My Fire” use premium spirits (Patron tequila, ginger liqueur, etc.) . All-told, Daphne feels like stepping into another era of New York clubbing, making it a unique addition to the local scene .
Events and Programming
Daphne doesn’t host band concerts but specializes in **dance/DJ nights**. It’s open only on **Friday and Saturday nights**, typically 10:00 PM–4:00 AM . Each weekend features a different guest DJ or dance music act spinning an eclectic mix of disco, funk, soul and club hits . The programming is all about live DJ sets and partying – expect **loud, high-energy music** and a dancing crowd every Friday/Saturday. Typical events range from retro-disco theme nights to more modern house or funk grooves, changing each week. There are no formal “seated” shows or opening acts – it’s essentially open all night for dancing. Ticket prices aren’t listed by show; instead, entry usually works via a cover charge or guest list (see Tickets below). People report paying a moderate cover fee on busy nights. Notable past events would include Disco or Boogie-themed DJ sets since opening, but there are no theatrical or concert acts, just club DJs. Because it’s in a hotel basement and new, word-of-mouth and social media are the main promotion – keep an eye on nightlife event listings or the club’s social channels for any special holiday or guest-DJ events. In short, programming at Daphne = nighttime disco/house parties on weekends with top local DJs.
Tickets and Booking
Daphne does **not sell traditional concert tickets**. Instead, entry is generally via a cover charge at the door. There are no physical box-office ticket sales or preprinted tickets; guests usually show up and pay to enter. In practice, the strategy is to **secure a spot on the guest list or book a table in advance** for busy nights. The club’s website and promoters often offer a guest-list signup (typically on platforms like Resident Advisor or local event pages) which lets you enter free or at discount before a certain time. For groups or VIP tables, one can reserve by contacting the venue (for instance, emailing the official contact or using their online reservation form). Bottle service and tables are available – prices are high (single bottles start around \$525–\$850 depending on liquor) . General admission covers (when in effect) tend to be in the low-to-mid tens of dollars (often \$20–\$30) per person on weekend nights. Dress code—elegant chic/business casual – is strictly enforced at the door. For the best chance at entry on a sold-out night, arrive early or get on the guest list. Otherwise, plan to queue and pay the cover if required. Because there is no advance ticketing, popular nights can “sell out” once fire capacity is reached, so booking a table or VIP area ($$$) in advance can guarantee entry. In summary: no official ticket outlet – just walk in (with ID), pay the cover or check your guest-list status, and enjoy. Cocktail prices run around \$20 each , so budget accordingly once inside.
Seating and Layout
Daphne’s floor plan is typical for a small nightclub. The **main room** is a roughly 2,500-square-foot open area with a central dance floor. There is **no theater-style seating**; instead you will find about 20 velvet-rope VIP tables pushed along the walls or on raised platforms . Each VIP table accommodates several people (usually with sofas or cushioned stools) for bottle service. These table areas can be reserved in advance (for a fee) or guests can try walk-in seating if available. The rest of the space is general admission – mostly standing and dancing room. Capacity is around **150 people** at full tilt , so it never feels like a huge arena. A DJ booth is typically at one end of the club, with a bar counter or two usually located nearby (often along the sides or behind the dance area). Photo backdrops (like the pink flower wall) are accessible to diners and dancers alike. In short, the *best “seats”* are either a banked table at the edge (for a view from above) or any standing spot near the DJ for the full dance experience. There’s no bad view for dancing – you can hold onto a railing or barstool and still watch the whole floor. Acoustic-wise, the sound system is loud and bass-heavy (as expected for a dance club); near the front the beats will thump, so protect your hearing if needed. If you prefer to hear conversations, head toward the quieter edge by the bar. Restrooms (men’s and women’s) are located inside the club (usually at the back or on the sides) and are standard club facilities. Just know: this isn’t a seated theater, so everyone stands or walks around. Avoid getting stuck too far from the dance floor if you want to see the action.
Getting There and Parking
Location: Daphne is located at the intersection of Bowery & Hester Streets in Chinatown, Manhattan (50 Bowery). The entrance is down a set of stairs inside/next to the Hotel 50 Bowery lobby, so you may need to ring or ask at the front desk. Because it’s subterranean, look for signage or staff near “NYCOS” bar on Bowery – once inside, follow directions to the basement nightclub. Subway: The club is highly accessible by NYC’s subway. The nearest stations are **Bowery (J/Z)** just a block or two away, and **Grand St (B/D)** about 3 blocks north on Chrystie Street. You can also use **Canal St (6, J, Z, Q, R)** and walk up to Bowery. In summary, the 6 train to Canal St or the J/Z trains to Bowery will get you very close . Bus service (the M103 or M15-SBS on Bowery/Chrystie) also stops nearby, and the PATH trains at WTC are a 0.7-mile walk if needed. Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Lyft) can drop you off on Bowery near Hester. Parking: There is *no on-site parking*. Street parking in the area is extremely limited (meters or alternate-side rules apply). Your best bet is to use a nearby parking garage. For example, iPark at 44 Elizabeth St (5 blocks east) offers hourly parking (~\$25–\$30/day) and is about a 5-minute walk . Another iPark lot at 106 Mott St (0.1 mi) is similarly priced . Other short-term garages on Mulberry and Worth St. run in the \$25–\$35 range. If you drive, plan extra time and expect to pay for parking. Transfer to public transit if possible. Rideshare dropoff is a quick walk away on Bowery; those drivers should watch for designated drop zones so as not to block traffic.
Inside the Venue
When you step inside Daphne, expect a lively **club atmosphere**. Security will check ID at the door – remember to bring a valid photo ID (21+ only, since the club serves alcohol and admits adults). The interior is dimly lit with disco ball and laser effects creating patterns on the dance floor. Seating around the sides is comfortable (velvet couches, low tables) while the center is open for dancing. The well-stocked bar serves a wide range of beer, wine and **craft cocktails**. Bartenders are known to mix both classics and inventive drinks. For example, signature drinks include the “Light My Fire” (tequila, ginger liqueur, lime, flamed rosemary) and an “Aphrodite” martini . Bottle service is available: servers will bring premium liquor bottles with mixers to any VIP table upon request. If you get hungry, the Gerber Group kitchen offers a late-night snack menu – most famously a **double-patty smash burger and fries** for post-dance cravings . There’s no other hot food or full menu posted, so don’t expect a sit-down dinner. Restrooms are located inside; they’re basic but functional (no charge for use). Finally, coat check is usually available for a small fee if you have bulky layers. Just inside the entrance you’ll find staff looking after coats and bags. Plan to pay with credit/debit for bar tabs (major cards accepted) but carrying a few bills for tips and coat check is wise. Note that cell service might be patchy underground. Wi-Fi is not advertised, so don’t count on strong coverage (your phone will catch signal near the entrance or above ground). Other rules: no outside food or drinks (NY law prohibits it), and club security may search bags on entry. Photography is allowed with phones (people often snap selfies under the disco balls), but professional cameras, tripods or video gear are typically not permitted. In short: it’s a no-frills club interior focused on music, dancing and drinks. Everything in the space – from the pink floral art to the bars and tables – is designed to keep the party going.
Nearby Amenities
Dining: Chinatown and the Lower East Side are packed with restaurants. Right within Hotel 50 Bowery is Rice & Gold (a modern Chinese restaurant by Dale Talde) if you want authentic cuisine in the same building. For casual eats, consider iconic nearby spots: Joe’s Shanghai (famous soup dumplings, 9 Pell St), Chinatown Brasserie, or great noodle houses on Bowery. One block south is Kiki’s Greek (130 Division St) – a lively tavern-style eatery, and Taiyaki NYC (green tea ice cream cones) is right next door. Fulton Fish Market-inspired seafood or night munchies can be found at Newmarket (135 Essex) a few blocks away. If you’re in the mood for late-night dim sum, Cheung Hing (146 Grand St) or Nom Wah Tea Parlor (13 Doyers St) are classics. Roofside at Hotel 50 Bowery, there’s also The Crown bar/lounge – a beautiful spot with skyline views – perfect for pre-club cocktails. Bars: The neighborhood has many watering holes. Besides The Crown, check out Apotheke (9 Doyers St, cocktail bar), Attaboy (134 Eldridge St, speakeasy), or Tenement (134 Orchard St, indie crowd). Right outside on Bowery is NYCos bar (166 Bowery), a fun late-night cocktail lounge. A short walk gets you to Essex Street Market and nearby jazz bars or dive bars (like Pink Pony or Robert Bar on Essex). Hotels: In addition to Hotel 50 Bowery itself, several hotels are on the Lower East Side/Chinatown border. Moxy NYC Lower East Side (145 Bowery, about 0.3 miles away) is a popular option . Another adjacent place is Hotel Richland (5 Allen St, 0.2 mi away) if you prefer a bargain stay. Chinatown also has Mandarin Oriental (WALL St) and Holiday Inn, plus the Manhattan Bridge Inn just a few blocks north on Bowery. Always double-check the location before booking. Logistics: Aim to arrive in time for dinner or early drinks before a show. Rush-hour streets ease up by 8 PM, but you may want to get seated or grab a bite by 9–10 PM. After hours (post-4AM), subways still run (the J/Z/6 trains), and Uber/taxi service is available 24/7. The hotel has an Uber-friendly drop-off zone at the lobby entrance on Bowery for safe late-night rides. In all, you have numerous dining and lodging options within a 5–10 minute walk of Daphne – it’s in a busy, walkable part of Manhattan with plenty to do before or after your nightclub visit.
What Makes This Venue Special
Daphne‘s character comes from its **combination of old-school glamour and modern design**. Few places in New York feel as authentically disco-cool as this basement club. The Gerber Group (run by Scott and Owen Gerber) deliberately aimed to “recreate the disco, vintage-feel” Scott Sr. enjoyed in his 20s . In fact, Daphne has been praised as a *“dazzling underground disco club…reminiscent of the 70s, but with a 21st century spin.”* Everything from the retro decor to the curated playlist is meant to harken back to New York’s dance scene heyday. The dramatic pink floral art installation (by Floratorium) and wall of glittering disco balls make a memorable first impression – they aren’t things you see in most bars! Architecturally, the club fits into a culturally rich building: Hotel 50 Bowery honors Chinatown history (there’s even a “Heart of Chinatown” exhibit on the second floor) . Daphne’s Atlantic Garden event space (the 5,000 ft² hall named for an old beer garden) and Chinatown-themed design cues tie the venue into the neighborhood’s story . So the club feels like a celebration of both NYC nightlife and the local heritage. The significant investment by a premier nightlife operator (Gerber Group) also shows in the quality – guests dressed to “elegantly chic” (more upscale than typical “dark dive bars”) , and the crowd is generally fun and energetic. In summary, what makes Daphne special is that **it’s the real deal of Y2K-era disco revival in NYC** – a high-end, artfully designed dance club hidden beneath a historic Chinatown hotel, bridging old-school party culture with today’s scene. Both audiences and artists love it because it offers a rare licensed space to dance freely every weekend in a vintage-inspired setting that still feels very *now*.
Visitor Tips and Information
To enjoy Daphne fully, keep in mind a few inside tips: **Dress smartly.** The club enforces an **elegant-chic/business-casual dress code** . Men typically wear a button-down or nice shirt (no sneakers or baseball hats); women wear cocktail dresses or stylish tops. **Bring your ID.** New York law requires 21+ to enter nightclubs, and they will check IDs at the door. **Arrive early.** Lines can form on weekends – showing up before 11pm can save wait time and may skirt any cover fee. If a friend’s name is on the guest list, double-check spelling and confirmation. **Security is strict but not intrusive.** Expect a quick bag check (avoid large backpacks) and hook your belongings away from the dancing area if you secure a table. **Tip well.** Servers take care of you all night, so tip 20% or more on drink tabs and bottle service. Prepare to pay by credit card at the bar, though carrying some cash (\$1–5 bills) is handy for coat check or tipping coat-check attendants. **Protect your ears.** The music is loud, so bring earplugs if you’re sensitive. **Eye protection.** The flashing disco lights look great, but if you’re prone to motion sensitivity, step back to the lounge seating. **Check accessibility.** Since Daphne is in a basement, wheelchair access may be limited (the hotel’s main elevators stop above ground). Those needing ramps or elevators should call ahead to confirm accommodations. **No outside drinks or cameras.** By law, they will not allow you to consume your own alcohol; you must buy from the bar. Photography with phones for personal use is fine, but professional cameras or video recording are generally not allowed. **Coat check:** Especially in winter, make use of the coat check (small fee) to keep your jacket safe. **Safety:** The area is generally safe, but use common sense late at night. Rideshare waiting spots or hotel valet drops on Bowery (by Hester) are the easiest way out after closing. Finally, **know the rules** – trust the doorman’s discretion. If they suggest waiting for entry, it likely means capacity is full. Overall, come prepared to dance first and foremost – Daphne is about the party energy, so relax, dress sharp, and enjoy the atmosphere!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Daphne’s opening days and hours?
Daphne is open **Friday and Saturday nights** from about 10:00 PM until 4:00 AM . It does not open on weekdays or Sunday. Doors typically open at 10pm; on popular nights it fills up later in the evening.
Is there a cover charge or ticket required for entry?
Entry is usually via a **cover charge** at the door. Covers vary by night (often around \$20–\$30 on weekends). The club does not sell advance tickets — instead, people often sign up on a guest list or reserve a table. If you arrive early (before ~11pm) and/or on a guest list, you may avoid or reduce the cover fee. Otherwise be prepared to pay the cover upon entry.
What is the dress code at Daphne?
Daphne has a **smart-casual to chic dress code**. Men should wear collared shirts (no sports jerseys or shorts), and women often dress in club-style attire (dresses or stylish ensembles). The door staff specifically requests attire that is “elegantly chic” . In practice many describe it as business-casual . Avoid athletic wear and sneakers for best results. If you’re overdressed rather than underdressed, you’ll fit right in with the fashionable crowd.
How do I get to Daphne by subway and bus?
The closest subway stations are Bowery (J, Z trains) and Grand St (B, D trains). From either, it’s a short walk: for Bowery station, exit at Bowery & Grand, then walk south; for Grand St, walk east on Grand to Bowery. The **Canal St (6, J, Z, Q, R)** station is also within a 5–10 minute walk. Key NYC bus lines (M103, M15-SBS, B39) run along Bowery nearby. The location is 50 Bowery, Manhattan – entering through the Hotel 50 Bowery lobby and down to the basement. Taxis and rideshares can drop you off at Bowery & Hester in front of the hotel.
Is there parking at or near Vancouver? (Daphne)
There is **no on-site parking** at Daphne. Street parking is very limited in Chinatown. Nearby public options include several paid garages: e.g. iPark at 44 Elizabeth St (about 5 min walk) charges roughly \$30/day , and iPark at 106 Mott St (6 min walk) is around \$25 . Other garages on Mulberry and Worth also run ~\$25–\$30. If driving, plan extra time for parking, or consider dropping off with Lyft/Uber instead (there’s a valet-friendly zone at 50 Bowery’s entrance).
What is the capacity and layout of Daphne?
Daphne holds around **150 people** (standing) . The 2,500 sq ft space has an open dance floor in the center. Along the walls are about 20 VIP tables (with sofas or stools) for bottle service . There is no fixed auditorium seating – everyone stands or sits at these tables. The DJ booth is at one end and the bar is adjacent. If you want to see the dance floor, head near the center front. For a quieter vantage, grab one of the cordoned VIP tables.
Can I bring children or guests under 21?
No. Daphne is an adults-only nightclub (21+). The venue serves alcohol and enforces age restrictions. All guests will be asked for valid ID (passport or driver’s license) at the door. People under 21 will not be admitted, and this is strictly enforced, especially on busy nights.
Is Daphne wheelchair accessible?
Daphne is located in a hotel basement, so accessibility can be limited. There may be stairs down to the club level with no lift. Guests in wheelchairs or with mobility issues should call ahead to confirm. The hotel may have some accommodations but it’s safest to check on ADA access, as nightclubs often have constraints.
What food and drink options are available inside?
The in-house bar serves craft cocktails (around \$20 each ), beer, wine and soft drinks. Specialty cocktails follow the disco theme (e.g. “Light My Fire” mezcal drink) . Late at night, they also serve a double-patty smash burger with fries (a famous Gerber Group late-night snack) . No other kitchen menu is posted, so don’t count on a full food selection. For non-drinkers or mixers, soda and bottled water are available.
Are outside food or drinks allowed in Daphne?
No. New York law prohibits bringing your own alcohol (or any outside beverages) into a bar/club, so outside drinks are not allowed. The venue will not allow patrons to consume outside beverages; you must buy from the club’s bar. Similarly, outside food is not permitted, since the club has its own refreshment offerings. Everything consumed must come from Daphne’s inventory.
Is there a coat check and restroom facilities?
Yes. Most nights Daphne provides a coat check for a small fee (often \$3–\$5) due to limited space. Staff will hold your coat and large bags. Restrooms are located inside the club (usually towards the back or side walls): one for men and one for women. They are standard nightclub bathrooms (clean and free to use).
What forms of payment are accepted for drinks?
Daphne accepts major credit and debit cards at the bar (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, etc.). You can also pay cash for drinks. It’s wise to carry some cash for tips, coat check, or if the bar is busy. But you won’t need foreign currency – it’s all U.S. pricing (no cover charge listed on tickets, just pay at door in cash or card).
Is smoking allowed inside the club?
No. New York State law bans indoor smoking in all nightclubs and bars. Daphne is fully non-smoking indoors. You must step outside the building (by exiting the club and hotel) to smoke.
Do DJs or bands ever perform live at Daphne?
Daphne focuses on dance music, so you will see DJs every weekend rather than live bands. There are no acoustical music stages – it’s strictly a DJ-run club. Occasionally one might find a guest DJ set or special disco-themed night, but not a live concert performance. The programming is all about DJ spins and dance parties on Friday/Saturday nights .
What is the style of music played at Daphne?
Expect classic disco, funk, soul and house music – all upbeat dance genres. The club’s theme is rooted in ’70s and ’80s disco, so DJs spin everything from vintage disco tracks to modern remixes and funk grooves . You’ll hear lively dance-floor tunes, not quiet lounge music. If you love dancing to old-school disco and modern dance party hits, Daphne is playing your kind of music.
Can I make a private reservation or rent Daphne for an event?
Yes. Daphne can be booked for private parties or events (up to its ~150-person capacity). Contact Daphne’s management (via the info email or contact # on their site) to arrange a private event. Rates will include exclusive use of the space and usually a minimum spend on bottle service. Bear in mind any weekend public nights are separate from private hire.
