Rumba
Manhattan is home to many nightclubs, and when it comes to Latin music, dancing, drinks and food, the city is all but lacking. Take a walk around East Harlem, where there is a heavy Puerto Rican influence and almost always live music. If you want to salsa or merengue, these clubs are a must.
SOB's Home of Universal Music
Hot! Hot! Hot!
SOB's, or Sounds of Brazil, brings in many live Latin bands and musicians and on Friday night, hosts salsa lessons. This is one of Manhattan's best spots for dancing and live music. The Latin fusion menu is original and features dishes, such as the grilled ginger-lime snapper in a banana leaf and xim xim de galinha, a delectable braised chicken dish. Dinner and drinks will cost about $50 per person; the Brazilian caipirinha, a cocktail of Cachaca, limes and sugar, is delicious (2010 pricing). On Sundays, SOB's features a Bossanova Brunch with an open sangria bar for $26.99 per person (2010 pricing). You can book your own party at SOB's, complete with live entertainment and catered food.
SOB's
204 Varick Street
New York, NY 10014-4809
(212) 243-4940
sobs.com
Copacabana
Great live music
The Copacabana, currently undergoing a move, is hosting club nights and private parties at the Columbus 72 nightclub. Every Tuesday night at Columbus 72 is "Copa Night" and there is live Latin music on Fridays (2010 Calendar). The famous Barry Manilow song, "Copacabana" was written about this club; it is famous for hosting well-known entertainers and appearing in films like "Tootsie" and "Goodfellas." The Copacabana hosts a summer boat ride party featuring Latin dance music.
Columbus 72
246 Columbus Ave
New York, NY 10023-3331
(212) 787-0845
columbus72.com
La Fonda Boricua
Latin Jazz
The FB Lounge, a part of La Fonda Boricua, a Latin American restaurant, offers wonderful live Latin Jazz. Sunday through Wednesdays, Latin Jazz performers entertain at the club; Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights feature Salsa and Descarga. La Fonda Boricua also hosts private parties. The club is located in East Harlem and is a local favorite, and the Ayalas brothers, the owners/chefs, are renowned for their Puerto Rican cuisine and their catering service. This is a great place to sway your hips after a hearty Puerto Rican meal.
La Fonda Boricua
169 E 106th Street
New York, NY 10029
(212) 410-7292
fondaboricua.com
