When that itch to bust a move sneaks up on you, there are plenty of dance spots to check out in Cleveland. Ranging from DJ’d clubs to salsa spaces and even country line dancing halls, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Rumor Bar and Lounge
1266 W. 6th St., 866-950-1919
This fancy night club, complete with live entertainment, an outdoor patio and a lavish cocktail lounge, puts you in the mood to dance. With mascots, glow sticks and even go-go dancers, Rumor Bar and Lounge spins the Top 40 hits, hip-hop and EDM Thursday through Sunday.
Photo via rumorcleveland/InstagramMagnolia Cleveland
1167 Front Ave., 216-990-2300
With a secret entrance located inside a donut shop, Magnolia Cleveland brings speakeasy charm back. The club hosts various musical acts and other special guests for anyone who knows the password, which changes monthly.
Photo courtesy of Magnolia ClevelandMedusa Restaurant and Lounge
1437 St. Clair Ave., 216-574-9828
Medusa offers up a great dance floor and a great menu, with bites like fried mac and cheese balls, for when you’ve worked up an appetite. They also have weekly specials like Taco Tuesday and Wing Wednesday. Plus, they’ve got Grecian-themed artwork to honor their name.
Photo via medusaloungecle/InstagramThirsty Cowboy
2743 Medina Rd., Medina, 330-722-5400
Every Wednesday, the Thirsty Cowboy gives line dancing lessons for no cover charge. If Wednesday doesn’t work for you, the venue also hosts live musicians most weekends to dance to, and even has a mechanical bull.
Photo via shell24_7/InstagramTwist Social Club
11633 Clifton Blvd., 216-221-2333
Cleveland’s premiere LGBT+ bar has a killer dance floor, disco ball included. Plus, they have nightly specials including: a DJ every Saturday, burgers and karaoke every Wednesday and events like their recent black-light party.
Photo via twistsocialclub/InstagramFWD Day + Nightclub
1176 Front Ave., 216-990-2300
FWD is a rarity, as this outdoor club is only open in the summer. It includes a pool and cabanas in addition to their dance floor and city views. They also offer a yacht club, for which boat parking is first come first serve.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceMahall’s
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280
Mahall’s is known for its bowling lanes and old-fashioned charm, but they also host live music acts at The Main Room, a former billiard room. Plus, they have a great pub-style menu that includes the option to purchase fried chicken by the bucket along with free popcorn.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceChamber Danceclub at Phantasy Cleveland
11802 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 866-257-6252
This gothic nightclub hosts a variety of live music acts and DJs, though all “deliciously dark” in nature. Briefly thought to be closing last summer, the club has managed to live on. Feel free to dress in your gothic best.
Photo from Scene archivesB-Side Liquor Lounge
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-1966
This Coventry-based establishment is below the Grog Shop and has a vintage feel with pinball machines and other arcade classics. They host a variety of DJs, but keep your eyes peeled for special events like “Shitshow Karoake” or KonMari Market, a chance to sell items that “no longer bring you joy.”
Photo by Emanuel WallaceMIX at CMA
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350
The Cleveland Museum of Art hosts MIX the first Friday of every month, which is great for dancing and learning new things about art while you browse around to cool down. Plus, there’s a new theme each month, and art to go with it. Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 in advance and free for members.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceThe Velvet Dog
1280 West 6th St., 216-664-1116
Located in the Warehouse District, this club includes several floors and a rooftop lounge, which is perfect for summers in Cleveland. Bottle service and private cabanas are also available on the patio.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceShooters
1148 Main Ave., 216-861-6900
Placed on the Cuyahoga River, Shooters offers beautiful views, savory seafood and live music that has visitors dancing all throughout the summer. Currently being renovated, this Florida-inspired event space is opening back up in April to offer a dance and dining experience Flats goers are certain to enjoy.
Photo via danielledimengo/InstagramDive Bar
1214 W. 6th St., 216-408-2314
Hosting a live DJ Thursday through Saturday, Dive Bar is the perfect place to boogie the night away. The night spot also hosts parties and offers a variety of TVs for game watching as well.
Photo via maryelizabeth76/InstagramAround the Corner
18616-20 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-521-4413
This funky bar is just around the corner on the border of Lakewood and Rocky River. Dance the night away to live music any weekend, or stop in for $2 tacos and 49 cent wings on any given Tuesday.
Photo via ebuchholz/InstagramVosh Nightclub
1414 Riverside Dr., 216-221-3500
Hosting a wide range of bands, like the Swing City Big Band, Vosh is a hot destination for dancing in Cleveland. With three party rooms, including a patio, this venue has a variety of cool cocktails and a menu of delicious entrees to choose from.
Photo via cnicole_xo/InstagramViva Dance Studio
1541 E. 38th St., 216-361-1338
Viva Dance Studio hosts social dance parties, but also gives lessons for all levels and various styles. Get your salsa on at one of their Sizzling Salsa Thursdays or tango tirelessly the first Friday of the month with the Alternative Milonga dance. Dance classes are also offered before each social dance party and vary in price.
Photo via vivadancecle/InstagramBarley House
1261 W. 6th St., 216-623-1700
Earning its rightful spot in the Cleveland Warehouse district, Barley House is a great spot for nightlife in Cleveland. They have an extensive menu of brews and bites, and host events, like an upcoming bar crawl on March 3.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceRestaurant Europa
30519 Pinetree Rd., Pepper Pike, 216-591-1273
Restaurant Europa is known for its Eastern-European inspired cuisine, but it also hosts a Friday “Salsa and Ceviche” in a party room. Lessons are $5 and start at 8:15 p.m., or you can dance for free starting at 9 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Restaurant EuropaBelinda’s
9613 Madison Ave., 216-647-3643
Playing salsa, merengue and even Latin rap, Belinda’s La Casa Grande is not your average night club. This dance club is in the heart of Madison Ave.
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