About Webster Hall

Webster Hall is a 40,000 square ft. landmark nightclub/entertainment venue located in the heart of the historic East Village. With professional bartenders, NYC's hottest DJ's, six separate lounges, the most advanced lighting system in North America, and the best stage in New York City.

It's a venue like no other and it's evident by it's striking and authentic theatrical entrance. With a street practically dedicated to Webster Hall traffic every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night; it's easy to spot the gateway to the ultimate ongoing dance party of New York City.

When you first enter Webster Hall you are swept into a grand foyer that greets you with multiple doors leading into a clubgoers paradise. With Tarot Card readers, a Pool Hall and music streaming throughout you can be sure that any way you turn will lead you into a pleasurable experience.

The Marlin Room of Webster Hall is named after the great Marlin that is visible above the main bar in the room and is a dance hall filled with Retro Beats mixed by the likes of DJ Avery. Fantastic songs of the 70s, 80s, 90s and today can be heard each evening when the doors open for business.

Throughout the hall you will find various types music for every taste. There really is something for everyone! The Hottest and Most popular DJs demonstrate their talents for partygoers of all kinds to add the necessary electric sounds that make partying at Webster an experience like no other.

The Grand Ballroom is the mother of all dance floors in New York City with a fantastic stage for special events throughout the year. Colored lights and a giant disco ball add a spectacular effect along with the trapeze artists and go go dancers who add a special touch.

History of Webster Hall

Built in 1886, designed by renowned architect Charles Rentz, Webster Hall was described as the "Jewel of the Village" by Eugene O'Neil. It was where the original bohemians, like Emma Goldman, Marcel DuChamp and Margaret Sangor, created unique costume balls to benefit nascent social and political causes.

It was not unknown to witness Emma Goldman, the outspoken exponent of Anarchist philosophy on one night herald the cause of free love and birth control, and on the next, see the refined atmosphere and grace of a society function celebrating the nuptials of two of its elite.

Based upon the bacchanals in Paris and called such names as the "Blind Man's Ball," "The Pagan Rout", and "The Futurist Ball" they created the reputation of Greenwich Village which exists today. As Floyd Dell recalled,"they were spontaneously joyous and deliberately beautiful, focusing in a mood of playfulness the passion for loveliness which was one of the things that brought us to the village." It was the birth of the modern nightclub. During prohibition, the balls moved from the social and political trends of the past to the hedonistic attitude of the "speak." Protection largess was lavished upon local politicians and the police who could turn a blind eye to the merrymakers who attended despite, or perhaps because of, whispers that the venue was owned by the infamous mobster Al Capone. Appropriately enough, prohibition's repeal was the cause for one of Webster Hall's most legendary celebrations "The Return of John Barleycorn." But the depression and new political orthodoxy ended nightlife's first golden age.

In the 50's, R.C.A. Records recognized the extraordinary acoustical integrity of the building and converted it into their East Coast recording venue, Webster Hall studios. Carol Channing recorded "Hello Dolly," Harold Prince recorded "Fiddler on the Roof" and luminaries such as Julie Andrews, Elvis Presley, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra added their presence to the panoply of stars that the venue had witnessed. On May 1st, 1980 The Ritz opened as the famous showcase venue for emerging rock acts. Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Prince, Sting, Kiss, B.B. King, and Guns n' Roses all performed on what was routinely called,"the best stage in New York City." The Ritz was the first nightclub to feature a video component, which soon set the trend across America. The Ritz relocated in 1986 giving the opportunity for Webster Hall to be born.

In 1990, the Ballinger Family from Toronto, Canada, rewrote the rulebook on New York nightlife. To become purveyors of "the ultimate party," the restored the luster of Webster Hall, fusing state of the art audio, video, and lighting technology with the spirit of the past. The original color scheme was painstakingly recreated and once again Webster Hall is the shining jewel of New York City. A facility capable of catering to an intimate gathering of 100 or hosting a cocktail party for 2,000 the Ballinger brothers proudly present Webster Hall.