Sankeys NYC

I LOVE this place… A venue that is designed for the fans! The sound system is pretty good, the crowd who go here are there for the dancing. You want to dance, you shuffle to your hearts content here!
Never have a problem getting in; never have a problem with the staff… EVERY time I have come here I have had an amazing time.
I don’t even know where to begin with the music. The DJ’s are always on top of their game and as a huge fan of deep house and tech house, this is the best (until Space comes) dance venue in NYC.

My first experience at Sankeys was last night for the Offline party w/​Qtip.
Pros:
–Great music from Natasha Diggs & Qtip
–Busta Rhymes came through to just hang out.
–Decent Venue. I like that the dance floor surrounds the DJ booth.
Cons:
–The maze you have to go through to find coatcheck and then climb back upstairs.
— $ 17 for a kettle one/​ciroc neat is the bullshit at a venue of that caliber
–The useless staff member who points to a poortly lit coatcheck sign with an arrow leading to God knows where and barks «that what signs are for» when I asked him where the coatcheck was. … as he proceeded to go back to playing on his phone.
-$ 4 Coatcheck
–this might be party specific… but door price was $ 25…party was promoted at $ 20…no where was price hike mentioned.
— The crowd took a while to get going. That might be a function of location. That party in williamsburg was a far better/​more engaged crowd
Slim chance I’d return or recommend to a client for an event.

I have mixed feelings about this place.
On the one hand, I hate the fact that after a good night of dancing and when I exit this place, I am greeted by sunlight and Herald Square. But at 6am, there isn’t anyone in Herald Square, so should I complain?
On the other hand, when you are desperate and the previous party has finished and no one wants to go home, Sankeys works for a final destination. We got here around 4am and for some reason, we all holed up in the basement. The sound system ain’t bad, the DJs played some good beats to get the dancing feet moving, but seriously $ 6 for water. Man what the??? And the other thing, it got crazy hot in the basement. I mean, there may have been 30 people max, but why I was sweating bullets? Oh right, I was dancing up a storm, but still… The other plus is that this place is open to 8am. Yes, 8am! Only in NYC baby.
Definitely some serious dancers at 4am so NO dealing with drunk people, they have long since gone and exited. Met some serious rave dancers, smiling, handsome with sweat dripping all over their chiseled bodies. I even got my very own light show, wow that was really sweet! Nothing ever changes… sigh.
But with that said, don’t think I will be back unless we get desperate again. And like I said previously, desperate times calls for desperate measures.

Sankeys NYC took over the old District 36^th spot on 36^th street between 5^th and 6^th in midtown, and I love what they’ve done with the place. We went on a Sunday night, which for the time being is the gay-​promoted «Sunday Service» party.
Venue:
–3-​level club
–Enter street level, travel downstairs for coat check and a cool-​looking bar area.
–There is one bar on all 3 levels of the club, so if you plan on starting a tab keep that in mind.
–Main dance floor is on the 2^nd floor, with the DJ booth right in the middle
–Upper Level has a balcony looking down onto the 2^nd floor, with tables, couches, and one area that was used as a performance space
Drinks:
–Well drinks are $ 13.00
–The Sunday night we were there they offered a $ 10 Margarita special with cheap tequila and Patron Citronge (Grand Marnier was extra)
— Our bartender was awesome though
Lighting and Atmosphere:
— Super Cool
— Two lighting decks, one stationary closer to the ceiling of the balcony level, and one movable that lowers to the height of the dance floor level creating a thrill ride on the dance floor
— Lighting decks are pre-​programmed to operate as one to create the mood
— Graffiti and colored spotlights cover the lower level, with the middle of the room sometimes roped off for various performances as well
Worth it?
— The Sunday Service party has an open bar for the first hour, but they allow only a limited number of people in. I believe it’s a $ 10 cover after, but if you’re looking for a fun dance party on a Sunday night, it’s worth checking out. — Especially if you don’t have to work on Monday ;)

Sundays is Fun Days at Sankeys! All gay men and some women know where to come for some good music and crowd.
There are three floors each with it’s unique vibe. the second and third are connected, but the second is the main dance floor. The third floor has a balcony where many gay icons will make appearances throughout the night as you dance and pose.
There seems to be enough space to enjoy yourself and as drinks start flowing shirts start coming off! This is the after party to Viva (Saturdays place to be).
The drinks are a bit on the pricier side. be sure to ask for the drinks special of the night. we got margaritas for $ 10 a pop. They offer open bar for one hour but they only let so many in during that time, so do come early if you want to really take advantage of free house drinks. Also, the entrance is also free until a certain hour, but again, they only let in so many at a time, so good chance you will end up paying to get in. Once in, I believe it’s $ 4 coat check. Ughh, stupid cold weather.
So bottom line, it’s not cheap, music is good for a Sunday. Don’t go crazy though, cause tomorrow is Monday (Work day… No longer Werk Day!).

This is place you want to be if your about that underground music life. From the LED lighting grid on the main floor to the dark graffiti splashed Spektrum room. This place offers a true atmosphere and vibe that has been lacking in Manhattan for some time. Showcasing artists that may not be a household name but are brought here for a reason, to bring the business on massive sound systems through out the entire space.
If you really know, you know and if not you should find out.
Open your mind and your eyes.

Get to the Chase:
Pros:
1) Buy tickets ahead of time and arrive early and you’ll guarantee yourself entry (none of that table, dress code, guest-​list BS) …granted you’ll still need to wait in line
2) Good looks bartenders
3) Some fantastic DJ’s (especially deep house and tech house nights)
4) Tickets are reasonable $ 13-​$ 20! KEEP IT UP! Love it… please don’t ever become like Lavo or Marquee
5) Plenty of room to dance upstairs and downstairs
6) Ground floor is like a basement party; the second floor gives you more of a club vibe; and the 3^rd floor is for peepers who have money to throw away on table service and don’t like to dance
Cons:
1) Drinks are ridiculously expensive ($ 17 for 1 cocktail, $ 20+ for a thimble of whiskey)…just because we’re in Manhattan, doesn’t mean you should mug us blindly
2) Balcony on the 3^rd floor reserved for table service patrons
3) Bought tickets, arrived 11 PM (despite flyer saying open at 10 PM) and had to still wait in line for 30 minutes
6) $ 8 coat check
Overall, a great place… at the end of the day all you need is plenty of space to dance, non-​creepers, no bros comparing their egoes in cock fights, and rich b**ch girls complaining of personal space… Sankeys has it all. With so few options in NY, I’m glad here are still some places like these.

Expected long lines and a crazy crowd. But it was the total opposite. My husband and I danced the night away and the music was awesome. I recommend anyone looking for a night out dancing to check out this place. The only reason it didn’t get 5stars because the drinks are so over priced it’s crazy but other than that it was a night to remember.

Lines. Long lines.
My party? Shorter line.
Stand waiting for acknowledgement once inside. Beckys talking to each other, ignoring me. For a long time.
I guess this is free? I walk on, since I’m invisible.
I was invited here by a dj friend and wanted to hear him play and see what Midtown nightlife is all about (um, not). I kept laughing to myself because, well, it’s Midtown. For a lady who rarely travels past 14^th street (only for work!) Partying in the 30’s is something else. This was something else.
The coat check people were really nice. I checked my coat, even though at around 11pm I was the only person in the downstairs area. It was pricey, like $ 4 a coat, but they have extra precautions, like asking you for your initials to make sure you don’t get someone else’s coat.
There are tables and a bar in the downstairs area, I guess for V.I.P. but it was an early (ish) Saturday, so no one was there yet. The restrooms have valets (of course the only black people working there) which I guess is nice. The sound system was o.k. I liked how you can see the d.j. from the raised platform. I’m a little confused as to why anyone would think walking on a concrete floor, let alone dancing on it would be okay. You can’t do too much because your knees hurt. Between everyone walking up and downstairs and brushing past me the whole time or the kind of drunk jerks pretending to dance with you it’s a lot to take in.
There was PLENTY of people watching. I definitely felt my age when I was there. There were a lot of club kids with almost nothing on (read, a girl with a fishnet outfit on with a bikini underneath), Euro couples with matching outfits, bros with herringbone chains, pretty girls with high high heels, 50 year old dads staring at said girls with fishnet outfit on… the list goes on and on.
It was a weird mix and I’m not sure I’d come back here if invited. So weird. Like a dream.

I’ve only been here once thus far so I’m leaving the «official verdict» out for now. The time I came here, December 20, 2013 I had a rocking time though they were some problems I did have. Since I like to save the best for last, I’ll start off with the things that bothered me:
Cons/​That shit I don’t like (Rap Game Chief Keef):
1. The place was pretty EMPTY for a dance club the night we went. The main floor was the most filled but the basement and the top deck/​lounge area were occasionally filled but most of the time me and my friend were the only two dancing in the basement or top deck. I LOVE having space to dance but the place as TOO damn empty at times. I like energy! And the main floor was packed but hardly anyone was dancing. And the people who were dancing were only shuffling but at least they were dancing but hardly any danced!
2. There’s hardly any place to sit, which is a good idea and also pretty lame. The lame reason is because for a party rocker like myself, I go to a club with the intent to DANCE and dance ALL NIGHT. So I need a little 5 – 10 minute rest and there’s no place to sit at times.
3 A little bit too many malfunctions on the set that night. Shit happens but jeez!
4. No flash photography… Don’t ask me why.
5. Hipsters B&T crowd the night I as there (I sort of do and sort of don’t mind them).
Pros/​Things I do like:
1. Pretty big club, 3 floors. The very top floor shares the same music as the main floor and over looks the main floor and is more loungy than the other floors. The basement plays different DJ’s. Every floor has a bar, which is convenient.
2. I don’t know about anyone else but the staff were very cordial to me. The coat checkers were really friendly, the security were very respectful and always polite but stern. The guys who stand by the bathroom (forget what you call them) were very nice. When I had no more dollars to tip them, they were very understanding. Didn’t have a problem THAT night with any of the staff.
3. The DJ’s are much closer than at most other clubs in NYC, so you can always get more personal and give them a pound if you enjoy their music. They’re more interactive.
4. Diverse crowd. You got your B&T, Ravers, Hipsters, Scene people, house heads, people of all races, they’re all hear.
5.Good sound system and good house music.
6. They don’t have many seats and couches. I know I listed this as one of the bad things BUT at the same time its a good thing since it’ll motivate more people to get up and dance… Kind of…
7. THEY HAVE A FUCKING WATER FOUNTAIN!!! That’s whats up. I can’t tell how much I appreciated the water fountain, I never wanted to make love to a water fountain so badly in my life. After popping a molly and having a dance marathon, the water fountain was my saving grace.
8. Good dancing space if its not too crowded
There you go. I really enjoyed my night the time I was there but I’m also giving it a chance for now. I would like to frequent the place at least 2 more times to see where I stand with it. If you’re into deep house, tribal house, progressive house then its a spot you would like to check out. If not, then you might want to venture else where.

I attended their New Year’s Eve party and was disappointed that we shelled out $ 65 for their «top shelf open bar package,» only to wait in line for 2 hours in the cold. The bouncer said the coat check line was another 1-​hour wait, so we decided to just carry our jackets in. The first floor is pretty much just a dirty concrete floor and a small bar. Second floor is better — they have really cool ceiling lights, and their sound system is decent. They mostly play House and Top 40’s music. There are some small elevated stages for girls to dance on, a larger bar, and more lounge sofas in the corners. Bathrooms are well-​kept, but the attendant was rude. The crowd was mostly in their mid 20s to early 30s, but this place is definitely NOT a classy dance club. Lots of shameless men that will do anything to bring you home with them. Don’t bother with this place.

Got on line at 9:27 …didnt walk in until 11:15 …didnt get first drink until 11:40…thats Sankeys for you
Thank god I had cash on me, the male bartender downstairs literally said no one was getting a drink without giving a tip, even though we paid over 100 dollars for the open bar. The fact that there were also only two bartenders on the first floor made it nearly impossible to get a drink. I didnt pregame because I expected several drinks but by the end of the night I only had 4
The music was terrible too .Im a fan of Techno/​House/​EDM but for 3 hours straight, I was going insane. Not a single Top 40/​Hip Hop song was played while I was there.
One good thing was the crowd. Made a lot of new friends and met alot of cool people on the line and inside, but they too felt disappointed on their NYE decision to go to Sankeys. The layout was also pretty nice. Im not a negative person and usually like to give venues a second chance to change my opinion, but Sankeys will never get another dollar of mine.
OH and thank god I didnt bring a coat, that coat check situation looked disastrous lol ok Im done

If you have trouble finding Sankeys, just look for a big line of short guys outside waiting to get in. I swear to God I felt like I accidentally crashed a little people party. Hardly anybody in the place was more than 5 ft.tall. Most of the dudes try to make up for their height in width, so you see a lot of guys that look like they either live in the gym, love to juice, or both. Think of Pacha if you want to have an idea of Sankeys and the crowd it attracts. Pacha is a few steps up from this place, though definitely not my cup of tea either. The venue is pretty damn big, which is something I personally don’t appreciate, but to each his own. Hey, some people like that «factory» size feel.
Getting in was a bit of a hassle. I got comped, but my male friends had to pay 30 bucks each. Normally, we all walk right in without paying when we go to our usual venues. Being charged an entrance fee was red flag # 1. Don’t ask me why, but whenever we have to pay to get in, it always ends up being a crappy night.
Red flag #2 was the fact that visitors must have their purses /​bags inspected. Men are patted down by staff that is obviously looking for drugs/​weapons. To me, this automatically implies that the crowd it attracts loves to «pop that molly».
Red flag #3 literally showed up as we walked out feeling disappointed by the entire experience at the club. First, I nearly stepped into a puddle of puke. Two seconds later, a car pulls up right in front of the club. The window goes down, and a girl hangs her head out and starts dry-​heaving. All of us wait in suspense for the moment that was about to come: A surging flood of puke. We were just as much amused as well as appalled by the girl’s public display of disgraceful behavior, and walked away thinking: Oh. My. God. How classy. This place and the crowd it attracts is like a neverending, bad movie. To each his own I guess. I could never set foot in this place again, even if you paid me.
So… Bottomline:
I can only give this place ONE measly star, and only for the good sound system, the decent DJ and good deep house

There are over 200 people waiting outside for over 2 hours who bought $ 110 tickets for «open bar» that will be closed in an hour… F this place!!! Brrrr

This place was so wack. The promoter sucked. She told us to follow her and she’ll get us in with her. We paid a reduced ($ 5 less) overprice of $ 30. Overpriced for this place. I only stayed 10mins place was so bad and boring. I would have spent my time at the gay club. would have had much better time. Oh uknow. I did.
When I was trying to leave it was a mission. They dont know what they doing there! I know they just reopened recently, but get ur sh*t together. I was on the second floor. I saw «exit». When I got there the 1^st security guard said I couldnt leave from there. I had to go straight, make a left and go downstairs. When I get there I saw security #2. Asked how I can I leave. He said go left, then make a right and u can exit from there. There now I asked how do I leave. Security#3 go straight down the hall make a right. When there I see security #2 again. He said «they didnt let u leave from there? Just go up these stairs to the second floor and make a right». Wtf I told him why he didnt say that the first time and it was much shorter. I see security #4 now. THANK GOODNESS it was the way out. I finally got some air after this whole experience with this wack ass club.

Definitely better now that it’s renovated and dark. Actually feels like a club.
Will probably come back again.

Talented DJs with unique sounds, great sound system, nice bar tenders, good crowd … I’m impressed
Usually clubs in NYC are annoying but this place has a good vibe so far. With the exception of the door politics, which is a necessary evil, I would definitely come to the club again.

My friend is a promoter and hooked us up for my roommate’s bday at Sankeys. When I arrived, I realized this was the old District 36! Imagine my horror as per my previous review of D36… I HATED the place. However, it was my roommate’s birthday and my friend was promoting so I decided to keep an open mind.
The space has definitely been given a face lift. It doesn’t feel like someone’s basement dungeon anymore. Sankeys has outfitted the place with a lot of their red logos which is definitely nice. They’ve also added in some cool areas on the higher floors. Including a table in this glass enclosing.
We were taken up to the tables on the 2^nd floor and it was nice to not be in the moshpit. However… the bouncers chided us multiple times on taking pictures. Apparently they don’t let you take pictures… weird. Also the 2^nd floor bathroom is like a closet. You basically have to play some human tetris in order to fit yourself properly inside.
The music is def hardcore EDM. It wasn’t really our thing at 11:30pm so at around 12:30/1am or so, we decided to go somewhere else and come back when the DJs start. On our way out this one bouncer gave us such a hard time about the stupid exit and only one person in our party got a stamp for re-​entry. He was manhandling us like we were tryna rob the place or something. Meh. it was weird.
I’d probably come back again to try it out later on as an after party. Apparently it gets cray later on in the night… but I definitely don’t see myself being a regular here. I still see the remains of D36…

We attended the Halloween opening event with a large group of 7 people and paid at least $ 30 bucks a ticket in advance to get in. Brought Sankey’s a collective $ 210 in business at least, with 5 girls in our group.
There’s a line to get in on Halloween night — no easier access for ticketholders, fine, whatever. 6 of us get through ticketing & ID scanners without a problem. Our 7^th friend, who’s clearly in his mid-​20s, finds out his ID has trouble scanning — the bouncers kept telling him it doesn’t have a birthday. The ID clearly has a birthday on it & my friend is clearly 25. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED ANYWHERE BEFORE. EVER.
6 of us are already in. We talk to a manager, he examines the ID, still won’t let him in. Our friend politely asks if he can get a ticket refund several times — the team won’t give it to him and just is incredibly rude and tells him to keep to the side rudely & repeatedly. They say if he wants to get in, he needs to call 911 (seriously??)
Fortunately a police officer kindly verified that our friend had a VALID ID and was able to get his $ 30 entry’s worth, but at that point our night had seriously had a damper placed on it.
Best part: that line outside Sankey’s? The place was empty. Stayed empty. Music wasn’t fun. Super trancey and not danceable. Their handling of the ID situation was horrendous & they need to check their scanners or reconsider their refund policy.
Never going back. Go to Output instead.

I’m bumping this down to a 3. Everything is relative right? Well I went to Output the following weekend and must’ve forgotten how amazing it is there. I’ll update my review when I go back to Sankey’s but comparatively, does not come close. However, my boyfriend went to Sankey’s the following weekend & said the sound got much better, comparable to Output, but the crowd was so so. I think that’s somewhat expected in a Manhattan club so close to Grand Central. Still have high hopes for Sankeys… playing the waiting game for now.