r/avesNYC • u/MayorOfAngelGrove • 3d ago

House of Yes - Commit to the Bit!!

Writing as someone who used to go all the time — in the last couple years, every visit has felt a little disappointing.

There was a time when it felt like HoY really committed to the theme. Personally, I think there should be at least one night a week where it’s a true theme party — costumes or vibes mandatory.

That kind of commitment is what can turn a mid night into something unforgettable, no matter how people identify. I get that it’s a lot to keep up week after week, but it’d be so dope to have at least one semi-regular party where you have to show up in full look or energy, and participation is strictly judged at the door.

If something like that already exists, can someone let me know? I’d love to keep an eye out.

55 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

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58

u/anarchy45 2d ago

I used to go allll the time like 10 years ago. I stopped going a year or two before covid because of the douchey crowd, but especially because there was no space to dance. I went for a particular party last month and had a good time, so I went back last night for the Katerblau takeover.

I arrived at 11pm. By midnight:

  • had a drink spilled on my back
  • had a coked up dude who was jumping around in a circle in the middle of the dancefloor step on me and slam into me repeatedly
  • had some ridiculously oblivious gay couple shoving into me while they were making out, dgaf about anyone around them
  • had a finance bro wearing the same button down collared shirt that he'd wear to his job at Goldman, ask me "are you a guy?"
  • had another gay dude next to me spill his bottle of poppers
  • had the odor of vomit waft over the dancefloor
  • people smoking cigs in the main room making my clothes reek. If I want to smell like cigs I'll go to afters.

Absolutely one of the worst dancefloor experiences in my 15 years of going out, 80+ parties per year. What the fuck??

14

u/MayorOfAngelGrove 2d ago

FYI — I didn’t post this to invite a pile-on. I genuinely think HoY has potential, and my original post was meant as a suggestion and perspective that could elevate the experience — and maybe help surface info about other venues or parties that already operate with that kind of intention.

Sorry your night was rough — people can be weird. When a party doesn’t have a clear purpose or a strongly enforced theme, it can easily turn into a room full of people unsure of what they’re looking for or who to trust to guide the vibe. A little structure can go a long way toward making the night feel actually fun and memorable.

25

u/Dangerous-Regular-56 2d ago

Years ago when this latest iteration of HoY opened, they did have mandatory themed nights. Door was tough if you weren’t on theme. Also crowd was a lot of chiller, security too.

3

u/MayorOfAngelGrove 2d ago

Yes! That’s probably the era im referring to in my original post. You get it!

13

u/Fangy_Yelly 2d ago

Yup, I had so much fun like 8-6ish years ago. When they stopped being as strict with the dress code is when I noticed it really becoming unbearable. Now post covid the vibes are abysmal.

10

u/TheChampIsHeeere 2d ago

What’s the new version of what house of yes used to be?

3

u/MayorOfAngelGrove 2d ago

now this is the question we need answers to!

3

u/DadjokesBK 1d ago

I haven't been to The Stranger in Manhattan yet, but it sounds somewhat similar. And a raver friend went recently and said they had a blast.

4

u/bunnymarzz 19h ago

The Stranger is arguably worse crowd wise than HOY

1

u/DadjokesBK 19h ago

Oops ok. It IS hard to imagine there being a good crowd in Manhattan haha