Forget the velvet ropes and overpriced cocktails for a minute.
When the reigning kings of reality television nightlife hit the town, they divide their evenings into two distinct categories: fist-pumping by the beach and dropping serious cash on Manhattan table service.
Pauly D and Vinny Guadagnino of MTV’s Jersey Shore Family Vacation have spent well over a decade navigating the world’s most chaotic club floors.
Recently, we caught up with the duo at a recent red carpet event for the season premiere, and they dropped their personal playbook for partying across the East Coast.
Here’s how the experts do it.
The anatomy of a “trashy good time”
According to Vinny Guadagnino, heading out to the Jersey Shore guarantees what he affectionately calls a “trashy good time.”
This scene is built for pure, unfiltered energy where you want to “kinda just fist pump.”
Down the shore, the coast ditches VIP sections entirely.
Instead, you post up by a crowded bar, let loose, and go crazy with your friends.
It serves as a necessary escape for anyone looking to leave their pretension at home in the city and focus purely on the music, the vibes, and having a legendary night out.
Going “boujee” in Manhattan
Staying in New York City, however, demands a completely different approach.
The five boroughs cater to nights when you want to dress up, look the part, and secure premium table service.
Vinny notes that the city provides a “little boujee-er” atmosphere, packed with exclusive venues that deliver a distinctly classier experience.
When the boys want to elevate their energy, they point partygoers to three iconic local spots:
- Zero Bond (0 Bond St, NoHo): If you want to rub shoulders with A-listers, this is Vinny’s pick for a classier night out. This hyper-exclusive, sprawling private members’ club in the heart of NoHo requires a rigorous application process (or knowing the right people) but rewards you with an unmatched, ultra-chic atmosphere.
- Soho House New York (29-35 9th Ave, Meatpacking District): Another of Vinny’s top-tier recommendations. Set over six floors of a former 1903 warehouse, this iconic members-only club is famous for its rooftop pool overlooking the Hudson and strict no-photos policy, making it the ultimate downtown sanctuary for creatives.
- Marquee New York (289 10th Ave, Chelsea): The high-energy crown jewel of the Tao Group. With its massive LED walls, giant disco balls, and world-class DJs, this Chelsea staple requires effort and wardrobe planning, acting as a sharp but welcome contrast to chaotic beach town freedom.
Pauly D’s ultimate NYC pick
If forced to choose just one spot to DJ in the city for the rest of his life, Pauly D doesn’t hesitate: he picks Marquee.
Calling the Chelsea venue a true staple of the local nightlife circuit, he firmly crowns it his favorite premium club in the five boroughs.
“It’s really dope,” he states, adding the final word on NYC nightlife. “Marquee nightclub is the place to be.”
