Poll of partygoers reveals 2024’s most underrated nightlife locations

Bourbon Street in New Orleans is renowned for its lively bars, jazz clubs, and iconic Mardi Gras celebrations. The Las Vegas Strip is internationally famous for its casinos, nightclubs, and extravagant shows, while millions flock each year to South Beach, Miami, to enjoy its trendy nightclubs, beachfront bars, and vibrant party scene.

But beyond these well-known party hubs, America offers countless options where partygoers can experience an exceptional nightlife scene with a more localized flavor. So where should you go? Wealth of Geeks set out to answer this question. They canvassed the opinions of 3,000 partygoers around the country, asking them to reveal what they consider are the most underrated nightlife spots in America.

America’s top 10 hidden gems for nightlife are as follows:

#1 Sawtelle Japantown, Los Angeles, California 
A unique nightlife experience awaits in Sawtelle Japantown, also known as Little Osaka. This neighborhood offers a mix of Japanese bars, ramen shops, and karaoke spots, all within a laid-back yet lively atmosphere, making it a hidden gem in Los Angeles.

#2 Cooper-Young, Memphis, Tennessee  
In Memphis, the Cooper-Young neighborhood comes alive with its diverse array of unique bars and restaurants. Railgarten, with its outdoor games and live music, and Alchemy, offering stylish craft cocktails, add to the area’s vibrant charm.

#3 Downtown Greenwood, Greenwood, South Carolina
Greenwood’s downtown is experiencing a nightlife renaissance, featuring a variety of unique bars and pubs. Howard’s on Main is a local favorite for its friendly atmosphere and live music, while Good Times Brewing provides a cozy setting with excellent drinks and food.

#4 Hamtramck, Detroit, Michigan
Hamtramck is an independent city within Detroit known for its cultural diversity and vibrant nightlife. Whiskey in the Jar is a local dive bar with a friendly atmosphere, and Bumbo’s offers creative cocktails and a cozy setting.

#5 Downtown Ames, Ames, Iowa  
A lively nightlife scene thrives in downtown Ames, with its energetic college town vibe. A variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues make it a popular spot for socializing and entertainment.

#6 East End, Charleston, West Virginia
East End in Charleston offers a cozy nightlife scene with charming bars, pubs, and eateries. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and local flavor, it’s a perfect spot for a laid-back night out.

#7 Railyard District, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe’s Railyard District is an up-and-coming area, blending bars, restaurants, and cultural venues. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great craft beers at Second Street Brewery, or the unique experience of movies, food, and drinks at Violet Crown Cinema.

#8 North Main, Greenville, South Carolina  
Greenville’s North Main Street provides a relaxed nightlife scene with various bars and eateries. The inviting atmosphere and local flavor make it ideal for a laid-back evening.

#9 Arcata Plaza, Arcata, California
The heart of Arcata’s nightlife can be found at Arcata Plaza, where a bohemian vibe blends with dive bars, craft breweries, and live music venues. 

#10 Cotton Avenue District, Macon, Georgia
Rounding up the top 10, The Cotton Avenue District in Macon offers a cozy nightlife scene with charming bars and eateries. Known for its historic ambiance and friendly atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxed night out.

The poll revealed 3 hidden gem nightlife spots in Massachusetts (national positions included):

#28 Union Square, Somerville
Union Square is an eclectic neighborhood in Somerville with a growing nightlife scene. It offers a mix of unique bars, breweries, and live music venues. The Independent is a cozy pub with great craft beers, and Bow Market features a variety of small bars and eateries in a courtyard setting.

#67 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester
Shrewsbury Street in Worcester features a lively nightlife scene with a variety of bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Known for its energetic atmosphere and diverse dining options, it’s a great spot for a night out.

#83 Northampton
Northampton is known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse nightlife. The Dirty Truth offers an excellent selection of craft beers, and Tellus & the Satellite Bar is a popular spot for drinks and live music.

• Infographic showing the top 100 underrated nightlife spots in America

“Our research shows that there are many lesser-known destinations that offer equally exciting and unique experiences for nightlife. It’s time to explore beyond the usual hotspots and discover the diverse and dynamic scenes that America has to offer,” says Michael Dinich of Wealth of Geeks.

— Wealth of Geeks