Something electrifying is brewing deep in Brooklyn, and if you know New York nightlife, you know the whispers always start before the doors even open. This fall, those whispers turn into a roar with the debut of Refuge, a brand-new, high-definition dance club tucked right between East Williamsburg and Bushwick. And let me tell you—this is not “just another club.” This is sound, space, and spirit working together to create something that feels more like a cultural reset than a venue launch.
At the helm are two veterans who’ve lived, breathed, and shaped this city’s sonic heartbeat: John Dimatteo and Craig “Shorty” Bernabeu. Together, they’re bringing decades of experience back to the dancefloor, and the result is Refuge—a sanctuary for those who believe music should be felt in the bones, not just heard.
The Vision: Built Around the Sound
Refuge flips the script on how a club is designed. Instead of building a space and tossing in a sound system after the fact, Dimatteo and Shorty did the opposite: they built the club around the system. Every brick, every angle, every detail was chosen to let the music breathe and thunder the way it’s meant to.
Shorty’s custom-built 10-foot-tall, 4-point analog REX system isn’t just another speaker setup—it’s his magnum opus. If you’ve ever danced at legendary spots like Nowadays or Analog BK, you already know the man is a wizard with sound. This time, he’s raised the stakes. His design promises warmth, clarity, and impact that will lift you, even if you came in dragging from the week.
Or as Shorty himself puts it: “Every system has a voice. Ours is full, relaxed, and easy on the ears, but with a punch that makes you move. Refuge fills a gap in NYC nightlife. The sound doesn’t just play music—it lifts people up.”
And John? With more than 5,000 shows across 13 U.S. markets under his belt—from producing Tiësto’s NYC takeovers to legendary nights at Roseland Ballroom and Webster Hall—he knows exactly how to craft an environment where the music and the people are the stars.
The Space: History Meets the Future
Step inside Refuge and you’ll find yourself in a piece of Brooklyn history that’s been lovingly remixed for the future. The standalone industrial complex dates back to the mid-1800s, but now those original brick walls and 35-foot ceilings have been recalibrated into a cathedral of sound.
And here’s the kicker—the general contractor who worked on Refuge? His father helped build Studio 54. That’s lineage, baby. Refuge is now part of the same DNA that gave New York one of its most iconic nightlife institutions.
The venue itself spans over 16,000 square feet, with its initial opening focused on an intimate 3,200 square-foot, 500-cap club. But this is just phase one. Expansion plans are already locked in for 2026, meaning Refuge will grow into an ever-evolving compound of music and culture.
The Experience: Presence Over Performance
What sets Refuge apart is not just the gear or the walls—it’s the ethos. Phones are discouraged, but not policed. There’s no velvet rope, no bottle-service culture, no “who’s who” checklist at the door. The dancefloor is the equalizer, and the music is the reason.
Acoustic legend Al Fierstein (Studio 54, Paradise Garage, Sound Factory) ensured every frequency is dialed in with precision. The floated wood dancefloor absorbs impact and gives it back, so you can move for hours without feeling wrecked. Even the DJ booth is custom-built with rotary mixers and bespoke consoles designed for artists who live for the craft.
And let’s talk programming: with nightlife veteran Gregory Homs guiding the creative direction, you can expect the kind of parties that don’t chase trends but set the mood. Refuge promises day parties, proper after-hours, Sundays dedicated to house classics, and a steady stream of underground legends gracing the decks.
As Dimatteo puts it: “Create a club I want to DJ at, attend, and be proud to invite my peers to. People will come not just for who’s playing, but for the Refuge experience itself.”
A New Chapter for NYC Nightlife
Refuge isn’t trying to be everything to everybody. It’s not glitz for glitz’s sake—it’s built for those who crave connection, clarity, and community through music. Think of it as both a throwback to the days when clubs were temples of sound and an evolution into something NYC desperately needs today: a place where the dancefloor itself is home.
So when the doors swing open this September at 360 Ten Eyck Street, Brooklyn, know that you’re not just stepping into another night out—you’re stepping into a movement. Refuge is here to remind New York that sound still matters, and when done right, it can change everything.
For more info: refuge.nyc / @Refuge.NYC
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