Top EDM Bars Or Clubs In Connecticut

The Daily Meal Staff|Aug. 7, 2014 7:00 am EST

Electronic dance music, called EDM for short, has been growing in popularity in the U.S. The genre has also been influencing the pop mainstream, with DJs producing or remixing many top hits. As great as EDM can sound on the radio, your stereo or MP3 player though, there's nothing like going to a club and hearing the music on state-of-the-art sound systems with your fellow enthusiasts. Here are the best Connecticut establishments to check out when you need to hear booming bass, hypnotic synths and wailing house divas.

Grand
15 Bank St.
Stamford, CT 06901
(203) 323-3232
www.stamfordgrand.com

Like the name implies, Stamford's Grand is large and elegant, and is home to the best house music in Fairfield County. Late in the evening, the bar becomes brightly illuminated and the volume intensifies as some of the region's best DJs (Mike Frade, Royal Vasquez, Mike Riley) show off their stuff. Grand frequently offers different drink specials and has a menu as classy as its decor. Try an appetizer like the truffle macaroni and cheese or one of its acclaimed burgers or sliders before heading to the dance floor.

Room 960
960 Main St.
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 522-9960
www.room960.com

Room 960 nightclub and lounge brings a taste of New York glamour and sophistication to the capital city. It also plays the hottest electronic music in the Hartford area, courtesy not only of regulars like DJ Lexx and Kered, but occasional guest DJs as well. It has been able to lure some big names from the dance world. Some notables who have performed sets at Room 960 include David Morales, Gabriel & Dresden, Danny Howells, Boris and Hector Romero. On Sundays, Room 960 throws some reggae and dancehall into the mix.

Afterlife
150 Crown St.
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 498-2484
www.afterlifect.com

Night owls who love EDM will want to check out New Haven's Afterlife on weekends from midnight to 6 a.m. Because of the hours, Afterlife is restricted to a juice bar, however you may bring your own alcohol (except for beer) before 1 a.m. Then dance the early morning hours away in two large basement rooms that have recently hosted DJs like Nick Paola, Ace Alvarez and Carlo Lio.

Shrine
240 Fox Tower Drive
Mashantucket, CT 06338
(860) 312-8888
www.shrinefoxwoods.com

Foxwoods' spacious, modern Shrine has won raves from magazines both local (Connecticut) and national (Nightclub & Bar). It has attracted some of the biggest up-and-coming EDM DJs and musicians – recent guests have included DJ Snake (collaborator with Lil' Jon on the 2014 smash "Turn Down For What"), TJR (who appeared on the 2012 Pitbull hit "Don't Stop the Party"), the Disco Fries and Cash Cash. DJ Costa's monthly house parties are also a hit – just watch what you wear. Shrine has a strict dress code that it enforces (hint – save your worn-out sneakers for working out).

Elevate & Alchemy
215 Crown St.
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 777-9400
www.facebook.com/AlchemyElevate

The three-story Alchemy Nightclub & Elevate Lounge is the largest in New Haven. Resident DJs Double G and Stylez not only spin current, mainstream and classic house music, but they even mix videos projected onto large screens. Alchemy Elevate sometimes hosts guest DJs as well such as Nikki Beats and Grant Ogren. You're also sure to find amazing drink specials, but you need to be sure, as they say, to "dress to impress" – there is a dress code.

Joshua Palmes is a freelance writer covering all things Connecticut. His work can be found on Examiner.com.