If you’re ever interested in checking out New York City’s famed underground scene, September might just be the time to do that especially with the debut of Refuge, a brand-new audiophile dance club in the heart of Brooklyn.
Brought to life by music veterans John Dimatteo and Craig ‘Shorty’ Bernabeu, Refuge is a space tucked away in a standalone industrial complex that dates back to the mid-1800s, complete with a full renovation and sound calibration that not only ensures you get an optimal listening experience, but also preserves over 200 years of history that has lived within its original brick walls and breathtaking 35-foot ceilings.
From top-to-bottom, Refuge was carefully designed to cultivate a sense of belonging through music. Housed in a space measuring a total of over 16,000 square feet, the nightclub will make its debut in September with an intimate 3,200 square-foot, 500-cap space. Future expansion phases are in the works and is expected to be introduced in early 2026.
Featuring sound at the heart of the venue, every speaker, amplifier and processor is one-of-a-kind and hand-built, and all a part of the 10-foot tall, 4-point analog REX system engineered by co-owner Craig ‘Shorty’ Bernabeu himself.
Alongside the top-notch sound design, the owners have also taken careful consideration to cater to the needs of everyone in the space. The DJ booth features custom rotary mixers, hand-built filters and a bespoke console, while the custom-made floated wood dance floor was designed to absorb impact and return energy, allowing guests to stay comfortable and dance all night long.
Priding itself as more than just a club, Refuge is a haven for creatives of all types and looks to not only feature an impressive lineup of dance music artists but also an expansive art program to foster connection over chasing mainstream trends.
