"Underage" partying?

[Paradisiac]

Hi,

in February I'll be going for one week to New York City (which I'm most looking forward to :)). In the daytime, I will be visiting that stuff-that-tourists-visit and do some exploring (and maybe find some interesting stuff-that-tourists-should-visit, you can always suggest something).

Anyway, getting to the point, I'm 19, making me underage in America.
Therefor, I can't drink alcohol. I couldn't care less about that, since I can do all the drinking I want in my own country, and I don't mind the not-drinking, especially if it's only for a week.

What I'm more concerned about, is that when I want to party at night (which is logical), they will deny access to me/group to the bar/party, even though I'm not actually planning to drink alcohol.

My question: is this something I should be worrying about? If so, are all places like this? Anything else I should know?

Thanks in advance,

[OmegaNYC]

Almost all bars in the city (hell, in America), are going to ask for some form of ID if you're planning on coming to the bar area. If you're under 21, you can't be in the bar. It is simple as that. Some clubs/bars only let people at a certain age in (Such as 21 and over, or 25 and over) If you do find a club that serves the 18 and up crowd, expect that you will have to show some form of ID if you wander into the bar. I wouldn't worry much, as long as you stay away from the booze.

[Paradisiac]

Some clubs/bars only let people at a certain age in (Such as 21 and over, or 25 and over)

But not many, right? :)

Thanks for the answer.

[Schadenfrau]

The vast majority of bars are off-limits to anyone under 21. If they're not serving food, no one under 21 is allowed, and most bars don't serve food.

[Paradisiac]

Err, both answers are telling quite the opposite, so which is it? :)

I have no intention of drinking any alcohol whatsoever, I just want to get in and have some fun (alcoholless).

[Schadenfrau]

Actually, our answers are saying pretty much the same thing: bars in NYC don't serve the "18 to party, 21 to drink" crowd.

This list would have you believe that you've got six choices, and none of them look too great:

http://newyork.citysearch.com/yellowpages/results/New_York_NY/page1.html?flavor_id=5&cw2=34

You could always try going to a restaurant with a bar?

[Paradisiac]

Crap. :)

I guess we'll be searching at the moment for something we can get into (or build a party ourselves, heh).

Thanks for the help guys.

[Bob]

This is New York. Money talks, bs walks. If you want a brewski, you'll be able to get it. But why bother? Grab an ice-cold Boylan's Birch Beer (instead) and you'll be in great shape. Something good from our friends in Jersey.

[Stern]

There are certain clubs and bars that have 18 and over nights. Porky's and Avalon both have certain nights for this. You can also buy a fake, although don't ask where to find one here. Or you could go to a bouncer and tell him you don't have you're ID, but you would like to pay the "cover". Tell him you'll pay a "dub" ($20 in bouncer talk), alot of bouncers make extra money doing this, you'll usually get in, but it'll cost you.

[shocka]

Avalon is def 18+ on Sat night. I have a couple "underage" friends who went there tonight and got in. Just have to be cool with partying it up in a former church. And as listed in Schad's link Webster Hall is a good choice as well. I would call these 2 places mega clubs, but I have had a good time at both in the past.

[Stern]

Avalon is def 18+ on Sat night. I have a couple "underage" friends who went there tonight and got in. Just have to be cool with partying it up in a former church. And as listed in Schad's link Webster Hall is a good choice as well. I would call these 2 places mega clubs, but I have had a good time at both in the past.

I forgot what night it was. When it comes to Avalon, I remember just not to go on Thursday's (Gay night)...

[Stern]

One more word of advice about underage clubs, show up very early. They tend to fill up fast.