New York nightlife is about to get a new heartbeat with Refuge, opening this September in Brooklyn. The 3,200-square-foot, 500-capacity venue, co-founded by nightlife veterans John Dimatteo and Craig “Shorty” Bernabeu, promises a music-first experience that raises the bar for club culture in the city. With a custom-built analog sound system, a dance floor designed for endurance, and programming curated by some of the city’s most trusted tastemakers, Refuge is setting a new standard for club culture in the region.
Sound First, Everything Else Second
At the heart of Refuge stands REX, a custom-built, 10-foot-tall, four-point analog sound system engineered by Bernabeu himself, who calls it the most ambitious work of his career. The acoustics were shaped by Al Fierstein of Acoustilog, whose past projects include Studio 54, Paradise Garage, and Sound Factory. Together, they’ve created a system with warmth, clarity, and impact. Sound that lifts the room.
“Every sound system has a voice,” says Bernabeu. “Ours is full, relaxed, and easy on the ears, with a tremendous amount of impact. Refuge fills a gap in NYC nightlife. The sound doesn’t just play music—it transforms how you feel.” Dimatteo adds, “We built the nightclub around the sound system, not the other way around. The goal was always to create a space we’d want to DJ at, attend, and be proud to share with our peers.”
A Venue With Legacy
Refuge’s home is a renovated 19th-century industrial complex with original brick walls, 3,200-square-foot space and soaring 35-foot ceilings. A venue that feels as timeless as the music it’s built for. Free from residential restrictions, the standalone building allows for the kind of long-format parties that defines New York nightlife’s era. Especially those nights that seamlessly blur into mornings.
Co-founder John Dimatteo brings the promoter’s pedigree. With over 5,000 shows across 13 U.S. markets under his belt, from producing Tiësto’s NYC runs to landmark nights at Roseland Ballroom and Webster Hall, Dimatteo knows how to build experiences that endure. “There’s one principle I follow,” he says. “Create a club and experience that I want to attend myself, and that I’m proud to invite my peers to. We want people to come on any given night because of the club and the vibe.”
Programming and Expansion
All programming at Refuge will be curated in-house, blending New York’s deep nightlife heritage with forward-thinking artistry. Highlights include Friday nights hosted by LadyFag, classic house Sundays, and day-to-night sessions. The club’s creative director, Gregory Homs, brings decades of experience from iconic venues like Sound Factory, The Tunnel, and The World. The club will emphasize connection, presence, and the kind of raw energy that made New York nightlife legendary in the first place. Phones are discouraged but not policed. The opening 3,200-square-foot club is just phase one. Refuge sits within a larger 16,000-square-foot industrial complex in Brooklyn. Expansions are planned for 2026 that will add new rooms and experiences under the same roof.
In an Instagram post, Refuge confirms its first run of events this fall dated: September 21, September 27, October 4, and October 11.
For lineups, first-look photos, and more updates, follow @Refuge.NYC or visit refuge.nyc.
