PAUL’S CASABLANCA IS THE NYC NIGHTCLUB WHERE IT’S OKAY TO DANCE
As you approach 305 Spring Street in Soho, there is a neon-lit, green and red sign that reads “McGovern’s Tavern,”. It is a 100-year-old New York City landmark, guarded by two international flags – one from America and one from Morocco. Walk too fast and you might miss Paul Sevigny’s newest nightlife spot, Paul’s Casablanca. The venue is formerly known to night-life veterans as Sway Lounge, where Sevigny played his first Morrisey x Smith night and established an ongoing 14-year tradition.
Enter into the nondescript building of Paul’s Casablanca and you’ll be transported into the luxe nightclub version of a Moroccan garden, keeping the same motifs as the previous tenant, telling the New York Times the only difference in the interior is “extreme cleanliness.”
There are colorful mosaic tiles creating backsplashes for the sage banquettes. Pierced glass lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Horseshoe archways and handmade leather poufs. Bartenders wearing kaftans and djeballas – traditional North African clothing. A $20 dollar cocktail served with mint, green tea and vodka called The Casablanca. And, of course, a disco ball.
Sevigny and his co-owners Brian McPeck, and Dominick D’Alleva are no strangers to the nightlife scene and have perfected the craft of throwing a party to remember. McPeck is the former frontman of the electro-punk band A.R.E. Weapon. D’Alleva is the former owner of the now-defunct Sway Lounge, known for the lowkey celeb and A-list DJ appearances. Sevigny (brother of the legendary cool girl Chloe Sevigny) is the former owner of cult West Village club Beatrice Inn, known for its impossible door, where everyone from Kate Moss to the Olsen twins, to Prince could be seen partying until about 2009. He’s also currently the owner of two LA nightclubs (Paul And Andre’s and Smoke and Mirrors) and Paul’s Cocktail Lounge at The Roxy Hotel.
Paul’s Casablanca is a bit more luxe than Beatrice Inn and a bit more party-oriented than Paul’s Cocktail Lounge. But, the common denominator is that you’ll definitely have a good time whether it’s getting sweaty and body-rolling on the dance floor, or people watching the celebrities, influencers and fashion it-girls that frequent the space. So far, the SoHo spot has been a go-to for fashion week afterparties and had a launch party hosted by Purple Magazine. On regular nights, the music sets the mood, from hip-hop Thursdays with DJs like Mark Ronson and Q-Tip to Morrissey and Smith Sundays.
Words by Tahirah Hairston
