I'm not familiar with the space as a bar or lounge space but I did have the opportunity to explore for a private conference and as a "venue hobbyist" of sorts I was interested to see the space. The entrance is a bit dodgy, you walk in and there's a few transparent cloth curtains that guests must push through and then a stairwell. If there hadn't been a women waiting at the top to literally just point us downstairs we might've turned on our heels in confusion. It's annoying though when doing events to lose a volunteer to "stair direction" duty. Once on the main floor there's a convenient little hallway to check in and a nook for coat check and all this opens on the "main room" which I have to say wasn't all that large. It could hold maybe 250-300 max standing like sardines I'd say. There's a bar against the wall which is divine but that room got so hot and stuff so quickly while the hallways stayed nice and brisk even though the doors were open between the two. Overall it's an okay space for a conference or something where people are coming in and out but other than that it's pretty much a windowless basement with white walls and hardwood floors. There's more interesting venues to be had in NYC. read more

Union Square Ballroom - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - New York, New York

Went to a NYE event here (end of 2014) which was... OK. First, let me say I had pretty low expectations. That said, I figured that a "large format" NYE event like this would include lots to complain about - Crowded bars with long waits, annoying partygoers, etc. but it wasn't bad in the end. Yes, there was always a long wait at the two bars (there were five bartenders between two bars to serve about 300+ people), but the drinks they made were extremely strong (another reviewer complained about this!?) so that made up for it, and to give the bartenders credit, they were hauling a-- all night long, so they did their best. The crowd itself was pleasant and young-ish, but no one was really a mess or too loud or obnoxious. The venue wasn't too crowded either. It seemed that 300 people was just right for the size. My sole complaints would be the sound system being pretty weak/low, and that the New Year's Eve countdown was virtually non-existent. No TVs broadcasting it, just the DJ counting down from 10!? Kinda weird! As for the venue, it's... the basement of Coffee Shop. Yeah, now you know. So it looks like a basement, feels like a basement, is weirdly maze-like and yes, I did think to myself "Oh god... Happy Land fire... This place is a death trap." The rooms are fine but any pleasant effect definitely came from the lighting and decorations. I can't see having a wedding here as the most interesting thing about each of the spaces is the bars, but to each his own. Back to the New Year's Eve event, I paid $100 for my ticket and would I go again... Yeah, probably. Take it or leave it, actually... But at least they were making the drinks (very) strong! read more

I went to a Sheik-n-Beik party here a few weeks ago. The entrance is kind of weird, it's off to the side of Union Square West & 16th streets, sort of behind Coffee Shop. You go down some stairs, and down a hallway to just an open white space. No real decoration or character to this place. It's as the name implies, a big ballroom. The sound system was okay. The bar though was way way overpriced, and kinda crappy. I was really not impressed by the drinks. The DJs were good, but I knew this party runs regularly and am on their list. Luckily they change venues often. Maybe the one positive is it's easy to get to, literally right in Union Square, and events here can run until afterhours. Other than that I wasn't so impressed. Quite overpriced. read more

Besides the showcase I went to go see with Dcor 1 year anniversary. It was amazing, but the staff was totally rude. The bar staff besides one girl she was a doll, overall it was horrible. They lost my cousins credit card and didn't help at all to find it. They even blamed him for loosing it that it was his fault he lost it, but come to find out an hour later one of the staff bar members had it. The owner stereo typed my friend in she was under age. Snatched the ID off her hand, saying how old is she. When she was well Old enough to drink. The security guards downstairs were flirtatious with the women. Very rude to the males. The space was amazing the energy with the crowd was great and the show was great but the staff and owner especially the owner was just so stereotypical , not to pleasant. read more

I attended their NYE festivities. I wish I had not... Simply put this place was awful. The staff was extremely rude, I was told there was a missing third room - that no staff member knew where it was. The bathroom attendant was the worst man I have ever seen. He was screaming in customers faces. The music was decent and the bottom shelf drinks were boozy. read more

I think for the right occasion, this is a great NYC spot to throw an event. I think for a big birthday party with a club feel, renting this place out would be a blast. I don't think I have enough friends to fill this place up, but I would hire an awesome PRO dj ;0), maybe even a couple paparazzi too! ;0) read more

I've lived in the Union Square area for 2 1/2 years and never heard of this venue until I was invited to an event there. It's quite the hidden gem. I thought it was a pretty cool venue for a benefit. One room that had a bar and dance floor and the backroom that was more lounge-y and had a bar with lots of little tables and couches. I like. I like. read more

One of those hidden spaces that make me love NY. I loved the architectural style, kinda chic industrial, warm and stylish, simply beautiful. And the ballroom itself gives you a lot of possibilities, I've seen this venue for a lot of different events and it always' been a pleasant place. No need to talk about the location (right in the heart or Manhattan close to everything, so convenient). And the lounge ? Wow, the fact it is connected to the ballroom is perfect and makes this place original and unique, really convenient too and well furnished with a fireplace!! Bartenders and staff were cool, with a large range of drinks, nothing bad to say. Truly one of these New York gems !! read more

My university's alumni chapter recently held an event here and I was really disappointed in the venue. The bathrooms were disgusting and the ballroom itself was very plain. read more

I've been here for a couple of events and it's not bad. I think the space is great for business and maybe a party if it's decorated nicely. It's in a good location and the inside itself without decorations looks pretty good. I don't know how much it costs to rent the venue but I guess if you need it for CE credit courses or a business meeting it's worth it. read more

Came here for an event and it was the first time for me at this venue. Such a great space! Spacious, clean, helpful staff.... Looking forward to coming back soon for an upcoming event read more

I organized a fundraiser at the Union Square Ballroom and had a very pleasant experience working with Jessica and her team. First of all, the space is BEAUTIFUL! It's large and open with a very upscale look. They also have a tucked away lounge that worked perfectly for our VIP lounge. Second, working with Jessica and her team was so easy. They were extremely responsive and accommodating to any request we had. She handled everything with such ease - from ordering the food to coordinating all our A/V needs. The bartenders were also great with drinks flowing all night. We already plan to use the same space next year for our yearly fundraiser! read more

On Saturday my sister and I hosted a surprise anniversary party for my parents at Union Square Ballroom. I have to say that in every area that I could rate this venue, I'd give it 5 Stars: the location, the appearance, the cost, the assistance of the catering director and manager, as well as staff, etc. It's an absolutely beautiful room, a great size for the number of guests I was anticipating (80-100), close by public transportation and parking, etc. I really can not say enough good things about this stunning venue and the top-notch staff. From beginning to end (first conversations, doing a site visit), to the very end, I could not have been more pleased. I am MORE THAN happy to speak directly with anyone who has questions about my experience; just write to me: ferguson20in2014@gmail.com. Thanks, K read more

Night went ok. Big space and bartenders were cool. At the end of the night I went to get my coat, and they had lost my coat. I waited for an hour for this incompetent staff to try and find my coat, the whole time refusing to allow me to help. I start to get very annoyed and call the manager, who ends up being just as bad. 80 minutes into this escapade the manager/bouncer finally allows me to look for the jacket...I find it within 3 minutes, hanging up with no ticket at all (no wonder these idiots couldnt find it). What really capped this off was the manager now tells me I CANT LEAVE UNLESS I TIP HIS STAFF. He actually threatens me after putting me through this crap for nearly 90 minutes. I have never been treated like this in a public place. I will never go back, and advise that no one else does! read more

I've been to several events at the Union Square Ballroom (New Years '15, Halloween, a birthday party...) and each one was more excitingly unique than the last. The aesthetic, the DJ's, staff and bartenders are always top calibre and pleasant. There's usually some pretty cool activities integrated (make-a-painting stations, photo booths, etc.) which never seemed to impede the night or the flow of the party. The events I attended were energized and wildly fun without getting out of control or overwhelming. It's a well managed space and the events are tightly planned. Highly recommended. read more

This truly is a hidden city gem of sorts, as Christine G. put it, since it's right there in your face, but you never think of going in. I was here for the JPMorganChase Pride Month networking event. It is a huge space, filled with corporate American queers, dressed up, dressed down, flirting, showing off their spouses, buying each other drinks, exchanging business cards ("networking", some of them for real and others in bed) and just having a whole lot of fun. The are two bars and two rooms, one smaller than the other but a great space all around. The smaller room is almost like the backroom (all the women were there). The bartenders are nice and efficient and the drinks aren't insanely priced, though not cheap. read more

I had my wedding at this venue and everything went smoothly from the day I met with the venue coordinator to the day of my wedding. I was more than impressed with the level of service. The great part about this space is that you can decorate it anyway your like. They provide lighting and have colors you can choose from to set the mood for your event. Another great perk, especially for a wedding, is that there is a DJ booth that is off the main floor so it maximizes your space for tables and chairs. If you are looking for a clean slate type of space this is for you! read more

This place is sexist. I paid the same amount as a man to get into the VIP section, but they said I was unable to use the unisex restroom.

I thought this was a great place to throw a party, i recently helped host an event there and everything was great, the party as fun and wonderful. But then their bouncers decided to actually start kicking out and beating up guests for no reason. Three of their security people lost it and attacked our guests and the cops had to come to stop them. As far as I know these thugs still work there. So I advise not using this venue for any reason whatsoever. read more

Attended an XO party at this venue. The guy to girl ratio was 23952329305 guys to 10 females, all asian crowd, and consisted of one particular rude photographer that snapped photos of you (blinding you with the flash) without your consent multiple times just for shits and giggles. I didn't care for the wide room, open space type of venue along with the party in general. read more

Have been there for the NYE 2014/15 and payed 130$ entry. Unfortunatelly the party wasn't good! Me and my friends didn't like the music at all, also the speakers were of bad sound quality. There was open bar starting at nine, drinks like Gin Tonic were not drinkable since they were mixed way to heavy. I mean they had nothing to do with real drinks/cocktails. The ball drop at 12 wasn't shown in the main hall, there was only a countdown by the DJ, 10 secs - that's it, nothing else. I was totally disappointed! Have been to Stone Rose 2 years ago, which was way way better!! read more

This place was an absolute disaster on New Years Eve. Not at all what I was expecting. They advertised for 3 rooms to be opened at 8pm for the VIP open bar which we paid 80$ for. When we arrived at 9:15 there was only one room open and it was so incredibly packed we couldn't move or breathe . For some reason the ticket didn't include coat check (which we had to wait on line for for a half hour) The staff was incredibly unprofessional to say the very least. The bathroom situation was horrific. They decided halfway through the night to change the bathrooms from unisex to the women's upstairs and men downstairs. This made for a ton of upset customers. People were waiting in lines for an hour to suddenly find out the bathroom was now for men only. I watched the bathroom attendant get in a woman's face and literally SHOVE her because she was trying so hard to take a pee in the bathroom she went in earlier! I'm sure it being New Years Eve added to this disaster of a night but needless to say I will not be returning. The bottom shelf drinks and sub par DJs did not make up for everything else I experienced here. read more

do not use this place for any function at all. the staff was unreliable ( although sweet). you will end up working the party yourself. the manager never got back to me as promised stay away read more

My husband and I got married at the ballroom the end of April and the entire staff, especially Elena did an outstanding job making our wedding wonderful. Elena went above and beyond coordinating the room and making the space look spectacular....all the guests were impressed by the space, food and service. The staff at the ballroom did a fantastic job making sure my husband, I and our guests had everything they needed. Nick was our DJ and was more than accommodating and a really great guy to work with. The ballroom is a great place to have a wedding reception or any big event. read more

Amazing location right in Union Square. Good for events Ive probably seen about 100 people in there.

I have attended several different types of functions at this venue and have been more than satisfied each time. You are allowed to decorate any way you like, the food and drinks were great, although I am not a big drinker. The wait staff is always very accommodating. In fact I am attending a fund raiser tomorrow evening if you care to attend. Time is 7pm until 10pm and it's for a very worthy cause. It's primarily for children whose parents are very ill as well as the parents themselves. Come and surprise your self. Great crowd of very nice young people and some older people like me, but not too many. Allows you to also do some networking. read more