The venue features high-fidelity sound with an immersive nightlife experience.
Photo credit: Refuge – Official
Opening this September, Refuge is a new audiophile dance club from John Dimatteo and Craig “Shorty” Bernabeu. Located between East Williamsburg and Bushwick, the venue is built around high-fidelity sound and a shared vision for immersive nightlife.
With decades in the dance music industry, Dimatteo and Bernabeu bring deep expertise to the project. Dimatteo has produced thousands of events across the US, while Bernabeu is known for building analog systems for venues like Nowadays and Analog BKNY.
Refuge is housed in a fully renovated 19th-century industrial building, free from residential restrictions. Its debut phase includes a 3,200-square-foot, 500-capacity club, part of a larger 16,000-square-foot complex set to expand further in 2026. Renovations were led by the founders alongside a contractor whose father built Studio 54.
At the heart of the space is the custom-built REX system — a 10-foot-tall, 4-point analog rig hand-built by Bernabeu. “Every sound system has a ‘voice’,” he says. “And ours is full, relaxed and easy on the ears, with a tremendous amount of impact.” Acoustic work was handled by Al Fierstein (Studio 54, Paradise Garage, Sound Factory), while the floated wood dancefloor and bespoke DJ booth ensure comfort and performance quality.
“We built the nightclub around the sound system, not the other way around,” says Dimatteo. Refuge emphasizes presence over performance: no bottle service, no velvet ropes, and phones are discouraged.
The programming will be curated in-house, with weekly events focused on sound and connection. Highlights include Friday nights with LadyFag, classic house Sundays, and day-to-night sessions. Gregory Homs joins as creative director, bringing a legacy from clubs like The Tunnel and Sound Factory.
“There’s one principle I follow,” adds Dimatteo. “Create a club and experience that I want to DJ at, attend, and be proud to invite my peers to.”
Sign up for more information and the first lineups here.
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