Music has always been a big part of New York’s exciting
nightlife. New styles of music like rap and punk were created in
New York, and you never know if the band you’re watching will
top the charts some day. Rock aficionados will recognize the name
of some of the established venues like CBGB’s, but there are
plenty of other lesser-known places to hear some great music.
There are even places to hear good music where you won’t be
afraid to use the bathroom.
Arlene Grocery
95 Stanton St.
(212) 358-1633
Arlene’s is known for spotlighting all the up-and-coming
bands that haven’t quite made a name for themselves yet. This
can be dangerous, because some bands haven’t made it for a
reason (they’re horrible,) but hey, there’s no cover and the
people there are very nice. Located on the Lower East Side.
Bitter End
147 Bleecker St.
(212) 673-7030
www.bitterend.com
Nope, not a death metal suicide bar; it’s actually a place
frequented by Lisa Loeb, Warren Zevon, and other low-key acts. On
any given night, there’s a possibility of hearing blues,
country, rock, or jazz, so check ahead or you might end up
drinking heavily and rolling your eyes sarcastically all evening
long. The staff is charming, as is to be expected.
Brownie's
169 Ave. A;
(212) 420-8392
Hey! That new tongue ring’s just about got you talking normal
again, and you’re ready to show it off. Let’s go to Brownie’s…you’ll
fit right in. Tattoos and piercings are pretty much par for the
course in this dingy haven for angry men and women Perhaps you’ll
find that nose-spiked cutie of your dreams. Happy hunting!.
CBGB & OMFUG
315 Bowery;
(212) 982-4052
www.cbgb.com
Ah, the birthplace of American punk rock. Everybody who’s
anybody has graced CBGB's at one point or another, from the Ramones
to the Bosstones to the Deftones. Expect to see jaded bands with
weird names. Don’t use the bathroom. Long, tunnel-like and
black, CBGB's is the epitome of punk, and it’s got something to do
with the environment there.
Coney Island High
15 St. Marks Pl.;
(212) 674-7959
More like "Coney Island Die," if you ask us. Hard,
hard, music, and a disintegrating building make this place a
must-see for those fed up with puppy dogs and Christmas carols.
The staff is pleasant and cooperative and…oh, wait, wrong place.
Never mind.
Continental
25 3rd Ave.;
(212) 529-6924
CBGBs meets 90210. Don’t expect the real thing here, kids. A
college crowd looking to thrash a little without messing their
hair is basically what you’ll find.
(212) 777-1224 for
concert hot line
A large venue for major bands, this is what you’re probably
looking for. Balconies overhead and pretty damn good acoustics
make this a nice place to see the people that are a little too big
to be playing elsewhere. We have nothing but nice things to say
about the Plaza.
.
Mercury Lounge
217 E. Houston Ave.;
(212) 260-4700
www.mercuryloungenyc.com
Known for their nifty sound system and quiet atmosphere usually
reserved for music insiders. Don’t expect to pop in trashed at
4:00 in the morning. Not a half bad place, though. Staff is
pleasant here, too.
.
Rock 'n' Roll Cafe
149 Bleecker St.;
(212) 677-7630
If my dad was cool, he’d be going here. Different nights
provide different themes, like Led Zep and the Doors. If you’re
living a few years in the past or want to pretend you are, check
this place out. Air guitars are not a necessity, but you might
want to work the rust out before your journey.
.
Wetlands
161 Hudson St.;
(212) 966-4225
www.wetlands-preserve.org
Quick…cops! Hide it, hide it! This is where the hippies go.
Bands like Dave Matthews and Phish and the Spin Doctors (remember
them?) will often show up and do their folksy thing. You know, it’s
that kind of music. The environmental theme and great music make
it a particularly fun venue, high on our list (no pun intended.)
