5. Le Poisson Rouge
8.2
158 Bleecker St (btwn Sullivan & Thompson St), New York, NY
Rock Club · Greenwich Village · 165 tips and reviews
L. T.: Great venue for any kind of music! Nice side-stage views at shows if you come in late. Some all ages shows make me feel old as hell, but it's great for live music culture in the city! Very cool vibe!
Concert Ticket Agency: This has that vibe of a classic New York dance club. Great place to see a live concert as well. Clean bathrooms but the attendants can be pushy about tipping. Dress in layers...can get hot on floor!
Time Out New York: Come here for Gameshow Speakeasy, the best game night in NYC, featuring wisecracking panelists from NYC’s nightlife circuit and a famous mystery guest. Read more.
7. Mercury Lounge
8.0
217 E Houston St (btwn Ludlow & Essex St), New York, NY
Rock Club · Lower East Side · 132 tips and reviews
Concert Ticket Agency: Great intimate venue. Bands love playing here, you'll love seeing them here. Just grab your drinks on the way in and stake out your place on the floor. It's going to get crowded.
SPIN: Cults say their Mercury Lounge gig was “the scariest show we’ve ever played, we had been a full band for less than a month.” Fun fact: The Strokes & Yeah Yeah Yeahs cut their teeth here too.
IFC: The small stage, energetic crowd and top-notch indie bookings make Mercury Lounge an anomaly in New York, where indie bands regularly play to thousands. Come smell the bands you love! - IFC Staff
10. Pianos
7.3
158 Ludlow St (at Stanton St), New York, NY
Rock Club · Lower East Side · 268 tips and reviews
Calvin Multanen: Fun place to catch a live show or just dance the night away
How To Make It In America: Pianos usually runs late with their set times. That’s OK, ‘cause the food menu’s great: surprisingly good nachos with chickpeas. Read more.
Songza Music: In addition to fresh new music coming out of the main room, Piano's often has more stripped-down acts perform upstairs. Also, the burgers are pretty darn good.
13. Gramercy Theatre
8.1
127 E 23rd St (btwn Park & Lexington Ave), New York, NY
Music Venue · Rose Hill · 102 tips and reviews
Valerie S: Fun venue for concerts! Old movie-style seats in the back for those who want to enjoy the music in a less sweaty/crowded way.
Concert Ticket Agency: Medium size. Clean bathrooms. Decent acoustics. Stand and rock out or go to back for stadium style seating. Basement bar has more secluded lounge area, w/TVs & speakers so you don't miss anything.
The New Yorker: Did you use your MasterCard to purchase your New Yorker Festival tickets? Don't forget to claim your complimentary beverage.