Acme Underground
9 Great Jones Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-677-6963
6 to Bleecker Street ~ map

Arlene’s Grocery
95 Stanton Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-995-1652
F or V to 2nd Avenue ~ map

For booking inquiries, contact julia@arlenesgrocery.net.

Asterik
258 Johnson Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-349-6300
L to Montrose Avenue ~ map
By: Ben Mattison

A mecca for those with inclinations toward the raucous and the angular, this converted loft space offers an increasingly rare combination of both excellent sound and house party intimacy. Cheapish drinks are available at a pair of impromptu bars in the main area and in the basement, but BYOB is tolerated and a large backyard patio area offers sweet relief from the ubiquitous smoke and heat inside. Peerless for punk and noise in Brooklyn, bar none.

BAMCafé
30 Lafayette Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-636-4100
G to Fulton Street/23 or 45 to Nevins Street ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

BAM, one of Brooklyn’s oldest, most progressive nonprofits dedicated toward supporting the performing and cinema arts, offers free, live music every Friday and Saturday in their vibrant café. The best of New York’s R&B, funk, jazz, world and rock is showcased here, along with national and international acts. You can have dinner and coffee before moving on to beer and music for the night, either seeing a show in the Café or in one of the other rooms at BAM (including a beautiful, classic opera house). With a knack for crossing genres to create perfect combinations, BAM prides itself on booking multicultural shows involving music, dance and general visual performance. Just one example would be Akim Funk Buddha, who combined his insane talents to play a holiday show that kicked your family’s dinner in the ass. According to the BAM website, “From Indonesian monkey chanting to Balinese body popping, there’s little Akim Funk Buddha hasn’t embraced as means of revealing the true richness of hip-hop culture.”

Indonesian monkey chanting? As crazy as he sounds, he only rivals other BAM performers.

BAM has multiple buildings in two locations, along with BAMbuses that transport visitors from Manhattan to Brooklyn for free. This place is a premiere center for the arts with a serious mission to bring great music to the average person. They make it easy and cheap for us, so go enjoy.

Banjo Jim’s
700 East 9th Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-777-0869
L to 1st Avenue ~ map
By: Sam Houghton

Lying on the outskirts in the shadow of Manhattan’s commercial hustle and bustle is Banjo Jim’s, a one room Appalachia retreat. Self-proclaimed as New York’s best spot to catch a bluegrass or folk show, the small bar is also a great place to catch a small, roots jam. Earplugs probably won’t be needed, but a spittoon might be handy. There’s no stage really, only a rug and a sound-system, leaving a very homey and intimate setting. Beers are relatively cheep: $5 for good beers and $3 for a PBR, and the bartender is nice. Rarely, if ever, a cover; just a tip bucket for the band. The ambiance, with the Christmas lights and the leather couch along the back wall, give off a pleasant aura. A solid investment to get in touch with New York’s roots and get a breath of fresh air from zany music.

The Bell House
149 7th Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-643-6510
F or G to Smith and 9th Streets/M or R to 9th Street and 4th Avenue ~ map
By: John Engelmann

Clean up a 1920’s warehouse (originally used as a paper-making factory), add rustic and artsy knick-knacks, insert a thrust stage into a room as broad as most concert halls are long, and you’ve got The Bell House. The width of the main room takes some getting used to but offers advantages such as improved acoustics and a relatively clear view of the stage. The venue has the discomfiting vibe of a hut assembled from incongruous found materials, and the sheen of recent renovation lends a feeling of contrivance. Still, The Bell House is a superior option for underground acts that have outgrown the tiny bar circuit.

For booking inquiries, contact booking@thebellhouseny.com.

The Bitter End
147 Bleecker Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-673-7030
ACE or BDFV to West 4th Street ~ map
By: Allie Miller

Since 1961, Paul Cosby’s The Bitter End has been the home of many musical legends. From Bob Dylan to Billy Joel, The Bitter End is the place to go to accidentally stumble upon a legend playing a small show, or to discover a great new band. Most shows will run from $7-10 and drinks are $5 and up. If you are looking for some of the top music in New York, or just want to hang out with your friends, The Bitter End is the best spot in The Village.

For booking inquiries, contact info@thebitterend.com.

Blender Theater @ Gramercy
127 East 23rd Street ~ New York, NY
6 to 23rd Street ~ map

Black Betty
366 Metropolitan Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-599-0243
L to Lorimer Avenue ~ map

Bodega in Bushwick
1085 Broadway ~ Brooklyn, NY
JMZ to Myrtle Avenue ~ map

Due to some unfortunate architecture, we’re not sure if this place is still hosting shows or not. However, their myspace is alive and kicking and says they take booking inquiries at bigchief@chiefmag.com. Let us know if you learn anything.

Bowery Ballroom
6 Delancey Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212–260–4700
JMZ to Bowery Street ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

As it’s one of the most popular rock-n-roll venues in New York City, most people are familiar with the Bowery’s velvety décor, spacious but not overly large performance area, and pricey drinks. It’s definitely a solid standard of the scene, with nightly shows by known-but-not-too-mainstream bands like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Ra Ra Riot, and O’Death. The minimalistic yet still classy vibe is welcoming, and the downstairs lounge offers a place for hanging while the live music from upstairs is played over the speakers.

The Bowery Poetry Club and Cafe
308 Bowery Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-614-0505
FV to 2nd Avenue-Lower East Side/6 to Bleeker Street ~ map

Brooklyn Masonic Temple
317 Clemont Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY
G to Clinton-Washington Avenues ~ map

Bruar Falls
245 Grand Street ~ Brooklyn, NY
L to Bedford Avenue ~ map

Caffe Vivaldi
32 Jones Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-691-7538
ACE or BDFV to West 4th Street ~ map
By: Sam Houghton

Song writers and cool jazz musicians come to Caffe Vivaldi to bang on the classy grand piano in the corner. Ryan Adams, during his Heartbreaker days, would have fit well in front of the ivory keys here. The place is a bit small so if you’re tall, forget it. If you’re trying to watch the show, it can make for an unpleasant experience, bending your neck to catch the band shoved into the corner. Plus, waiting for the waitress to wind her way through the cluster of tables can be an unwanted experience. But it’s a good place to start the night off: a cool beer and romantic Chianti stare downs is the name of the game. Take the wife here to rekindle the old fire. It’s not too expensive, and rarely a cover.

Cameo
93 North 6th Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-302-1180
L to Bedford Avenue ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

The trendiest block in Williamsburg is now home to Cameo, a surprisingly down-to-earth, barebones art and music space. Walk through the Lovin’ Cup Café (formerly Anytime) and down a long hallway to find the space, a mid-sized room with high ceilings and enormous, colorful, abstract paintings hanging on every wall. A small bar hugs a corner in the back while the stage spans the front of the room, leaving the rest of the space for dancing. Opening only three weeks ago, Cameo has already hosted acts like Teedo and Hypernova with plans for many future shows. Their vodka and tonics are only $5, their bartenders wonderfully friendly, and the entire vibe focused on enjoying some good music. Their web presence is limited but you can find a schedule by calling the café at the number above.

Canal Room
285 West Broadway ~ New York, NY ~ 212-941-8100
1 to Canal Street/ACE to Canal Street ~ map

The Cake Shop
152 Ludlow Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-253-0036
JMZ or F to Delancey Street ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

The Cake Shop is the best café/bar/record shop/music hall in New York City. With so many different aspects, it could either feel way too crowded or spread too thin. But the Cake Shop manages to avoid the split personality complex and find a sweet balance of clutter with organization. The happy hour specials are killer (like 2-for-1!) and the vegan scones taste richer and finer than their buttery twins. A tiny record shop shares the backroom with tables and chairs, while the bar and a stage span the long, narrow basement. Everyone there shares the same groovin’ attitude, and the bands are always worth seeing. This is by far one of New York’s best.

For booking inquiries, contact andybodor@gmail.com.

The Charleston Bar and Grill
174 Bedford Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ (718) 782-8717
L to Bedford Avenue ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

A free cheese pizza pie with every drink purchase is an enticing deal, especially when the pizza tastes pretty good and the drinks are reasonably priced. But such a deal in a bar on Bedford Ave is bound to result in claustrophobia attacks, right?

Shockingly, no. The Charleston somehow never gets too crowded, despite the friendly bartenders, eclectic punk rock décor, and recently added live music. Though the layout of the venue is not prime for a good sound mix, the usually rockin’ music is a great addition to the low-key yet excited vibe.

Crash Mansion
199 Bowery Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-982-7767
JMZ to Bowery Street/JMZ to 2nd Avenue-Lower East Side ~ map

The Cutting Room
19 West 24th Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-691-1900
FV, NR or 1 to 23rd Street ~ map

Cyn Lounge
216 Bedford Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-384-0100
L to Bedford Avenue ~ map

From New York magazine’s nightlife section:

“Like a homesteader who finally landed a house on Main Street, the owner of Williamsburg's almost impossibly out-of-the way dive Rockstar Bar has set up a second joint just two blocks from the Bedford Avenue subway stop. Given the prime location, you’d think that this cozy, red-and-brown candy-striped room would teem with the young and fashionable. But Cyn, like its predecessor Rain Lounge, is a chasm in the middle of the swirling hipness that surrounds. Aside from the replacement of the former tenant's hip-hop soundtrack with an internet jukebox and DJ's spinning rock, little has changed. Amidst the dim red lighting and the modest crowds, you come here not because you want to join the see-and-be-seen carnival outside, but because you want to escape it with a $2 Pabst in the spacious back garden. – Keach Hagey”

Dead Herring
141 South 5th Street ~ Brooklyn, NY
JMZ to Marcy Avenue/L to Bedford Avenue ~ maps

Death by Audio
49 South 2nd Street ~ Brooklyn, NY
L to Bedford Avenue/JMZ to Marcy Avenue ~ map
By: Sam Houghton

Death by Audio should be a Mecca for all the DIY freaks. Hip in its grunge, it has the apparition of a raggedy, new-age catacomb, a place where financially challenged vampires might hang out. It’s in rough shape, which only adds to the punk vibe. Off the beaten path past Williamsburg amidst a sea of grey, broken windowed industrial warehouses, abutted next to the river across the water from the brooding, capitalist machine, it’s good to have a place like this one, if for the experience alone. Shows usually have a cover, but the music is frequent and the booze (as in Pabst or Brooklyn Lager or a shot of well whiskey) flows cheap. Its only flaw is a less than stellar sound system. Lets just say, the low, office-like ceiling and the small, cramped performance room were not designed by A students from MIT. Naturally, things get a little clamorous. But, if there were a punk revival, Death by Audio would be the place.

For booking inquiries, contact askdeathbyaudio@gmail.com.

The Delancey
168 Delancey Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-254-9920
JMZ or F to Essex Street-Delancey Street ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

First and foremost, the upstairs garden overlooking the Williamsburg Bridge and East River with actual trees and fountains and blooming flowers is freaking incredible. Then they have the ground level lounge and bar with cushiony seats and pillows scattered about. And further below is their stage and music hall, offering DJ dance extravaganzas, queer nights, rock-n-roll shows and even Afro Punk parties. The Delancey nicely blends the Lower East Side’s posh vibe with a gritty Brooklyn edge, but sadly maintains Manhattan prices. However, the green, soothing, serene garden is way worth any priced beer.

Desmond's Tavern
433 Park Avenue South ~ New York, NY
6 to 28th Avenue ~ map

Don Pedro’s
90 Manhattan Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY
L to Monstrose Avenue/G to Broadway ~ map
By: Ben Mattison

This Bushwick venue-via-Mexican restaurant is ground zero for the fuzzhounds and skronkmongers who frequent the nearby Crypt Records store. It has previously hosted such luminaries as King Khan & BBQ and the Black Lips, as well as local racketeers Golden Triangle. It’s a bit of a walk from public transportation, but the drinks are strong and cheap, the cover’s typically reasonable and the sound’s loud and typically soaked in reverb. Trash and glory.

Duck Duck
161 Montrose Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY
L to Montrose Avenue ~ map

Europa
98 Meserole Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-383-5723
G to Nassau Avenue ~ map

Fat Baby
112 Rivington Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-533-1888
F or JMZ to Essex Street-Delancey Street ~ map

The Fillmore at Irving Plaza
17 Irving Place ~ New York, NY ~ 212-777-6800
NQRW, 456 or L to Union Square ~ map

Freddy's Bar & Backroom
485 Dean Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-622-7035
23 to Bergen Street/45 or Q to Atlantic Street ~ map

Frank's Lounge
660 Fulton Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-625-9339
G to Fulton Street ~ map

"Veterans of Frank's Cocktail Lounge in Fort Greene were rattled when its vintage block-text front sign gave way to an all-too-tasteful burgundy awning. But their worries were premature. Oh, sure, weekends now have a $5 cover and hip-hop DJs spinning rap, R&B, house, and reggae, and trust-funders and BAM-goers mingle with the moldy zoot-suiters. But to gaze upon the stucco ceiling over the bar and mounted TVs tuned to BET is to enjoy truly authentic kitsch in a city full of pretenders. Saxophone whiz Lonnie Youngblood still occasionally plays Thursday nights. There's live jazz starting around 8pm on Sundays, and presiding over it all is Frank Perkins, who never misses a chance to throw a bash complete with a hot southern buffet and generous helpings of liquor and blues." ~ New York Magazine

Freddy's Bar and Backroom
485 Dean Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-622-7035
2/3 to Bergen Avenue ~ map

For booking inquiries, contact freddys.backroom@verizon.net.

Fontana’s
105 Eldridge Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-334-6740
BD to Grand Street/F or JMZ to Essex Street-Delancey Street ~ map

For booking inquiries, contact bandsatfontanas@yahoo.com.

Goodbye Blue Monday
1087 Broadway ~ Brooklyn, NY
JMZ to Myrtle Avenue ~ map
By: Ben Mattison

Part folksy cafe, part junk shop, (nearly) never a cover and a laid back atmosphere that borders on the catatonic. On any given night, one can expect an amalgam of touring and local acts that vary from avant-jazz to hushed indie pop to Appalachian folk. In between sets, grab a Ballantine’s bigmouth and poke around the vintage curiosa and art crawling up the walls, or saunter out to the backyard and bum a smoke from a regular.

Glasslands
289 Kent Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY
L to Bedford/JMZ to Marcy Avenue ~ map
By: Sam Houghton

Way off the beaten path, on the outer perimeters of Brooklyn on Kent Avenue, sits this Williamsburg bar and performance space. It’s a wonder, judging by the area, how they coax spenders their way, but they make it by boasting a packed music schedule. Basically everyday they put three or four bands up on the stage. Usually a cover for shows that aren’t too lofty, they throw a little bonus to their fans with their frequent drink specials. Despite it’s shady environment outside, the inside is pretty nice. Above the stage, there’s a finely crafted wooden balcony that makes for a great view of the show, also creating more space for the public. There are video screens behind the stage that adds a certain unique experience to the music. The sound system is nothing to scream about but is better than a lot of its Williamsburg contemporaries. They get all types of bands here, but the crowds attracted are usually pretty antsy to howl and party. As a result, most of the bands rock pretty heavily.

Hank's Saloon
46 Third Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY
D, M or NR to Pacific Street ~ map

"Folks, yer prayers have been answered! Here on the cusp of coldness, sniffling, misery and driving rain mixed with snow, a ray of light beams down from Honky-Tonk Heaven. Unravel the noose, put the hemlock back in the cupboard, pull yer toe out of the trigger and put yer damn dancin' shoes on! Live music, cheap drinks and NEVER a cover!" ~Hank's Website

Highline Ballroom
431 West 16th Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-414-5994
ACE or L to 8th Avenue-14 Street ~ map

Hiro Ballroom
371 West 16th Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-727-0212
ACE or L to 8th Avenue ~ map
By: Alex Lary

This place is classy! The cheapest beer is seven bucks, there’s bottle service, and a small, intimate stage. But the customer base is as expected (I recently saw RRIICCEE, Vincent Gallo's "band," if that gives any clues). Time spent here was boring and uptight, but if you like to get dressed up and stand around enjoying the scenery with a Japanese theme, this is your spot. Cheers!

Issue Project Room
232 3rd Street, 3rd Floor ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-330-0313
MR to Union Street ~ map

Joe’s Pub
425 Lafayette Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-967-7555
6 to Astor Place ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

This chic venue, located near Astor Place in the Joseph Papp Public Theater, combines a Classic Italian menu with specialty cocktails and an intimate stage hosting top notch performers. Often crowded but still relaxed, Joe’s Pub will always provide a stylish night and high caliber concerts. Despite its upscale air, the servers are chill and the audience friendly, a typical customer being a true music enthusiast. Tickets usually cost $12 and up, but the atmosphere, sound quality and music in general are far worth the price.

Kenny’s Castaways
157 Bleecker Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-979-9762
ACE or BDFV to West 4th Street ~ map

The Knitting Factory
74 Leonard Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-219-3132
1 to Franklin Street/AC to Chambers Street ~ map

Le Grand Dakar
285 Grand Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-398-8900
G to Classon Avenue ~ map

Le Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-796-0741
ACE or BDFV to West 4th Street ~ map

Le Royale
21 7th Avenue ~ New York, NY ~ 212-463-0707
ACE or 123 to Penn Station ~ map

Lit Lounge
93 2nd Avenue ~ New York, NY ~ 212-777-7987
L to 1st Avenue/6 to Astor Place ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

The cavernous, dark and narrow basement of Lit Lounge serves up punk rock, metal and heavy jams every night. Walking downstairs feels almost like spelunking, complete with the overwhelming smell of dank mold. The stage is small and intimate with a section in front of it separated from the rest of the room with long, wooden benches. The upstairs is brighter and less stinky, serving as a lounge with a full bar and less edgy vibe.

The Living Room
154 Ludlow Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-533-7235
JMZ or F to Essex Street ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

The front room of this bar, with its grungy couches, hanging curtains and warm lighting, definitely lives up to the name. Dim lamps and pillows help transform this Lower East Side club into a friend’s living room, who just so happens to have a full service bar running along the wall. Heavy, dark drapes divide this from the performance space, a larger room painted with maroon and pink and lit by red, glass lanterns. Though small, the room produces a solid sound and typically hosts average to great musicians, always with no cover. And upstairs, Googie’s Lounge offers a more relaxed vibe with quieter, smaller acts.

The Lost and Found Bar
113 Franklin Street ~ Brooklyn, NY
G to Greenpoint Avenue ~ map

The Mark Bar
1025 Manhattan Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY
G train to Greenpoint Avenue ~map

Market Hotel
1142 Myrtle Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ themarkethotel@gmail.com
JMZ to Myrtle Avenue ~ map

Matchless
557 Manhattan Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-383-5333
G to Nassau Avenue/L to Bedford Avenue ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

Across the street from McCarren Park, Matchless is a hardware store turned very happy bar. The former garage but now performance space is free and rockin’, and the gated smoker’s lounge with multiple benches and tables is open year round. It’s always fun to pass a late summer’s night smoking, drinking and watching people in the park. DJs entertain the main room, often playing soul music, classic rock, electro or all of the above. A smaller, hallway like section with booths offers more privacy while the main room houses a foosball table and mini dance floor, typically sparsely filled with around five, very energetic dancers. Tuesday nights’ two-for-one special is killer (literally), and even though weekends can get crowded, there are enough sections to disappear in for a break.

Mehanata - The Bulgarian Bar
113 Ludlow Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-625-0981
F or JMZ to Essex Street-Delancey Street ~ map
By: Liz Levine

The Lower East Side’s Mehanata Bulgarian Bar offers entertainment rooted in the sounds and cultures of Eastern Europe. Two full bars heavy on the vodka offer classy cocktails, but keep the thrifty satisfied with $2 plastic cups of red wine. If drinking is not your thing, enjoy a hookah stuffed with one of many flavored tobaccos. And if remaining clothed is not your thing, go downstairs to the bumpin’ dace floor, where a brief bout of nudity will earn you a free shot. Catch a Gypsy dance party downstairs or a set from regular DJ Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello, or enjoy the more casual performance space upstairs where local bands play on the intimate stage. Though at times dance music thumps from downstairs, the cozy top floor seating or the wraparound balcony offer a relaxed setting for all types of performers.

Mercury Lounge
217 East Houston St ~ New York, NY ~ 212–260–4700
F or V to 2nd Avenue-Lower East Side ~ map

Mexicali Live
1409 Queen Anne Road ~ Teaneck, NJ ~ 201-833-0011
NJ transit bus #167 from New York City ~ map

Monkeytown
58 North 3rd Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-384-1369
L to Bedford Avenue ~ map

Monster Island
128 River Street ~ Brooklyn, NY
L to Bedford Avenue/JMZ to Marcy Avenue ~ map

Music Hall of Williamsburg
66 North 6th Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718–486–5400
L to Bedford Avenue ~ map

The National Underground
159 E Houston Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-475-0611
FV to 2nd Avenue-Lower East Side ~ map
By: John Engelmann

If you’re looking for an intimate venue with a Western farmhouse feel and just a touch of elegance, National Underground is the place to be. Sepia-toned framed photos, model racecars, alternating plain concrete/mosaic tile floors, and patriotic decor establish a fittingly rustic setting for country-tinged musical acts with chops that are generally excellent. A dimmed alcove with cushy walls and red velvet couches provides a posh retreat from the sometimes-chilly front room. Show up at the right time and you might catch a glimpse of co-owner Gavin DeGraw.

Otto's Shrunken Head
538 East 14th Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-228-2240
L train to 1st Avenue ~ map

Pete’s Candy Store
709 Lorimer Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-302-3770
L train to Lorimer Avenue ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

Pete’s Candy Store is slightly off the beaten Bedford path, but well worth the extra subway stop and five-minute walk from Lorimer. One of Brooklyn’s best venues, Pete’s offers free rock shows in their back room every night, along with quiz nights, a reading series, a poetry series and a biweekly spelling bee. And if you’re needing a little Jesus in your life, the tattooed Jay Bakker (as in Jim and Tammy Faye’s son) hosts Revolution Church on Sundays, for those “who have given up on church” and agree that a typical Christian is “a self-righteous, judgmental bastard.” The bar itself is warm and festive, serving delicious, fresh sandwiches and specialty cocktails in addition to the typical drinks and beer (including Yeungling for cheap). Outside is a large garden that’s perfect for a summer night, with benches, Christmas lights and tall walls (open year round for the more desperate smokers). According to us here at Knocks, Pete’s Candy Store is a must.

Pianos
158 Ludlow Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-505-3733
FV to 2nd Avenue-Lower East Side ~ map

For booking inquiries, contact Zachary Waldman and Billy Jones at booking@pianosnyc.com.

Public Assembly
70 North 6th Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-384-4586
L to Bedford Avenue ~ map
By: Sam Houghton

Offset into what looks like a grungy car-dealership section of Williamsburg towers the hip Public Assembly. What used to be a classy, Zen-like pool at the entrance to the bar has sadly been changed to a hardwood floor with tall tables and bar chairs lining the walls, leaving the middle area open and spacious. This new space offers a great view of the stage yet a quieter, slightly removed environment.

The Public Assembly is large. Two big stages allows for them to host some good party scenes where any number of bands perform. Some night might be an electronic rave hosted by a DJ, while other nights you might luck out and catch six good, underground performances. Most bands that play are wild and often dark. Rumor has it that very disgusting and cruel things can happen. the crowd is usually, or always, hip and young, loud but appreciative. Prices could scare you, a little hefty for the underground scene. There are often cover charges, but still, a great place to go place for the occasional wild time.

R Bar
218 Bowery Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-334-0484
Fv to 2nd Avenue-Lower East Side/6 to Spring Street ~ map

For booking inquiries, contact leesobel@aol.com.

Rehab
25 Avenue B ~ New York, NY ~ 212-253-2595
FV to 2nd Avenue-Lower East Side ~ map

The Red Lion
151 Bleecker Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-260-9797
6 to Bleecker Street ~ map

Rock Star Bar
351 Kent Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-599-32
L to Bedford Avenue/J to Marcy Avenue ~ map

From New York Magazine’s nightlife section:

“Rocky changes the name of his bar every few years, the perky bartender will inform you. Waterfront, Splash, On the Rocks, Ship's Mast, Local and Rocky's have been just a few of the monikers adopted by this spacious dive tucked under the Williamsburg Bridge. Loyal regulars brave the desolate locale for an antidote to Bedford Avenue's self-consciously hip scene. Bright orange and yellow walls provide the backdrop for a large, octagonal black bar with a pair of ships' figureheads in the center. Aside from that, the surroundings are set-piece dive bar: a jukebox, a beat-up television, pool and air hockey tables, and a sketchy mix of chairs and couches. — Christopher Brescia”

For booking inquiries, contact Sherri at 718-599-3052.

The Rodeo Bar
375 3rd Avenue ~ New York, NY ~ 212-683-6500
6 to 28th Street ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

This honky-tonk bar and Tex-Mex restaurant specializes in live southern rock, country and bluegrass. They’re proud to be a raucous roadhouse with talented and rowdy brass bands, banjo pickers, jug drummers and yodelin’ fools. The wood walls and antler chandelier contribute to the rustic look, yet a full sized bus decorated with stickers and magazines keep the place feeling urban. Chosen by Village Voice and AOL City Guide as Best Ofs, The Rodeo Bar offers true barbecue and the “world’s best margaritas.” But beware – they have an enormous buffalo hanging above the bar.

Rose Live Music
345 Grand Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-599-0069
L to Bedford Avenue/JMZ to Marcy Avenue ~ map

Roseland Ballroom
239 West 52nd Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-247-0200
BDE to 7th Avenue ~ map

Roulette
20 Greene Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-219-8242
ACE or NQRW to Canal Street ~ map

Santos Party House
100 Lafayette Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-714-4646
NQRW, JMZ or 6 to Canal Street ~ map
By: Ben Mattison

Shake off the disturbingly club-like atmosphere if you can, sneak in a flask and take in a solid, varied roster of touring acts through a sound system that likely cost a couple hundred times your net worth. Covers run in the usual Ticketmaster range and ten bucks will get you one drink, but with The Knitting Factory shuttering its Manhattan location, SPH holds the distinction of being the only decent game south of Canal Street.

Secret Project Robot
210 Kent Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY
L to Bedford Avenue/JMZ to Marcy Avenue ~ map

Silent Barn
9-15 Wyckoff Avenue ~ Queens, NY
L to Halsey Street ~ map
By: Patrick Burns

Anything with the word “barn” harkens images of a bucolic abode in rural Pennsylvania. But don’t let the name mislead you – this place is neither silent nor barn-like. It’s an extremely loud art and music space in an industrial no man’s land. Enter the space and find yourself surrounded by colorful wall-sized murals and a cozy basement bar, a nice contrast to the grit of the surrounding neighborhood. On the upper level, the stage sits in the corner of a spacious main hall lined by worn out couches. Adding to Silent Barn’s loft-like feel is an old piano and various colorful movie-set props.

To get there, hop on the L train to Halsey Street, walk two blocks from the station and look for the unmarked door next to the salsa club. Don’t let the location – it’s listed as in Ridgewood, Queens – intimidate you. For those who are willing to brave the subway ride, Silent Barn will reward.

Solomon's Porch
307 Stuyvesant Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-919-8001
AC to Utica Avenue ~ map

Southpaw
125 5th Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-230-0236
MR to Union Street/23 to Bergern Street ~ map

Spike Hill
184-186 Bedford Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ (718) 218-9737
L to Bedford Avenue ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

In the heart of Bedford Avenue insanity, Spike Hill somehow maintains its laidback attitude with a tavern/restaurant on one side and music space on the other. Almost always no cover, Spike hosts live music every night, featuring up-and-coming local musicians as well as travelers from faraway places like Indiana and Israel and super stars like Norah Jones. The Monday night jazz series combines traditional bebop with nu-jazz, freeform and who knows what else, while the weekend nights typically offer rock-n-roll. But if you like singer songwriters, don’t worry; you can catch that on Sundays.

The limited yet delicious menu (offering Williamsburg’s finest mashed potatoes), specialty seasonal drinks, multiple whiskeys ranging from $4 to $50 a glass, and extensive beer selection make Spike Hill a perfect meet up for getting stuffed and drunk. Then throw in the funky paintings on the walls and above-mentioned music, and you’ve got a fun, well-rounded night.

For booking inquiries, contact booking@spikehill.com

Sputnik
262 Taaffee Place ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-398-6666
G to Classon Avenue ~ map

Studio B
259 Banker Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-389-1880
G to Greenpoint Avenue ~ map

Terra Blues
149 Bleecker St ~ New York, NY ~ 212-777-7776
ACE or BDFV to West 4th Street ~ map
By: Sam Houghton

Situated right smack dab in the middle of Greenwich Village, amidst all the giddy tourists snapping pictures of Bobby D’s old digs, sits one of New York’s greatest escapes into the deep roots of music. This bar is The Blues. Not John Mayor angst blues, but real, straight from the swamp, Delta Blues. Sometimes a legend like Hubert Sumlin will trek in and play a set or two, but usually, there’s some deep moaning black singer dressed in the old regalia, throwing his heart out to the crowd and wailing on his guitar until the early mornings.

Terra Blues is a tight bar, continuously, from about nine until morning, packed to the gills with smiling, glassy eyed music lovers. It’s romantic. The small, jazzy, round tables fit with candles makes for a perfect spot to impress a girl with your heartfelt, undying faith and love for music, or a boy to show him how bad ass you really are: a classy but not too classy, grungy but not too grungy, exodus for any blues lover.

Drinks are moderately priced and covers start at eight bucks.

Town Hall
123 West 43rd Street ~ New York, NY ~ 212-840-2824
123 or NQRW or 7 or S to Times Square ~ map

Trash Bar
256 Grand Street ~ Brooklyn, NY 11211 ~ 718-599-1000
L to Bedford Avenue ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

Trash Bar somewhat lives up to its name, scattering used bus and mini-van seats with weird stains and equally weird smells around the basement and performance space. But the colorful Christmas lights draped from the ceiling, vintage Amalie motor oil poster hanging behind the stage, neon signs and amazing photography framed and scattered around the walls create an eclectic, kind of crazy but kind of chilled out, overall fun atmosphere. The sound is great in the back room and the front room offers free tater tots with every drink, a pool table, TVs playing wonderfully weird music videos, and an awesome jukebox. The staff is always friendly, vibing like one big, trashy family (check out their group photos on the website). Though the drinks are pricey, the shows are usually under $10 and the happy hour specials are pretty sweet.

For booking inquiries, contact 718-326-2353.

Union Hall
702 Union Street ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-638-4400
MR to Union Street ~ map
By: Becky Firesheets

Indoor Bocce ball? Fireplaces? Overflowing bookshelves lining the walls? Great live music? $3 Modelos? Uh, I’m in heaven.

This venue, located in an exciting but not overwhelming part of Park Slope, is honestly incredible. The first floor, a huge room that extends so far back it’s funny (5,000 square feet!), boasts the above-mentioned Bocce and books along with excellent music floating from the house speakers and truly cheerful people. The basement performance space, typically $10 or less for a show, features stellar local bands and a hot P.A. system. And the cozy but totally happening vibe makes you wanna stay and never leave. You can drink, roll some balls around, hear good music, drink some more, go to the outdoor garden for a smoke, read and then curl up by the fireplace, all in one night in the same place. Most definitely heavenly.

Union Pool
484 Union Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY
L to Lorimer Avenue ~ map

For booking inquiries, contact unionpoolbooking@yahoo.com.

Warsaw
261 Driggs Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-387-0505
G to Nassau Avenue ~ map

Webster Hall
125 East 11th Street ~ New York, NY 10003 ~ 212-353-1600
L to 3rd Avenue/6 to Astor Place ~ map

The Yard
388-400 Carroll Street ~ Brooklyn, NY
F or G to Carroll Street/MR to Union Street ~ map

Zebulon
258 Wythe Avenue ~ Brooklyn, NY ~ 718-218-6934
L to Bedford Avenue/JMZ to Marcy Avenue ~ map