September 8, 2009

Bowery Ballroom New York

Besides the unbeatable indie lineup, unobstructed views, great acoustics, and a spacious standing-room setup make this divey music venue a citywide favorite. A downstairs bar means you can drink to your heart’s content while waiting for your preferred musical act to take the stage.

  Bowery, Culture, Divey, Hipster

September 8, 2009

Brooklyn Bowl New York

Rock and roll — literally — at Williamsburg’s new bowling alley/Blue Ribbon restaurant/music venue all in one. While chugging back Brooklyn-brewed beer, take note of this cool detail: The sixteen-lane behemoth is the first LEED certified bowling alley in the world.

  Brooklyn, Culture, Birthday Parties, Bowling

November 13, 2008

Cake Shop New York

Hip, ground-level coffee shop with sweet treats by day, intimate beer-fueled music scene downstairs by night.

  Downtown, Culture, Live Music, Veg Head

November 2, 2006

Nublu New York

  Downtown, Culture, Alfresco, Birthday Parties

October 19, 2006

Joe's Pub New York

There’s a good view from every seat at this intimate concert and dinner theater space. Emerging artists from cabaret, jazz, and indie scenes sweat it out for your pleasure. Fair warning: Slight subway rumblings may interrupt a much-anticipated acoustic set.

  Downtown, Culture, Artsy, Indie

September 21, 2006

Mercury Lounge New York

Super-crowded concert space for truly devoted fans of the newest acts making it in NYC. Squeeze your way to a plastic-cup-contained beverage but down it before elbowing up to the stage. Claustrophobes beware.

  Downtown, Culture, Divey, Hipster