LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

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 3^rd 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. Men, throw a little gel on the old melon and try to convince Susie Cheerleader that you used to be in Green Day, a long long time ago.

Don Hill's
511 Greenwich St.; 
(212) 334-1390

It’s in TriBeCa, so there you go. Not a bad little place, visited by bands both known and unknown. Friday nights feature something called "Squeeze Box," a wild party hosted by…drag queens. Where’s my feathered boa? The crowd and staff are just as you would expect.

Irving Plaza
17 Irving Pl.; 
(212) 777-6800 
(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.)