You walk into the Bowery Ballroom and the air smells like stale sweat, old wood, and cheap ambition. It's dark enough to hide your sins and loud enough to drown out the citys crime. ​The Bogmen took the stage like they had nothing to lose and everything to bleed out. Down on the floor, the boards were bouncing up and down beneath a hundred pairs of stomping feet, like the whole damn building was having a seizure. ​I stood back with a cold PBR tallboy in my hand, watching the band members, 20 tears later dance themselves into a stupor while the music hammered away. It's a great dark lounge for people who prefer their noise honest and their whiskey cheap. No pretense, just sweat, steel strings, and gravity doing its best to hold the room together. read more

It is an interesting experience, and I would say this spot definitely has a relaxed vibe. You can pre-order the tickets on your phone (ticketmaster). It is just standing the whole time for the concert unless you are VIP (then there will be a small table with chairs set aside for you.) When you walk in, they check your bags and make sure you are of age (need photo ID and will get a wrist band), and there was no wait when I arrived at 6:30 PM, and the show was scheduled for 7 PM. There is a spot downstairs when you walk in to rest on a couch if you need. There are drinks: wine, beer, cider. The bathrooms are decent if you have to use them. Some positives: There is a coat check for $3, and they accept credit card. There are multiple stalls in the ladies' bathroom, and there is soap! I saw non-alcoholic drinks: Poland Spring water, Monster energy drink. read more

See all

Haven't been to the Bowery Ballroom in years and years! Had the best ever experience seeing the band Sons of Legion. Acoustics were terrific, security was great, event space was clean and easily accessible by NYC public transportation. Drinks were unbelievably reasonably priced and a good pour. Just add Chardonnay please! read more

See all

I've lived in New York for 12 years, and somehow, I had never made it to the Bowery Ballroom. I've heard people rave about it for over a decade, and after finally seeing Rochelle Jordan there, I get the hype. It actually lives up to its reputation as one of the best-sounding rooms in the city. The venue is such a vibe. You walk into the ground-floor lounge, which is a great spot to grab a drink and decompress before the show, and then you head up the stairs into the main ballroom. The acoustics were flawless for Rochelle's set; her vocals were crisp, and you could feel the bass through the floor without it being muddy. Even though it's an intimate space, the high ceilings and the mezzanine give it a grander feel than your typical club. Pro Tip: If you want a bit more breathing room but still want a perfect view, the mezzanine is the place to be. But honestly, there isn't a bad "seat" (standing room only) in the house. After 12 years of hearing about it, I'm just annoyed I waited this long to go. It won't be another decade before I'm back. read more

Bowery Ballroom - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Worst concert venue ever. You go inside an hour before the doorst for the stage open and it's chaos. Two doors open at the same time (one is clearly closer to the stage) eveb though security told us that only one door would open. So unfair to people that made a regular queue. Security is also super rude!!! Do they know that they are a concert venue where actual people go to???? Seemed like they had no idea what to do. Insane organization. I would never go hete again!!! read more

ayoooo just an all around legendary venue. never fails to be a great experience and fhey always book the best talent and emerging artists passing through the city on tour. come here for great musoc and great times read more

The reason why I gave 4 stars and not five is because of the coat check situation. The venue itself is small enough that even in the back, you feel close to the stage. There are multiple bars and security is quick. The coat check line was not organized and took 30-40 minutes. Then the coat check was at capacity a few coats after we checked ours. There needs to be 2+ worker in the room and/or set up a second station outside with a roller rack to help move the line. Roller racks can be stores somewhere backstage if needed. They need to increase the capacity because this is NYC in the WINTER. They cannot expect concert goers to not wear coats because that is not safe. Picking up coats also took a while. They checked both of our coats, but only gave us one tag, but was able to quickly resolve the problem. read more

Can't believe this is my first time here! Went to see Christian Kuria on a Friday night. Decent sized venue so you can see from anywhere, 2 bars available though I didn't drink. Bouncers were fine, didn't experience anything getting in-- maybe it's because they have a metal detector? They didn't pat me down or check my bag. When you enter, you go downstairs and wait in this sexy ish lounge with couches and mirrors and bathrooms. Then after a while you are let upstairs to the stage area. They also have a balcony that looks to be first come first serve with high tables and chairs. I so so so appreciate that the show started promptly! read more

Visit Date: April 18, 2023 I went to the Bowery Ballroom with a good friend of mine to see the smiths tribute NYC. I might have been here many years ago to see Korn but I'm not sure. My family thankfully watched my son because I have him on a Tuesday night but I'm a little crazy about the Smiths. My friend and I saw one Smiths tribute band before at Gs or The Avenue in West Hempstead but the sound system was a little wonky at the time so I can't really say how good of a tribute band they actually were. When you enter the ballroom they have you go downstairs first. There's a bar and some bathrooms, some couches and chairs to lounge on. After that you can go upstairs to where the show is. They have a balcony but they had it closed for the smiths tribute band. The balcony is the only way you can sit in a seat to watch the show otherwise you are standing in the GA area. The stage is up a little bit higher at least for me it is because I'm a shorty but you still get decent viewing. I stood up front with my friend way up front because we went upstairs early and for me you're not living life unless you're as close as you can be. I got decent photos of the musicians and an interesting video to post on my youtube channel. This place also gives you free water so I have to shout out to them for that because a lot of places want you to pay $5 for a bottle. They sold earplugs for cheap which was good too because I have a loop pair of ear plugs I bought for concerts and of course whenever I go into a venue my loop ear plugs are in my bigger bag and that's usually in my car. Maybe I should just leave them in my smaller bag that I take in with me for shows. I like the bowery ballroom it's a great place to see a show. read more

See all

I went to see A. Savage with opening act Sluice at Bowery tonight. It's been quite a while since I last saw a show here (2015 for Wire). Fortunately the venue is just as I remembered and noted in my previous Yelp review. Great show and a good time in the Lower East Side! read more

See all

I got in through a guy I was meeting for the first time who'd come on quite intensely. I'd never been here though heard a lot about it. Choices are very limited if you don't drink but you can go into any bathroom you please despite the signage for genders. I think in response to trans women going to ladies rooms, ladies have decided it's time to go to the men's room instead of standing in endless lines to get into the ladies room. The guy I was with wasn't so keen on that but what's good for the goose, right? It gets loud and was a packed house but what I saw of the show was fun. read more

When you want to rock and roll all night in Soho this is the venue. Historical building, three bars, standing room only on main floor with some first come first serve seating on balconies. Attracts talented bands and sells out a lot as it only accommodates a few hundred rockers. Due to the cost, it's not cheap, lots of 40 and 50 somethings. I like that they take cash at the door so you can take your chances like I did as I was walking past after dinner and jumped in to catch a show. read more

See all

Recently attended my first concert here with a group of friends, Bad Nerves and Wine Lips. We had a great experience getting in and out, as well as ordering drinks, despite it being super busy and crowded. I was impressed by the space and the sound, two of the most important elements in a venue. Hope to return for another show soon! read more

Went here for a concert, starting, ticket said, at 8. We were directed to go into a basement bar, where we bought overpriced beers. Then found out the concert didn't start until 9:30. WTF. Okay, I get you want to sell more beers, also charged $3 to check my coat. Then, around 9, we were let upstairs. The stage looked like an old vaudeville theater. You stand on the floor, and as the time got closer, people were packed in like sardines. (Disabled folks who can't stand for a 1.5 hour show can email ahead for a chair). If you are short, too bad. You will be blocked by taller peeps. Bars on 2 levels. Good luck carrying drinks back to your spot. Some tables on the balcony were reserved, that's the best place to see the show unobstructed. Guessing it's more $$$. Met some fun folk while waiting, but overall a crappy place to see a show. read more

My complaint is for the security. They are extremely aggressive, especially this woman who came in like crazy yelling at us to stop smoking. we got tired of explaining that it wasn't us rude lack of education read more

Bowery Ballroom - This lady unprofessional so rude . Grosera falta de profesionalismo . Asegúrate a quien le reclamas . Nos dañaste la noche . - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

Show was shown in all platforms 230-4pm. Show did not start until 4 and we drive 4 hours to get here.

Came to see a show tonight and Tickets said to get there at 8 PM ( not doors opening ) and find that opening act doesn't go on till 9 PM. And Main act at 10 PM once you go in you're not allowed to leave. The coach check only takes cash and there's no cash machine - tons of people were pissed off feeling that it's a way to just get people in to buy drinks for two hours, but bartenders had a bad attitude all in all not a great place to see a show read more

Was fortunate to see Livingston on his premier tour at the Bowery Ballroom last night. Great performance, good light show and Livingston has perfect pitch. The most diverse crowd--all ages, races, religions, ethnicity--so enjoyable to be at a very cool, peaceful venue with great bartenders, club workers, and clientele. And yeah, Livingston rocked the joint! read more

Went to a show at Bowery Ballroom on Saturday night. The excellent performance was helped by the supportive venue. I would not hesitate to come to another show here. Quality: Saw a fun performance at Bowery Ballroom. Enjoyed a drink in the bottom floor bar before making my way to the main level. Plenty of space for the crowd, allowing for comfortable dancing and good views of the stage. Quantity: Excellent layout for crowd size. Value: Tickets Vary by Performance. Ambiance: Bowery Ballroom is a music venue in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. With three floors, including a bottom bar space, it feels both spacious and intimate. Great views throughout and excellent sound system. They also pump the upstairs music out of speakers downstairs. Excellent spot to see a lesser known artist. Crowd: Perfect size for the venue, intimate performance. Service: Quick entry and easy to grab drinks. Parking: Limited street parking area. read more

If you're into jamming to some smaller bands and musicians then you've probably found yourself all over NYC in a various assortment of venues. Not all offer the same experience and some can just be claustrophobic (I'm talking to you, Irving). A tinier location totally worthy of the trip downtown? Bowery Ballroom. Let's get to rockin'. My second time here came a couple weekends ago along with my girlfriend. We were here the first time for one of my favorite little indie bands and this second go around was for one of hers. She said it first in how much she enjoyed Bowery's set up, and when I stopped to mull it over, she was right! (A win for the GF is always a plus). There were definitely more people waiting to enter this time around, though once inside BB, things spaced out nicely. Let me just be sure to explain that the Bowery isn't going to win any award for size or space, but the way the place is laid out just works so well for a smaller venue. You'll start by heading down into the comfy lounge area. Here there are plenty of tables to sit and chill, a bar to grab a drink (come early and you'll hit happy hour), and a coat check with a clever sign reminder (see pic). This area is something truly not found at many venues, at least not to a regular ticket holder. Once the doors are opened for the stage floor, you can keep on lounging or head on upstairs to check out your soon-to-be concert experience. With multiple entry points, this not so large area keeps traffic at a minimum with fabulous flow of peeps. You'll find a tiny bar in the back of the space and some stairs on both sides with minimal table seating overlooking the stage. It's got a classy, casual, and comfortable feel going on. When the show finally starts, the venue explodes in light and sound while still keeping things pretty darn intimate. I never felt like a sardine, and was able to get some pretty stellar pics and vids throughout. After the final note is played, a getaway is simple (gotta love those multiple stairways!). Not to be forgotten is the staff. They're kind and friendly from start to finish (a nice touch at a musical spot) and truly helps to cap off a joyous night of Bowery-ness. Overall, Bowery Ballroom might not be spatially bigger than many venues, but their set up, personable staff, and ability to carry out a memorable experience, makes this a spot I'll be returning to with excitement any time I have a reason. Rock on, Bowery! read more

See all

I'm in love with this venue! A friend pulled some strings and got us VIP tix to Marina & the Diamonds for the first show on her new tour. Even if you're not in the VIP section, though, the venue is so intimate that there really isn't a bad place to stand. Unless you want to be way up front, I would actually recommend skipping the wait in line outside -- it's a pretty creepy sidewalk/construction area -- and arrive closer to the start time. The staff is very nice, and the acoustics are good. I'd love to return for another show sometime! read more

Bowery Ballroom - Marina & the Diamonds (view from VIP balcony) - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

Had a great experience here watching San Fermin on December 19. What a great place to see a show. Love the layout and feel of this place. $6-7 for beer. Excellent venue! read more

See all

Came here for One Direction night with my friends a few weeks ago. The music and DJ and everything about it were so much fun, I really hope they have another one soon... made me so happy! I danced so hard my purse broke and I lost my voice! Had a few problems with this place though ... Upon getting out of our cab, the bouncer must have known we were going to Bowery because before all of us were even out, he yelled at my friend to throw out her water bottle saying "YOU CAN'T BRING THAT IN HERE" really aggressively. I get that he was just trying to do his job, but we hadn't even all gotten out of the cab yet, there was a trash can RIGHT next to her on the sidewalk, and she was walking over to it when he yelled at her...maybe next time wait before jumping to conclusions. My friend is also overly friendly and loves to ask bouncers their names when she goes to bars (idk it's her thing) and she politely said hello to him, and asked his name. He glared at her and said "I don't do that." ok buddy, relax a little. There's a bunch of 20 year old girls coming for One Direction night ... it is NOT that serious. Super rude... My other issue was the lack of bartenders at this place. There was ONE woman taking care of all of the drinks in the actual venue space. She was overworked and overwhelmed and getting completely under tipped (not management's problem, but the least they could have done is gotten this girl some help.) booking oNE person to work the bar on a night that's sold out? Seems like a terrible idea. It took her forever to tend to everyone, and I watched a few people walk away and decide to just not even get a drink because of how absurd it was. Bowery lost out on a good chunk of money but not having another person with her that day. My friends and I felt horrible, tipped her really well and she was thankful, but she told us how upset she was that night and I honestly don't blame her. Would definitely come back ... but only for another one direction night. read more

Some suggestions if it's your 1st time. Wear comfortable shoes. Arrive early. They have a coat check Drinks are overpriced;12. for vodka and cranberry in an 8oz cup. Wear comfortable clothing (dress down) Be prepared to be packed in like sardines. Ladies, leave you big pocket books at home-wear a crossbody bag. Unless you are in the front or are over 6ft 2in be prepared to dodge and weave through everyone's cell phone to see. You enter and go downstairs to the bar early if you arrive early and then closer to showtime you are ushered up 2 flights of stairs to the venue where there is another bar. Not sure how much the upstairs VIP cost but well worth it if you want to sit, be comfortable, eat, drink and enjoy the show. We saw H.E.R..good live performance. read more

I was very confused walking into Bowery Ballroom. We went downstairs to the bar area, thinking it was where the stage was. We had heard that the place is very small, and there was a large curtain in the back of the room, where people seemed to be clumping. We turned out to be wrong. The stage is on the street level, and this is a sort of holding area. It was a little strange, but it all made sense when they opened the doors to the main floor. The place is set up very much like Irving Plaza, but half the size. The sound system was a little screwy when we were there, for Neon Trees. Blame the venue or blame the band's mic guy (as Tyler Glenn Did), but the bass was too loud so the guitars weren't coming through. The mic also was in and out for a few songs, which was disappointing. Overall a very cool venue that hopefully was just having an off-night sound-wise. read more

Loved it here! I go to concerts fairly often, so it's hard to believe that I only visited for the first time recently. In any case, I'm already planning my next trip back. The best part about Bowery is the layout. It's definitely not a super teeny venue, but it's not nearly as large as most other NYC venues which makes for an intimate concert experience. You can get a good view of the stage from any part of the pit, even if you are far back. And if you aren't feeling the pit you can always head to the second level and chill on one of the side balconies. Both levels have bars too. They book some pretty big names that you wouldn't expect to see in a venue this size. But because of that, tickets do tend to sell out. I'd suggest signing up for their mailing list, or going straight to the box office to snag tickets. Getting to and from the venue is a breeze because it's right outside of the path. And because the venue is fairly small you won't have to wait too long for the bathroom or the bar. I'd venture back to Bowery Ballroom without hesitation if a band I like was on the schedule! read more

It's been years since I would trek into the city for show after show, month after month, but the memories I've got like it was just yesterday. From the knitting factory and the smaller mercury lounge, the Bowery was just one of those great bigger but somehow intimate spots to see a show. All the mosh pits and crowd surfing, blood and sweat this place has seen. You can feel it when you walk downstairs. All the alcohol and cocaine too... Anyway, the Bowery is an awesome venue. The end read more

Great place for a show for being my first time I went there to see The Pretty Reckless I enjoyed the show the staff were very friendly and professional read more

Bowery Ballroom - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Came to see one of my favorite bands, Honne, on a Friday night. I consider myself somewhat of a concert junkie, especially as of late, and this was actually my first time at Bowery Ballroom. When you enter, they check your ID, and you're led downstairs to the middle area with a horseshoe-shaped fully-stocked bar, with the actual concert hall, up the opposite staircase. The openers were playing in the hall upstairs, and we decided to get some drinks before going upstairs. Drinks at the bar were about $7, which ain't too bad, but to get people to stay after shows, they hold a happy hour, where all drinks are $2 off. Not a bad idea to keep people there, although by the end of the show, we were actually already properly in the right state of inebriation. The downstairs bar accepts credit cards, but the bar upstairs only accepts cash. $20 credit card minimum, so I recommend having one person buy the drinks, and then use Venmo. Service at the bar was pretty decent, and as previously mentioned, we managed to get a bunch of good drinks before Honne went on at 10pm. Acoustics were great, and Honne, per usual, killed it. The lighting is nice, and while there were a lot of people packed into the concert hall, it never felt overly crowded. You're always going to get the drunk patrons who kick and move around too much, but we thankfully managed to avoid them for the most part. Restrooms weren't too crowded after the show, which was very surprising to me. Would definitely see a show here again. They have some really good up-and-coming artists in their lineups, and the prices for tickets aren't too bad. Was really mad that I didn't know Bag Raiders was playing there the next night, so I'll actually have to follow their upcoming show listings. read more

Bowery Ballroom - Honne 3/11/16 - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

My friends and I had been planning to see Bruno Mars for his debut NYC performance for about a month now. Super excited after a pretty yummy dinner at nearby El Nuevo Amanecer, Julie, Danny, Maria and I slipped into Bowery Ballroom around 9:30. Bruno had already gone on at that time, singing "Billionaire" as we found our way to a spot right of the stage. The whole crowd was singing along to Mars' melodically sweet voice. Not a word was missed by any of us even with intermittent screams. Bruno graced the crowd with his many musical talents showing us his ability to master many genres from rock, to pop and even smooth Hawaiian beats. They even broke out a ukulele all while rocking a 50's style Elvis-esque mantra (think the band scene in Back to the Future with Michael J. Fox). The crowd screaming, girls wooing, Mars led into "Just the Way You Are" right after "Nothing On You" toward the end of his set. While watching Bruno preform "Just the way You Are", my boyfriend leaned over and whispered in my ear "girl you're amazing, just the way you are". This was one of the most romantic moments of my life. That coupled with Bruno's amazing music; I've never heard an artist that can transcend so many genre's of music so flawlessly, this was the best performance I've seen all year. After he ended, and we all screamed for an encore, Bruno and his band came back out giving the crowd just a taste more of his music with a cover of MJ's Dirty Diana. I've never seen someone master a guitar like that. He truly made it sing. To me even better than Mr. Mayer himself (and I have the utmost respect for him as a musician). Overall, this is my favorite place to catch live music. So intimate, amazing sound and great crowds. Bruno Mars I love you. Bowery Ballroom, I love you even more. read more

The Bowery Ballroom is in a unique place in NYC . Lower East side has incredible old word NEW YORK CITY history . The tenement museum is two blocks away and acts like a living history of what it was like a generation and two ago. Bowery St is also famous for CBGB that was also two block away . Why the history lesson ? Most of this rich history is almost gone and the Bowery Ballroom preserves it alive and well post covid . Bowery Ballroom is ICONIC and a must for anyone that wonders what an intimate organic music venue in NYC is like . The acoustics are great , no matter your spot the stage and sound are captivating. Fantastic bar and service . Security is real and aware. Great place to see live music and have a drinks with Adults . Bowery Ballroom is a must visit !!!!! POST COVID REVIEW TIME TO LIVE AGAIN 2022 read more

It's pretty rare to see a music venue get such a great review average, mostly due to the fact that if you're in one, you're likely to be in crowds, around drunk annoying people, possibly mean bouncers, and you probably paid a lot of money. Somehow Bowery Ballroom managed to remove all of the usual annoyances of seeing live music! The space is really well kept and beautiful in parts - I loved the big window behind the upstairs balcony bar. Very classy! It wasn't super easy to get a drink at the downstairs bar and it did get pretty warm and stuffy in there at times, but it was much better in the main room. The show I saw was well populated but the main room never felt annoyingly crowded. The sound was great and it was easy to see the stage, even for a shortie like me. Between set the band members all hung out casually in the stairwell near the merch or in the downstairs bar area. The whole night was really casual, unpretentious, and approachable even for someone who has never been there before! To top off a great show and a good night, I was thrilled to be able to stumble directly into the subway station right outside the door and zoom home easily. I'll absolutely come back to Bowery Ballroom next time a band I like is playing! read more

Bowery Ballroom - Bar upstairs - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

One of if not the premier venues for live music in NYC. Intimate space, fantastic acoustics. So many fantastic shows here throughout the years. Patti Smith did a run here of New Years Eve shows that lasted about 14 years that I attended most of. Staff is always helpful and friendly. Easy entry, organized bar and coat check area, a great place to see a show read more

Man, I have not been here in ages and forgot how great a spot the Bowery Ballroom is to see a show. We were here a few nights ago to see Bob Saget. It's an intimate venue with good sound and great sightlines from the main floor or upper balcony area. Nice views no matter where you are, but I preferred the balcony as it wasn't overcrowded and offered a different perspective. A bit strange setup as you have to walk downstairs first to a basement bar area. Then walk back upstairs to the main event room. Bar area behind the main floor and then another small bar up on the balcony. For musical acts there is just standing room and for acts like Bob's they set up chair seating on the floor, but it's kind of first come first serve. Overall, for a concert/performance venue it's pretty bright and clean. Totally worth coming here for a small show, and a chance to see many up and comers before they hit it big. A few in our group purchased some beers and for the cost ($6-$8) it was served in a pretty large cup. Not too shabby. Also seems like they don't oversell this venue to keep crowd control manageable. Definitely worth checking out a show here! read more

I came to see Kylie Minogue in June. Someone needs to write a review of how disgusting this venue and its staff are. This is not a review of her wonderful performance that dazzled us all. I repeat - this is not a review of the actual concert, which was a blessing to attend. I have never seen such apathetic, inattentive staff in all my years of concertgoing. There were different tiers of ticket holders coming in to see the GA show - Standard, VIP Early Entry and VIP Meet and Greet. There was one staff member on premises outside and he didn't act to help the queuing audience organize and keep order - he stood there with dejected body language, barked at everyone and contributed to the mayhem and disorder that ensued when suddenly the doors were open and the lines hadn't been organized properly. "You had ONE job..." Might I add that everyone who attended spent hundreds of dollars on this concert. To be a VIP you had to pay quite a bit more. (We were Early Entry VIP.) All of a sudden people who had shown up late or who hadn't paid for VIP were allowed to push past us. I could practically feel my money as it seemed to be going down the drain all because the staff here REFUSED to do any work. They allowed the crowd to behave like jackals, and half of it did just that. It dampens the human spirit, plain and simple, and it affected the magic of the concert. Even the people who handled the merchandise (included with the ticket package) were disorganized and slow in figuring out what to give and to whom. I wanted to scream. While you figure out what your job is, another hundred people will rush past me. Fortunately I held on to my friend's hand tightly and we made it to second row on the side and had a lovely view for the show with (mostly) decent concert neighbors. Kylie looked like Tinkerbell, but she is really our Fairy Godmother, and she did not disappoint. Her vocals and showmanship were at their very best. Only she could ever entice me back here to contend with a venue that deems it acceptable to hire staff that is uniformly neglectful and incompetent and entrust them with facilitating an entertainment experience for high-paying customers. City Winery, Joe's Pub, Webster Hall and even Irving Plaza are far better places to see a show. You'll certainly experience much more professionalism than you will at Bowery Ballroom. read more

Oh Bowery Ballroom...say what you will about Bowery Presents as a company...but Bowery Ballroom, let me count the ways {3. This is hands down (one of!) my absolutely favorite places to catch a show in NYC. I've been coming here since about 2004 (since I could get in, #eyeroll) and have caught so many amazing solo artists and bands here. I've done many CMJ showcases, The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Mando Diao, The Bravery (laugh, but album #1 was SICK!), Lily Allen, Fleet Foxes, MNDR, Sky Feirera, Arctic Monkeys, Transit, Art Brut, Ra Ra Riot, She Wants Revenge, Electric Six, Julian Plenti, Cold War Kids, The Rakes (RIP!!!), Nada Surf (YES, THAT Nada Surf! "I'm pop-u-larrrrrrrr"), Delta Spirit, Interpol...the list could seriously go on past the Mayan calendar expiration date. For most of the gigs I've attended here in my earlier concert-going days I spent it dancing up a storm or swaying with emotion in the very first row...that's right, front and center. I danced here one night during a Rakes show (or Art Brut, I honestly forget) with Adrian Grenier from Entourage as a girl I made friendsies with (since I was alone) gawked and made pretend fainting/choking maenuervers. I didn't know who he was because I'm not much of a TV person, however I did know that he had very nice locks and very pretty eyes...he totally knew that I didn't know who the hell he was and he loved every second of it...anywhoo, I'm sure other celebs have also frequented this place...but whatevs. As I've been getting older (ie. less tolerant of annoying hipsters who refuse to dance and less tolerant of loud speakers with ocassional annoying feedback) I've been enjoying shows as of late from their balcony. Still first row on the balcony level as I am 5ft tall and I like to not only hear what I made $$$ for but also *see*. The view from above it fantastic, the vibe is much different and actually better (unless it's someone I'm obsessed with and/or it's bound to become a crazy dance party or quiet intimate acoustic type gig...cuz then I will still hit up the front and center section right by the stage). Bouncers here are also cool as sh!t and they don't take sh!t from hipster douches. Act like a self-entitiled trust fund kid and they will NOT hesitate to put you in your place. They're good at their job, but they're cool peoplez as well. I only have 2 real gripes here and they're the reasons I'd really give em' a 4.5 star rating instead of a full resounding 5 stars - their coat check line is always a clusterfuck. No organization system back there, I'm frankly surprised each time someone actually gets their own coat returned. Also bar prices are crazy here. $10 for a vodka soda in a tiny plastic cup?! The same cup my dentist uses when he tells me to wash and spit into his weird, little ceramic sink?! Crappy domestic beers (*cough*Bud & Heniken*cough*) are like $8 and also served in plastic cups that are bigger than the cocktail ones but someone I think smaller than your average red solo cup?! Not cool. I wish they had a Happy Hour like their foreign sister in the land of Brooklyn (Music Hall of Williamsburg, which is also an ace music venue if you're cool with hopping on the L train!) - then they'd be perrrrrrrfect! read more

Bowery Ballroom - CAA CMJ showcase! - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

Darling Bowery Ballroom, First and foremost, let me apologize for not making you my first concert venue review. I know I should have, and for that, I shall repent. How could I not have given you the 5 stars that you so deserve after showing me some of the best nights of my life? You rocked my world so many times. Remember that day in 2005 when you opened my eyes to Explosions In The Sky? And then when you showed them to me again, 2 nights later? That was the best week of my life. I'll never forget that you were the one who displayed to me just how my life could be changed by post-rock. And what about the other night in 2006 when we spotted Zach Braff singing drunkedly at the Keane show? That was a good one too. We had a good laugh over that, me and you. And I'm still sorry I had to leave early on the night The Shins played during the CMJ Music Marathon.. I didn't mean to desert you, but I really can't stay out till 4am on a week day, my love. You are perfect in every little way.. I'll always remember you even if I hang out more with Webster, or Irving. You'll always be my #1, baby. p/s: Now we can add Interpol to our list. It's been a while since I've seen you, but it was definitely a night to remember. Your acoustics made everything sound like it came straight from the music gods. read more

Bowery Ballroom - Love. - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

I was going to write a one-word review: 'Wow!' But decided to elaborate... BFF & I caught an Emily Wells show here. Bowery Ballroom is a nice, intimate venue with a few tables & chairs upstairs in the balcony. We stayed downstairs (standing room only) & were so up close & personal to the artist, who really killed it that night. Acoustics were great, very clear. Between the DJ spinning old skool Bay Area joints & Emily's encore (her rendition of Biggie Small's 'Juicy'), it was an intoxicating kind of night... Coat check is $2, but is sometimes closed, so wear layers. read more

Bowery Ballroom - Emily wells - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I have been to Bowery Ballroom a handful of times. I went this week to see the über talented, gothic, metal, electronic Davin Lynch-esque siren Chelsea Wolfe! I thought the venue was a perfect intimate space for the show. She had been at the Music Hall of Williamsburg the night before and I found this space to be a lot smaller and you could really get a good view from most angels. I came in early with cash in hand. I didn't feel like paying any stinky online fees for a day of ticket. She was recently in town and completely sold out. I was hoping this would would mean tickets available. And that they were. I took the M down to Essex and moseyed over. Showed my id for a 21 and over bracelet and then bought a ticket. Once you go in the only re-entry is for the smokers and through a different door. You enter through the bar downstairs. It's comfy down there with some couches and group seating. There's a small wrap around bar with two bartenders. I popped around the neighborhood for a slice and a quick beer before entering the show. And when I returned I made a b line to the merch like a good little concert attendee. Wow!! Not only is Chelsea Wolfe amazing but the merch was all drool worthy from pins to totes to tees. I wanted it all. And who happens to be there but none other than Wolfe herself and Damien Echols from the the West Memphis Three . If you haven't watched the HBO series it's a must. It is not a band name.... There's was so much energy in that moment. I got my tee shirt then grabbed a beer and then easily found a spot for the opening band, A Dead Forest Index then between sets people hit the bathrooms downstairs, got new drinks and ran outside for their cancers sticks. Shortly after 10 the fog machine got going. The flashlight helped the band get in position and it began....like thunder. The show was incredible from start to finish. No one talked and no one pushed. Everyone was in awe. If you have not seen Wolfe live, I would highly recommend her! And the lighting at the venue elevated the experience. The sound was fantastic and u could hear the rattling of the instrument cases at the corner of my ear. Until next time my beautiful siren! read more

See all

This is one of the old time venues I love most above all. It's a really homey place with lovely sound, great balconies, and great bars on all three levels. The decor is 90s modern with a slight Art Deco. Every Mid-sized popular act and/or European superstar will pass through Bowery ballroom before their next step is Webster hall or Irving plaza. It's one of the few legendary proper music venues in manhattan. Let's hope it stays for many years to come. read more