Attended the Zhamira Zambrano show at this venue last night. Meet and greet time was 5:30pm and I arrived at 5:25pm. The Women checking people into the meet and greet were so nice and so was security. My only complaint is they didn't allow us to give gifts we got the artist to her personally. I understand checking it to make sure it is safe but to not allow us to give it at all made no sense. I had to show the artist what i made her on my phone. Meeting the artist was awesome and security made sure no one skipped the line. When I finished meeting the artist, i went to the bathroom which was on the first floor and show is on the second. I was able to get a good look at the venue, it is small but very beautiful and clean. Very modern and the bars are really nice with cool lighting. I purchased my merch after the bathroom then went back up to where the stage was. Decided to get a snack and drink at the bar before general admission came in. I paid $19 for a box of popcorn and a cup of soda. The guy did say the soda refills will be free but i couldn't get back to the bar after that because i was all the way up front during the show and didn't want to risk losing my spot going to the back where the bar was. During the show someone passed out near me and the staff got to her quick and got her out and gave her water. It was very efficient and organized. Overall safety is definitely a priority here and def cleanliness too. I also want to add that i was able to bring in a mini fan and my asthma pump with no problem inside my clear bag. I made sure the asthma pump was in the box where it was prescribed to me just in case, just an fyi for anyone worried about that type of medication. I heard they are strict about medications but definitely not with asthma pumps. read more

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I've been to Irving Plaza a few times, and it's such a fun music venue! I love that they offer free water at the bar in the right corner near the back of the venue. The sound quality for concerts is really impressive. I recently saw Alessia Cara perform here, and she was absolutely amazing! Even on a Monday night after work, the venue was packed. Overall, terrific concert venue! read more

Irving Plaza - Bar in the lounge area of the main stage - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - New York, New York

I came here to see JVB and it was a nice experience overall. They have separated ticketed areas one for general admission by the stage and an upper level with seating. The venue is clean and there's also a coat check and bar. I saw a few people eating popcorn so they must have some limited food for purchase. read more

Late review but I came here for Reggae Fest on Halloween night. The place was spacious. Many bathrooms and a lot of room for a lot of people to enjoy themselves. Upon arrival the only thing that was questionable was that there was an evacuation due to smoking in the venue. No smoking allowed because it can potentially set off the fire alarm. The drinks are also pricy but that's to be expected, Other than that I'd return. read more

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Attended my first Lenny Pearce Toddler Rave at this location. Love the aesthetics of the venue. The main stage is upstairs along with the bar. I did get a frozen Pina colada (obviously without alcohol) and a frozen strawberry drink for my kid. Prices are what you would expect at a show. There are seats at the balcony, our tickets were GA main floor. The area can accommodate a nice amount of people for a single stage. Wish there was a bathroom upstairs though. read more

Irving Plaza - GA floor - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - New York, New York

I remember going to New York City in my 20s & being obsessed with their music venues, Irving Plaza being one of them. For whatever reason, despite going to a few famed spots, I managed to skip Irving Plaza until this past Spring when Joey McIntyre of NKOTB performed on a solo tour. Total full circle moment for me to see my childhood crush play a storied venue I missed out on in early adulthood. The line to get in went on for a few blocks. To make the wait more memorable, we were caught in a heavy rain that ended as soon as we were granted entrance; on time, so there's that, but talk about bad timing. Intimate venue that's a good mix of grungy & glamorous. The tin tile ceiling is very cool, as are the chandeliers & disco ball. Better sound system & lighting than the other venues I saw Joey perform at on this tour. The back portion of the floor has a low ceiling, so if you're claustrophobic & have general admission, line up early to get a spot closer to the stage where the ceiling is higher. If I had come here in my 20s, I'm willing to bet I wouldn't recall today the band I saw, but I'll always remember it was Joey at Irving Plaza. Definitely worth the wait. End sappy, sentimental review. read more

Irving Plaza - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - New York, New York

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Intimate venue to see a concert. Must have been recently renovated as it felt new. Great views from the front of the second floor. Drinks were surprisingly priced on the lower side for a music venue! read more

Irving Plaza - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - New York, New York

My friend Millan is a music writer, and he texted me on Saturday saying "yoo I got a plus 1 to a concert monday you want to join?" Absolutely, I'm always down for a plot and to get out of the crib on a Monday night. He informed me we would be seeing The Hellp, who I had never heard of but he told me "This is gonna be an experience. They have a crazy following..." and damn, he wasn't lyin. After grabbing a couple $3 Sapporo beers from the Japanese spot, we set off on foot to Irving Plaza. When we arrived, there was a sea of people in line with leather jackets, skinny jeans, mini skirts, studded belts, nose rings, etc. Everyone looked like a variation of the same thing. I leaned over to Milan and asked "what's up with the leather jackets?" - "That's their thing. They're bringing leather jackets back. It's a cultural phenomenon. You'll see." We got to the front of the line and I need to shout out to this security team. They are actually checking bags and even pressed me over what was in an open Zyn container I had in my bag. They do a better job than TSA does these days, on my mama. TSA be slacking. We had All Access passes (light flex), and after going to the VIP section and backstage for the opener, Millan leaned to me and said "Okay, we gotta go down and get with the crowd." "You wanna go down there?" I said pointing to the crowd that had just been going INSANE for the opener, implying that I wanted to stay upstairs on the railing and ample space. "We gotta experience it with the PEOPLE!" he said. I respected that on a spiritual level, and we went downstairs and forced our way to the middle of the crowd at 8:58pm. When The Hellp came on at 9:10, I felt like I was thrown into the middle of a rough ocean. People were losing their minds, surging in unpredictable aggressive motions. I lost Millan in the first 10 seconds. The $16 Modelo in my hand didn't stand a CHANCE. Just as I was like "F it I'm here I'll just match this energy," Millan finds me while pointing to the back with a huge smile on his face, "We gotta get outta here." After we get back upstairs he goes, "That's not the kind of moshpit you want to be in. Those surges are dangerous." After finding a nice comfy spot on the railing, I got to really take in the experience that was before my eyes. The Hellp is made up of 2 members, both white dudes with shaggy hair, skinny jeans, and leather jackets. Each have little boards in front of them with knobs to mess with the effects, one of them singing. It's hard to even fit them into a genre, which I thought was kind of cool. They really are doing their own thing. Naturally as a human, I was trying to make a connection of "Oh they sound like so and so," but I couldn't do it. They are completely their own sound. If I had to try and categorize them, I'd say electronic pop punk? But even that doesn't feel right. The thing I couldn't get over, is you could never see their faces. They were backlit, so all you could see was their silhouettes as they performed and messed up their hair between every song. The one time the lights came on and showed their faces for half a second, the singer yelled "Aye turn those f****** lights off!" They didn't interact with the crowd at all, other than screaming "NEW YORK" into the microphone once. They are all about the music. I'm not a music writer, but in a weird alternate universe kind of way, this show reminded me of Kanye West performing 808s front to back at the Hollywood Bowl. He didn't interact with the crowd once. He just showed up, gave his soul into the performance and left. No fluff, no extra stuff. This performance was the opposite of what you think of when you think of a rockstar. And, I think that is exactly what makes these two 2024s version of rockstars. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews read more

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I really enjoyed this venue. Getting in was a breeze. Staff were directing people where to go. Coat check was quick for drop off and pick up. The drinks were well made. The sound in the venue was good and the space itself was spacious but felt intimate at the same time. I would attend another show here. read more

Irving Plaza - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - New York, New York

Incredibly rude security, absolutely ruined the mood. Go elsewhere, there are way better venues.

Place was well ventilated, Security was very understanding. Great ambiance and overall extremely fun. read more

Irving Plaza - Odetari concert in the plaza - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - New York, New York

Went to see tom morello here, nice venue. HVAC was good, didn't get too hot inside. Sound system was good. Would see other shows here

Irving plaza is a staple and a well known music theater in NYC and has been around for a long time. I hate to say this but just only last week did I step foot into this theater. I came here to see Shaboozey perform. Even before getting into the theater there is a bag check and security. They don't play around with the bag security check that is for sure and they will pat everyone down. Glad to see there is such high security though. There is a bag check inside where you can check larger items that are not allowed in the actual show and there was a merch area set up. Then you go up the stairs into the main theater area that is GA no seating is here. There is a big bar in the back. And then go up another set of stairs to the balcony area. There is a bar up there with bathrooms as well. The balcony area is split into three different areas. My little area I was in had no seats we were on the stage side but still had a great view. On the other side stage area that one had some seats. And in the middle there is a section for standing room only and another small section that has some table and chairs. These areas are more pricey than the GA downstair tickets. The bartenders in the upstairs bar area were nice and helpful. They have a small selection of beers and have a full bar. They don't have much food here just some bags of chips and other snacks. The sound system in this theater is good. A bit loud for a smallish theater. I could feel the vibrations of the speakers. And the stage looks a bit small for the size of the theater. Would I come back for another concert.. well maybe if it's someone I really want to see. read more

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AMAZING STAFF!!!! This grown man tried to walk out the building wearing MY JACKET that he stole from me (stupid long story) and the AMAZING security guard Gloria helped me get it back. THANK YOU GLORIA read more

This was my first visit to Irving Plaza. It was a Friday at 5:30pm. I stood outside on the line expecting a 6pm show, as were many others, but it didn't start until 7pm. I don't know if it was delayed or if it was intentional. I think listed Start times are when the doors open. Their web site provides less information than the Palladium Time Square site does. An employee was checking IDs if you planned to drink alcohol and was providing wristbands to potential drinkers. At 6:30pm, I made it to the door. I was instructed to remove all items from my pockets then got frisked followed by a backed-up bag security check. The coat check line was busy since subzero wind chills were expected later. I checked out the merchandise as well. After touring the Men's room, I passed the sign stating Stage and walked upstairs where I found another bar which is in the back but still part of the Floor. After Birthday Massacre finished playing, which was the second of three bands, I found the space to leave. I don't know if this is universal at this venue but I didn't have access to the digital ticket until the day of the show. read more

BEWARE: The venue does not advise anywhere in person or online that the show times listed on their site/the tickets are a lie. The "show time" is when doors open, and the opener will not take the stage until an hour after that. So a "7 p.m." show is actually at 8 p.m. Also, security is pat downs, which you are not warned about. Audience members are sorted by what gender they appear as to determine who pats them down and yelled at if they try to switch to another line. Overall, one of the worst venue experiences I've had. read more

Saw Blu De Tiger here on 4/29 and she was amazing! The venue is so adorable. All the security guards were very nice and accommodating. Only downside was I ordered a vodka lemonade and they gave me the "speciality cocktail" that was double the price... not cool man. Otherwise, great concert! Greta vibes! And amazing security that helped my friend when she needed some air. read more

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I've been coming here to shows for 40 + years. 5 since my disability. I've always been accommodated with no question. I always wear me veteran cap. Tonight Dec 6. I was told since I didn't have an ADA ticket I was not offered a chair. Doesn't matter that the ADA tickets were sold out. I also had a large Hispanic female worker tell me I didn't belong there and could be removed at anytime. So between leaning and sitting on the floor, I felt humiliated and discriminated against. Basically saying my disability is bullshit and I'm not getting a seat and I should be grateful I'm not removed to general admission. This millennial group of workers are inconsiderate and have no concept of the law. These are the people I sacrificed for. Irving Plaza management, you hired a pathetic group to represent you. Monday finds me filing complaints with the Department of Disabilities and a possible discrimination suit depending on what I'm advised thru the department of Veterans read more

Venue was changed from Brooklyn Paramount theater to Irving plaza. Hadn't been in years. WTF is with gendered lines for entry? 'Men' get patted down?! never seen before - really gross. $16 for a beer. Newly renovated but half the audience is shoved under an overhang. The room was definitely over capacity. Even the band didn't want to be there. Nice workers read more

Terrible experience I purchased lounge vip tickets and they told that they cancelled them so I'm waiting for my money to be refunded. And I also purchased loft tickets and wasn't able to access the area and I paid extra for that as well. Overall bad bad bad!!! read more

Not giving this "2.5" stars due to band, sound (though it was a little sketch at the beginning - however the staff like forgot there was a show. Surely? They were hanging the marquis letters night (minutes before), and someone put the wrong doors open time, so we all got to hang in the rain for an HOUR and get nicely soaked. Hence the photo or my dripping snowboard jacket. Otherwise, great show, lovely staff, especially the lad down in Joccos! read more

Irving Plaza - dripping jacket, Jaccos Ransom lounge. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - New York, New York

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They oversell tix, definitely unsafe. The bartenders are rude, especially if you're a single female. they need to fire their sound guy. all you can hear are bass and drums at the back near the bar. read more

If you go to this venue make sure you secure your cell phone and belongings. There is a massive pickpocket ring and security is definitely involved. Last night about 40 people got their phone stolen in the first part of the show. This is a group effort and security will absolutely not help you or look at cameras, on top of that they are extremely rude read more

Concerning security issues. Worst live nation venue. Would not go back. Terrible venue.

Came here to see Max McNown and loved the show! Concession definitely could have had a little more variety when it came to snacks. Also would have been nice if the other bars on the upper levels had food/snacks. It seems silly to go down flights of stairs for snacks yet there is a bar serving drinks right behind you on every level. But overall great experience read more

There are better places to spend your money. Had to argue with every fucking person. Waste of money and time.

This venue is conveniently located near Union Square. I've come here for shows twice. The security line for entry was quite long both times I visited but it moved pretty quickly. Most recently, it was a bit disorganized as they initially had a line for those with and without bags but then they ended up checking bags on both lines, which slowed everyone down. They have a coat check which is $5 per item of clothing. They are very strict about counting each piece, even if it's just a scarf. They also don't allow you to bundle coats together and will closely check the arms and pockets for additional hidden garments. They have bars on the lower level near the entrance and in the main room with the stage. They also have a balcony level. It's pretty easy to see the stage even if you are further back in the GA standing room section. Their bathrooms are pretty clean. Randomly, they offer tissue style toilet paper that comes out in individual sheets instead of rolls. read more

Its insane, the security is super aggressive as you will see with other posts here but, there have been a number of thefts reported at shows and they don't do anything about it. If you look at the the sub reddits for other genres of music many people are reporting this. I had my phone stolen last night. read more

I really love this famous place. The concert I went to was absolutely packed but at no point was it overcrowded or underserved. It was staffed right the whole time. The floor was full of people enjoying the vibe. The bar was full but relaxed, the upstairs balcony was full of happily seated people. There was some active dancing but no moshing, a nice friendly atmosphere overall. Getting in, we were surprised by how long the line was a half hour after doors open, but equally surprising was how quickly the line moved us in from there. It works. They know what they're doing. That's why they're so well known. (Oh, and the acoustics were great - balanced between all parts on the register, vocals mixed right with instruments.) Not just crossed off my bucket list, Irving is on my return list. read more

Always great to see a show at Irving Plaza! A classic New York club! Sound and views are fantastic !

The worst venue in New York. It's historic, it's beautiful, the sound has never been great, and the prices are highway robbery. The staff -- especially security are the most obnoxious, most stupid, most idiotic in human history. When live music stops, blame places like Irving Plaza. Until then, I implore bands and audiences to seriously not utilize this place and let it go out of business. There are venues in New York that care about performers and audiences, and don't hate them. read more

GA tickets were fine, decent sight lines, decent drinks, yada yada. But the opener canceled and the staff didn't say anything as we entered when the doors opened. That meant 50+ people had to spend TWO hours standing around before the show even began with nothing to do. (Weird to open doors two hours before the main act, but I digress.) If they had said the opener canceled, my friend and I would have gotten dinner beforehand. I asked if we could leave and re-enter given the situation and was told no and given no apology. Instead we had to "fill up" on pretzels. Thankfully another staffer was kind enough to let us sit in the lounge so we didn't have to stand for two hours BEFORE the show even began. That would have been miserable. read more

Great venue! Went here for 'Night of 1,000 Stevie's.' The space was gorgeous and well decorated. Perfect sized venue with big stage for performances. Lounge in the basement. Snacks at the bar. Would have given 5 stars if it weren't for one rude staff member. He was a gay male wearing glasses who was nasty to people that were trying to go up on stage when they called up everyone in costumes to come dance. I ended up saying something to him that he could have been nicer because a lot of people worked hard on their looks, but he responded that, "he doesn't feel like it." ‍ He was just a negative ball of dark energy in the middle of an upbeat party. I've worked in nightlife for years, and it's super important that the management does a vibe check on the staff, and teaches them to de-escalate conflicts instead of start them. Setting the tone of positive and welcoming environments goes a long way! read more

Rating reasoning; + Excellent location + Nice bars and lounge space + Very clean - stage is too low - ceiling is too low - long lines outside to enter This venue is maxed out and cannot receive a higher rating... Not really my favorite spot but they get so many good shows booked here. This is conveniently located in the union square area with tons of frequent subway transfers. However due to the small lobby there are long lines that go around the block to enter the venue. Inside the interior is very nice and clean. However it's a club sized venue that feels a little bit small and cramped. The library themed cocktail lounge downstairs is particularly nice. The stage is low so when you're on the SRO floor you can see the guitarists fingers but the crowd blocks out the performers lower bodies. When you go upstairs to the VIP balcony the ceiling is fairly low so if someone stands in the metal stool seat front of you it's an obstructed view. This venue would have to be more spacious to improve the sightlines. All they can do to improve it is to remove that disco ball on the ceiling. read more

This was my first visit at Irving Plaza and I was taken aback by how lovely the venue was. It was impeccably clean, organized, and efficient. I attended a K. Flay concert and I was so blown away, this was the absolute perfect spot to have seen her performance. I definitely want to return, I had such a pleasant experience compared to other concert halls in the city. read more

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View from Sect RAIL Row AA Seat 7, seat is a numbered barstool behind mixing equipment with employees and equipment blocking view of the stage. Was definitely not disclosed as obstructed view. Those seated behind row AA for a concert have a worse or no view when seated. Venue itself is clean with great sound but seat location should be disclosed when buying tickets for seats. read more

Irving Plaza - View from rail - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - New York, New York

Awesome venue. I saw benee here. Nice water cold at the back of the room which feels soooo good in a hot concert. It was a little hard to hear her, but that was her singing imo. Nice balcony but the real party is general admission! It's really intimate the stage. Can't wait to come back for my next fav artist! read more

Irving Plaza - Benee - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - New York, New York

I've never had a more racist experience in my life I bought tickets to a metal show, only for security to kick me out. They grabbed me by my arms and I'm a 5'6 small woman. I'm so disappointed and upset at their staff and I hope I can file a further complaint. read more

Nice place. Great sound. At the RAIL (i was seat 5)....Seats 4-5-6 and 7 should be deemed obstructed view. You can't really sit and see. And im 6 feet tall. Still....a great show. BUSH...... read more

Irving Plaza - Definitely should be sold as obstructed - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - New York, New York

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I came here for a concert and wasn't let in because I had my medication with me. So I took my necessary meds before going back inside and threw out the pill and the case that I didn't need. They kept insisting I was lying and forced me to give them pills that I didn't have. I said that's all I had left that I was throwing away and they didn't believe me. Hopefully they don't find and harass me after seeing this review. Edit: I'm so glad to feel validated by the other reviewers and know I wasn't the only one who was bullied. I wish I knew this before wasting my money here, but you live and learn! read more