Won a spot on the guest list from doNYC for a band I really like and was quite willing to pay the cover for. Given the sound and the lighting, I'm so glad I didn't have to or I would have been pissed. I don't know about anyone else, but I like to see the band. Even the drummer in the back. BUT ESPECIALLY THE LEAD SINGER. Save the atmospherically dark lighting for the audience. The instrumentation sounded fine for the small venue, but the vocals were muddy as hell. I've seen the band elsewhere so it wasn't them... it was Nublu. Once the crowd moved away from the bar area, the back got stiflingly moist. I wasn't drinking alcohol so I decided to get a Coke. I was charged 3 bucks for what costs the bar cents on the dollar. In a rocks glass mind you, not even a pint. Jesus. I was scared to ask how much a water would run me. Nublu has the potential to be quite a cool spot to catch up and coming bands. But if key factors like sound and lighting don't showcase them to their best potential, it hurts rather than helps. read more

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Wow !! I went last night with 3 friends and it was REALLY cooking !! No more liquor at the bar - only beer & wine - but WHO CARES ? The music is Soooooo gooood!! Last night it was "Spanglish Fly" and a troupe of professional dancers showed up. Anyway. I was blown away by the quality of the music and the great atmosphere, great patrons too. I can't recommend it enough ! One of the most interesting aspects of it - you're NOT going to believe this: There's a TREE growing in the venue - look for a trunk which sticks out THROUGH the roof! It gets very hot so make sure you can peel off your clothes. They have a coat room $2 per hanger. Beers $7 each. Great variety. read more

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A flashback to the dark clubs of the 80s! I went to this LES hole-in-the wall style club to support a friend and his band. While the club is reminiscent of the 80s, the prices were definitely 21st Century, reflective more of the gentrified neighborhood as it now stands. The beer selection is modest, nothing exotic, ordered a $7 Guiness and later a $9 cocktail. The band I went to watch was good, and the DJ that later came on started by spinning bad Euro-style house, but got better as he dipped into the crates for a more Deep-House sound matching the crowd that was present. Not a bad spot if you happen to be going read more

Nublu was a cool place for some inspirational music I'd never heard of before. You can pre order tickets, or just pay at the door. Expect a $10 cover and some pricey beers. The musicians generally perform on time and the crowd gets excited. There is hardly any area to sit, but that means there is ample space to dance. Dimly lit for you to find your true admirer in the dark. read more

Saw Lil'Fish comedy here. Overpriced, over long and comedians shouting at me about what drugs we're doing aprés curtain..... really OVER. Lil'Fish is a concept-free zone. Comedians Super nice staff, clean, comfortable facility. read more

One of my favorite places in the whole world. Always great music, a nice beer selection, great customer service, almost everybody that goes there is cool and down to earth. I normally go on Wednesdays for Brazilian nights! Prepare to sweat your ass off... read more

Nublu Classic - Shitty Shitty Jam Band - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Dirtiest place with terrible music. Threw my coats on the ground and yelled at me for not having checked my coats in, disgusting service and behavior. Bouncer wouldn't let me wait by the door when it was pouring rain. Just an overall horrific experience. read more

"Hands down the best music bar in New York" Whenever I find myself in New York, I am sure to head for that welcoming blue light on Avenue C to pay a visit to Nublu for a great night out. Once I've stepped into the "living room" that is Nublu, I find myself feeling right at home, every time. Been going here for about four years now and Nublu has never let me down. A night here is like going to a house party in someone's basement. The performances are always memorable and never boring - often times you find yourself in the middle of the act, as the place is quite small and band members spill into the crowd. Try and catch the Nublu Orchestra or the Love Trio if you get the chance. The drinks are great, but don't come here expecting a huge selection of alcohol. They have the basics covered, but that's about it in this cash only joint, and I hope they keep it that way. I recommend the Caphirinia's here - they're mixed just right, keeping a very tart edge and lacking the overly sweetened nastiness of lesser examples. Check your pretentiousness at the door! Nublu retains a super relaxed atmosphere without a lot of the BS that's found at other NY establishments. Music and People are the thing here, and you'll get heavy doses of both with the super laid back crowd and fascinating performances. read more

Nublu Classic - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This is a review for the new Nublu 151. My friends and I showed up about 10 minutes before the scheduled show time and were able to easily secure great standing room right in front of the stage. The sound system was loud and clear, and Joe Russo used his drum sticks to play on a metal pillar that supported the venue's balcony. Thought that was pretty cool. The bathrooms are clean and bonus points for the private stalls. I want to give this place 5 stars, but I can't do so in good conscience. As I left the bathroom stall to wash my hands, I felt a ping of excitement as I saw the assortment of Meyers Clean Day hand soaps beside the sink. I began to wash my hands and couldn't help but notice that there was NOT in fact Meyers Clean Day soap inside the bottle. It was Soft Soap. Soft Soap. You can't fool me so easily, Nublu. read more

Solid 4 stars for what it is -- but what the hell is it? One part experimental mixology sake/wine/beer laboratory, and one part temple to the musically bizarre and raw. Set in a dark room without much decoration, a blue light casts this place in an eerie glow. A live tree sprouts out of the center of the room, and local indie art covers the walls. If you're looking for the east village's old spirit of something born out of expression, something fearless, and something passionate, this is a place to see. But this is not your "classy night out" jazz bar. This is more of an art piece than a business endeavor. read more

Having been to a couple great shows here, while wandering around the east village last night I suggested to the group of 8 people I was with that we pop into Nublu. We walked in, the bar was EMPTY- but we had enough people to have a good time- all good. Guy at the door wanted a $5 cover per person. I didn't really have a problem with paying a cover, but figured I'd negotiate with him since there were quite a number of us, the bar was empty and we were very thirsty for a great night. He refused to even discuss it and quite rudely asked us to leave. Pretty stupid decision on his part no? We went on to another bar and ended spending about $300 on drinks. Well done. read more

In the summertime, when the mojitos are flowing and the cotton is high, I like to take out-of-towners (or "normies" I like to call them) to the back garden of Nublu to knock their socks off. It's hemmed in by a low brick wall and adorned with plants, tables and ottomans that may not be kind to your knees but (wisely) foster a sense of being enclosed still in the open air. On the other side of that wall is a rarity: an undeveloped field quietly being ignored. Believe me, it feels like paradise in the early evening, chatting with a few friends, laughing your ass off in what quickly begins to feel like your own personal deck. This is my city, one drink at a time. Once you step through the velvet curtains on your way back into the main dance/bar space you're greeted with a muted green palate, more ottomans and a live band getting ready to tear the roof off the mutha sucka. Bodies start to file in and fill the place up pretty quickly so by 11 it's a wall to wall skin fest (of the best type). You can hear several different languages at Nublu at any given time: Porteguese, Spanish, some French and assorted international fare. This is mostly because while Nublu is an exciting place to be it does so without the pretentious grandiosity that often mistakes itself for style at places in the meatpacking district. International tunes shake the main room and the meager dance floor fills up with grinding crotches, so if you're shy about your crotch keep to the backroom or bar area. Also, revere yet fear the mojito. A tasty concoction to be sure but muy muy pelegroso, mon ami. You'll stand up after three or four and a conversation with a Russian girl only to realize that you can't stand or all your friends left you an hour or two ago. Not that it's ever happened to me, mind you. But I've hear it told. You'll stumble through the crowd, looking a bit green, overheated perhaps, barely making out of the bar, with a fervent desire to return the last four hours of drinks to the land outside your body. And that's just not sexy. The back area closes after 10 (I think) so if you're going to enjoy it get there early. If not--and should you get there in the full swing of a Friday night--get ready for a live band that elevates the intensity level in direct proportion to the dimness of the lights. That's to say yes Nublu is a laid back, sexy environment and it knows it. It's the girl in high school who you wanted to hate but just couldn't. You couldn't help yourself could you, when she spoke to you, from lighting up like the cops on unarmed black people. Yeah, she's that girl. read more

Perfect parking spot. Alphabet city. Blue spot light is the only thing to let you know you have arrived. $10 cash only music venue cover. Jazz band performing out in the open; no vocals. Little bar with wines, beers and mixed drinks flowing. Come before 11pm, grab a good spot in the back..lounge and listen. After 12am it gets crowded, very crowded. Waiting for Cuban band to come on and perform. After 1am still waiting for Cuban band to perform. Head downstairs to the WC-"water closet". Almost 1:30am...no band...DJ has been spinning. Head out to the sweet parking spot. My experience at this record owned lounge, music bar that has their artists performing nightly was a great place to watch live music. It is intimate and cozy (especially in the back). You can feel like your on the floor when your sitting in the back area. They also have an outdoor patio, but after a certain time in the night---it is closed. They do separate the back room from the middles where the music is playing. They always have music flowing whether is the DJ or the live bands. My dislikes were we waited so long for the Headliner and didn't even get to hear them. A huge disappointment, a bit pricey with drinks and for such a small place, it does get extremely crowded. My likes were the coziness and a great place to listen to live music and I also liked the artwork and decor in the back. read more

Every night of the week is good at this once-secret "garden." Nublu is almost a factory of incredible live music - Norah Jones started out there, as did the Brazilian girls. The owner has 4 or so bands that all play there, including Wax Poetic, one of my favorite music projects of all times. Check your attitude at the door, the place gets pretty crowded and the bands don't play until late. But the DJ's are always just as good as the bands, and you never know where the performance will go. One of my favorite (seemingly) impromptu performances was these twins from Brazil, wearing white men's tanks and jeans, busted out with an incredible tap to the beats of the DJ. They performed almost a battle, it was amazing! read more

Went to Nublu on a first date, and I must say I was impressed, both my this amazing music spot and the guy who took me here for knowing about it ;) The music playing that night was relaxed and fun; flutes, drums, guitars, saxophones, just great live music that everyone was dancing to. Except for me and my date - we were chilling on the comfy couches in the back of the lounge, enjoying the music. What I liked most about Nublu was the vibe. The people there were really enjoying the music, dancing like they could feel it inside. It was a great way to spend a late night. read more

Was here a few times. Mixed bag with the music. Sometimes great, sometimes not bearable. The whole place seems to be run like a very free form house party. Interesting spot to check out. I get the feeling that I was not high enough to fit in with the crowd. read more

Love this place! The music is really amazing and the vibe is cool. I got the sense that people go for the music ---which is awesome. read more

Not a fan...Nope...Multiple reasons...and very disappointing. I was invited last night to go to a loft party in Brooklyn...but to our dismay, the party was relocated to Nublu. The good thing...it was close to where we were and we did not have to take the train over to Brooklyn. So upon arrival, we all had prepaid tickets; however, once we entered, the person checking the tickets mentioned that one of them was invalid...and without checking them out, as he was using a flashlight...he just made one of us pay the $10 cover. What was even worse is the fact that he was barking at us for absolutely no reason, while others were sneaking in, and he was doing absolutely nothing about it...BOOOOOOO! Second issue with this place...it was sooooooo packed that it was impossible to move anywhere...and it is not laid out to have a dance floor. The music was good, considering we wanted to check out the DJ that night, but venue was a big disappointment... Oh...and what kind of night club does not carry Captain Morgan? WTF? This place...I am DEFINITELY not going back to...THUMBS DOWN! read more

Located on the gritty Avenue C....artists that played in their early days include Brazilian Girls and Nora Jones. The anti-club, anti-bar: Nublu always delivers with great live jams in an apartment-sized setting....like being in a house-party! read more

Lol, I wonder if I just don't GET places like Nublu. $10 cover charge at Midnight while the band is on a LONG ass break? Hum I just don't know. I wanted to see the band, I waited for them to come back, but when I left, they were still not back. They came back 20 minutes after my departure, so I think I'm glad I went home. At 1 AM. It's A-OK because it was charming in a weird back alley European kind of way. I would come back for a band I liked. read more

I went here last night and was a big fan. Reasons why: 1. Music was genuinely good. We saw the "Love Trio", and it was unlike anything I had ever heard - in a great way! 2. The venue wasn't overly crowded. Now, mind you, we went around 9:30 so I'm not sure what it would be like in the later hours. I liked that we were able to get a seat right away! 3. There are a lot of different seating areas. This is a great place to come on a date (not too loud so if you want to chat, you can, but if your date is awkward and you just want to listen to the music, that works) or come with your friends. 4. It's got a great vibe! Just the right amount of hipster. You will definitely leave feeling more cultured and happy that you came! 5. It's hidden. I love hidden spots! 6. Outdoor seating area Cash Only! read more

Came here all the way back in 11/25/2011. We had a giant group of about 30. The place was totally empty, and charging a 20 dollar cover. We offered to pay 10 each, but the bouncer was unwilling to negotiate or refer us to management. Eventually my friend and him got into an argument. He told my friend to F himself. Never actually have been inside, but the bar lost out on a couple of hundred dollars that night easy. Pretty bad business decision, especially when the bouncer curses at potential patrons. read more

YESSSS!!! This place is the Samba haven. I have only been there on Wednesday nights and it's an excellent spot to get hot and sweaty to some samba music. Always a great crown and live music that starts around 1am. There is a $10 cover, but it's worth it if you dance the night away, which i always do. Bar + live music + dancing = a really great time. Make sure to wear little to no clothing considering it gets hot in there. Even if you say you're going in for a "quick samba", it's never quick and always a extremely fun! read more

I would have never found this place if it weren't for that blue light clue. The light is tiny and the bouncer is sort of hidden in the shadows, so look closely! $10 cover on a Saturday night buys you a cool house party atmosphere with a chill crowd, comfortable seats, and interesting beats. We came to hear a trip hop band Wax Poetic. They were supposed to start at 12, but I don't think they started till 1. Till then, we danced our awkward dance and had crappy vodka tonics at the cash bar. If you run out of cash, there are 2 ATMs at the deli next door. There's no air conditioner and past midnight, this place gets hot and sweaty in a non-sketchy way. The walk from the bar to the back was treacherous and NOT recommended for people wearing open-toed shoes. read more

Great place to dance and hear live music, although my friends and I almost left after talking to the idiotic bouncer. Our party included one guy who got in for free because he's a guy, which is unusual. That was cool (equal opportunity, right?) until the rainbow-ponchoed, Cro-Magnon doorkeeper told one of my friends she could also get in for free, if she cooked for him. (He was totally serious.) Despite that, we got got a slight discount on the cover for being in a big group and had fun inside. If you go, don't judge the book by it's cover. The people inside are way friendlier (and sane). read more

Nublu is the FIRST place I want after I moved to NYC... I simple love it. I used to go every Wednesdays. There were Brazilian bands playing. Music is varied depending on the day, and you see all kind of people. The reason i dont give a better rating is because the sound is not that good. It is a small place and I think the acoustics is not good enough, but I think they can fix that. update: I went to Nublu this past week. I've gotta say, like most 'cult' places in nyc, they are falling apart. It feels like it is going down. Sound is still terrible. It just feels like 'given up'. read more

Nublu has one of the best music scenes in New York. It's ave C location still gives it some edge, and it has a character to it lacking in many other places . The room itself is terrible - when it's packed it approximates the humidity and temperature of an armpit. The non-selection of beverages (one of each, pretty much) and the terribly cramped room (even when empty) makes it lose two stars. read more

Providing more ear-gasms than a box of Q-tips, Nublu offers excellent live music every night of the week. Tuesdays feature SHITTY SHITTY JAM BAND, so great and so so so shitty, worth checking out. Thursdays check out Dionysis on the mic for more goodness. Visit www.nublu.com for the schedule -- every night is good and the cover is worth it. This is one of the most reliable venues in NYC for a good time any night of the week after 10:30pm, so stop complaining that every "good place" has been "discovered" and is no longer cool. And don't feel bad if you're not with everyone else downstairs -- your simply being there in the main room makes you 75% cooler than ALL of your friends. Combined. read more

I was here about 2 years ago on hot summer day. I went to see Los Amigos Invisibles and to my surprise there was no AC, or maybe there was but you couldn't tell with over 100 people packed in this little venue dancing to LAI. It got so hot that everyone started taking their tops off and kept dancing to this amazing band. Really memorable moment! I stopped by a few months ago to see if the venue was still open but I found a closed door instead. I went on a weekend......just wondering if anyone knows if this venue is still open? read more

A friend brought me here this past weekend and oh how fun Nublu was! I loved the decor of the place - fun paintings hanging on the walls and lots of couches if you want to cozy up with a friend. There's also a cool bar area with a live band and plenty of dance space. Basically everything you'd hope for in a bar! Drinks were pretty cheap though I was amused by the bartender who specified each drink's price "plus tip." Guess it's never too late to learn bar etiquette. I really loved it here and cant wait to go back! there is a small cover but you can talk the bouncer out of paying it. read more

I'm in love - this small music venue/club/bar on Ave C is a new favorite for my weekends in New York. Its location is indicated only by a sole glowing blue light above the doorway and a few people taking their cigarette moments outside. As a few people already noted, this is where the group Brazilian Girls got its start (and actually are signed on NuBlu's record). Anyway, this is all to say - great music, good crowd, and although I hear what people are saying about crammed spaces - I didn't find it too wretched the night I went. (It actually reminds me of the Notting Hill Arts Club in London - which was my favorite place there - so naturally I am now in love with NuBlu). read more

Loved the vibe and the music (Brazilian Wednesdays). And it gets hot and sweaty.. but if you want to dance and feel great with a group of friends or alone (this place is tiny .. so you will make friends fast especially on the dance floor)... and don't like huge clubs or the usual kind of music they play.. and so it is for you.. and I will be coming back! read more

One of New York's best. $10 cover. No exceptions. No guestlist and no messing around at the door. I like this place for many reasons, but its utter lack or pretentiousness contrasts to many of the bars in NY. The music is great - Jazz starts early when people mingle and chill-out. You can hear a variety of styles - although the performers are usually exceptionally good. After 12 the DJ comes on. The times I have been, the DJ played electro/ soulful house/ baile funk. Don't be fooled - the DJ doesn't "fill" - he really is the main event. Track selection/ the way he builds a set and delivers are stellar. The only problem with this programming is that when he has built the crowd to a frenzy, the music drops and then a dub band comes on. I kind of felt that the atmosphere died at that moment. Having said that, this is a must see place. Not fancy, not pretentious, but the music and crowd are the main draws. A true NY gem. read more

Oh my gosh I had so much fun in this place! It became one of my favorite spots to go dancing. You will start loving the "hipster" word there:) Get ready to dance with the Brazillian band like you never have before! Also make sure to go there with summer clothes or you will wanna take off all you have on!:) The cover fee was totally worth it. read more

Over this past weekend, I visited this venue for a dance party. I did not know what to expect from as I entered. I nearly walked into to the mirrored wall thinking the place was twice the size it is. It has a extremely underground, no frills ambiance to it. While the wait that the bar was very long, easily 30 minutes for a beer, I did not mind it much. The music was awesome, nearly entirely Disco and Funk and plenty of dancing people on the dancefloor. Overall, it was an exciting evening. I may visit again. read more

Nublu has always great music with different talented bands. Great customer service. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are favorites days Nublu. Kesinlikle keşfedilmesi gereken bir mekan. read more

was here during their jazz fest in November 2009. Very friendly staff. Felt like a private party. a great place... I was there solo, traveling that weekend for business but I stayed till 4:00 and hung out listening to the music and having a grand old time read more

Nublu will always hold a special place in my heart. This is my go-to spot when I want to impress dates and out-of-towners looking for a one of a kind experience. I tend to avoid places that have a cover charge, but I'll pay for you Nublu, baby. I've visited on Sunday nights and different weeknights, so it's usually not too crowded then. The live music is mind-blowing and never disappoints (Nublu is also a record label with an electic mix of jazz, bossa nova and electronic acts). It helps to check out their calendar to see who's playing next. The venue is really quite tiny, so you may find your yourself sambaing with a sax in the face or a pair of conga drums at your feet, however, that's part of the charm of this place. Performances usually end around midnight, and that's when the sweaty dance party takes place. You can't smoke in the back room, although it's been done and unfortunately people don't listen and break that rule all the time (I'll admit I've broken it a few times). The drinks are pricey but really strong and worth the price - potent caipirinhas! If you want an unpretentious but hip New York night out with a diverse crowd, have a passion for jazz, bossa nova and or avant garde electronic acts, want to sweat till your dress is dripping from the hems of your dress and love you some cachaca, then Nublu is your place. read more

Nublu feels like a house party in a hipster's living room without imparting an air of trying too hard. Retro-chic furniture and vintage albums decorate the smallish room that eliminates space between performers and audience. The proximity to the DJs and musicians had me concerned that I was entering a place where my eardrums were going to be blown out, however I found the noise level to be appropriate. Loud enough to feel like you're having a good time but conversation (close ones albeit) is still manageable. I'm in favor of jazzy electronic music and Nublu seems to supply that flavor of entertainment. It gets crowded and the one in, one out system at the door can be irksome, but the place really can't hold that many people. Glassed in patio in the back. read more

A place where the only thing letting you know you're at the right place is a blue light? DIG. IT. Giddily ran through the door, but paused to wrinkle my nose at the $20pp cover. Got there pretty early, so there wasn't much a crowd. DJ was fantastic, honestly some of the best music I've heard being played in a bar in a while. Pretty decent crowd too, and it only got better as the night got later. We waited for the live music to start. Waited another hour. Then another. Then waited some more. Then nearly passed out from exhaustion, or maybe it was the 4 martinis, 4 margaritas and 3 beers that started talking. Started dancing to said fantastic music to wake up a little. Sat down. Tired. Waited a leeeetle bit more, and then left. It was bed time for this chica. No live music for me. Woe is me. read more