Went for their Jazz event on 2/12! The vibe was very fun! I would go again for any of their music events. I would say that it was not the type of RnB jazz I was expecting-- more just RnB covers. They were on time with the entry times and the interior was pretty cozy. They have coat check too! I didn't need it but thought it was good info to know for next time. I can't speak on food/drinks because I didn't order any, due to the prices being high. read more

SOB's - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

Sing ya heart out or go home! Lol I've come here for two events...Choir rehearsal w/ friends and Neo-Soul Sing-Along. It's definitely for people who don't mind carrying on and know A LOT of music. Words aren't given...so sing or make up the words. Some people may not like that part but I'm a roll with it since we're here already. My only complaint is paying after every time you order. We were unable to keep a tab. It seems to only be for certain events they make you pay this way I love a singing event...so I imagine I'll definitely be back! La la la la la!!! read more

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I am totally frustrated with Sounds of Brazil, located at, 204 Varick St, in, Manhattan, NY. I went there last night, with friends, to celebrate my birthday. I brought a cake with me and was allowed to use their refrigerator to store it until the place opened. After waiting about two hours to get in and to retrieve my cake, I was told that I had to pay five dollars per guest to get it. When I asked them why did I have to pay for my own cake, they told me that's their policy, but no one informed me of this beforehand. They also told me that they would not give me my cake back until the end of the night, if I did not pay. In addition to that, they said that they would slice it, but once I very reluctantly paid them, they refused to slice it and told me that I must slice it myself and still pay them. Oh, I didn't mention that you have to buy food to sit down, which I understand, but the food was cold when they brought it out and they were just throwing the plates on the table, instead of placing it in front of the person who ordered it. The staff was rude and uncaring and wouldn't listen to our complaints. They walked away while we were talking to them. This is not the way patrons should be treated at any establishment. No other restaurant would charge you for bringing a cake in, which I've done on other occasions. Shame on you SOB's! You are the worse. A very disgusted customer, Cheryl A Swift No star rating for you! read more

This place has a lot of potential but there's definitely some things that are frustrating. Went for line dancing night and spent a long part of the evening waiting in line for coat check (which was an additional fee on top of what it already cost to get in). The lesson started late and was hard to see from the spot in the back. Fortunately the bar didn't have much of a line but I didn't realize they automatically added tip on so I was tipping more than I had planned. This place finds ways to rake in the money from all different places and closes early - likely won't be back again. read more

It's a cool spot. They have a lot of events there so I've been there several times. It's OK place. Nothing special to me. It's a regular place that cost too much but it's not gonna be the last time I go because everybody seems to have their events there I feel like they had a better looking presentation when they first opened. The food was tasty, I had jerk, chicken and potato fries. Nothing too special. $17 for trash ass piña colada not a fan of it. But the service was decent. My waitress was very attentive and she was a sweetheart. read more

Event Review (Not the Venue): It's always a bit tricky reviewing events held at well-known venues, so I want to be clear, this review is about the event itself, not the venue. The night featured the "Rhythm Review" guy as the main DJ, along with two guest DJs. Having been to a few of his boat rides and events back in the day, this didn't match the energy those older events had. Nothing against house music, but it felt like it dominated the night a bit too much. I like these parties more when the focus is disco, R&B, and soul, that classic groove that used to really define his sets. I don't want to have to wait for mini pockets to dance at a party, it should be a flow. read more

Worst experience I've ever had. Bartender was extremely rude, and when we paid for 100+ dollars worth of drinks and food, they insisted on charging us $.50 more for ketchup. Overall, very bad vibe. Do not go here. Met a bartender here said she worked there for four years. I've never seen such a terrible bartender in my entire life. Zero customer service rude unapproachable if I came back and I didn't see her there, I might buy a drink. read more

Sobs is my favorite venue 0.0 I have been here for 2 concerts, and a few dance nights and the vibes are great, plenty of space and friendly service. read more

$6 for a bottle of water and no free water cups is crazy. The sound system is kick ass and I really enjoyed the music performances last Tuesday night , shout out Pōedik and Nadine El Roubi read more

I attended an Neo Soul Sing Along "Karaoke" experience. I purchased a ticket through eventbrite for myself and 2 others. Upon arrival, I immediately noticed how "Sing along" this karaoke experience was. The music was good, but I wouldn't say it was Neo Soul, there were screens but no words for the songs displayed, and no sign up sheet or ability to request a specific song. The coat check was heavily advertised, with signs everywhere and even directions to where it's located and hot to pay for it displayed on the screens that should've had lyrics. I placed my bag up against a wall on a side table while I reviewed the menu and was told that the manager said I had to remove it and check it! It was obvious, the cash only coat check was a priority upsell to the $20 ticket. I removed my bag and placed it on the floor against a pillar, only to have the manager approach me to say the bag couldn't be there (see the picture) and if I had a problem checking it I could leave. I was turned off after that, I never ordered the $26 chicken nachos which I'm sure would've been as pleasant as the harassment I was receiving. The manager then had one of the hostesses approach me, to tell me I had to move the bag or leave, I said I'd leave but would like a refund, she understood and left to try and facilitate it. The manager then sent over the bouncer. The hostess and bouncer were super nice and understood that the manager was a dog with a bone. I decided to leave the Karaoke'less Karaoke event. This is a poorly managed establishment, I don't like the way I was treated, the event was not as advertised, and I will not return and be sure to share my review on other platforms. read more

SOB's - My bad on the floor near the pillar - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

Went for a Caribbean day party , the vibes was nice and engaging. Bathroom is very small , drinks are expensive but strong .

This review is solely based on ambience and minimal service. Each time I've been here it's for a music concert or poetry event, so typically I have dinner prior to attending. So, no review of the food. The venue has a laidback ambiance, low lighting, so a bit hard to see if you're moving around a lot. But if you're seated, it's fine. What i do like is everywhere is basically a good seat/view of the stage. Depending on the reason you're there, it can quickly become crowded. Good luck finding parking, try that at your own risk lol. This is a legendary venue and I've enjoyed myself each time! read more

This review is just for the food... The food is really terrible. Public school lunches are better. I ordered loaded nachos, which were described as home-made tortilla chips. These were basic store bought chips and covered in fake, orange cheese. They didn't even have all the toppings. It was honestly slop. Most of the food is fried, btw, so ignore your diet for the night. The table next to me ordered sliders (beef patties) and they smelled like dog food. I didn't order drinks other than overpriced water. I will give them credit for getting bad food out of the kitchen quickly. And the service wasn't too bad. My server took a little while to take my order but it wasn't unacceptable. And the busser who brought my food took away my empty plate. Maybe the wings are better quality, however everything was way overpriced. I think it was like $20 for maybe 8 wings?? Eat before you go, is my suggestion. read more

This place was amazing. I was there for the hip hop 52nd birthday on August 11th 2025. The place is cozy. I love the way people from New York love and support each other. I am from Philadelphia. We don't have that type of unity. read more

SOB's is a decent spot for catching a live show, and its location has a lot going for it. It's right at the Houston stop on the 1 train, which is super convenient, and we were in luck and found street parking nearby. The venue has a cool vibe, but a few things could be better. Our server, for instance, wasn't particularly welcoming and didn't smile once, which took away a bit from the experience. Also, the beer wasn't as cold as I'd hoped. They charge a percentage-based fee at their ATM (instead of a flat rate like most places), and there's an extra fee for paying with a card by the door. Overall, it's a decent venue but in terms of customer experience it has a lot of room for improvement. read more

DJ only. Not what I expected. $25 cover charge. Extra $5 if you pay with credit card.

I have been to this venue twice before and enjoyed it a lot. I recently revisited on a night where there were more visitors than before, and for some reason, the service was much worse than I'd ever seen it. My friends and I were in line for 45 minutes because an excess of people were in line. There were two female employees at the door who insisted on me and my 5 friends paying when we purchased free early bird tickets. We got in like 45 minutes prior... how is that our fault? I have Raynaud's Syndrome so my fingers lose circulation when I am in the cold for too long. The women ignored my medical issue and made us pay $70. During Black History Month? Really? We waited outside for 45 minutes and because the wait was longer than anticipated, we had to pay an additional $70. Mind you, SOB's has used my friends and I for promotional images on their website and social media MULTIPLE TIMES. It's not our fault you decided to start the event late. Find DJs who will begin on time. Don't fine us for it. Never coming to SOB's ever again :( i am heartbroken. read more

The food is good, the ambience is nice. I was recently there for Rhythm Revue's DJ All-Stars featuring Dj T- Groove and Chuck Chill out. The music was off the chain!!!! My only complaint about this place is that the dance floor is way too small for my liking. read more

Amazing venue for a variety of events. My favorite is the Saturday night Bollywood party. It is always busy and the music is beyond amazing. They keep a very strict door and ratio from what I have been told and see. Keep rocking! read more

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I went to SOB's on a Monday Night to see my son perform. They had a great lineup of young talented, aspiring R&B Singers. The event was very organized. The venue is small and was dimly lit. My friend I decided to sit down, relax and take a load off after a hard day of work. We ordered drinks and appetizers. For the most part, the drinks were good, we both ordered Rum Punch & shared Calamari & Wings. The buffalo wings were good, but as for the calamari, I've truly had better, it wasn't the worse, but I'm sure no one would miss it, if it fell off the list, if they do, then they haven't had great Calamari (Try Carmine's). Our Waitress was great, I can't remember her name, but she was friendly, attentive and provided us with stellar service. I would definitely go back, but only to see my son perform. SOB's boast a younger crowd, which doesn't intimidate me, but it would not be my regular go-to spot (no shade at all). It's definitely a nice hangout spot for the younger generation; in spite of that I still had a magnificent experience! read more

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Make of it what you will, but here is promoter Jay, who I found in the reviews of SOBs. read more

SOB's - Promoter J when asked for help. - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

Came here with family for a Domestic Violence brunch. The brunch was suppose to consist of a 3 course meal with unlimited sangria for 2hrs. There was also a list of performers and speakers set to hit the stage. For my 1st course I had the Butternut Squash Soup *good*, 2nd course I had the steak, Eggs & rice *didn't enjoy it, mainly because of not having my choice of preparation for the eggs*, 3rd course was suppose to be dessert which I never received. The service was super slow, I found myself consistently trying to flag down any waitress for a refill of the sangria. Now about the sangria... it was very juice like without even a hint of alcohol. The performances were good but the service and food were both a miss. read more

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I've been going to SOBs for a couple of decades now and it continues to be one of my favorite places to watch a show. The renovations that were made over the last couple of years are so good - they have improved the air conditioning, lighting, sound and more. The venue is better than ever as a place to enjoy quality music of all genres! It's also a great place to hang out with friends, eat drink and enjoy a respite from the chaos of the world. read more

Extremely overpriced and diluted alcohol. Bouncers are thugs. They will offer mouth wash in the men's bathroom to drunk people who innocently use it. Then ask for money. They made me zelle a random account which didn't even belong to SOBs. Will also snatch your phone to see if you actually paid. read more

Food was absolutely terrible. Doing Sunday Brunch the entertainment is "OUTA THIS WORLD!" Like seriously it's a poetry thing . Heard some GREATNESS today I'm a share a peek. Before I forget let's finish talking about the terrible service and horrible food. (Had to go to chipotle next door for the chips and blanco cheese dip with steak. Yumm read more

Went to see Sun Ra arkestra and had an enjoyable experience. Sound was very good, although some feedback at times. Show was not oversold so we weren't crammed in like sardines. Started nice and early and on time, just a little after 8 pm and the performance lasted almost 2 hours. read more

fun bar but they tried to charge $6 for a cup of water. i don't care that it's the city. water needs to be free. i should have thrown up and passed out on the floor, then maybe they would've offered me free water. but most likely would have just thrown me outside bc clearly they don't give a s*** about the well being of their paying customers. so they are getting a low rating because we deserve water. we're paying a fortune for drinks, and a cover fee already. i should be allowed to get a cup of water. start offering free water then i'll consider upping ur rating. a**holes. read more

I hadn't been here since 2006 and prior to that once- like in the late 90s. Performances or DJs here, have to be downright good otherwise, SOB's is not a regular stop for me. But Rhythm Revue's Felix Hernández was spinning his classic mix of Funk, Soul and more- and couldn't say no to that. The focus here highlights music from the Caribbean, Africa and beyond. SOB's layout lacks style from all angles but it's hooked with the basics: stage, dining tables to the left and a rather small, dancing space. Fully stocked Bar off on the right with a Cocktail menu and a couple of high tables. Decent food menu consisting mostly of appetizers and small entrees, is also available. But we dodged those and had way better plans afterwards at our favorite restaurant in the West Village. SOB's is historic in SoHo and folks seem to really dig the high-volume, high-energy feel here- but their getup just doesn't work for me. Depending on the night or performance at times, it attracts a vibe I don't really dig. Really can't say this place is attractive but for what it was worth that night, it was o...k. read more

SOB's - Apple Sip~~~['Apple Of My Eye']---(For SOB's, This Was Decent) - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

Disappointed with the r&b and Afro beats Monday night event. The artists were not good at all, no stage presence, on stage with slides looking sloppy and ultimately did not hear much of the Afro beats genre. $30 cover to see these performers who made it feel like we were at a bad high school talent show! Overpriced drinks and mediocre quality overpriced food. Given the food and drink prices, I'm offended by the $30 cover charge! The audacity to charge that much for an amateur talent show that wasn't remotely entertaining! read more

SOB's - Nachos - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

I went to SOB's on a Thursday night for a show - The Guys Next Door podcast live. The venue is a nice size and has a good set up. The service was typical of a comedy club or similar...a lot of servers running around, food being delivered to the wrong tables, and having to fight for a server's attention to take your order. I ordered a Jack Daniels and lemonade and also an order of empanadas. The drink was decent...I wish the lemonade wasn't from the fountain. The empanadas were cool. You get four small empanadas - two beef, two cheese - with hot sauce for dipping (interesting). I wound up ordering two more Jack and lemonades and also a "shot" for me and another for one of the podcast hosts. They don't do shots though, only 2 oz. pours. In total, I spent about $70. Unfortunately, the venue double booked the podcast's after party, so the evening didn't go as fully planned, but overall, the night itself was great and the show was super dope! Also, SOB's bathrooms were terrible. Very dirty and wet and no paper towels for drying your hands. read more

SOB's - Guys Next Door podcast live - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

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I went to SOB's to see Lee Scratch Perry and Subatomic Sound System on May 9th. The venue has good acoustics, but it's small and can get super cramped. That night, the place was packed to the gills by the time Lee Scratch Perry got on stage. It's dark inside, but the stage was lit in this saturated purple lighting. There were two bars - a small bar towards the back by the bathrooms, and a large/full bar near the venue entrance (when you walk inside, it's too your right). Prices at the bar are fair for the area. SOB's also has a menu. I didn't get a chance to try any food. I wish I had because some people were seated at the tables to the right of the stage (so it was like a dinner and show deal for them). There were also tables on an elevated area in the part of the club near the small bar. Security was cool and were friendly that night; it was easy to go through. Bartenders were OK, too. SOB's is not my favorite music venue, but I'd come back again if there was another act I wanted to see. read more

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The security guards were very rude. They were sarcastic about the entry fee for bollywood party and didn't say it properly. I was turned off by this incident. read more

This place has gone hill. Between the food being low grade and the service taking forever. Not the servers fault however the managers and bouncers were so rude. it's a shame that at one time such a wonderful fun establishment has now gone on to treating there guests with no respect. I should. read more

Whet here to celebrate a birthday and the security at the door was the worst I've ever seen. Very rude and condescending to patrons waiting to get inside. Bar scene was ok at best and the drinks were overpriced and weak. We eventually obottle service and had a pretty decent section to enjoy cognac and vodka infused drinks. The crowd was pretty good and very easy to socialize with. Legendary place with a mediocre staff. I'll pass next time. read more

SOB's - Gettin in .... - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

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Place was cool but it's SRO after a certain point unless you know someone. Was there for a concert ( Eric Roberson) and had to stand awkwardly in the bar area because the host said there were no more seats. Then as we were standing It was irritating to see empty seats that we couldn't sit in and then the host and others going to get seats from some random room for their friends to use as coat holders while me and my husband and other patrons were made to stand. Drinks were cool. Eric was fantastic per usual. read more

The line to get into SOB's is one of the biggest scams I've ever experienced in NYC. They routinely have events where they give out "free" tickets, but you have to get to the front of the line by 10:30. The catch is that they give out an insane amount of free tickets, and they don't even open their doors until 10. So even people who arrive at 9:30(a full HOUR before the cutoff time) have no chance of making it to the front of the line in time. And if you don't get to the front by 10:30, it's $25 to get in. Tricking people by saying it's "free" when they know full well that only 10-20% of the people who have free tickets will actually get in for free, is a complete scam, and a sleezy way to do business. The security also walks up and down the line offering a "line skip" if people pay them $10 or $20, all the while they're purposely holding up the line and causing it to go as slow as possible. It doesn't get any sketchier than that. Stay far away from this place. Horrible business and a straight up scam! read more

I came here last weekend to celebrate my cousin's 30th birthday, and it was a disappointment. why would you advertise FREE BEFORE 12 but, then not open your doors until a quarter after 12???? Just be honest and say $20 cover. SOBs is not how i remember it to be where all the ladies were dressed up in heels looking nice and looked 21+. I saw a bunch of people looking like they're 18 and all dressed down. Besides the Dj being good nothing would bring me back here. everyone was just standing around watching him play. One thing i hate is going to a venue where people come to take up space. On top of that they were booked for bottles?? how??? maybe that's because they only had one corner available which was taking for a birthday. I didn't see any bottles come out that night, At All!!! just a shame. read more

I know it's a concert venue but with concrete structures the sound is not absorbed at all and amplifies the sound waves as they bounce off the concrete. Basically it was louder than other concert halls and I'd bring earplugs. The staff was just as rude as the rest of the comments described. Extremely rude, even for NY. Bar tenders were kind and security was chill read more

Established music venue in NYC. This place has seen and presented first class performers for years. On this occasion we went to a Global Music Party featuring Four performers Changüi Majadero, Delgres, ECNO, La Dame Blanche. Diverse styles all unique to their group and lots of fun and dancing Changüi Majadero is root Cuban Music Delgres is blues and rock of the Caribbean fused with European beat ECNO is Mexican style Cumbia. They had a group of followers in hand. Great! La Dame Blanche described herself as hiphopurbanocubano. We sat at one of the tables and ordered some appetizers to go with our drinks. Sliders & BBQ Ribs, Fries. The food was ok. Service was attentive and nice. read more

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Service is what's to be expected at a crowded event so be patient. Bar tender, Andrea, is fantastic with handling the crowd. Never had the food, never made it early enough to get a table to eat on. The place is small and gets stuffy very quickly especially when it gets crowded. Needs some ventilation. The manager of the club needs a vacation...very rude and impatient. Definitely not willing to listen to concerns or suggestions. He'll figure it out. Will only go back to support DJ Hernandez. read more