The Bitter End is NYC's oldest rock-and-roll club! First time here, what I enjoyed the most about the venue was the seating. When I went to The Iridium over the summer, the seating was situated more for dining and the performance is more of an afterthought. At The Bitter End I was front and center facing the stage The big attraction is the history of the club. The Bitter End opened in 1961 and was a launching pad for performers who later became major stars. I started following The Curtis Family when we were all locked down in 2020. Now in 2026, the family band hit the road and one of the stops on tour was The Bitter End. As with any of these small venues, they have a two drink minimum. Once my wife & I were seated, we ordered a few cocktails and settled in. The stage was large enough to have the (7) members of the band and they had two keyboards! The sound system was great and the drinks were strong. The seating, even though I was able to be in front, it was tight seating. It was a little too close for comfort. The Bitter End is a small, intimate, old-school Greenwich Village club. If you're looking for a classic New York City music-night experience, The Bitter End fits extremely well into Greenwich Village. It's a great venue for a folk singer or a small jazz performance. read more

Staff is super friendly both at the door and waiting tables. The small venue is cozy and well lit for shows. The two drink minimum menu is reasonably priced, I had a ginger beer and bottled water. I really enjoyed this music venue and would definitely come back if an artist I like is playing and I'm in the area again. read more

The Bitter End - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Such friendly staff, and you can feel the history of all the greats who played here! The sound is good and the drinks came fast. We joined a pretty sparse crowd on a Tuesday and heard a competent band - kind of a low energy night, but that's not their fault. Go! We have to keep these old places alive. read more

The Bitter End is a very famous music bar. Alot of legends have played here before they were famous I think. Knowing its rich history I would love to give this place five stars but I just can't. I had a pretty watered down Moscow mule. It does not even come in the right type of glassware ( copper mug) And as I said It's watered down. I had a beer next in a bottle and it tasted kinda strange like maybe it was old or maybe just my taste buds not really sure. For food I had chicken sliders. It seemed like they had a small piece of chicken breast cooked already sliced it into three small slices and boom that is the chicken sliders. With lettuce tomato and bacon. The bacon was one of the thicker kinds it was ok but again very small pieces. The lettuce looked a little wilted and the tomato was not great either. I know this place is not know for their food at all but wanted to include all this. My parents had chicken tenders and a burger they seemed to enjoy their food. The sound here is good like you are at a real concert. It's a smallish place so the music can get loud and hard to hear the bartender and waitress. They have small wooden tables that are set up kind of like right next to each other which is a little annoying but they want to pack in as many people as they can. The Bartenders and waitress here were nothing special. Bartender seemed a bit rude but that is it. The bar is in the front of the place and there are not many bar seats here. There is also a back area with tables and chairs. Also, the bathroom situation here.. very small rooms, filled with stickers, a bit dirty. But once again people come here to hear the music and drink. There is a 2 drink min per person at each table if you make a reservation which is understandable. Come here for the music is all I will say! read more

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This venue has premium musical acts! I went 2 days in a row I'm so blessed to have seen 4 amazing bands. Day one seeing Danielia Cotton with her amazing band followed by Matt Schofield and and his amazing band. The flowing night we saw oz noy and the annoying band lol great name for his band! Which includes Paul Shaffer. I want to thank the staff, owner and of course the musicians for 2 amazing nights of entertainment! I didn't try food this trip but the burger looked good! I hope to visit again on my next trip to NY! read more

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Surprisingly spacious and comfortable. Seats next to stage or 3 rows in for folks who are introverts. Drinks decent & not priced too high. Friendly crowd. Best of all, no dirty old men ruining your night trying to chat u up while you're there watching music! Bar scene if u want to chat. I saw Vienna Carroll & The Folk and there was a diverse audience there, which was cool. I'll be back. read more

Fun exciting venue, close intimate stage, great sound system. Bartenders fast and very pleasant, never had to get out of my seat for service. Small cosy venue, highly recommend read more

The Bitter End - Bought the wool hat as souvenir - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Great music and good drinks! Would recommend 100% - the bat had a good amount of space and seats for live music, I saw Kidbrass and they were doing some great song covers and original stuff read more

The Bitter End - Stage - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

The Bitter End is the greatest venue of all time! The most legendary place I've ever been to! Not only is the music still absolutely incredible but the staff are so welcoming and helpful from the owner to the bartenders to the door men to the sound engineers. I have never encountered such a wonderful place in my life that brings such enjoyment in every aspect! You walk in and immediately feel at home. I highly recommend! A perfect place for every night and every occasion. And they serve food! Love the food. read more

The Bitter End - The calm before the storm - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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It's funny to think about going to this historic venue just to get drunk, but that's exactly where my friends and I found ourselves looking for a place to park ourselves in the village one night. They opened in 1961 and claim to be the oldest rock and roll club in NYC, and while I've enjoyed a couple of jazz shows here, I'm here to review my experience boozing at their outdoor tables. That a jazz club would have outdoor tables at all is quite funny, but if a place can capitalize on outdoor dining and if people will pay, then I understand the capitalist urge. NYC rent ain't cheap and we gladly did our part to help them with the many buckets of beer we ordered from here. While all the other dives in the area were overflowing with Friday night revelers, there was plenty of space for our large group to plop down here. Our server was fantastic and we never had to wait long for her to come back outside for our orders. read more

5 stars just for Richie Cannata. If you don't know who that is, look him up! He performs here every Monday night with a band and allows for locals to join and perform! He had personally invited the people I went with to the gig! It was honestly one of the best concerts I've been to in such a small, simple venue. The place itself had a $10 cover charge which was very nice. If you sit down, they do have a 2-drink minimum. If you want, just grab some of the non-alcoholic drinks and you'll spend about $10 more. read more

The Bitter End - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Great and historic music venue. Went to winter jazz fest "Paris" night here and saw incredible performances.

The Bitter End is the greatest venue of all time! The most legendary place I've ever been to! Not only is the music still absolutely incredible but the staff are so welcoming and helpful from the owner to the bartenders to the door men to the sound engineers. i have never encountered such a wonderful place in my life that brings such enjoyment in every aspect! You walk in and immediately feel at home. I highly recommend! A perfect place for every night and every occasion. And they serve food! Love the food. read more

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Food service and ambiance is absolutely wonderful. The music acts were fantastic. Great vibe here wonderful people. Cover price just right for getting in. I'd highly recommend this place for music in n.Y c! read more

The bitter end is a historic location in New York City where folk music had it start in the 60s, and famous acts like comedian George carlin and Lady Gaga performed. Now it's a little bit more low-key with local music created for a more mature audience including jazz fusion and I've been there for some other comedy shows that my friends hosted. It's an interesting space with a large space stage with a beautiful blue carpet. The two servers who are friendly and attentive. They have a two drink minimum and the cover charge is around $10 for a Saturday night. This is where you come if you're more of a musician, as opposed to red lion down the block where you will get some cheesy cover bands. It's a historic location so it's absolutely worth checking out for the history of music and that's why I see a lot of tourists out front. I will always continue to come here to support the local music scene in New York City. A bunch of my friends have played here and some of them have even recorded records. Now they have much more updated technology and I think any bands can record their show. read more

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Awesome venue for a fantastic band. The burger was excellent and the fries were also very good. If you didn't like the bartender Karen there's something wrong with you because she's absolutely delightful. I can't wait to go back again real soon. read more

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Incredibly rude staff. It's a shame that a place that should be fun is completely ruined by the people working it. I'd say skip this spot and check out any number of other great venues in the area. read more

It's home away from home! I have been coming to The Bitter End since the 60's using fake ID (sorry CAZ) Its a slice of history for serious music lovers...still smells the same.. I love everyone affiliated with this great venue, its like coming home! GREAT original music , Intimate venue.... read more

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Man I stay the hell away from NYU country if I can but I'll go pretty much anywhere for live music. I got in half price the night I came because they only had one band left. Atlas Gray, with an amazing song called Bagel Believe, about how carbs and a bit of schmear can save the world and bring us all together - check em out! Along with the cover is a 2 drink minimum. The bar is small and narrow, filled up mostly by tables with waitress service. It's old and cramped and dirty and lovely. The women's bathroom is narrow and has the most hilariously hazardous first step. read more

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It's a legendary music venue in the Village. Appropriately divey-esque. Great musicians. The normal drill: $10.00 fee at the door. Two drinks minimum. Close friendly seating. Enjoy the show! The staff is friendly and efficient. No qualms. Tonight: Funk Shui brass band were fabulous!! read more

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The Bitter End is one of the places fans of live music should be sure to visit if they happen to be in the East Village and are looking for something interesting to do. The club has been here for decades and is generally going to have four or five live acts across the night. The bands get paid by the amount of people who come to see them that night so let's assume my friends in Command Z are performing, then anyone who comes in and says "we are here to see Command Z" will add to the amount that they get paid on that night for that set. The sets are generally an hour unless the band has worked out something special with the house but its unlikely. For those who perform there is a backline provided which means amps and standard drums. The guitar players need to bring heads while the drummers are encouraged to bring a snare drums, cymbals and their bass drum pedals. Some also require the high hat clutch but I am not certain that The Bitter End asks their artists to do that. The Bitter End is mostly a seated venue and there is table service for anyone who chooses to sit. The server will not take kindly to you just chilling out since this is how she is making her own money and be careful of where you stand if you choose to do so. I cannot count how many times I am in the way of their fast moving waitstaff. I don't think I've found the perfect spot to be out of the way in the years I have been coming there. I don't recall the place having an open WiFi so pardon me on that. I will suggest that if you plan on being in the region, that you open their event page and then do some Facebook or YouTube searching to see if you like who might be playing that night so you can mention their name and help their own set while rocking out. The full bar should greatly assist you in that part as much as the music. read more

I visited this place yesterday and it was great. Good vibe, and most importantly perfect drinks. I went to see one specific singer Nicolette Capua. She has so much passion and such a beautiful voice. I'm not sure when is her next show but It's a must go if she shows up. The place was packed but they have enough space and chairs. The ticket was pretty affordable $10 , the service and servers were super friendly totally worthy! Nicolette Capua s fan. read more

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I saw a great James Maddock show and the manager was very nice. The drinks were good, the service quick and the neighborhood is classic NYC.

Good venue for striving artists. Lights and sound are pretty official. Quite a different experience for the audience. Super nasty about the 4+ ppl at a table, 2 drink minimum, per show specifics. Like chill out, we got money AND a party of 5. Mixed drinks are horrendously watered down and small. Rude bartender service when we mentioned how weak they were. Can't expect much more from Bleeker st area establishments, unfortunately. read more

The Bitter End - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

You should probably be somewhat of a music fan if you are going to come here. Why? because just about everyone from Lada Gaga to Joni Mitchell have gotten their start here and whatever you come to see will most likely be on par. I really enjoy the Monday singer/songwriter circle. talk about getting a big a big bang for you buck. I've been here with a group and by myself and had a great time doing both. read more

The Bitter End - MisterGio - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Came to see Sydney Gordon and her band.... Most importantly Martin Shapiro on keyboard. What a great place for live rock and roll music.... DO NOT MISS!! read more

The staff here the past couple of times has been very kind. I really enjoy the selection of bands. It's such a legendary spot in the village. I really like that they don't use a stamp at the front door. They provide bracelets. No one likes to have a weird mark on their hand for days after showering. Just one thing I don't agree with is not receiving an itemized bill. I suppose when you ask for the bill, ask for an itemized bill. This is the only place I've ever been and they just write a total and circle. If you have a table, a service charge is applied and the bar will not let you know. Solution? Ask staff all the questions. read more

This is such a hidden gem. So many talented artists performed here. It's s very cozy and intimate space to enjoy music. Their food is amazing too. I recommend their hamburger. I came here when umamihouse was playing. This place is an official landmark of new york. Definitely worth the visit if you're from out of town. read more

Looking forward to our trip to NY in September.And the bitter end. Im gonna pack my guitar and bring you some good Scottish tunes. If they let me sing that is. read more

The Bitter End borders on legendary, if only for the paradoxical fact that it was the beginning for an absurdly long list* of now-famous acts. After all, operating in NYC for 50+ years, you're bound to book an impressive amount of talent. At the end of the day though, nostalgia can only take you so far. It's a grimy spot with a terrible beer selection, weak drinks, a disgusting bathroom and surly bartenders who will add a tip on your scrawled check with no indication they've done so. Nothing sets it apart as a live music venue other than the band in question; it's a venue that lives and dies by the act you came in to see. So choose wisely. ___________ *http://www.bitterend.com/played.html read more

Tonight was my first time coming to The Bitter End, and what a first time it was. Talk about losing your virginity, I'm glad I went all the way! Tonight's show was one of the best shows I have ever been to. And apparently it was a historic show, because he had first played there 40 years ago and tonight was his homecoming. Oh I'm sorry, I forgot to mention who I saw: NEIL DIAMOND. Yes, THE Neil Diamond. "Love on the Rocks" Neil Diamond. "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" Neil Diamond. "Song Sung Blue" Neil Diamond. I know i'm forgetting a song or two but these i remember him doing: - Solitary Man - Don't go There - Pretty Amazing Grace he then talked about how he first appeared at the bitter end 40 years ago and how glad he was to be back home. Then he said, "let's do some oldies" and launched into: - Kentucky Woman - Cherry Cherry - Sweet Caroline played just under 40 minutes but what an amazing 40 minutes of bliss. As you can see from the picture, he was thatclosetome. As for the place itself, like everyone says its where you go see up and coming bands and singers. People who've played there include Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Woody Allen and others. So coming here, you may just be seeing a future legend. And since its an old place, don't expect classic, A-1 furniture or service. Yes, the waitresses were pretty good, considering they had to keep maneuvering around the excessive crowd. But they were good, and the drinks were cheap. I think I paid $4 for a Pabst, I don't remember because the dude next to me bought my drink. The tables are small, and can fit 4-6 people, and there are a few tables right in front of the stage. There is a little back area with a raised floor where you can still see the stage rather easily. All in all, it's a divey place but with alot of history. I'm glad that I came during one of those historic nights. And apparently, the owners also knew it was a big deal, so they installed speakers outside on the sidewalk, and they kept the windows open so people could peer inside to watch as well. Only in New York. read more

The Bitter End - Neil Diamond - Bitter End - 05/06/2008 - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I probably would have never come here on my own volition. But since they were hosting a Japan benefit with an all-star line-up of Asian American singers and musicians, I could not pass it up. Thanks RT for inviting me. I am all about pan-Asian solidarity. Where else can you see Alfa, Magnetic North, Taiyo Na on one satge? The venue is odd. There is a low raised stage with tables that face the center of the stage. It is great if you score a seat. Not so great if you are standing. The place got really packed and the waitresses had a hard time maneuvering between tables and bodies swarming around. Just make the place all standing already. And despite the venue failing, I couldn't help but still enjoy myself. Alpha has an amazing sultry voice and she reminds me a bit of Rachael Yamagata. It is great break-up suicide music. After a couple of her songs, I was ready to heat up the night with something more fast-paced. A singer from Cali named Scooter came up next and he reminded me of Rage Against the Machine. Now we're talking. But what really made me grin from ear to ear was Magnetic North and Taiyo Na. Magnetic North is a duo Asian hip hop group. One is a girl and although tiny, she packs a major punch. That girl can rap. "She is like an Asian MC Lyte," as per RT. I have to agree. Taiyo Na is hip hop and soul rolled into one cute Asian face. That man can sing and has a smile that lights up the room. And although the venue suffered, I am so glad I came to this benefit. It feels really good to support up and coming Asian American artists! read more

Came here on a Thursday night for a friend's birthday. We came specifically to see the band 45riots and had a really good time! Cover was $10 and the guy at the door carded me twice. I guess they get a lot of NYU kids but still... why you gotta single me out like that?? You walk in past the bar and there's the music venue. It's a small venue space and the front tables are touching the stage. Don't sit at the front if you have sensitive ears, the speakers are loud in addition to whatever instruments are on stage! The band was great! 45riots played a variety of oldies funk to newer alternative to pop and everything in between. They definitely had their own twists with the mix ups and mash ups. They were a great band to see live! Each singer had their own style at the vocal chords to back that up! If you do decide to grab a table, it's two drinks minimum per person and the server definitely made that clear. She came by multiple times grabbing our finished glasses and asking if wanted a second round. None of us ordered mixed drinks but there have a handful of beer selections but not too much variety. The band played from 8 pm to about 9:30 pm. The next band was getting ready so plan on finishing two drinks in the span of about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you don't plan on staying the whole time or grabbing 2 drinks, you can stand off to the side of the stage by the bar. read more

I bought a ticket at the bar to support my student. Came down, sat at the bar, was asked to move down the bar so that someone else could sit in their seat, and then the host put two people in front of me who blocked the whole show. And they didn't have a ticketed deal. Disgusted! So glad this host wasn't here when I played at the club almost 20 years ago.! Absolutely vile treatment of paying customers . read more

Popped in here for a friend singing in a small band. The lack of food here isn't helped by their minimum 2 drink rule that night... especially as they are expensive, and weak. That on top of a cover. The place is small and crowded, a good venue for those who want to perform and get their music out, much of the crowd were regulars or passionate fans. read more

We decided to check out a bar in the same area, and once we got there, it was terrible....despite its good reviews. So we hop in a taxi and drive for 2 minutes. As we pass 'The Bitter End' I think it looks fun, there are a crowd of people standing outside, so I tell the cabbie to stop. We get out, pay our 5 dollar cover and we're in. There was a live band that was playing so it seemed pretty cool, and the crowd seemed fun too. The drinks were reasonably priced, about $7 for a beer and $8 for a shot. The waitstaff was quick, and when I ordered from the bar there wasn't a long wait either. They stayed open very late, and up until close it was pretty crowded. I would definitely go back to The Bitter End. It proved to be a fun night. read more

Iconic Bar where you can hear live music. Owner, Paul , is great. Never seems to forget a face. They often have live music performances by up and coming performers. It is much smaller than I imagined but nice so you can see the show. If you are going to be there for an extended period of time, eat first. They do not serve food! read more

Not the best dive I've been to. Came here for Moth Slam story telling which was pretty cool. Different. The venue is small, crowded and doesn't have much space to walk through. Also 2 drink minimum for a table is a bit annoying. Staff wasn't super attentive either. The place is famous as a music venue so check it out for yourself. It just didn't speak to me and I don't have much of a desire to return. read more

I had a good time. I wanted to see open mic performances. Its interesting to see people get up there and do their thing in front of strangers. So great to see the Village tradition of live music and comedy continuing. The vibe was low key. Rocco the emcee kept the show tight and had some funny Henny Youngman style jokes. And, finally, what a pleasure the awesomely coiffed door dude was. I shall return(so said some famous general). read more

Was in NY for a week and made my way down to the Village to see a show. I arrived well into a performer's set and since all the tables/seats around the stage were taken I sat at the bar. This wouldn't have been an issue but all the bar stools were broken and the bartender was making a lot of noise. At one point during one of the quieter acoustic songs, the bartender decided to load and unload the ice buckets. Not sure why that couldn't have been done between songs. When the set was over, the performer was hanging around the bar so most of the fans abandoned their seats to talk to each other, get drinks, visit the restroom etc while the stage was set up for the next act. Since these were acoustic acts the switchover didn't take too long and before we knew it the next set has begun. The probelm was new people had arrived to see the next set which left a bunch of people seatless, standing around unable to see the stage or socialize since that would disturb other people's ability to hear the performer so people had no choice but to migrate outside and leave. It seemed like too many people were let in for that night's show. I love live music shows and I love bars, but this place doesn't blend the two elements well. The Bitter End left a bitter taste in my mouth. read more