The stage is in the front instead of in back, thereby putting the performers right next to the front door. It's the silliest thing I ever saw. Creates an awkward jumble of people jockying for... More

The stage is in the front instead of in back, thereby putting the performers right next to the front door. It's the silliest thing I ever saw. Creates an awkward jumble of people jockying for position as they enter in the door late to the show. Second silly thing, is a lack of a door or gap at the end of the long bar towards the front, for the bartender to get out. We stood at that part of the bar, and the entire time the bartender kept having to get up on top of the bar then hop over it, and actually used my shoulder repeatedly to balance himself. Without apology! I've been to alternative music venues in Atlanta, Seattle, Minneapolis, Athens, and L.A., and never had such an uncomfortable and annoying experience in a space as I did in this one.
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OK, most of the rocking in Brooklyn is at places in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, but a few years ago, Southpaw opened inside what was pretty much a large 99 cents store. They gutted the place, put... More

OK, most of the rocking in Brooklyn is at places in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, but a few years ago, Southpaw opened inside what was pretty much a large 99 cents store. They gutted the place, put in an excellent sound system, and it seems like a hit. I've seen everything from punk-metal (The Dictators) to comedy here, and, while maybe I'm partial because I can walk there, I've pretty much had a good time. It's within walking distance of the R at Union Street and the 2/3 at Bergen, as well as the Q at 7th Avenue.
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