Irving Plaza is an anomaly to the neighborhood, which features many quaint, upscale restaurants and trendy bars. The space has a lot of character, playing host to countless shows for artists and... More

Irving Plaza is an anomaly to the neighborhood, which features many quaint, upscale restaurants and trendy bars. The space has a lot of character, playing host to countless shows for artists and bands who prefer, or can only fill, a smaller space. It's got a bit of a rock-ish mood, replete with the indifferent staff who man the bars and tickets out front. I've enjoyed a bunch of shows here, of both the popular and less popular variety. When you've got the space, it's great to be able to be near the artists and enjoy the music in such an intimate venue. But when it's crowded, look out. If you're upstairs, you'll be jostling for space along the balcony, and if you're downstairs, be prepared to be involuntarily lifted off your feet on occasion.
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You aren’t a real New Yorker until you’ve seen at least one rock show at Irving Plaza. And it’s a great venue – just the right size for indie bands with vocal followings. The tickets are usually... More

You aren’t a real New Yorker until you’ve seen at least one rock show at Irving Plaza. And it’s a great venue – just the right size for indie bands with vocal followings. The tickets are usually low-priced, depending on the act, but because of that, Irving Plaza also tends to attract people who aren’t really there for the music: college kids who just want another place to get drunk, and partiers who figure that live music, no matter what it is, might be worth a few extra dollars. The result is often rude behavior from fellow audience members – generally more likely to happen at the back of the venue than the front. But at the same time, don’t get too close to the stage. I made that mistake at the last show I attended there, and the sound was just awful. You’ll be better a few rows back, toward the middle, if possible.
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I have had drinks spilled on me at more than one show at Irving Plaza. For some reason I am always by the overly-drunk girl. But that is not the point here. I like seeing shows at Irving Plaza... More

I have had drinks spilled on me at more than one show at Irving Plaza. For some reason I am always by the overly-drunk girl. But that is not the point here. I like seeing shows at Irving Plaza because of the venue size - small enough to feel close to the band, but large enough to not have my ears blasted out by the speakers. The heat also rises to the high, high ceiling - it is not stuck at brow level so that I end the night coated in perspiration. It is dirty, like most good rock clubs. The bathrooms aren't great, but they are usable. Drinks are average price. You are coming here to see a band you like. Just don't dress too nicely if you are hanging with the drunk girl.
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