Arlene's Grocery

Last night's show, featuring SOFIA, was awesome. Last time I was at Arlene's Grocery was a few years ago when Sofia was first featured. Not only has the area improved, but Arlene's seems to have improved right along with the neighborhood. I will definitely be back to hear new talent at Arlene's. The sound system worked well, although the tech people at Arlene's had some difficulty getting the show going (I also heard that the recording of the show had a huge glitch, no sound!!! Come on, it isn't that difficult to press the sound button ON!) But, it was a memorable performance, with lead singer Milan Jefferson percolating with new sounds and a feel for his deeply enriching lyrics unsurpassed. My faith in music is returning after hearing their heartfelt performance. Great texture and great contributions by Trumpet player, Talya Lieberman. The interchange between lead vocalist , Milan, and Vocal back up singer, Talya, had the audience awed and asking for more. Lead guitarist, Pavle Jefferson (yes, these two talented guys are brothers) showed up with flamboyant solos on the electric guitar and backed up Milan on vocals. There is something special about watching two brothers perform side by side, each giving due credit to the other. Sofia came together with brilliant appearances by Eli on Bass and the drummer went wild! I will be back to catch these guys as they take NYC to new levels. If you want to hear music with meaningful lyrics, two brothers who bring back to stage the music we have all been yearning for then get to the next SOFIA show in NYC. Log on to their myspace and grow with SOFIA. Thanks to Arlene's Grocery for promoting music that goes deep... Pros: intimate ambience, upcoming neighborhood keeping its original feel more

Just happened by this old lower eastside grocery turned club and heard a terric band with a big sound, big heart and high spirits-Haakon's Fault. Unusual name to remember but worth the try. Bar seemed well managed, very strict about carding and generally welcoming and pleasant in that lower eastside, grungy kind of way-lots of character. Pros: good live music and ambience Cons: no food more

Had a great time, went out to see The Bravery perform even though its not the first time I heard them live it sure felt like it in this small joint. The drinks are fairly priced. Not a very wide selection of beers, they didn?t have my fav =( but all was well. The crowed at the time was social and hip. Overall a great first impression I will surely be returning for some other night. more

It was a cool place, i thought the concept of a grocery store turned into a bar cool. But I kind of didnt like the way te bartender was towards me, she was a little b*tchy, and kind of catty. I have no idea why, even when I entered the place and sat down at one of the tables, she asked for id from everyone and she just snarled at us, like we were in her way or making her work, I dont know what her issue was.. but whatever.. the drinks were a little crappy, and the service was mediocre, the music was Alright if at that, but the live bands and stuff that nite was awesome more

I'm new to town and in the music industry, so I had some friends give me the heads up about places in town that actually have decent bands. Arelene's is hands down the best I have seen so far. The neighborhood rocks, the scene is very lower east side, and you can usually rely on hearing some good music. This one band, THE DEFOG played and blew me away. It's nice to know that someone is still making original music that isn't just a creed rip-off. They had such an interesting sound, mellow at times and then more catchy at others, and they had amazing instruments. I listen to their CD in my car constantly. I definitely will be back to find more new music. YOU ROCK DEFOG! Pros: awesome music, the newest sounds and most creative bands DEFOG! Cons: sometimes crowded more

i have seen some rock and punk bands here. a good place, with a lot of drunk and loud local people. i like the place for being funky and fun more

The band was called quadrogong, the lead singer played blazing lead guitar on a Les Paul sunburst , some really cool Radiohead type songs,it was truly a great little performance for such a tiny room. The group was a three peice,with a funky,dirty looking noel redding afroed out bass player laying down some of that old time Billy Cox style basswork, with a talented drummer as well. What I remembered most was the band's name,since I received a free cd demo upon entrance of the club. Every time I've been to Arlene's I've had a similar experience, catching a memorable show at unexpected times. my ears were ringing afterwards,and the next morning too,but seeing that guy beating the hell out his les paul,hitting endless wah-wah leads like Hendrix or something made it all worth it. Pros: small room Cons: small room more

Went to NYC to see ZO2 (best rock band ever) and saw them for free at Arlene's. I would have paid $20.00 to see them. WOW, great club, BEST band. more

Arlene's has a unique storefront consistent with its name. We passed by the place the first time because it was empty. A nearby bar was too crowded and another was empty AND intimidating, so we returned to Arlene's on the Sunday night. We would've no idea it was for bands. A few pieces of arcade-game art on the walls...the stools and benches are sufficient, but don't expect royal treatment in terms of seating, at least on ground level. The bartender made sure the beer was filled over the rim, but I was a bit disappointed by the volume of Jameson's I got. Part of the reason for the lack of customers must be due to the low volume of music, but I liked it that way. It's a nice change from the ear-splitting bar scene. Pros: Light music, Beer filled to rim Cons: Not too much whiskey, A bit too quiet ;-) more

Good bands but surprisingly poor sound system affected my enjoyment of music. Small room. Crowded. If you're not over 6 feet tall or standing in the front row you're not going to see much on stage. People who work there not too friendly. Bad vibe overall. OK place, but not great. Pros: Bands Cons: Sound system, Staff, Vibe more

This is a nice little place to go and enjoy some great drinks and music. Great prices on PBR. Drink specials galore. Women were amazing. The whole vibe is great. One night, I heard a great rock band, downshallow. Glad I caught that set. And Arlene's is the reason. more

I used to go to Arlene's back when I was in college in the mid 90's, loved it then and I still love it now. I was there a couple Saturdays ago with some buddies and there were $3 Coors on tap, rare these days in the city. We also caught a couple bands: Automatic Bad Machine and Jake the Dog, both rockin'! Arlene's is always a safe bet. Pros: cheap beer, not too crowded more

Monday night saw this incredible band called Samsara. The lead singer was hypnotic and the crowd was really into it. Cheaper drinks than usual for a NYC bar and really chill. Not a lot of pretense but a fun lively crowd. Pros: cheaper drinks, great bands Cons: kind of ghetto more

I went here for the first time late on a Friday night. Lukily for our small group, The Drakes, came on to play at midnight. The band was great! That's the great thing about this place. It's a good space to hear live music. Pros: live rock music, inexpensive more

Rarely do I find a place that will inspire me to go out during the week with my crazy schedule. However Arlene's on Monday night is a blast. The bands were good, better then most I've heard lately then Heavy Metal Karaoke started. Not for amateurs, we were surprised at the caliber of the singers and enjoyed the enthusiasm in the crowd. It was the best Monday Ive had in months! Pros: The Music more

coolest place to see hot bands-the chicks are hot and there is a band that plays occasionally called chesterwhite who rock! more

Although the karoke night is a blast, and a good place to meet people, you have to beware of who you meet. there are tons of losers who think they're the hottest sh*t on the LES and will be willing to tell you over and over again... also beware of grumpy bartenders. more