Bowery Ballroom

I'm sure any New Yorker who goes to shows has been here but I couldn't help myself to review it... The Bowery Ballroom. I know people who have mixed feelings about it, but I love the place. It's located on the corner of The Bowery and Delancey Street so it's prime location via subway and close to Brooklyn (Williamsburg Bridge is like 5 streets due east down Delancey). When you walk in you immediately go downstairs into a basement bar that's a decent size and perfect for mixing and mingling pre-show. The dim lighting, underground look (hey, you are in a basement) kinda give it a cave feel. Then you go back up some stairs to the main ballroom with the stage. Not quit street level though. It's all general admission; no assigned seating so you can wander and continue to mix and mingle like you did at the bar. Should you get tired from walking around there is something of a mezzanine that goes up on both sides with seating, although it's very limited. It's like a half lounge and there is a bar up there as well so no need to leave the show to get a drink. It's a small and intimate venue, don't expect to see the Rolling Stones there. I have been there mostly to see They Might Be Giants, who some of you may or may not know of. It's such a small place that I've actually gotten to talk to the Johns (both the members of They Might Be Giants are names John) after the show as if they were just other patrons. If you're not going to a mega, blockbuster type show and it's a smaller, more personal band, then check to see if they're playing at the Bowery Ballroom. If it's TMBG playing, then I'll probably see you there. more

Sure there are lots of good venues in New York for music, but the Bowery Ballroom has the advantage of being just the right size--large enough for a group that has a good following, but not too large for the scene to get crazy. I usually prefer to go upstairs and watch from the back gallery but sometimes ya just gotta go to the main floor. One of the best shows, in October 2004, was folk singer Dan Bern, who asked people to sing along to "Bush Must Be Defeated." Ah, nostalgia. It's right near the J train, too, for those who can take that unusual line. more

This venue has replaced more traditional venues like Hammerstein Ballroom and Roseland Ballroom to see your favorite band. Bowery Ballroom unlike other places houses all different types of music from rap to swing to rock. There's a cool bar downstairs too. Do yourself a favor and go upstairs to grab a seat before the band hits the stage. You'll thank yourself if it's a long show more

This is a must do if you’re into watching live concerts. The historical Bowery Ballroom is the best place to catch your favorite band in an intimate setting. No joke, you’re literally feet away from the bands. The sound quality is great. You would think that the small area would cause unwanted echoes but it doesn’t. The ballroom or stage area is located on the 2nd floor while a lounge or chilling area on the first. Drinks are priced to sell. Admission is inexpensive. I love this place. more

Bowery Ballroom is a hipster's paradise - street cred mixed in with great acts (Liz Phair,Modest Mouse and other alt/indie bands play here). It's located in a rather desolate and not so pleasant part of town and can be difficult to find (it's near Chinatown/Lower East Side). But it's a cool place nonetheless. There's a lounge area/bar downstairs that is dark with a bar in the center. The bathrooms show their age, covered with graffiti over the years. Upstairs is the 'ballroom' with two levels, the stage and of course a bar area in the back and then a smaller, VIP, area up top. It's a great place to catch your favorite band in an intimate setting. Get there early and snag a spot near the stage; you won't be sorry. more

Bowery Ballroom is a great place to see any band that you like. You enter into the downstairs, where there is a great bar, in a lounge-like atmosphere. Drinks are very affordable (they don't "jack up" the prices). You can also hear the bands upstairs playing, so you don't miss anything. Upstairs, there is a big open venue with a big stage, and plenty of room. Most shows are general admission, and standing room only...but with the list of bands that play there, you probably already knew that. more

The Bowery Ballroom is a great mid-size venue for rock shows. Its small enough that you can usually see the bands. I would try to stake out a spot on the balcony, but sometimes it is reserved for VIPs. The drinks aren't expensive, like at other venues and they is usually a really good lineup of shows. If someone you like is playing there, go see them now, because their next show will probably be at Roseland or somewhere else not as intimate or inexpensive. more