NYC Rock Clubs
These are the some
of the best rock clubs in New York City. Advance tickets are
recommended at all clubs. Check age restrictions. Cover charges
& minimums are per person and subject to change
Acme Underground
9 Great Jones Street | between
Lafayette Street & Broadway
Info 212-677-6963 | Acme
Underground
Tickets Usually $6 to $8
Ages 21 & over with ID
The Acme presents alternative and
underground acts in a setting that reminds us of a basement in one
of the old storefront catering 'halls' in Brooklyn. The
not-so-good sound system is loud, louder and loudest. Best news is
that it's cheap and offers something to listen to seven nights a
week
The Bitter End
147 Bleecker Street | between Thompson
Street & Laguardia Place
Info 212-673-7030 | The
Bitter End
Cover Usually $6 to $16
Ages 21 & over with ID
We can't remember a time in the Village
without the Bitter End; turns out it's only been around
since 1961. Owner Paul Colby bills it as 'New York City's oldest
rock club,' that's why you find it on this page; it is much more
well known as a haven for folk artists and young comics back in
the sizzling sixties. The stars that have performed in front of
the brick wall span a few generations, including Woody Allen,
Maxine Andrews, Joan Baez, Sandra Bernhardt, the Chambers
Brothers, Bo Diddley, the Indigo Girls, Morgana King, Jay Leno,
Rod McKuen, Odetta, Patti Smith, Neil Young, even Henny Youngman.
Oh, did we mention Bob Dylan. Colby still books a range of
electric and acoustical acts, some rock, some roll, some folk,
some blues, even a touch of hip-hop. All good
Bowery Ballroom
6 Delancey Street | between Chrystie
Street & The Bowery
Info 212-533-2111 | Bowery
Ballroom
Tickets $10 to $25 | Box Office Cash
only at Mercury Lounge | 217 East Houston Street | Monday thru
Saturday 12:00N to 7:00P | TicketWeb.com
or 866-468-7619
Ages Varies by show 16, 18 or 21
& over with ID
Young, super-hip downtown types and bridge
and tunnel wannabees appreciate the good sound, good views, good
drinks and great acts at this tri-level, Art-Deco ballroom,
dancehall, concert hall combo. The Ballroom shows that a club
doesn't need grunge to be hot and attract such top acts as the Red
Hot Chili Peppers, REM, Patti Smith and the Black Crowes
CBGB & OMFUG
315 Bowery | between 1st & 2nd
Street
Info 212-982-4052 | CBGB
& OMFUG
Tickets Usually $6 to $20 | TicketWeb.com
or 866-468-7619
Ages 16 & older with ID | 21
& over with ID to drink
It started as a joint for 'country, blue
grass and blues' and got sidetracked to be the most important punk
venue in the country, introducing the very raw Ramones, the
polished Stilettos-- who went on to become Blondie-- Patti Smith,
Annie Golden and who knows how many more. Going more than strong
since 1974, if it's underground rock you want you'll find the best
at CBGB
Irving Plaza
17 Irving Place | at 15th Street
Info 212-777-6800 | Irving
Plaza
Tickets $15 to $50 | Box Office
Monday thru Friday 12:00N to 6:30P | Saturday 1:00P to 4:00P | Ticketmaster.com
or 212-307-7171
Ages All ages | Under 16 must be
accompanied by parent or guardian | 21 & over with ID to drink
One of the most popular rock venues in the
City, some say too popular with the younger set. If you're over 21
and want a drink be sure to bring at least two pieces of
identification to get an okay-to-order-drinks wristband. The club
features a good mix of sounds, heavy on alternative and indie,
with a good sprinkling of 'classic' acts throughout the year
Mercury Lounge
217 E Houston Street | between Ludlow
& Essex Streets
Info 260 4700 | Mercury
Lounge
Tickets Usually $8 to $20 | Box
Office Cash only Monday thru Saturday 12:00N to 7:00P |
TicketWeb.com
or 866-468-7619
Ages 21 & over with ID
Like its sister club the Bowery Ballroom
the Merc is known for its production values--good sound and good
sightlines. The club is geared to an older crowd than the Ballroom
and is frequented by many young professionals in search of the
solid sounds provided by the high-quality touring bands it books.
The fairly plain music room is made for serious listening. The
club books a variety of alternative-, indie- and folk-rock acts
along with well-established performers such as Lou Reed, Joan Jett
and yes, even Tony Bennett
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