Brooklyn Made
While newer to the Bushwick live music scene, Brooklyn Made is becoming a neighborhood staple, and once you go, you’ll see why. It’s an all-in-one venue with a sick stage and a lounge area with a pool table. There’s also Cafe Mezcal, the connected mezcal bar & restaurant that’s great for pre or post show, or both. We also appreciate that they sell earplugs for $1 a pair.
Beacon Theatre
Touting some of the best sound quality in New York, any show at the beautiful Beacon Theatre is always a good time. The theater is technically seated, but you’ll be dancing in front of your seat quickly.
Music Hall of Williamsburg
Music Hall of Williamsburg is a great venue right in the heart of Williamsburg, always bringing an eclectic lineup of artists who span multiple genres. The sound inside is solid, and so many artists play here right before they blow up. Pro tip: the elevated platforms on either side of the dance floor are typically less crowded and have a great vantage point.
Brooklyn Steel
Brooklyn Steel is one of the most beloved venues in all of NYC, which speaks volumes considering it burst onto the scene in 2018. Steel hosts a range of artists for all musical tastes, has a dope sound system, and is a guaranteed good time.
Bowery Ballroom
This iconic, award-winning Beaux Arts venue has been a Manhattan staple since the late 90s. We love it because t’s intimate, and the sound quality is great. Many punk rockers have made history here over the years, and in recent times, the venue caters to a range of genres.
Blue Note Jazz Club
Blue Note is one of the prime spots for jazz and more in NYC. A classic, intimate and seated venue. Artists often come for multi-night stints, and two shows a night, so we get plenty of opportunities to see artists from Robert Glasper and Galactic to Tank and the Bangas. They’ve got table service offering food and/or drinks (but you have to meet the $20pp minimum). Pro tip: arrive on the early side to get a good spot!
Baby’s All Right
Right off the Williamsburg bridge, this independent Brooklyn institution features a small but electrifying stage lit up by a backdrop wall of color-changing lights, a great bar, Mexican food, and a lounge area. Catch artists of all genres and styles here with its 60s living room meets NYC venue vibes.
Brooklyn Mirage & Avant Gardner
One of the bigger standing venues in NY (not a stadium or theater) and about 10 mins from the Jefferson L, Avant Gardner is composed of three stages: the Great Hall and the Kings Hall (both inside) and the Brooklyn Mirage (outside).). All stages can fit a substantial crowd, often in costume, and some of the best electronic musicians make regular stops here. Brooklyn Mirage boasts a curved, 200 foot wide 15K resolution video wall. This year, DJ Mag voted Avant Gardner as North America’s ‘Best Large Club.’
Brooklyn Bowl
Much more than a music venue, Brooklyn Bowl includes a sixteen lane bowling alley along with a full bar and a restaurant by Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group (don’t sleep on the Rock. And. Roll. fries). Complete with a fantastic sound system and a disco ball, read on to hear more about why this is one of our favorite venues for a great night out.
Goodbye Knitting Factory BK
On August 21st, The Knitting Factory Brooklyn had their last show in their legendary Williamsburg location after 13 years on Metropolitan Ave. The show headlined Hannibal Buress, paying homage to the venue’s history. The comedian had several gigs at the Knitting Factory BK early in his career and returned this summer for a final goodbye.
