Arlene's Grocery Bar / Live Music Venue / Lounge

Lower East Side, New York –

Considering the bright yellow grocer’s sign offering fast delivery, one might think Arlene’s Grocery is just that, instead of the famous Lower East Side music landmark that it is.

Known as a jumping-off point for bands like The Strokes, the venue still boasts an impressive lineup of up-and-coming bands that attracts a mix of grungy neighborhood punks, local university students, and artsy young professionals.

A seedy entrance leads patrons into a dimly-lit wood and stone tavern referred to as the Butcher Bar, where music lovers hang out on ripped stools waiting for the show to start, and local hipsters lounge on cracked leather banquettes in the back to chat over a few beers.

Once show time approaches, patrons make their way through a blue door at the front that leads to the dark and boxy Band Room, where several bands take the stage every night to play rock and roll to an eclectic and usually intoxicated audience jamming to the beat and sticking around post-show to meet the musicians.

On Monday nights, the popular Rock and Roll Karaoke event brings out hordes of would-be rockers and shower singers alike ready for their fifteen minutes of fame.

While the vibe during performances is heavily dependent on the bands, Arlene’s definitely gets rowdier once the concerts are over and patrons fill the floor for an all-night dance party.