There’s nothing like the rush of seeing one of your favorite artists perform in person, but this almost indescribable feelings gets even better when you find yourself up close and personal, in the crowd of a small venue. And while General Admission (standing room only) venues have their downsides, the struggle is worth it to experience the rush of seeing someone you love perform the songs that you love even more. Based on our experience, here are five totally underrated venues in New York City that everyone needs to go to at least once.
5. Best Buy Theater
Location: 1515 Broadway, New York, NY
What we saw here: American Authors
This venue makes it on the list because of its quaint interior and lively exterior. The space is located in the middle of Times Square, so being able to read the CNN marquee and watch the street performers while waiting to go in keeps the wait interesting and fun. Inside, the floor is wide and there are balconies on either side, as well as seating areas in the back. The gate is very close to the stage, so if you go to a show as lively as American Authors, you may get to see lead singer Zac Barnett jump over it and balance on fans’ shoulders while singing.
Overall rating: 3.5/5 stars.
4. Feinstein’s/54 Below
Location: 254 W 54th St, New York, NY
What we saw here: Starkid Productions
This is a venue that’s perfect for Broadway and theater fanatics. If showtunes are your cup of tea, this place is for you. Featuring a dining room and full bar area, this space is a little different from what most concert-goers are used to. That being said, it’s a great place to dress up, sit back, and relax while talented actors and actresses perform medleys from your favorite shows. The downsides to this place? You don’t get that typical concert experience, and it is a pricey place. This is a great place to take your parents when they’re in town and want to know that you’re living the high life.
Overall rating: 3.7/5 stars
3. Beacon Theatre
Location: 2124 Broadway, New York, NY
What we saw here: Hozier
This is the largest scale venue on our list, with a capacity of almost 3,000. That being said, this hall is absolutely beautiful, with a design that feels like stepping into the 1920’s. Another venue without standing room, the Beacon isn’t what we’re used to. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t an incredible place to see a show. Two balconies and a semi-circular seating plan allow for anyone to be able to see, despite where you sit!
Overall rating: 3.8/5 stars
2. Webster Hall
Location: 125 E 11th St, New York, NY
What we saw here: Greg Holden and Delta Rae
This venue gives us exactly what we want: the rush of being in the crowd. Its design is typical of any small venue: general standing room with a balcony surrounding the stage. If you’re lucky enough to get there early, you can get extremely close to the stage, and you get a great view of the performers for your Instagram pictures that you’ll be posting when you get home. The venue hosts artists that are still relatively new, so they’re happy to hang around the merchandise booths and take pictures with fans. A possible downside to this venue is location: In the heart of East Village, it does require a bit of walking to get to.
Overall rating: 4.0/5 stars.
1. The Bowery Ballroom
Location: 6 Delancey St, New York, NY
What we saw there: Catfish and the Bottlemen
The Bowery Ballroom tops this list because it has everything we could ever want in a venue: a spacious standing area, a private seating area for those feeling classy enough to watch a show from a cushy couch on the balcony, to an actual balcony that has enough space for everyone that doesn’t want to risk their sanity in the crowd. The best part of this venue? Air conditioning that you actually feel throughout the night. The location of the Bowery Ballroom is a little sketchy, being on the edge of Chinatown and Little Italy, but that doesn’t stop it from being our favorite venue we’ve been to so far.
Overall rating: 4.5/5 stars.