Best Low Key NYC Music Venues

This was one of the first venues I went to when I first moved to NYC and it was a welcomed surprise. I bought the tickets on a whim with low expectations and in reality the layout was nothing crazy. It’s a standard pit with an upper level where patrons can stand and enjoy the music. But the venue was clean, not overly crowded, and just a good time. We actually ended up enjoying the opener more than the person we showed up to see (S/O Richie Quake). Tickets Prices: $20 to $60 Music: A wide range from Rap, Rock, Country, and so much more. Capacity: 600 people

This was another concert I bought on a whim (isn’t that the best way?) and this turned out to be one of the best concert experiences I’ve had here. We actually bought the tickets to see Richie Quake who we discovered at Bowery Ballroom. He opened up for a band named Stolen Gin who are currently one of my favorite bands. This venue actually has multiple sound stages but we went to the rooftop. This venue is extremely intimate (the artists literally had to make their way through the crowd to get up to the stage) with gorgeous sunset views. Ticket Prices: $10 to $30 Music: a very wide range House, Rock, Rap, Exploratory music. Capacity: 460

This venue is a bit larger than the others previously listed and has had some pretty big names over the years. Another standard set up with a large pit area and then multiple levels of balconies off to the side. Ticket Prices: $20 to $80 Music: a very wide range Rock, House, Alternative Capacity: 3,000

This is another great venue in the Brooklyn area. This venue is mostly a large pit with a smaller balcony area where space is pretty limited. I highly suggest getting here at a good time if you want a good spot as it’s pretty much a large pit. We got here pretty late and were in the way back but with that being said it’s still a small venue so we still could see the stage pretty well. Ticket Prices: $20 to $80 Music: a very wide range House, Rock, Rap, Pop Capacity: 1,800

One of the most unique venues on the list as it has a sound room, restaurant, lounge, and an outdoor space called “the nursery”. The sound room is our focus and offers a truly immersive experience with a top notch sound system and lighting system. It’s just a really cool place to be. Ticket Prices: $10 to $40 Music: House, Electronic, Experimental Capacity: 200

This venue might have some of the best views of New York City and will offer a truly special night no matter who you are seeing. The whole area is exceptional with bars and restaurants scattered about. Now this venue isn’t strictly for music and hosts a handful of other types of events so if you see an artist performing here that you’re remotely interested in, jump on it. We saw both Milky Chance and Young the Giant here and I was in awe as the sun set over the back drop and the wind wisped through Sameer Gadhia’s hair. Ticket Prices: $30 to $100 Music: a very wide range Rock, Alternative, and more Capacity: 3,500