Arlene Grocery
(212) 358-1633
95 Stanton St
New York,
NY
10002
40.7212
-73.9881
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Lower East Side
Last updated 4.01.09
What People Are Saying About Arlene Grocery
The Editor
Kara Zuaro
Citysearch
This former bodega and butcher now haunts the music and bar scenes, with groups of hipster kids piling in before, during and after shows. A fireplace warms the space, while utility benches and less-than-cozy bar stools urge patrons to grab their beers and check out the bands downstairs. There, a low cover charge grants access to a long bar stretching across the room, keeping pints and PBR cans coming. About half a dozen acts hit the well-worn stage each night, and there's a stellar sound system to showcase them. Struggling local bands of the indie, punk and hard rock varieties tend to dominate the line-up. On occasion, music industry execs will flood the space to check out major label up-and-comers just before their first record drops--like the Strokes and the Bravery, who played some of their first shows here.
User Reviews
Anonymous
January 04, 2009
Good bands in a small intimate space, and I like that there's a separate lounge area from the live music area. Cover charges are low, decent sound quality and I'll even stop by for a nightcap to sit by the fireplace in the lounge even when I'm not there to see a band. Definitely a place worth checking out.
read full reviewAnonymous
July 24, 2008
Arlene's is a live music venue split into two rooms. One is solely a bar and the other the stage area with its own bar. It costs nothing to get into the regular bar area, and it's usually about $10 to see the bands. I believe Sunday nights are free. The lineups are generally a bit disjointed and dissimilar, unfortunately. There is a television in the regular bar area with a live feed of what's happening on stage so you can keep track of when the band you want to see is on. Good for you, bad for the other bands.
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lavenderforever
July 06, 2008
Last night's show, featuring SOFIA, was awesome. Last time I was at Arlene's Grocery was a few years ago when Sofia was first featured. Not only has the area improved, but Arlene's seems to have improved right along with the neighborhood. I will definitely be back to hear new talent at Arlene's. The sound system worked well, although the tech people at Arlene's had some difficulty getting the show going (I also heard that the recording of the show had a huge glitch, no sound!!! Come on, it isn't that difficult to press the sound button ON!) But, it was a memorable performance, with lead singer Milan Jefferson percolating with new sounds and a feel for his deeply enriching lyrics unsurpassed. My faith in music is returning after hearing their heartfelt performance. Great texture and great contributions by Trumpet player, Talya Lieberman. The interchange between lead vocalist , Milan, and Vocal back up singer, Talya, had the audience awed and asking for more. Lead guitarist, Pavle Jefferson (yes, these two talented guys are brothers) showed up with flamboyant solos on the electric guitar and backed up Milan on vocals. There is something special about watching two brothers perform side by side, each giving due credit to the other. Sofia came together with brilliant appearances by Eli on Bass and the drummer went wild! I will be back to catch these guys as they take NYC to new levels. If you want to hear music with meaningful lyrics, two brothers who bring back to stage the music we have all been yearning for then get to the next SOFIA show in NYC. Log on to their myspace and grow with SOFIA. Thanks to Arlene's Grocery for promoting music that goes deep...
read full reviewThe Details on Arlene Grocery
The Extras:
Every Monday starting at 10pm, karaoke fiends feel like rock stars as an audacious live band backs them up for tunes like "Purple Rain" and "Paradise City."
Know Before You Go:
In order to showcase six bands per night, the staff needs to be strict. They're certainly efficient, but notoriously unfriendly--even if you're in one of the performers.
Category:
Bars & Pubs, Nightclubs, Neighborhood Bars, Grocery Stores
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Bar & Club Type of Music:
Folk & Bluegrass, Alternative Rock, Punk, Rock & Pop, Hard Rock & Heavy Metal
Bar & Club Special Features:
Smoking Permitted:
No
