Arlene's Grocery
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 358-1633
- Cross Street:
- Between Ludlow Street and Orchard Street
- Directions:
- F at 2nd Ave
- Hours:
- Daily 6pm-Close
Editorial Review for Arlene's Grocery – by Kara Zuaro
The Scene
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.
The Draw
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.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasEvery 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 GoIn 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.
User Reviews for Arlene's Grocery
07/06/2008 Posted by lavenderforever
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...
Pros: intimate ambience, upcoming neighborhood keeping its original feel
03/06/2008 Posted by marloo
Just happened by this old lower eastside grocery turned club and heard a terric band with a big sound, big heart and high spirits-Haakon's Fault. Unusual name to remember but worth the try. Bar seemed well managed, very strict about carding and generally welcoming and pleasant in that lower eastside, grungy kind of way-lots of character.
Pros: good live music and ambience
Cons: no food
