Terminal 5
(212) 665-3832
610 W 56th St
New York,
NY
10019
40.7696
-73.9922
Neighborhoods: Clinton, Midtown
What People Are Saying About Terminal 5
The Editor
Rebecca Behan
Citysearch
In Short
The trek to Terminal 5 ends in the neon glow of its shiny black marquee, and if the decor seems a touch recycled, the 3,000 show-goers who trudge to 11th Avenue don't seem to mind. Though the space (from the same group behind Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom and other venues) has the capacity of a small arena, its soul remains intimate. Its somewhat squat shape emphasizes a gigantic stage where the usual Bowery mix of upper echelon indie crossover acts shout, shake and shoe-gaze for an adoring crowd.
Hits: With well-planned amenities such as multiple ID checkpoints, restrooms and bars on each level, two balconies and several exits, Terminal 5 avoids most pitfalls of venues its size.
Misses: The audio engineers are still working out the kinks in this soaring space. Sound on the main floor stays muddy, but in the balconies the high notes may pierce sensitive eardrums.
User Reviews
jamallen80
May 27, 2009
I've been to just about every major venue in NYC, and this one is by far the worst out of all of them. Terrible sound quality, poor construction inside (walls look like a bunch of college kids built them in a frat). The upstairs levels are terrible, as you can't see anything - that's why they installed the flatscreen TV's up there. If I want to watch a show on a flatscreen TV, I'll watch palladia at home! Also, the sound is a complete wash - unless you are directly in front of the stage where you can semi hear what the band hears, it's trash. And good luck getting to the front unless you get there 3 hours before the show starts. It's really unfortunate, because for some reason all the promoters are booking the best acts there - they must treat the musicians really well or something back stage, because this venue is terrible for FANS! I hope the musicians wise up and see that the fans write bad reviews of this place, and book more shows at Hammerstein, Bowery Ball Room, Music Hall of Williamsburg, etc. Those are excellent clubs, with great sound. Even Webster Hall is better.
read full review
jforsythe62
March 25, 2009
It is true the sound here is not great, and something that should be noted is that Bowery Presents in all of its other venue's (webster, ballroom, music hall, mercury lounge) had chosen either EAW or Meyer Sound speaker rigs - basically the Ferrari and Porche of pro loud speakers. For some reason a JBL system was the choice here, which is sort of the Mercedes C-Class of the group..... fine for the layman, but you're not getting your hair tossed back. I was there for the Bloc Party show on 3/24, and all of the criticism voiced on this board is pretty valid - the sight lines are not good (although not terrible), it is far away (but not that far.... whoever said it was a 15-20 minute walk from 53rd clearly is not walking fast enough), the sound is not great (but not offensive), the drinks are expensive (what did you expect?). It was all fine though, and the show was fun - I had a bigger problem with the people at the show than the venue, but that's me. I'll be avoiding it when possible, but if someone you've got to see is playing there..... well, what are you going to do?
read full review
mtochs1
November 18, 2008
The venue is underrated by previous posters, so I'll slightly overrate it for balance. It's fine. The sound is fine. The venue is your average concert stage. Look at the photo - that's pretty much it. If you can't get there early enough to see the band you want to see, then yes, your sight line will be limited. Beware general admission standing room only! If you don't want to risk it, wait until your artist comes back in the next nine months.
read full reviewThe Details on Terminal 5
Know Before You Go:
Terminal 5 shares a box office with Mercury Lounge, so if you want to scoop tickets before the day of the show--which will also cost you less--make the trip to Houston St and Ave A, Monday-Saturday, 12pm-7pm.
Save Time:
Head upstairs to avoid a mob at the main bar. Beer is the drink of choice, whether draft or bottled, but the bartenders won't begrudge you a more complex cocktail order.
The Extras:
If you arrive too late to stake out a spot at the front, climb to the top balcony, which juts over the stage, for a bird's eye view.
Save Money:
Parking garages abound in the area but they don't run cheap. For the best deal, try West End Towers Garage Corp. on 62nd Street and West End Avenue.
Look Good:
Though the crowd is decidedly casual, with the right "look" you may be able to sweet talk yourself into the ample VIP area.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Bar & Club Type of Music:
Rock & Pop, Hip-Hop & Rap, Alternative Rock, Electronica
