National Underground

Doesn't Recommend

Patty K.

Joined 1 year ago

Overbooked and treated rudely AGAIN.. No stars.

FYI for musicians and people who love their musicians.

I have played 3 times at The National Underground.

The last time - Feb 2011 - I said was going to be my last and made this clear to Fran, the booker at the time. She was very nice, apologized for all that happened - unbelieveably rude staff, ripped off on pay, no paid drinks) so I set up another date.

I have just canceled that date.

Six months ago I secured and was confirmed for 9pm to close on Feb 18.

Just found out that NU has double booked - AGAIN - and cut my set to an hour and 1/2 rather than the full night.

Thus I have canceled the event.

I post this not ot out of spite or "do you know who I am" - but because I will not bring business into a venue that consistently treats it's artists like crap.

And I want to warn any other musicians thinking of playing there.

This all amazing considering Gavin DeGraw, who is a professional musician and has been out there in the world and knows how much this sucks, is one of the owners.

And it isn't because he doesn't know about this issue - NU is famous for this crap and a member of his family is the booker and the person who just told me of the schedule change - and only then because I contacted her to say hello and see you soon reg February. They didn't even CONTACT me.

Ms. DeGraw offered no apology, no explanation other than "had to book a resident band for later".

So now I'll be in New York from my home town of Boston in February for a wonderful gig at the Greenwich Village Bistro on 2/17 but have nothing booked for 2/18.

So no thank you National Underground and DeGraws and good luck to you

pattykeoughdotcom

pattyatpattykeoughdotcom

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chrisdylan60

Joined 3 years ago

What idiot would wait on line at Shake Shack?. When I see people standing on line at Shack Shack I can only assume they are just plain old ignorant. I know it sounds blunt... that's because it is. There are a few places in the city that blow the shack out of the water. National Underground is at the top of that list. I know they get their meat from the same supplier as the shack (i asked) and I know that UNLIKE Shake Shack that they make their own patties by hand (again, i asked) They rub each burger with olive oil and then season it with their house dry rub and cook it on an open flame. I was so blown away with their burger I actually asked if I could watch them make the next one and they happily obliged. I wound up hanging out all night after the manager bought me a drink and watched a great live band play. They have live music every night and the quality seemed very high. I did not go downstairs however, but I was told they had live music down there as well. Reading some of the other reviews on this place it seems that the only negative ones are coming from disgruntled bands that played in the secondary downstairs space. But I am writing this review for the consumer to use as a reference. All in all a real winner!!!

Doesn't Recommend

minhagalera77

Joined 3 years ago

Horrible Experience. I was there last nite. went to see a friend play. her set was scheduled to start at 9pm, but got bumped to 10pm, because apparently they were overbooked. went upstairs to get a drink while we waited. we were helped by someone that clearly didnt even know how to pour a pint, we had to return our beers because they had a funny aftertaste and they had the balls to charge 7 dollars a pop on a Monday night. terrible.

Doesn't Recommend

jackparr

Joined 4 years ago

great location but staff sucks. was there last night. the music was too loud upstairs and sounded terrible downstairs. everyone who works there is a jerk. i saw the owner, joey degraw. he was the biggest looser. he walks around and acts like he owns the world. he has the napoleon complex.

Doesn't Recommend

ab80

Joined 4 years ago

a terrible place to play. I played here last week with my band...and the place is just awful if you aren't playing as the house band. Specially if you're playing downstairs.

You will do your band's reputation more harm than good playing here. Here are some reasons why-

1. They double booked the bands that evening. NOT COOL. Which means our 1 hour set was cut to 20 odd minutes. Which means our friends/fans had to shell out $10 to hear us play 5 songs! I feel terrible about this.

2. They have the most godawful backline. They have none of the gear they claim to...just a bunch of cheap practice amps. And they insist you don't bring your own amp...which means you're stuck with their terrible sound. And yeah..they just provide you with 2 mics.

3. Speaking of sound...there's no support whatsoever. The "sound-guy" is some stoned dude who's just hanging out on the sidewalk outside...and just nods nonchalantly when you ask him any question.

4. They clearly state that they keep the cover from the first 15 people so pay for their support. Fair enough. Except there's NO SUPPORT whatsoever...and the gear stinks.

It's unfortunate that places like this do everything they possibly can to exploit naive up and coming musicians. Live and learn I guess!

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emmahs

Joined 4 years ago

I would marry this burger.. I discovered this place a few months ago and I'm crazy about it! The burger is AMAZING and the music is soooooooo good. No college kids either (thank god). I would definitely recommend this place.

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monichen

Joined 6 years ago

Awsome atmosphere! Music & Food yummmm!. Love this hidden gem! If you like soulfull rock n' roll this is it! Small upstairs though but they do make up for it with downstairs lounge. They've got live musicians every night, just walking by and you'll hear them.

One of my friends just showed me something really kewl. There's this ATM in front of their store that charges only 99 cents and the receipt is also a coupon. Good for 10% off of orders ranging from $100 minimum to $500 max.

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edEx

Joined 4 years ago

Great Music, Mediocre Food. Great place to listen to live music.

I ordered their "All or Nothing Burger" (I got the "All") which left me with nothing but the desire for a better burger; less than 5oz of a thin beef pattie, cooked one way–well done, a crappy supermarket bun, and a side of three thinly sliced roasted potatoes—an over priced burger that should be more appropriately called the Nothing or Nothing Burger, skip the food and listen to the good music.

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HL

Joined 4 years ago

Amazing music and tasy burgers!. My friends and I visited the city this weekend and stopped by the National Underground to listen to our friend play his bass. I was pleasantly surprised by how cool this place was. The music was free, no cover charge and honestly, really good. We got to hear folk/country, blue grass and rock. The burgers were delicious and the bartenders kept our drinks filled all night. We liked it so much we went there both nights we were in the city. I would highly suggest this bar to anyone who likes a chilled out atmosphere with great music.

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nycgal143

Joined 5 years ago

Awesome LES establishment. I love this place. There is nothing fancy about it...beer, live music and amazing burgers. The perfect spot to relax and listen to some amazing musicians. The bartenders are super friendly and if you go in during its less busy hours they will remember your face and if you go there often enough, what you like to drink. The music is different every night, but one thing is certain it is always entertaining. One of my favorite nights is

Sunday when the National Saloon Band is playing. The band consists of a few older men who really know how to play and if you chat with them, which they are always happy to do, you will get to hear some amazing stories. Oh, and I have to mention the burgers....I am not a big burger fan in general, but I friend recommended that I try one and oh man, am I glad I did!! They are so juicy and always cooked to perfection. They used to have a pasta salad on the side, which was amazing, and I am hoping they bring that back soon!! This place is defiantly a upcoming bar in New York City. Don't miss out!!