(212) 475-0611
159 E Houston St
New York,
NY
10002
40.7229
-73.989
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Lower East Side
What People Are Saying About National Underground
The Editor
Justine Goodman
Citysearch
In Short – Musicians/ brothers Joey and Gavin DeGraw's rock bar isn't just another Lower East Side pseudo-glam spot, it's a bona fide rock and roll club with live music seven nights a week and none of the now ubiquitous bottle-service annoyances. The space (once home to Martignetti Liquors) has been gussied up with hanging tapestries and a pair of Texas longhorns above the bar--not that the crowd of locals, musicians, and local musicians notice the decor, as they sip inexpensive cocktails and listen to bands churning out everything from original songs to Beatles covers. – –…
09/15/09
a terrible place to play
by ab80
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!
- Pros: happening neighborhood
- Cons: tons of attitude
07/17/09
I would marry this burger.
by emmahs
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.
- Pros: nice people, helpful staff, great music, BURGER
- Cons: none
07/09/09
Awsome atmosphere! Music & Food yummmm!
by monichen
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.
- Pros: OMG! They've got a coupon! Just went there tonight!
- Cons: Hmmm...discount to party is that bad?
The Details on National Underground
Know Before You Go:
Ordinarily there's no cover charge, but it may depend on who's performing so inquire in advance to be sure.
The Extras:
The basement houses both an additional bar and an additional band, every Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday. The space may also be rented for private parties.
Where to Sit:
A semi-private, curtained area toward the back may look like it's VIP, but anyone can sit; the only bottle-service here is a $4.75 bottle of Hi-Life.
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