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?

03/20/09

Great Music, Mediocre Food

by edEx

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.

• Pros: Live Music, Crowd, Scene, Service
• Cons: Burgers, food,

03/11/09

Amazing music and tasy burgers!

by HL

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.

• Pros: free live music!
• Cons: What are the drawbacks?

11/09/08

Awesome LES establishment

by nycgal143

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!!

• Pros: great burgers, awesome live music, friendly staff
• Cons: can get super crowded late night on the weekends

10/19/08

Buried Treasure

by stellabean13

The National Underground is my favorite bar in NYC. They have live music every night of the week and the bands are always good. The bartenders are hot, and they serve the best burgers in manhattan. Although its only been open about a year, NU's the place you wanna be to have a laid-back (albeit) hell of a time. Plus, I get Iaid everytime I go there, and while the $ex often leaves something to be desired, I always give this place 5 stars. Also, Samantha Levitt is the greatest bartender ever!

• Pros: the music, Travis Degraw's burgers.
• Cons: Sam Levitt only works 3 nights a week.

10/17/08

GREAAAATT MUSIC AND BURGERS!!!!! WOW!!!

by exposed911

The National Underground is a real find for a girl like me. Being from the south, I appreciate people that can play instruments and sing traditional type songs... often the bartenders are too busy pouring drinks to strike up a conversation so bring a friend or plan on making one, which has been easy for me to do there. I am a frequent customer of the place so i can tell you that most of them are nice, however, the male bartender that says he owns the place with the DeGraw brothers has made me uncomfortable in the past so be wary of him, I think that's how he meets girls. HAHA creepy : /

• Pros: Surprisingly the food!
• Cons: That hard up creepy dude.

10/17/08

MORE THAN JUST A HOME FOR THE ALL OR NOTHING BURGER

by swedishfish555

Anyone living in New York knows how hard it is to find a decent place that isn't crawling with shallow idiots or drooling drunk frat boys. Not only to find intelligent, decent people but smart music and National Underground has both. in the heart of Houston street it defines it's own syle. You walk in and can't help but feel right at home, by the looks of the place and the feel of the people. In the heart of one of the most expensive cities in the world, The National Underground is the kind of place you remember for it's small town comfort and prices. If you're lucky you'll catch the owners/brothers Gavin or Joey DeGraw (my favorite :) .... along with friends. And sometimes, you'll even find them in the kitchen, making sure you're burger is just right for you. And if you haven't tried the burgers, they'll make sure you do, making little mini burgers for everybody to try! Don't miss out. This place is a super great hang for all generations!

• Pros: Joey DeGraw
• Cons: not being there right now with him.

09/19/08

Cool place, good music BUT....they treat you like dirt...

by blexplore

I walk in this past Wed at 9:45. Music is supposed to start at 9 and I see a band taking equipment out so I asked the bartender what the deal with music was and she acted as though I was some annoyance to bother her with such a question. Finding out another band would start soon I decide to stay and order a Blue Moon. Miss Crabtree returns with a glass 3/4 full and says the keg ran out so she will only charge me $5. Well nobody wants the last glass in the keg and sure enough it was flat but she left so quickly I was stuck with it. So I sip for a bit cause I was thirsty as I tried to get her attention but she was too involved in her conversation with friends. When she finally returns I tell her the beer is flat and I would like a Stella instead. She says well you drank half of it...so she walks away and returns with half a glass of Stella to replace it.

I can not imagine how somebody whose salary is dependent on their customers happiness would treat me like this. I also can not understand why any establishment would find this acceptable from their employees. Perhaps I will drink elsewhere and then come here to listen to the music for free as that is always enjoyable..

Gavin, why let others ruin your place for you??

• Pros: Great Music, intimate room
• Cons: STAFF