Tonic

01/19/07

NO SURPRISE THIS PLACE IS CLOSING....!

by evillage242 at Citysearch

I am not surprised to read that this club is in dire straits, most likely due to poor management and no-show performers than the lame excuses they listed on this site. Three out-of-town friends (two of which are professional musicians) and I showed up at 7:45 on 1/12/07 to buy tickets to see the Wallace Roney Sextet and were told the box office was not open, even though the show was suppose to begin at 8:00. We returned at 8:00 and were told the box office was still not open by the same rude employee; no explanation, no apology, nothing. After a drink elsewhere and a walk around the neighborhood we returned at 8:30 and the same attitudinal guy said they were still not open, again without a word of explanation or apology or acknowledgement that this was our third time being turned away. Considering the tickets for this venue were $18.00 ea. with a one drink minimum, this club turned away over $100.00 from my party of four without a care in the world. Wake up Tonic! Giving attitude to patrons willing to spend money at your club is the fastest way to bankruptcy. The night was not a total loss since the East Village (my neighborhood for 12 years) offers more than one live music venue that we were more welcome to enter the door and spend our money.

• Pros: Located in the LES
• Cons: No-Show Performers

03/09/05

A downtown musical mecca graced with a cozy main space and a downstairs lounge.

by Contributor at Citysearch

Located in the Lower East Side, Tonic draws fans of all musical stripes. The main space started out as a sizeable coffee shop and still retains the same feel long after a liquor license helped spice things up. The stage is low to the ground and backed by a beautiful red velvet curtain, giving the intimate surroundings a touch of grandeur. Below the main stage and bar area is the Subtonic Lounge, which features music spun by a revolving cast of DJs and a number of old wine casks fashioned into infinitely cool seating circles. It's quickly become one of the city's more adventurous musical outlets, with a genre-bending mix of jazz, rock and experimental electronica. The club books both local and national acts, with a consistently selective approach to both.

01/30/03

Keeps getting better!

by threejohn at Citysearch

I've been going to Tonic for years and am never disappointed. The place was recently renovated and is now better than ever. Best of all the music continues to be the most interesting of anywhere in the city.

01/30/03

now even better

by Mara31 at Citysearch

GREAT Renovations to this always fantastic music venue. The new cafe in front has hot dogs with mango relish and they're delish!

• Pros: inexpensive, awesome shows

08/25/02

TONICally Surprised!

by strawberryshorty at Citysearch

Great experience! I dont go to many clubs, and was very surprised they had FREE jugs of ice water already lined up all along the bar. Could of used more seating in the place, but overall I had an awesome time!

• Pros: good sound, friendly staff, very intimate setting
• Cons: not enough chairs, dont answer phones

07/28/02

I love Tonic!

by smachleder at Citysearch

I love the atmosphere! The perfect place to hear great music any night of the week!!!

07/25/02

Harmony of Senses

by mightymouse at Citysearch

Tonic is quickly becoming my favorite venue for hearing music. The music is well curated, sound is excellent, atmosphere is great, food and drink are fantastic (especially Klezmer brunch on Sunday's), prices are reasonable and it is an overall good time.

• Pros: Great atmosphere, Great Music, Diverse acts
• Cons: Sometimes too crowded

07/22/02

Garden of Delights

by picaboo at Citysearch

I had the best experience at Tonic. I went to hear a band I never heard of and they were mind blowing amazing. The sound system in that room is so rocking. We sat there for 2 1/2 hours mesmerized by the music and the crowd. We had a great view of the band, enjoyed some cocktails and then chatted with the bartender between sets. She was so knowledgeable about the music! Answered every question I had. Loved it.

• Pros: knowledgeable staff, great music, intimate setting
• Cons: no credit cards

05/17/02

Great space for live music

by susanchenelle_citysearch at Citysearch

Great schedule and variety of events here--music, movies, readings, etc. And the cool wine cask seating booths in the basement are very cool. Don't miss the Softskull Shortwave bookstore on your way out.

• Pros: Good music
• Cons: Cover charges