Looking for some badass music venues to visit during your next trip to NYC? Here are some of the best venues New York has to offer, according to our staff here at Symphonic. 🕺🔊 Check ’em out right here…
The Best New York Music Venues According to Sym Staff
Radio City Music Hall
More than just a venue, Radio City Music Hall is a New York City landmark that’s been dazzling audiences since 1932. Famous for its stunning Art Deco design and the legendary Rockettes, this massive theater has hosted everything from star-studded concerts and movie premieres to the iconic Christmas Spectacular. With its huge stage, soaring ceilings, and rich history, Radio City delivers an experience that feels both grand and uniquely New York, perfect for anyone looking to catch a show with a side of classic NYC magic.
The Sultan Room
Tucked in the heart of Bushwick, The Sultan Room is a gem of a venue that blends eclectic programming with serious style. Known for its immersive lighting, lush interiors, and stellar sound, it offers an intimate yet electric atmosphere that makes every show feel special. From rising indie acts to genre-bending DJs, The Sultan Room’s calendar is as diverse as the crowd it attracts. With a rooftop bar just upstairs and Middle Eastern-inspired bites downstairs at its sibling restaurant, The Turk’s Inn, it’s more than a music venue… It’s a full-blown night out.
Baby’s All Right
A staple of Brooklyn’s indie music scene, Baby’s All Right has built a reputation as a launchpad for emerging artists and a favorite haunt for music lovers in the know. Located in Williamsburg, the venue combines a cozy, retro-futuristic interior with top-notch sound and an always-stacked lineup that spans genres. Whether you’re catching the next big thing or dancing into the early hours at one of their legendary DJ nights, Baby’s delivers an experience that feels both underground and iconic. Plus, their bar and kitchen keep the vibes (and drinks) flowing all night long.
Pianos
Located at 158 Ludlow Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Pianos is a vibrant two-story venue that has been a cornerstone of NYC’s nightlife since 2002. Originally a piano store, it now hosts a dynamic mix of live music, DJ sets, and late-night parties. The venue features two stages: the main downstairs room for live performances and an upstairs lounge for DJs and dancing. Pianos has been a launchpad for emerging artists, with past performances by Lady Gaga and Arcade Fire. With its eclectic atmosphere, reasonably priced drinks, and late-night kitchen, Pianos offers a quintessential NYC experience for music lovers and night owls alike.
Elsewhere
A crown jewel of Brooklyn’s DIY-leaning scene, Elsewhere is a multi-room venue, art space, and club that’s become a go-to for fans of forward-thinking music and culture. Located in Bushwick, it houses a sprawling main hall, an intimate zone called Zone One, and a vibrant rooftop that comes alive in the warmer months. Elsewhere’s programming spans everything from indie rock and electronic to global beats and underground pop, often spotlighting artists before they break big. It’s not just a venue, it’s a creative hub where music, art, and community intersect.
Brooklyn Steel
Located at 319 Frost Street in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn Steel is a premier live music venue renowned for its exceptional acoustics and immersive atmosphere. Opened in April 2017 by The Bowery Presents, the venue occupies a repurposed steel fabrication plant, preserving the industrial charm with exposed beams, corrugated steel, and original gantry cranes. With a capacity of 1,800, Brooklyn Steel offers versatile configurations, featuring a main floor, balcony, three bars, and a VIP lounge. The venue has hosted a diverse array of artists, including LCD Soundsystem, PJ Harvey, and The Decemberists, and continues to be a favorite among concertgoers for its top-tier sound and intimate yet expansive setting.
Lunático
Lunático is one of those rare spots where the line between venue and living room blurs in the best way possible. Tucked away in Bed-Stuy, this cozy, candlelit bar hosts live music nearly every night of the week, with a focus on jazz, Latin, world, and folk sounds from around the globe. The vibe is intimate and effortlessly cool, drawing a community of artists, locals, and travelers alike. With thoughtfully crafted cocktails and a warm, welcoming energy, Lunático feels like a secret you’re lucky to be in on.
Blue Note
Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Blue Note is one of NYC’s most legendary jazz clubs, known worldwide for its rich history and intimate vibe. Since opening in 1981, it has hosted iconic legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughan, alongside contemporary stars like Robert Glasper. With nightly performances in a cozy, close-up setting, Blue Note offers an authentic jazz experience paired with a full dinner and cocktail menu. It’s the perfect spot to catch world-class music and soak in the timeless spirit of jazz.
The Brooklyn Mirage
Located in East Williamsburg, The Brooklyn Mirage is a premier open-air venue renowned for its immersive experiences and cutting-edge design. As part of the Avant Gardner complex, it boasts a 6,250-person capacity and features a 65-foot-tall, timber-structured main stage. The venue’s centerpiece is a 200-foot-wide, 30K-resolution LED wall with a fully kinetic shutter system, offering dynamic visual environments that enhance performances. With a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics sound system and a diverse lineup of artists, The Brooklyn Mirage has hosted global acts like Drake, Tiësto, and Rüfüs Du Sol. Since its reopening in May 2025, the venue has introduced improved safety measures, expanded amenities, and a commitment to sustainability, solidifying its status as a top destination in New York City’s nightlife scene.
Forest Hills Stadium
Nestled in the heart of Forest Hills, Queens, Forest Hills Stadium is a historic venue that seamlessly blends rich history with modern acoustics. Originally constructed in 1923 as the center court for the U.S. Open, the stadium has evolved into a premier outdoor music venue. Its intimate atmosphere, with a capacity of approximately 13,000, offers fans an up-close experience with artists across various genres. Notable performances include acts like Phish, The Black Keys, and Mumford & Sons. The stadium’s unique location within a residential neighborhood adds to its charm, though it has also led to discussions about balancing live music with community life. Despite challenges, Forest Hills Stadium continues to be a cherished spot for both artists and audiences seeking a memorable concert experience.
Mama Tried
Located at 787 3rd Avenue in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Mama Tried is a neighborhood bar and live music venue that embodies a laid-back, inclusive spirit. Housed in a former diner, the venue features a spacious backyard and a cozy indoor bar offering a selection of beers, cocktails, and housemade vermouth. With no cover charge and a pay-what-you-can model, Mama Tried fosters a welcoming environment for both performers and patrons. The venue hosts a diverse range of events, from live band karaoke and experimental music nights to themed parties and community gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying a drink under the stars or catching an impromptu performance, Mama Tried offers a genuine slice of Brooklyn’s vibrant cultural scene.
C’mon Everybody
Located at 325 Franklin Avenue in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, C’mon Everybody is a queer-owned bar and live music venue that has been a cornerstone of Brooklyn’s nightlife since its opening in 2015. Founded by Eric Sosa, Sam Gilliland, and Michael Zuco, the venue was created to amplify the voices of LGBTQ and QTPOC artists and to provide a safe space for the queer community. With a capacity of approximately 150, C’mon Everybody offers a dynamic range of events, including live music, drag performances, comedy shows, and themed dance parties. The venue has hosted early performances by artists such as Tank and the Bangas, Yaeji, and Madison McFerrin, and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to inclusivity. Whether you’re enjoying a cocktail at the bar or dancing under the disco ball, C’mon Everybody provides an unforgettable experience that celebrates creativity and community.
