All I Wanna Do Is Rock Tonight
April 12, 2011 11:21 AM Subscribe
Where to find an awesome 80's rock bar in New York City?
Its been seriously disappointing at so called 'dive' bars here in NYC.
I'm looking for a bar/lounge that has a focus on classic rock (think KISS, Whitesnake, AC/DC, Zeppelin) with a sound system that is AWESOME. Not some crappy muffled background music.
In a somewhat classy place, not some basement dungeon.
Preferably with a big screen and a focus maybe on rock videos, etc.
Everything just seems so tame. Its weird cuz this is nyc.
Does anyone get what I mean? None of my friends are rock connoisseurs so they don't get it.
Just an environment with cool rock people, preferably nice gals too :-)
Its been seriously disappointing at so called 'dive' bars here in NYC.
I'm looking for a bar/lounge that has a focus on classic rock (think KISS, Whitesnake, AC/DC, Zeppelin) with a sound system that is AWESOME. Not some crappy muffled background music.
In a somewhat classy place, not some basement dungeon.
Preferably with a big screen and a focus maybe on rock videos, etc.
Everything just seems so tame. Its weird cuz this is nyc.
Does anyone get what I mean? None of my friends are rock connoisseurs so they don't get it.
Just an environment with cool rock people, preferably nice gals too :-)
I get what you mean, but I wouldn't call that a dive bar, esp NYC, so if you ask people for recommendations give them some of these details.
posted by mrs. taters at 11:40 AM on April 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by mrs. taters at 11:40 AM on April 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
I think Snitch might be just the place you're looking for.
Uh oh, upon further googling, it looks like it is now closed. Other places mentioned while I was looking were Continental (not classy at all though), Hiro Ballroom, and R and R.
posted by Grither at 11:42 AM on April 12, 2011
Uh oh, upon further googling, it looks like it is now closed. Other places mentioned while I was looking were Continental (not classy at all though), Hiro Ballroom, and R and R.
posted by Grither at 11:42 AM on April 12, 2011
Greetings,
Here in NYC "Dive Bar" and "Big Screen TV" are usually mutually exclusive. Dive bars also often have "crappy" systems along with the crappy everything.
But cheap booze....
posted by Studiogeek at 11:43 AM on April 12, 2011
Here in NYC "Dive Bar" and "Big Screen TV" are usually mutually exclusive. Dive bars also often have "crappy" systems along with the crappy everything.
But cheap booze....
posted by Studiogeek at 11:43 AM on April 12, 2011
As someone who has worked as a bar reviewer in NYC, let me say that no, most of us don't get what you mean.
When I think of dive bars, I don't think of any of the other qualities you listed. Most of the "cool rock people" I know would avoid pretty much any place with TV screens if they can, because typically that means sports games or news are being broadcast. I can't recall the last time I saw any bar playing music videos.
Anyhow, barhopping in NYC is completely trial-and-error, further complicated by the ways that a single venue changes from one night to the next, so even word-of-mouth recommendations are rarely reliable. You just have to get out there and explore.
posted by hermitosis at 11:49 AM on April 12, 2011 [4 favorites]
When I think of dive bars, I don't think of any of the other qualities you listed. Most of the "cool rock people" I know would avoid pretty much any place with TV screens if they can, because typically that means sports games or news are being broadcast. I can't recall the last time I saw any bar playing music videos.
Anyhow, barhopping in NYC is completely trial-and-error, further complicated by the ways that a single venue changes from one night to the next, so even word-of-mouth recommendations are rarely reliable. You just have to get out there and explore.
posted by hermitosis at 11:49 AM on April 12, 2011 [4 favorites]
With that in mind, I would tell you to check out Holiday Cocktail Lounge, which is definitely a basement dungeon, but I believe it has a jukebox, I know it has TV screens, and it certainly is a dive. It's on St. Marks place, so the odds that you'll find interesting people there are pretty high, but it's too scummy to ever be overrun by nightlifin' college brats.
posted by hermitosis at 11:52 AM on April 12, 2011
posted by hermitosis at 11:52 AM on April 12, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks Grither. I checked out Continental...sounds interesting.
Hiro Ballroom and R&R seem more like event places it seems.
And to the rest, ok, I've been using 'dive bar' incorrectly as wikipedia also pointed out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dive_bar
But seriously, if I'm going to get somewhat happily plastered, a big part of the buzz is from the likes of Zeppelin or Black Sabbath in the background.
Maybe its time for some extensive bar hopping.
Maybe I should just bring my sound system and music to a bar and set my sh*t up - lol!
posted by simpleton at 11:52 AM on April 12, 2011
Hiro Ballroom and R&R seem more like event places it seems.
And to the rest, ok, I've been using 'dive bar' incorrectly as wikipedia also pointed out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dive_bar
But seriously, if I'm going to get somewhat happily plastered, a big part of the buzz is from the likes of Zeppelin or Black Sabbath in the background.
Maybe its time for some extensive bar hopping.
Maybe I should just bring my sound system and music to a bar and set my sh*t up - lol!
posted by simpleton at 11:52 AM on April 12, 2011
There are no such bars in New York City. If there were, they'd be a gimmick and you'd want to avoid them like the plague. Plenty of dives have jukeboxes though, so if you want some 80s rock, wait in line to get some Bon Jovi in behind the Salsa and the Lady Gaga.
posted by monospace at 12:06 PM on April 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by monospace at 12:06 PM on April 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Bon Jovi - very funny!
I like all types of music but I need something more with an edge during my hydration binge.
You make it sound like classic rock is dead.
I might just invite some random people over to my place and call it a bar if that's what it takes.
Who needs a jukebox in a bar these days anyways, can't they just stream sh*t from youtube. Probably some legal reason why people can't have fun I guess.
posted by simpleton at 12:17 PM on April 12, 2011
I like all types of music but I need something more with an edge during my hydration binge.
You make it sound like classic rock is dead.
I might just invite some random people over to my place and call it a bar if that's what it takes.
Who needs a jukebox in a bar these days anyways, can't they just stream sh*t from youtube. Probably some legal reason why people can't have fun I guess.
posted by simpleton at 12:17 PM on April 12, 2011
And now it sounds like you just want a regular rock bar... which there are tons of. Motor City comes to mind.
posted by teabag at 12:19 PM on April 12, 2011
posted by teabag at 12:19 PM on April 12, 2011
Response by poster: Hi teabag, thanks....that 80's show you mention sounds cool and I may go on Friday.
But tonight I'm in an uber cool mood ready for some raw classic rock sh*t.
Not death metal, not pop rock. And no swearing required - just the heavy drums, guitars, vocals with a bit of heart and meaning in the songs.
The stuff that hits the spot with a few pints of gold liquid.
posted by simpleton at 12:26 PM on April 12, 2011
But tonight I'm in an uber cool mood ready for some raw classic rock sh*t.
Not death metal, not pop rock. And no swearing required - just the heavy drums, guitars, vocals with a bit of heart and meaning in the songs.
The stuff that hits the spot with a few pints of gold liquid.
posted by simpleton at 12:26 PM on April 12, 2011
Response by poster: Motor City sounds definitely closer teabag....thanks.
posted by simpleton at 12:27 PM on April 12, 2011
posted by simpleton at 12:27 PM on April 12, 2011
Response by poster: And there are tons out there you say?
Hmm...
Don't want something too dirty and grimy though.
Bar hopping sounds like my best bet and by midnight I hope to settle into a place to call home (for a little while).
posted by simpleton at 12:31 PM on April 12, 2011
Hmm...
Don't want something too dirty and grimy though.
Bar hopping sounds like my best bet and by midnight I hope to settle into a place to call home (for a little while).
posted by simpleton at 12:31 PM on April 12, 2011
I will suggest Motor City also, but if you don't want grimey, it gets tougher.
I know at St. Jerome's we play all rock, but the precise style of rock varies night by night, dj by dj. We have Kiss tribute nights, glam metal nights, beach party nights, etc. and we have a big projector screen that plays bartenders choice, sometimes Night Flight (complete with the sex line ads), sometimes a classic horror flick, or sometimes a Russ Meyers flick or something of that ilk. It's small and it's dark, and the vinyl on the booths is a bit rough (we are starting a renovation next week), but musically it may fit the bill (it is a dive bar though, no doubt). It usually doesn't get going til after midnight, but the DJ's start earlier
It's also just a few blocks from Motor City.
posted by newpotato at 12:57 PM on April 12, 2011
I know at St. Jerome's we play all rock, but the precise style of rock varies night by night, dj by dj. We have Kiss tribute nights, glam metal nights, beach party nights, etc. and we have a big projector screen that plays bartenders choice, sometimes Night Flight (complete with the sex line ads), sometimes a classic horror flick, or sometimes a Russ Meyers flick or something of that ilk. It's small and it's dark, and the vinyl on the booths is a bit rough (we are starting a renovation next week), but musically it may fit the bill (it is a dive bar though, no doubt). It usually doesn't get going til after midnight, but the DJ's start earlier
It's also just a few blocks from Motor City.
posted by newpotato at 12:57 PM on April 12, 2011
Just heard from the DJ that St. Jerome's will be more rock/punk tonight. Manitobas is an excellent suggestion, too.
posted by newpotato at 1:16 PM on April 12, 2011
posted by newpotato at 1:16 PM on April 12, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks all. Time to get ready. The fun starts now :-)
posted by simpleton at 1:26 PM on April 12, 2011
posted by simpleton at 1:26 PM on April 12, 2011
Nice Guy Eddie's immediately came to mind, it's got a mural with KISS and some other 80s bands on the outside.
DO NOT GO TO THE CONTINENTAL They're a bunch of racist fucks who don't let black people into the bar.
posted by Jon_Evil at 1:59 PM on April 12, 2011
DO NOT GO TO THE CONTINENTAL They're a bunch of racist fucks who don't let black people into the bar.
posted by Jon_Evil at 1:59 PM on April 12, 2011
Response by poster: Really sorry about the racism encountered, especially in this day and age.
Sucks big time. Hopefully they don't work there anymore!
Most NY people are open-minded but I've seen racism with my own eyes too.
You're not alone for sure. Its not the mainstream mentality.
The cool thing is that music itself crosses racial boundaries.
I love all genres and don't know anybody like me in person who likes rock, rap, pop, and the remixes between them. Happy music, angry music, all emotions.....its all part of the human experience.
I just feel like rocking tonight though.
posted by simpleton at 2:13 PM on April 12, 2011
Sucks big time. Hopefully they don't work there anymore!
Most NY people are open-minded but I've seen racism with my own eyes too.
You're not alone for sure. Its not the mainstream mentality.
The cool thing is that music itself crosses racial boundaries.
I love all genres and don't know anybody like me in person who likes rock, rap, pop, and the remixes between them. Happy music, angry music, all emotions.....its all part of the human experience.
I just feel like rocking tonight though.
posted by simpleton at 2:13 PM on April 12, 2011
Most of the dive bars I know/knew in NYC didn't play classic rock. Kiss, occasionally, but much more likely to hear Black Flag or Motorhead.
Try:
If you're in Manhattan, try:
Meet the Johnsons
Lit Lounge (the upstairs, not the downstairs)
Ace Bar (ignore the Skee-Ball)
Beauty Bar
Mona's
If you want a *real* dive bar experience, try the Mars Bar. Make sure you've had your full regimen of shots first.
Realize that on Thurs-Sat nights, all of these places will probably be total shit-shows.
Brooklyn (Brooklyn Heights & Surrounding Areas)
Last Exit
Boat
Bar Great Harry
High Dive (awesome free popcorn)
Alibi
RIP:
CBGB's
Sweetwater Tavern (the original)
posted by swngnmonk at 3:53 PM on April 12, 2011
Try:
If you're in Manhattan, try:
Meet the Johnsons
Lit Lounge (the upstairs, not the downstairs)
Ace Bar (ignore the Skee-Ball)
Beauty Bar
Mona's
If you want a *real* dive bar experience, try the Mars Bar. Make sure you've had your full regimen of shots first.
Realize that on Thurs-Sat nights, all of these places will probably be total shit-shows.
Brooklyn (Brooklyn Heights & Surrounding Areas)
Last Exit
Boat
Bar Great Harry
High Dive (awesome free popcorn)
Alibi
RIP:
CBGB's
Sweetwater Tavern (the original)
posted by swngnmonk at 3:53 PM on April 12, 2011
edit: Motorhead or Black Flag as "classic rock". Hell, these days the Unsane qualify.
posted by swngnmonk at 3:54 PM on April 12, 2011
posted by swngnmonk at 3:54 PM on April 12, 2011
Oh, one other Manhattan / East-Village option - the Double Down Saloon.
posted by swngnmonk at 3:55 PM on April 12, 2011
posted by swngnmonk at 3:55 PM on April 12, 2011
Wait, re-reading. Don't want grimy??? A classy place?
That is fundamentally incompatible with the concept of a Dive Bar.
Might as well ask for Jumbo Shrimp.
posted by swngnmonk at 3:58 PM on April 12, 2011
That is fundamentally incompatible with the concept of a Dive Bar.
Might as well ask for Jumbo Shrimp.
posted by swngnmonk at 3:58 PM on April 12, 2011
awwww, thanks for the shout out, swngmonk!
(pssst, the name of the bar is "Welcome to the Johnson's")
I thought St. J's was closer to what he was looking for musically and atmosphere-wise. I'm pretty hesitant to tell anyone north of their twenties to step into the Johnsons.
I think Double Down is an excellent suggestion as well.
posted by newpotato at 6:07 PM on April 12, 2011
(pssst, the name of the bar is "Welcome to the Johnson's")
I thought St. J's was closer to what he was looking for musically and atmosphere-wise. I'm pretty hesitant to tell anyone north of their twenties to step into the Johnsons.
I think Double Down is an excellent suggestion as well.
posted by newpotato at 6:07 PM on April 12, 2011
John Street Bar and Grill on John St. in the Financial District will fit the bill, especially on week nights. It's pretty dead on the weekends.
Botanica is a great divey bar, but they play all kinds of music, not just rock.
The Mars Bars is definitely the diviest of all dive bars, but sadly they are about close down if they haven't already. Absolutely worth a visit.
Doc Holiday's on Tompkins Sq. Park is another good choice, but they play a lot of country, along with rock, which may or may not be your thing.
posted by EvilPRGuy at 6:21 PM on April 12, 2011
Botanica is a great divey bar, but they play all kinds of music, not just rock.
The Mars Bars is definitely the diviest of all dive bars, but sadly they are about close down if they haven't already. Absolutely worth a visit.
Doc Holiday's on Tompkins Sq. Park is another good choice, but they play a lot of country, along with rock, which may or may not be your thing.
posted by EvilPRGuy at 6:21 PM on April 12, 2011
@newpotato - apologies - somehow, I always get that one wrong. Not sure where that wire got crossed, or how to uncross it.
posted by swngnmonk at 9:19 PM on April 12, 2011
posted by swngnmonk at 9:19 PM on April 12, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks everyone...that was a stupid stupid idea to go out drinking the way I did.
All I did was fall flat on my face and bust my lip open badly and get kicked out of a bar :-(
Stupid is as stupid does.
Don't want another drink for another year I think.
posted by simpleton at 3:59 AM on April 22, 2011
All I did was fall flat on my face and bust my lip open badly and get kicked out of a bar :-(
Stupid is as stupid does.
Don't want another drink for another year I think.
posted by simpleton at 3:59 AM on April 22, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Or even a place with a jukebox - whatever happened to them anyways!
posted by simpleton at 11:27 AM on April 12, 2011