10 Underrated Live Music Venues in NYC

In a city as vast and buzzing as New York, the big-name live music venues are far from the only — or best — spots to catch a show. Manhattan and Brooklyn in particular are home to dozens of small, intimate, or downright unusual music venues that go widely, unjustly overlooked. Here, we catalog just 10 of the most underrated live music venues in NYC and give tips on how to pair the experience with cannabis.

The Bowery Electric

Address: 327 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

Nearest subway stop: Bleecker St 6/Broadway-Lafayette St B/D/F/M station

The Bowery Electric might not be as marquee of a name as the nearby Webster Hall, but its rock shows and dance parties make for equally excellent adventures. It’s also a venue by musicians, for musicians: Cult rock figure Jesse Malin co-owns this space, where he brings a performer’s vision to the audience experience. Enjoy some Sour Diesel cannabis before you swing by The Bowery Electric for a night that’s both dreamy and full of energy.

The Stone

Address: 55 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011

Nearest subway stop: 6 Av L/14 St F/M station

Located a brisk five-minute walk from The Travel Agency – Union Square, you’ll never see the same thing twice at The Stone, a space known by few yet loved by many. At this NYC live music venue, which operates out of The New School Glass Box Theatre, experimental and avant-garde music is front and center. Shows happen every Wednesday through Saturday at 8:30 p.m., with performances from local innovators and the occasional national figure. It’s a mind-bending space that calls for the cerebral experience of a Heavy Hitters vape.

Union Pool

Address: 484 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Nearest subway stop: Lorimer St L/Metropolitan Av G station

This bar right off the L train — as in, a short trip from Union Square — is a Williamsburg favorite for catching up-and-coming musicians. Head to this bar’s beloved patio, then turn right and venture into the back room for an intimate yet energetic show. Since the patio and bar get packed with people, potential new friends are all around, so bring out your most social side with The Bettering Company’s gummies.

Pete’s Candy Store

Address: 709 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Nearest subway stop: Lorimer St L/Metropolitan Av G station

Another Williamsburg hotspot, located just off the L, Pete’s Candy Store is known for small rock and folk shows. All kinds of music, though, are on the table at this venue’s open mics and music-based improv nights. Anything goes here, so a balanced body and mind — which Good Green’s flower may support — might help you make the most of your night.

Freddy’s Bar

Address: 627 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Nearest subway stop: Prospect Av R station

A visit to Freddy’s Bar is an adventure into the musical unknown. Explore the tiny back room of this Park Slope venue to encounter experiments, improvisation, and rock, funk, and jazz music entirely unlike your everyday listening. The only thing to expect at Freddy’s is the unexpected, so for maximum excitement and focus as you traverse new frontiers, pair your evening with energizing, happy Pineapple Express cannabis.

Brooklyn Music Kitchen

Address: 177 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Nearest subway stop: Clinton-Washington Avs G station

Few combinations bring about relaxation quite like a slow walk toward an immersive evening of music. Take a casual 25-minute stroll from The Travel Agency to Brooklyn Music Kitchen, then sink into the sounds of whatever four- or five-act bill you’ve stumbled upon. Open mics are a regular occurrence at this venue, so you might find yourself with a front-row seat to tomorrow’s greatest talents. And, of course, it’s a kitchen, so dive into the delicious menu after enjoying some Gary Payton to elevate your munchies.

Berlin

Address: 25 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Nearest subway stop: 2 Av F station

This small venue near the bustling intersection of Essex and Houston Streets is known for its alt-rock shows that spotlight the Big Apple’s fastest-rising musicians. It’s also a hub for the East Village’s one-of-a-kind dance parties, which happen every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at this venue. Get your vibes right for either occasion with Off Hours’ edibles or vapes, many of which are known to elevate the energy of any night.

No Work Allowed

Address: 235 E 53rd St Basement, New York, NY 10022

Nearest subway stop: Lexington Av/53 St E/M station

Leave all your stress at the door as you enter this aptly named jazz club, restaurant, and cocktail bar in Midtown East. There’s music in this basement venue Tuesday through Saturday in the evenings and at night, and the location is a 15-minute walk from The Travel Agency’s Fifth Avenue location. Pair Ayrloom’s beverage enhancer drops with No Work Allowed’s Strawberry Saketini for a sweet ascent right as the jazz begins.

Sistas’ Place

Address: 456 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Nearest subway stop: Nostrand Av A/C station

With an uplifting Fernway vape in hand, enjoy a leisurely stroll from The Travel Agency’s Downtown Brooklyn location to the Lafayette Av station on the C train. Take the Queens-bound C three stops to Nostrand Av and walk a bit north to Sistas’ Place, a small, lesser-known venue where local jazz greats put on shows at 8 p.m. every Saturday. You’ll join Bedford-Stuyvesant’s Black community in experiencing some of today’s most overlooked working artists.

Littlefield

Address: 635 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Nearest subway stop: Union St R station

At this warehouse-turned-venue in Gowanus near Downtown Brooklyn, live music is just one of the many experiences you might find. Alongside folk sets and rock shows, Littlefield is also known for family-friendly music programming, stand-up comedy, and the occasional drag show. Go in with a clear mind so that you’re prepared for anything — turn vapes are among the fastest ways to get there.

Can you order delivery to a music venue?

Yes, you can deliver cannabis to any private business in New York City, including venues. We’ll deliver to your home, work, or hotel. You need to show your ID to the delivery driver and provide a true street address for delivery.

Some venues may not allow for cannabis delivery at their facility. It’s also important to be mindful of consumption rules inside and outside the venue you’re attending. Respect the rules of the venue — if they don’t allow cannabis consumption, enjoy your products before or after.

Read up on the rules regarding cannabis delivery in New York City.

Enhance your live music NYC experience with The Travel Agency

It’s one thing to go out and see music. It’s another thing entirely to enjoy a show with your head in the clouds and your body at ease, fully appreciating the sounds and art unfolding in front of you. A trip to The Travel Agency’s Union Square, Downtown Brooklyn, SoHo, or Fifth Avenue dispensary locations can help you reach these blissful heights of zen before your experience at any NYC live music venue.