2024: Manhattan Voted Madison Square Garden Best Music Venue (Tie)!
Madison Square Garden
4 Pennsylvania Plaza
(212) 465-6741 – msg.com/madison-square-garden
Madison Square Garden (MSG) City and high-end music are synonymous. There are so many places in the five boroughs to experience incredible nightlife and out-of-this-world entertainment. It’s probably universal knowledge that MSG is the place to be for all things entertainment in the world. Never the less, a reminder can still be incredibly helpful! Even if you aren’t looking to see the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers or the Taylor Swift “Eras” tour, you can still have a wonderful night out at perhaps the most famous place in the Big Apple outside of the Empire State Building. Grab a drink, get a dance partner and live it up.
2024: Manhattan Voted The Cutting Room Best Music Venue (Tie)!
The Cutting Room
44 E 32nd St
(212) 691-1900 – thecuttingroomnyc.com
Steeped in history, The Cutting Room has been a NYC staple for some of today’s top artists. From the likes of John Mayer, Lady Gaga, Sting, David Bowie and Cheryl Crow, to name a few, these artists once graced the stage of this iconic venue. Since 2013, The Cutting Room found a new home on East 32nd Street from its previous location on West 24th Street. First opening its doors in 2019, original owner, Steve Walter and co-owner Chris Noth, set out to provide a place for up-and-coming artists to showcase their talents, while established artists felt comfortable in a place where they could play club gigs. Here, patrons can expect to find creative food and cocktails while enjoying a great show in a beautiful location.
2023: Manhattan Voted (Le) Poisson Rouge Best Music Venue!
(Le) Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker St
(212) 505-3474 – lpr.com
An intimate, live musical experience is what you’ll get at Le Poisson Rouge, where a diverse array of top talent takes the stage. Well-known artists Thom Yorke, Paul Simon, Yo-Yo Ma, Lady Gaga, Iggy Pop, Lorde, Beck, and Philip Glass have played here, and Gimme Gimme Disco, Hermitage Green, and Nellie McKay are on a shortlist of talent. The lineup is lush so check the club’s schedule. Bring a date or friends along. The venue accommodates its patronage with multiple bars, restrooms, stands, and seating options. The acoustics are sublime, say regulars who are happy to see their favorite musical artist in this space that might remind you of a very cool speakeasy.
2022: Manhattan Voted (le) Poisson Rouge Best Music Venue!
(le) Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker St
(212) 505-3474 – lpr.com
(le) Poisson Rouge was founded by musicians in 2008 “to reflect the rich musical culture of the city it calls home.” They focus on indie rock, contemporary classical, electronica, metal, jazz, world music, and everything in-between — blending an old-school feel, while never failing to be on the cutting-edge of the music scene. You’ll surely recognize some of the big names that they’ve brought right into the heart of the city — like Patti Smith, Paul Simon, Raekwon, RZA, YOB, Yoko Ono, Charli XCX, Christina Aguilera and more! This “underground live music sanctuary” is your place for music. Still, the space in Greenwich Village also houses a Gallery Bar that hosts art exhibitions, stand-up comedy, and drag queen bingo, which combine to “make LPR the most eclectically independent venue in NYC.”
2021: Manhattan Voted Shake Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Best Music Venue!
Shake Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos
259 W 42nd St.
917-921-4128 – www.ShakeRattleRollPianos.com
Whether you’re a fan of country, disco, hip-hop, Motown, pop or rock music, the chances are you will have a blast at Shake Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos in midtown Manhattan. The venue provides audiences with an all-request evening of music sprinkled with comedy in which they get to pick the playlist performed by two pianists and a drummer. Performers include Mark Weiser, a pianist who was a winner on the TV sing-along game show Don’t Forget the Lyrics!, so it is pretty tough to stump him with a song request. Whether it’s just you and a friend or many friends out for a night of fun or you’re looking to make plans with your significant other, hustle over to the venue’s website for tickets.
2020: Manhattan Voted Irving Plaza Best Music Venue!
Irving Plaza
17 Irving Pl
(212) 777-6800 – www.irvingplaza.com
Music lovers looking for a fun night out should look no further than Irving Plaza. The historic building was constructed over 150 years ago at 17 Irving Place and has served multiple purposes during its lifetime. The building was originally four different brownstones which were combined into a hotel in 1870. Nearly 60 years after that, the hotel was gutted and transformed into the ballroom-style theater we see today. Through the years, Irving Plaza has served as a union meeting house, a performance space for folk dance troupes and a Polish Army Veteran community center. In 1978, Irving Plaza became a renowned rock music venue hosting acts such as the Talking Heads, the Ramones, U2, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
