The Bowery Electric

I haven’t been here in a while, however, I had a blast watching the School of Rock perform here. This is a great place to watch a show. Great atmosphere…

A decent venue spot for a small group. Saw OURS there and some other smaller bands. Staff was super nice yet good at keeping the crazies out. Venue itself didn’t have any seating besides a few benches near the floor, so be ready to stand. Otherwise, very fun.

Cool place to watch a gig. The sound is good, which is more important than any other service in the venue, in my opinion. Drinks ok, it could offer a better (and cheaper) variety for a rock venue.

Venue seemed cool until we tried to walk in and it was so crowded we couldn't even get through the doorway at the entrance and were basically left standing outside, not able to see the band or get service at the bar despite paying for a ticket. If you cant fit the amount of people that buy tickets then stop selling as many tickets and just raise the price. I would have gladly payed double if it meant i could actually see and enjoy the experience. We walked out after 3 songs.

This is a fantastic spot for live music lovers. The bar has an intimate atmosphere, making it the perfect place to really enjoy the performances. The sound quality is excellent, and the drinks are generous—definitely giving you great value. The live music lineups are always top-notch, featuring a mix of talented artists/djs/comedians. It’s a great place to unwind, catch some live tunes, and enjoy a drink or two. Highly recommend for a night out!

great time at a concert i went to - definitely an intimate setting! the only thing i had a hard time with was merch cause it seemed like it was very free-for-all when it came to the (lack of a) line but im not sure if that's on the venue or the artist. only ended up getting a soda so i can't speak on drink prices

I’ve been here a few times but most recently this past weekend for the electric feel dance party. It starts later (11 PM). The city was oddly less crowded than usual so this time pace was also not as packed this time. But me and my friends got on the dance floor in the back and pretty soon, the place was jamming out! Definitely plan to come back for more dancing nights out!

Classic East Village rock club. Knowledgeable staff and great slate of music every night.

First time seeing a show here, but loved the ambiance. Small venue, but adds to the charm. Decent selection of beer, a few gender neutral restrooms. Solid experience!

This place is so much fun! The bouncers and bartenders are super nice. I came here on a Saturday night and the place was lively but not crowded. My group couldn't get downstairs because it was at capacity but the upstairs bar is a fun place to dance. The music was good, mostly 2010 hits and some older popular songs. I had a blast.

Did not try the food and the ambience is a bit eclectic and divey but the service at the bar is top notch. Bartender made some delicious margaritas and he was all smiles with happy hour customers. Great guy.

so they lost my jacket. after I spent 115$ to enter their bar. Worse bar ever. they literally do not care at all that. it's crazy.

Dance floor was 5 stars. DJ was 5 stars. Music was 5 stars. Drinks were drinks. Bouncer was a gentleman. 10/10 would dance here again

Omg, I am such a fan! We attended the Johnny Cash Tribute last night. I had no idea what to expect. Just good music, and a fun and diverse crowd. I would definitely attend another show here.

Ordered two shots and it came out to almost $30 then they wanted a tip. The venue is super cool and cute I love the vibes and the older men who run the place are very sweet. It was easy for me and my partner to get in the person at the door was very helpful. You can get super close to the bands and even meet them during/after the show usually.

Came here a few times and each time 1 or 2 of the staff members did something to me or a member of my party. The venue as a whole is set up nicely however the horrible attitude stream's down from the manager to the bartender. Last night will be my last time visiting this place no matter what friends are playing there. In fact I'll try to convince people to look elsewhere for a better experience than the Bowery Electric

With Los Tacos No. 1 still nice in my belly I took the short walk over to Electric Blue to see my pals in the band play some tunes for the night. Electric Blue had the big windows open and after dodging a motorcycle and some junkies on the side walk I was at the door. VIP is me. "Yo, homes," I said to my man at the door. "Yo, Foo, what it is," he said. "I got no phone so no tix, is my name on the list?" "Yeah man, sure is, right here, Foo!" I gave him daps and duked a sawbuck and walked in like Tony Manero did to the discos. Like a baller. I saw some people I used to know at the bar and sitting on the little couches. Everyone was laughing and having fun. I grabbed a beer and a shot, left the AMEX and headed to the back. Pushing open the heavy curtains to the music space I stepped into an intimate setting where the bands were socializing before the shows and when they saw me it was like pandemonium. "Foo!" said my pals from Lemon City Trio and then they introduced me to Christine, Sasha, Tony and Jeff, I think. By the end of the night I was tired of signing autographs and was getting pretty krunk. The best thing about Electric Blue is that they stamp your hand for re-entry. That way I can go out with my friends and smoke some weed on the sidewalk. This place in the Bowery is just boss.

this is the greatest bar/music venue in the lower part of manhattan! bartenders are so fun and the manager is a killer dj who sets a fire ambiance. the $5 happy hour is crazy as well don't miss out on the frozen margarita.

This place sucks. The bouncer couldn't do math and could not figure out my friend'a age even though she was born in 2000. When I asked how old she must be to get in, he said 21 and I'm like "what do you mean she's born in 2000" and he's like no she's 20. I don't get it. This guy is still living in 2020? But yeah I get it.. aren't all of us We ended up going in after the lady at the door managed to do the math. It was okay.. think like your college bars/club vibe. They closed out sections for private parties so it was worse. Toilets were disgusting

This place charged me $22.87 for a basic mezcal margarita that was served in a fucking plastic cup. I still tipped the bartender (foolishly). To say I was WAY over charged, is a an understatement. *I've ordered that very same drink at so many places and have never been charged anything close to this. This was my first time going here and I will NEVER be back and highly suggest you DON'T BOTHER DRINKING HERE. Drink before you come. You can go to Gemma or Pitti (located at opposite ends of the block) and order a quality drink served beautifully for that price or less. Positives... The Bouncer wasn't a douche and followed Key to the City protocol (excellent job!), the guy checking tix for the event was helpful, and the DJ spinning downstairs was solid although he was playing the music of 2 Queens--Bey + Rih--so not entirely certain of his actual skills.

Cool spot , we Spray Allen played here on our 2023 tour and it was cool spot with really good staff and drinks much respect and thanks for having us

We had a great time the night of 8/19. Really good dancing. The DJ was excellent.

Lost roughly 20 peoples credit cards because of pure negligence. left them all out on a side of the bar unattended and then someone just jumped over and grabbed them. what's honestly worse is how they handled it afterwards. the patrons had to be the ones to call the police. They wouldn't turn the lights on to search properly just in case it was misplaced. They wouldn't shut the music off for people to call their credit card companies to freeze their cards. it was more important for them to keep attempting to salvage their night by selling drinks. The GM finally showed up and it was revealed cell phones got stolen a week prior!!!

This place was so, so cool! I came here for a show downstairs - and it was such a cool set up! I got the free drink through yelp. And the frozen margarita was so delicious! I don't even like margaritas. The sounds and space was great downstairs! The sound was super clear! And the space was intimate and cozy. I would definitely come back here for another show!

Showed up at 6:30 for a band we thought was playing at 6:30. Bouncer sold us tickets, and then 4 for friends. Only after the show started at 7 with a different band, did he tell us our band wasn't on until 10. Total total ripoff

I had a wonderful time here this evening. Based on the outside awning, it wasn't at all what I expected. I did however feel like it was going to be a little like mercury lounge and Arlene's. I have to say, every staff member, check in, security, bartenders upstairs and downstairs were all incredibly friendly and hospitable - professional. Usually in very busy crowds, you experience the opposite. Margarita was delicious; and presentation was beautiful. Bathrooms were incredibly clean. Overall, it was a Wednesday evening. I have never been here on a weekend evening - and I could imagine that it might be a different experience on the weekend (not sure). The band and sound quality was great. Downstairs, the stage is a decent size, and they have two levels. A small lower level and upstairs by the bar overlooking. It doesn't give a whole lot of space to see the band if you are on the second level.

The bartender wearing the green bucket is really off putting and rude, no hello, no thank you....even thru in a "whatever" lol big teenager vibes. Like girl get into a different line of work if you're not able to understand and delivery common human decency. StAnk attitude having ass doesn't look cute on you. Do better.

They need to rehire their bouncers. My government issued NJ license was confiscated by 1 of the 2 bouncers on Friday Sept 17th evening. I was told my eyebrows didn't look the same as the picture...... Clearly the most discriminating comment I've heard from a bouncer and the nerve he had to confiscate my ID and then tell me "I could pick the ID up in the morning" I had to call the police and then the manager that night Megan shows up to try to calm the situation. She starts interrogating me about my ID and the situation, and I was asked to leave for the night and the bouncer countinued working that night. A blatant form of discrimination and Megan lack of action showed her complacency of the situation. Very disappointed and utter outrage for such a well known bar in NYC

Count your change, shaddy Bartender. Last night (Sat.) I went to The Bowery Electric for an event. The event space downstairs wasn't ready yet. The man who greeted me at the door was polite & friendly. He stamped my wrist & said grab a drink at the bar, it's Happy Hour. At the bar I ordered "Whiskey-ginger". When the bartender brought me my drink & I asked how much, he said "$11, $12 with tax". Puzzled, I asked "Is that Happy Hour price?". The bartender looked at me and said "Yes." And stood & waited as I went into my purse to get out more money. I paid & tipped and took my drink. Something just didn't seem right to me. I went to the front door, looked outside and the sandwich board advertising Happy Hour for The Bowery Electric, clearly says well drinks $8. I went back to the bartender and told him that the sign out front said Happy Hour mix drinks are $8 and you charged me $12. He looks at me and says, "I gave you Jameson". And I said, "I did not ask for Jameson. It's happy hour and I ordered just whiskey-ginger". "Okay". The bartender turns around and hands me $3. I say, "Happy Hour is $8". He says, "$8 plus tax, $9. You have a good night". Lets unpack all of this. It is Happy Hour time at the bar, you Know that is what people are ordering, that is why bars have Happy Hour prices. When I asked regarding the $12, is that Happy Hour, he said Yes and did not say anything regarding Jameson. When I returned, quoting the price listed on the sign outside, only then did he say, "I gave you Jameson". He gave me, he did not say this is what I ordered, he gave me something I did not ask for. Next, tax on $11 & $8, both, is $1. Last, no apology just a snarky "You have a good night." The Bowery Electric. Cool looking bar, nice space downstairs for events. Front door guy, friendly & inviting. Bartender, CAN NOT BE TRUSTED !!!

Stopped by here on a Saturday afternoon to widdle away some time outside. No one sitting at their outside setup, so too w seat and the waitress came by to let us know to scan the QR code for the menu. Limited menu overall and you are required to order food if drinking. Settled on a beer ($7) and a pretzel ($5). The pretzel is surprisingly warm but overly salted, so had to scrape a lot of it off. Beer is your normal fare. Pretty okay place for a nightcap/quick beer. Wish they had some chips or popcorn for food, maybe some more drink options.

OMG!!! If I could put ZERO stars, I WOULD! The bouncer thought my REAL ID and my partners REAL ID were, FAKE! We both provided other forms of ID, and the bouncer called out his manager, her name was Megan. MEGAN proceeded to tell me "have a goodnight sir" without her even taking a look at my two forms of ID. To which the bouncer decided to have another look at my ID and my partners, and he snapped both of them in front of my face. I believe there was homophobia involved in this situation and I will not be returning to this trashy spot.

Lost about 20 cards due to poor business practice of leaving cards out in an easily accessible place. Refused to turn the lights on after the theft took place and continued service and let new tabs be created before law enforcement ever showed up. All while being talked down to by the manager who insisted this could happen at "any bar you go to". Nah man it happens in any shitty bar you go to. I get that theft happens but you don't get to talk down to the actual victims of the theft and insist that we don't know how keeping tabs works. Also the sound sucks in there.

They lost every single persons card. 20+ people. They sat by and let them ALL get STLOEN. I work in the service industry too and these assholes were not trying to help anyone solve the problem or help anyone. We had to SCREAM at them to turn the lights on and even then it took 20+ mins. Truly the worst people I've ever experienced. I'll never be here or trust them again. All they did was make excuses. They genuinely deserve to never have business again. They didn't even call the police or offer anything other then "I don't know how that happened"

They let 20+ people's cards get stolen and then did nothing about it. They were not helpful and acted like they couldn't do anything when they literally could have turned on the lights to help find the cards. There should be consequences for letting so many cards get stolen especially since it might be their only way to get home. Absolutely ridiculous. Do not recommend.

I've gone to the Bowery Electric for a number of years now and its usually to support a promising local or name act that is doing an intimate performance in the downstairs space. There are two performance sections of this venue and I will start with the downstairs. That section has two levels, a lower one where the stage is and there is some room for the crowd to convene while just above is the bar and deck type area for more fans. The sound there is generally good but the lighting can be a little better since its usually dark blue or purple or worst of all - reds. Not good for photographing groups at all. Upstairs is a larger main bar that I have spent some time at and the back "Map Room" which is best suited to singer songwriter acts or book launches and comedy. I personally find this space a little tight and confining and having been there for things I usually move to the longer bar. Friends in bands who wish to play here should know that the club does a door deal where they get a percentage of the take after a certain amount of people come in. It's a convenient space down on the East side of the town with plenty of other nearby things to do and see in the immediate vicinity.

Watch out for the 13 dollar tequila flavored water shots. Buddy thought he was slick. He's got a bottle just for it.

My boyfriend and I came for Monday night comedy at 8 pm. Not only was the comedy show free (with an Eventbrite RSVP, otherwise $5), but there was free pizza provided before the show and a free delicious frozen margarita for checking in on yelp. I also ordered a gin and tonic that was nice and strong for a great price as well! The comedy was in a small back room on the main floor and lasted around an hour and a half with 3 different comedians. All comedians were hilarious, and very engaging with the audience members! I was seriously laughing almost the whole time! After the show we were talking to the bouncer, and he let us into a hip hop performance downstairs for free that had already started. The artists were amazing, and everyone was dancing! After the show ended, there was a dj playing fun hip hop music as well. The bathrooms here were shockingly clean for a bar too! No creepy bar patrons either. I wish I lived in NYC because I would come here often! I would give this bar 10 stars if I could!

Awful sound. You know when music is so loud that you can't actually hear it? That's Bowery electric. Someone needs to rehaul the acoustics here and then maybe it would be a good performance space for musicians!

Stumbled upon this bar after dinner, line was short so decided to go in. Two of us got in very easily and got a few drinks. Standard crowded loud bar, younger crowd. Drinks were good nothing crazy special.

COVID pivot review only: I love taking friends here for drinks. I've found myself walking up and down Bowery from Houston up to E 4th in search of an outdoor spot for refreshment--as I am too lazy and weary to go towards crowded St Marks--and Bowery Electric has the loudest speakers, coupled with overhead heaters, clean bathrooms, and strong drinks. It seems as if the first cocktail is always poured with a heavy hand, which also keeps me coming back. Don't ask me how the second and third cocktails are mixed because by that time I have ordered 2-3 shots. Due to local governance, a purchase of food is required with any purchase of alcohol so I've typically opted for the soft pretzel which leans on the sweet and soft side, nothing spectacular. Thank you Bowery Electric for staying open, weathering the storm, and giving my friends and I warm and safe space to imbibe.

We recently started going to Bowery electric as a group until one day where the manager insulted my friend and kicked us out which clearly showed that they don't care about customers or the business we bring to the table. This is truly appalling as you wouldn't expect this kind of obnoxious attitude here in NYC. Never going back again!

I recently went to the Bowery Electric to see the inaugural Underwater Sunshine Fest. The event itself was an A+. I didn't love the venue. There wasn't a ton of room on either floor. The bottom floor was more spacious, but it was really hard to get from the floor near the stage to the bar/bathroom. Speaking of the bathrooms, there were four single person stalls. I'm not asking them to remodel, but I wish there were larger bathrooms with multiple stalls. The drinks weren't overly expensive- I paid about $12 for a Stoli Vodka and club. The oranges they put in the vodka were the most delicious drink garnishes I've ever had. Maybe it was the light playing tricks on me, but they tasted like blood oranges. The upstairs room was really chill, but didn't make sense logistically. To watch a band play at that stage I had to stand in the hallway trying to catch a glimpse, sit on the floor, or wiggle my way past a group of people to get to a spot on the couch. They only have a coat check in the true winter months. It was a chilly call night and I didn't enjoy dragging my jacket around with me the entire time. The acoustics of the venue were pretty good. Although a lot of the acts playing were playing acoustic sets so that always helps. I believe this is always the venue that Adam Duritz uses to curate his autumn festival, so I will be back. However, I wouldn't seek out this venue unless I already knew the acts.

Racist bouncer. Was racially abused outside of bar waiting to get in. Bouncer took out his phone and was calling me a "puerto rican, Ayraab" terrible service, wouldn't recommend to anyone that is brown

I am rocker chick and I have been too many music venues. Finally tonight I popped my first comedy cherry at The Bowery Electric...always a first time for everything...am I right lol! Its a more narrow venue as you walked into the lounge area with a fully stock bar which is somewhat impressive. We arrived at 5:24pm and they were still setting up the Map Room. Chelsea, one of the host came up to us to let us know that they are seating people. I couldn't believe how small is the Map Room especially the seating area that can seat at least about 14 people if you can squeeze yourself. Me and my friends were lucky to be seated on a sofa that's meant for 3 but the bad thing there was a chest box like a table taking too much space for legroom. As you know, I have long legs and I kept stretching my long legs due to discomfort. The performances didn't really start on time like it stated on the Facebook event but that's like with rock shows too. It was pretty packed due to the limited seats that majority people were standing and seating around the stage area. The hosts Chelsea and Carolyn mentioned there were last minute cancellations but me and my friends really enjoyed ourselves especially me as my laughter was hardcore loud...yes I pretty much laugh at anything that's funny to moi hahahaha. Man, my favorite comedian was Carolyn Castiglia. A part of her skit, she talked about Tinder and I mumbled I was on it and she totally heard me. Hey, no embarrassment as I can related to mostly Carolyn's dating and being single skits. It lasted almost two hours but definitely a loud woooo hooo and applause from you. Next free comedy show will be on February 13 so mark it on your calendar if you need a good LAUGH!

I travel to New York frequently, but I don't think I've ever had a proper night out. The overwhelming number of bars to choose from, with incredible discrepancies in what's best, I guess I just assumed it was too much energy to find a place to dance that's not gross, over-priced, or too fancy. One of my New York-based girlfriends recommended the Bowery Electric for our Friday night out, and despite the reviews on Yelp (my Bible these days), I decided to take her word and check it out. We rolled-up around 11:30, and had no trouble getting inside. There was no cover, but there was a $3 cash coat-check. When we walked in, the crowd was bumping, but not too busy. It was the perfect amount of people for the space. We ordered our drinks, which were honestly super outrageously priced. I guess that's New York for you. ($7 for a freaking bottle of BudLight!) We thought we'd check out the basement floor, which apparently is where all the action happens, rumored to be a much bigger space with better dance music. However, when we saw the $10 cover to get downstairs, we decided we'd be better off spending that money on another BudLight. The music on the first floor was every stereotypical sing-along bar song. Sweet Caroline, Uptown Girl, and Billy Jean to name a few. I felt like I'd fallen into a rom-com movie montage with everyone dancing and enthusiastically singing along. The crowd was definitely young and hip, many college and graduate students. The "dance floor" (aka, the little room in the back with the disco ball) is deceiving thanks to the magic of floor to ceiling mirrors. It took me about 20 minutes to realize the room was half as small as it appeared. When we got there around 11:30, It was crowded but still easy enough to move around. However, around 12:30/1, it started to get very hot and very crowded, with mediocre well drinks costing an average of $12 a pop before tip (which I guess is average price for an average bar in NY), I was definitely not drunk enough to stick around. My friend then confessed that she normally only comes Bowery Electric to end a night out, and that's kind of the impression I got from the crowd, as well. It was a good place to either start or end your evening out, but I'd definitely make a plan to hit up other places. Really my biggest gripe is the $10 cover to get downstairs. Like, if I got in the door for free, why would I pay extra to go downstairs? They'd probably be smarter to charge a smaller $5 cover to get in, because maybe I'm cheap, but I'll almost always stick with the cheap or free option. I had a decent time and liked the overall vibe, but I'm keen to check out other places.

I like this place, I only go on Sundays and drink a few $5 margaritas with the Ms., So I dunno about this crowded business. But if you want a cheap drink, that $5 Marg is errday until 8. Don't be salty like the rim and go get yaself a few bakers dozen.

We were not treated well when we were here, and I will not be back. We were jerked around and apparently this is the norm. I understand that the downstairs venue is the one that matters more, because that is where you will have some more established acts perform, but the upstairs "venue," really just a curtain closing off a tiny room where bands perform, is extremely audible from the front of the bar. I'm glad they gave us drink tickets because I would not have been comfortable spending actual money here. Never again

$40 for a long island, $20 per vegas bomb and she didn't even know how to make vegas bombs. It's absolutely ridiculous if you're amateur bartenders and are charging top venue prices acting like you're Omnia in Vegas, gtfo. On top of that i've seen nicer venues in random people's basements. If you're prepared to spend that level of money you might as well go to a legit bar/club.

Here for Taylor swift night!! Love it!! Highly recommend--efficient entrance and great vibes inside

I used to come here pretty frequently because I liked the vibe and they play good music. Plus I have friends' whose bands would play here sometimes. They have live bands downstairs, in case you didn't know. Anyway, I just stopped coming and several friends also stopped coming last year because the owner Diane is just so rude to customers and bands. I haven't come here in a long time. There is a selection of other places in the area to go where you are treated with respect. Avoid Bowery Electric and you'll avoid being treated like your money is not welcome.

Hypothetically if you do not have a real ID do not go here they will not let you in lol. Cute place tho! (From the outside)

I went to this bar with my ID from England where I go to school and the bouncer took it and then proceeded to laugh and go on for 15 minutes about how the person in my ID was ugly and told me I was a catfish and dance in my face laughing at me saying there was no way it was me. It was me I just had makeup on and a different color pony tail on. Don't go to this place if u don't want a hard hit to ur self esteem. The police then proceeded to show up and give me my ID back but they do not know what different country's identification cards look like so if ur coming from out of the country just make sure u bring ur passport with u.

I came here for a comedy show with a friend around 7:30 on a Monday afternoon. The spot itself is a quintessential dive bar made up of two floors. The main floor has a large bar and a small stage in the back where we caught our comedy show. The second floor has the same with what appears to be a much larger stage for bigger acts. Also, they check I.D. before you're able to enter and when ordering you must leave both your card and I.D. with the bartender. Drink prices were exceptionally cheap, especially during their happy hour! They had a $5 marg special that was apparently pretty strong from what I heard. They have a sizable beer selection as well. Staff here was quick and friendly. They told the customers of the specials they were having at the time and also cleaned the bar area periodically. Appreciated in a place that by first glance you'd think they'd be like every other dirty dive bar. If you're looking for a bar with good prices and lots of live show options to catch in the LES this is your spot!

I had a good time here. Met with some friends for quick drinks and ended up staying for a comedy show they had going on in the back. The show was good, bartenders were attentive, and my friends enjoyed themselves. Only downside it was crowded and not the most spacious space.

I went bc a friend's band was playing. The other 3 bands I saw were really cool too. The venue is small but cozy and the beer selection is small but fine. Why 3 stars? This is one of the few bars that charged me for sparkling water (x2) one of which was given to me in a v skinny cocktail glass (hence I ordered a second glass. Which they gave me in a bigger cup thank God) really?? I mean I know nyc is one of the most expensive places. Ive lived here my whole life. But in my 19 years of bar going life I've NEVER EVER PAID FOR FUCKING WATER. even if it was sparkling. (We're not talking bottles ppl wete talking from the soda gun). I would understand if I was only drinking water. I wasn't. I had a few beers, bought beers for my friends AND bought one of the performers a cocktail. I really thought I heard them wrong when they asked for my name on the cc after I ordered it. And then got charged $8 (2× $4) for soda. I hope people who go there save your money and dont hydrate in between their drinks. I hope many many of the patrons barf all over their very expensive sound systems and all over the bar for the people to clean up after. They deserve it. For charging people for fucking water.

Wednesday night - $20 for a measured "single" shot of (watered down) scotch in a thin plastic cup ! Are they kidding !!! Another $20 to go downstairs for a below high-school level beginner "band" that was a talentless joke. The crowd, if you can call it that, were dozy teenage twits. Do not even think to go to this embarrassing greedy inept dump unless you are a clueless loser like everybody else there. I would give it negative stars if I could.

I used to come to Bowery Electric a lot, (pre-COVID) but there is a woman who works here called "Diane" who is so constantly unpleasant that I simply stopped coming. Why work with the public when it's obvious she hates people and hates working there. I stopped liking coming here, so I found other bars. Diane, find another job!