Best Open Mic Nights in New York

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Open mic nights are notoriously bad if you don't know where to go for a good show, but fear not: New York is notorious for its live music and its emerging music scene. And where does it all start? It starts with an open mic full of the city's most talented musicians at one of these great venues.

Bar 4
(718) 832-9800
444 7th Ave,
Brooklyn, NY, 11215

Popular Park Slope watering hole with naggingly persistent live music and a slowly worsening reputation among locals who know better.

Kenny's Castaways
(212) 979-9762
157 Bleecker St,
New York, NY, 10012

First opened in 1965, Kenny's Castaways immediately became a venue of choice for up and coming acts including the likes of the New York Dolls, Blondie, Kiss, Aerosmith, The Roaches and Patti Smith. Many things have more...

Living Room Lounge
(718) 499-1505
245 23rd St,
Brooklyn, NY, 11215

2500 sq ft. bar, community space, music venue, open mic spot, karaoke love, burlesqueness, latin music, tattoos, and a chill hangout spot. Lots of couches, pool table, cheap drinks, friendly, nurturing environment of artists, musicians, locals, etc. etc. Everyone welcome.

Parkside Lounge
(212) 673-6270
317 E Houston St,
New York, NY, 10002

The Parkside Lounge has been slowly heating up for about four years now. If you move beyond the bar in the front, you'll see why. The back room hosts local New York rock bands, DJs, and cabaret shows. For up to date info on who is playing, just click on the schedule tab.

Pete's Candy Store
(718) 302-3770
709 Lorimer St,
Brooklyn, NY, 11211

One of Williamsburg’s brighter spots, Pete’s Candy Store is always busy. The backroom offers local countryish music and has weekly events like the Quizz-Off, a trivia competition. Get one of the few tables early and enjoy.

Postscrypt Coffeehouse
(212) 854-1953
2920 Broadway,
New York, NY, 10027

The Red Lion
(212) 260-9797
151 Bleecker St.,
New York, NY, 10012

The Red Lion is widely known as a premier live music venue in the city. Sought after New York artists such as Gavin DeGraw, Milo Z, Dana Fuchs, and The Nerds, along with an array of national acts regularly play to eager more...