We love exploring Brooklyn in the summertime. After brutal winter months, we're always looking to venture out a little further than our local Manhattan spot once the weather permits. Brooklyn offers an eclectic mix of pubs, bars and rooftop spots (often appealing to the 'artsy' crowd). But you don't have to be 'artsy' to enjoy these bars. Here's our list of top live music bars in Brooklyn!

 

 1. Trash: 

You've been taught to never judge a book by its cover. Scratch that off.  This place deserves its name. We all know the best type of trash in New York is found in a dark place, with cheap drinks, punks and awesome music. It's trash-y and we love it. Trash has great live shows with upcoming rock bands like Fishdoctor, Igloos and Heartpunchers, just to name of few. You can find the complete list of upcoming shows here.

If you hit up Trash, you can count on a pretentious-less night out full of scum, junk and garbage. And by that we mean $5 shots and $2 tater tots. 

 

 

256 Grand Street

NY 11211-4303

Williamsburg Brooklyn 

2. Pete's Candy Store:

From Trash to Candy Store (could Brooklyn sound cooler right now?), Pete's Candy Store offers live music every day of the week. This small dive bar has a rotating list of cocktails which keeps things interesting and an awesome outdoor area which is perfect for these long summer nights.  And if live music under the moon isn't appealing enough, then be sure to visit this bar on Monday nights for more alternative events. Spelling Bee anyone? 

 

 

 

709 Lorimer Street

(between Frost st & Richardson st)

NY 11211

Williamsburg Brooklyn

 

3. The Knitting Factory:

Previously located in Tribeca, The Knitting Factory migrated to Brooklyn and became a #1 spot amongst hipsters. From indie rock to R&B and 80s music, this place hosts a wide variety of live bands. Much like its days in downtown Manhattan, the bar still holds its industrial-like architecture which provides prime acoustics. With two rooms-- one exclusively functioning as a bar and the other as a performance space-- there's plenty of space for dancing. However, be sure to get there early as the performance space fills up very quickly on concert nights! Check the schedule here for upcoming performances.

 

 

361 Metropolitan Ave

(at Havemeyer St)

NY 11211

Williamsburg Brooklyn

4. Union Hall:

If you are looking for a cozier type of bar with great live music, Union Hall is the place for you. With firesides, an old-school library and quirky decoration, this places has a vintage feel. You can relax upstairs, have a beer or two and enjoy a game of Bocce. Then head downstairs to the bar and music venue for a great party. Performances are usually by smaller local bands so new tunes are always rolling. Check out a list of shows and other events here. 

 

 

 

701 Union st

(between 4th Ave & 5th Ave) 

NY 11215

Park Slope, Brooklyn 

5. Brooklyn Bowl

Live music + bowling and life is pretty great. Brooklyn Bowl is one of those gems that only exist in New York. Only in Brooklyn for that matter. A Disney World for hipsters, Brooklyn Bowl offers Brooklyn beers on tap at very reasonable prices and all-night entertainment with 16 bowling lanes. With a great space for performances, Brooklyn Bowl has hosted many great acts. In the next couple of weeks it will be presenting Dom, Oh Land and Galactic. Find the full list of summer shows right here. 

 

 

 

61 Whythe Ave

(Between 12th st & 13th st)

NY 11221

Williamsburg Brooklyn