My Best Loved NYC Music Venues

I am a sucker for a live show - I've seen more live performances than even I can remember. These are some of my favorite places to see shows around the city.

1. Mercury Lounge - actually one of the best places to see a live performance in the East Village (which is saying a lot, there are tons of venues here), the Mercury Lounge offers an intimate setting for little-known bands as well as those with heftier monikers
2. Pianos - the scene in the LES has changed a bit over the years; the place is looking less like a hipster playground and more like Soho all the time. Pianos, however, still plays host to a number of up-and-coming indie acts like the ones you read about on your fav blog (Brooklyn Vegan, anyone?).
3. Don Pedro's - there's something about a live music venue that doubles as a Latin American cocina. This is way off the beaten track, people, and the venue is most often taken over by local bands, so don't expect to see U2 here anytime soon. Not that this fact makes Don Pedro's any less awesome.
4. Next Door at La Lanterna di Vittorio - this jazz bar entices you to stay all night, unlike most bars in the city. A little cover charge is worth cozying up all night in this basement bar with a few bottles of wine and some great live music.
5. Goodbye Blue Monday - there is something incredibly ingenious about a coffee shop that doubles as a wine and beer bar. Oh, and there is a stage for live music obviously. Prepare to feel like you are witnessing a show from inside of a junk shop, as the interior is fully stocked with, well, junk.