Retaining the façade of the Puerto Rican bodega/butcher shop it replaced, Arlene's Grocery helped transform the Lower East Side into a rock destination in the mid-90s.
Unlike curated Mercury Lounge, known for accessibility—offered free shows for years, cultivating low-stakes experimentation. Pioneered "Rock and Roll Karaoke" with live backing band—became citywide phenomenon. The Strokes, Jeff Buckley, Arcade Fire, Lana Del Rey all graced its small stage early in careers. Survived pandemic, continues as LES nightlife staple.
Accessible indie. Rock karaoke home.
London, United Kingdom
Nashville, United States
Austin, United States
Austin, United States
Austin, United States
San Diego, United States
We're collecting stories from musicians who performed at Arlene's Grocery