Arlene's Grocery

Arlene's Grocery is located at 95 Stanton Street and occupies a building that retains the original facade of a former Puerto Rican grocery and butcher shop. The performance space holds about 150 people standing, while a separate bar area provides a focused listening experience.

The venue opened in 1995 as one of the first music spaces in the Lower East Side and helped transform the neighborhood into an entertainment destination. This early role made it a pioneer in reshaping the area's character.

The space hosts performers at all career stages and draws fans of punk, indie, and experimental sounds. This mix of different genres makes it a gathering place for people looking to discover new music.

The space is relatively small and tight, so it is wise to arrive early for good sightlines and room to move. Visitors should be ready to stand close together and focus on the live performance.

The original grocery store sign remains on the exterior and creates a visible connection to the building's former use. This creates an appealing contrast between the space's past commercial function and its current role as a music venue.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1995

GPS coordinates: 40.72120,-73.98830

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:03