I will never return to the Bell House Great place to see an event but I had previously given a tip under another name which was my wife's. And I have decided to repeat the tip after so many thank you responses THE TIP: I had a Pre purchased ticket so when I arrived an hour early it was because I am disabled and need a seat. No problem right...wrong. Even though I asked numerous people no one told me that once the line quickly started to flow in I was pulled out of the line that I had been in for an hour and told that it needed to be stamped. Which was a different line which I had to stand in and watch everyone else flow into the event. Even now telling this story I am upset and hoping that you will not face the same read more

Went here with a friend for the 13th Annual 50 First Jokes NYC event. The venue is in a place where there's not much street light in the evening, so I would be uncomfortable navigating the area if I were by myself at night. The venue itself is small. Doors opened an hour before the event actually started, and we arrived well before that time. Still, there was a pretty long line, and once we had our hands stamped and we entered the stage room, we found it already quite cramped. People had already taken all of the chairs in front of the stage, and the empty seating in the back was reserved for people who had paid for it in advance. My friend and I leaned against the wall (bordering the paid seating area) because after waiting for the doors to open, and now waiting for the event to start, we were tired. There was so much room between us and where the line of chairs formed that I started wondering why they couldn't make better use of that space and add a few more rows of chairs. By the time the event started, I was struggling to see over taller people who had squeezed in front of me. During the halftime break, our legs and back were hurting so much that we decided to call it a night and leave. Honestly, if we had seats, we would've stayed. If I had a better view instead of the backs of people that squeezed in front of me, I would've reconsidered. The jokes themselves were hit or miss. But the venue itself was definitely a miss. I hope they reformat it better in the future. read more

The Bell House - Interior - so much underutilized space! - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place is like in the middle of no where, but even so, it was worth it. Went to see Pete Davidson last night, sold out show tickets were all general admission with seating first come first served. Beer selection was average, my "sixpoint" never disappoints. Mac and cheese, and tortillas with pico de gallo weren't bad. The place is a bar/ music venue. When you walk in, there is the bar and a few high table and seating area. Towards the back is where the magic happens. A very big spacious area with a bar and a stage right in the middle. Upon entrance towards the back area, they gave us a magnet fabric bag to put our cell phones in. No-one was allowed to take out their cell phones. Pretty interesting concept. I cant believe it was successful, everyones phone was locked in this magnet fabric bag. Pete had like five people presenting before him. Was that really necessary? Really? Anywayz, he was pretty good. I feel like his jokes will get better in time, he needs to live life more for him to be on the "big boys" league. Overall, he did great ! This place did awesome with security. Deff. Will come back if Pete Comes back. read more

The Bell House - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The Bell House, come hear for fun rock shows, unique markets and once in a lifetime events! I came here this summer for the Mission of Burma show! As you walk up to the venue, it's tucked away in a dark street of Gowanus. In the summer there's outside tables where the smokers lounge. As you walk in the venue there's a long bar. Then there's a large room where the band plays. In the venue space there is also an elevated second bar. I like standing in this area, close to the bar and a great view of band. I'm so happy this Mission of Burma played at the Bell House. I find it easier to actually see the band and the sound is spot on. I have also been here for Bust Magazine's birthday party! It was 2 and 1/2 years ago and I had a blast! You buy a ticket but you get so much more. I got to see Cibo Matto, Broad City (before the success), Amber Tamblyn read while David Cross played music in the background. Awards were given to Bust icons like Margaret Cho and a fave of mine Kathleen Hannah. (From Bikini Kill, Le Tigre & Julie Ruin) And I can't forget to mention I also enjoyed free cupcakes and a grab bag full of cool goodies. The Bell House has recently been hosting the Morbid Anatomy Museum's flea market. This is a great market to find all your modern goth needs from taxidermy to Victorian goth cameos. I have noticed some 90's themed dance parties and some 90's bands coming trough. Keep your eyes open if you want to get nostalgic 'cause it's time to dust off the 'ole emo uniform and rock out to a mix of Pixies, Nirvana and the Breeders! read more

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I've been to a number of fun events at the Bell House! I've primarily seen comedy shows here, including Two Dope Queens and last night's Maria Bamford's show. Overall, they offer a pretty great line up of shows. They have particular rules around getting in line that, if you've never been and therefore don't know how to navigate, can be frustrating. But, if you show up well in advance and therefore can get in line inside (because the line quickly moves outside) and therefore can get seats, then it's cool. If you have to wait outside or stand the full show - well, it's less cool. read more

Came here for a themed night on a Saturday where they played music videos for popular music through the decades. The energy in the room was fantastic, fun, and very playful. There were several balloons with LEDs inside of them being bopped around the room by the crowd. Enough people to crowd up near the DJ, but not so much that there wasn't plenty of space around the bar to order a drink, chill, and take in the crowd from afar. Appreciated the drink prices here too. read more

Nice venue. I appreciate that for comedy they setup the seats theater style so they're all facing the stage unlike most comedy clubs that have seats at all types of angles. Had to take 1 star off for an $11 jamo & coke. read more

Came here Friday night to see Miss Norah Jones, and had a great experience overall. The boy and I live out on the island, so after taking the train in to Woodside and hopping on the subway, we arrived after walking a few blocks. They have a few tables and chairs set up outside and no one was on line yet. Doors said they opened up at 8PM, however, it was about 7PM. We looked into the area before coming in to Brooklyn and saw that there really wasn't any food stuff so we brought sandwiches and a snack with us, figuring we could eat it while we waited. The nice folk working at the Bell House told us we could come in and sit at the table, or take a seat outside, and we were welcome to bring our food and eat it anywhere we wanted. Which, I have to say, I think is pretty cool, especially for a city venue. So many places confiscate your unopened water and chuck it out. Going to shows gets expensive, especially when you are forced to shell out $5 for a bottled water and when the special is $9 beer night. Anywho, we each got a drink - boy got a beer, they seem to have a nice selection (read: don't order a Bud or a Coors) and I got a mixed drink. As previous reviewer stated, it was VERY strong and in a little cup. I even asked my companion, "Should I ask for them to dump it in a larger cup and add more soda?" No, says he. Sad face, says I. The inside is cool, it's a historic barn remade into a concert venue and bar. Very nice, intimate place to grab a show. Especially since I am just under the 5' mark. It's a refreshing change of pace to be able to actually SEE something while at a show. There was a dude probably about 6'5" in front of stage but I gave him the aforementioned sad face and was basically able to grab Norah's ankles if I wanted to. Not that I wanted to, I mean I'm not a creeper or anything - just to give you guys an idea of the space. I also managed to snag a set list (yay!) though some crazy chick punched me in the nose to try and steal it away from me. Who punches someone at a Norah Jones concert? That's besides the point. Just another story I'll add to my book one day. But for now, I will scout out other bands coming to this place and avoid the mosh pit. read more

The Bell House - Norah and the band singing "Sunrise" - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I apparently saw a show here recently. I say apparently as most of it was ruined due to the seating/standing/entry situation. This event offered both VIP and regular tickets. VIPs were allowed 6:00pm entry. Their other perks were to happen after the show. General admission ticket holders were allowed 6:30pm entry. Most shows I've been to over the years have low numbers who purchase VIP. I'm inclined to believe this show was no different. My ticket said the event was a mix of standing and sitting, with no other info other than to arrive early. I assumed standing might mean those who wanted to hang at the bar, or the last patrons in if they oversold on purpose. I've never seen a notice like this before, but as this was a non-music show, you should be sitting, right? I went with a general admission ticket. I'd been at the Bell House years before, so had a vague memory of the setup. I got there around 6:20pm, and only 10-15 people were in line before me. I was happy, as it would mean a great seat. Then I realized they were slowly letting people ahead of me in early, which I thought was odd, but I figured all VIP ticket holders must have already been accounted for. I got inside, saw the merch table, and nearly went to it - then I glanced into the theatre, and it was PACKED!! Huh??? How?? When?? Surely they didn't let everyone in at 6:00pm or before, did they? I went in and saw a few free seats, but they all had papers that said "Reserved" on them. For VIP? Friends of the performers? No idea. I saw people standing on one side of the theatre, then saw a bunch of chairs set up against the wall on the opposite side of the theatre. They were all filled except for one, which I took. It was near the back, and had a terrible view. This was confusing - why were chairs on the side rather than being placed in a more logical layout behind/next to the other chairs? This would have left room at the sides for people to stand/lean, along with leaving a path at the back, and would have ensured no one standing could block any views. As more people came in who had to stand, they started to block the view. I asked one couple if they could please move towards the center so to not block anyone's view (there was a ton of open space next to them), but the woman got rude with me claiming there were nowhere to go, which was laughable. They did move over, but once the show started, another couple stood pretty much in front of me. They should have been aware they were blocking 10 or more people behind them, but didn't care. The woman kept shifting, and blocked half my view at first - then my full view. At times they backed up, and I feared they'd fall on top of me! I ended up having to stand at times to see anything. As it got worse and she kept shifting, I had to contort my neck and move around both in my chair and then while standing to see anything behind her. I finally had to stand for the rest of the show so it wasn't a total waste. But I had to do the same shifting dance to see around her as she kept moving. People near me either stood or just sat and gave in to the fact they weren't going to see anything. From the start of the show, I was stressed over the seating and view. I showed early according to their rules, so why was this such a mess? I started to wish the show would speed up, as I was miserable and just wanted to go. I considered leaving early. I missed so much just trying to see! I technically was at this show, but didn't really take it in or get to enjoy it. Weeks later, I feel like I wasn't even there, and have been hoping the show tours again so I can actually see it this time. It was a ruined night. To top it off, one of the advertised actors wasn't there. Nothing was said about it. Yet another confusing thing. Obviously this is a successful long term venue, so they won't care about one person's misery due to their layout. But it would be nice if they tried to rethink their setup. Move the seating to a more logical layout, and make those they force to stand do it where they can't ruin the show for others. It's easy enough. Also, why not sell tickets that guarantee a seat without a blocked view? Why not have seats for every ticket holder? Why not do what you can to not allow someone's night out to be ruined? read more

I got tickets to see Uncivil Union here with a few friends. It was a standup comedy show to support GLBT youth. The comics were all great but the venue that night was lacking. It was standing room only for a 2 hour show. It was a cold Friday night so everyone was smushed together wearing their winter coats and carrying their backpacks and briefcases from work. For some reason, the air conditioner was on and even in my coat, scarf and gloves, I was chilly. I'm not sure why this venue doesn't provide seating for some of their shows, but there is definitely enough room for it. I would understand if it was a music event and people were expected to dance, but standing for 2 hours to listen to a comedian is not the most comfortable situation. read more

I saw my favorite band The Ocean Blue at The Bell House a few months ago before the Pandemic hit! Hopefully, it won't be the last concert this year. 2020 has sucked so far since all the venues, bars, and other businesses were forced to close. Hopefully, this venue survives these crazy times! My cousin Cristian went with me 'cause he lives in New York, so it was nice to have a place to crash when there's a great concert in town. The Bell House is huge, and the sound system was great. I ran into the band outside, and got my picture taken with them again! Haha....Then once inside, I recognized Glenn Kochan from the band Riverside in the crowd. (Not the current Polish band that is now using their name) Riverside, the band that got lost in the 90s. Drawing from the same influential well of Echo & the Bunnymen, the Smiths and the Railway Children, comparisons to the Blue were inevitable -- That was epic! I tapped him on the shoulder and told him that I saw their show in Philadelphia. Be sure to check them out on youtube with their album "ONE". Great band! This place is in a middle of nowhere in Brooklyn, but there are a few places to eat around there. read more

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Great venue and wonderful service (particularly Phillip who really went out of his way to make us comfortable!)

Sure, the Bell House boasts an impressive array of events--quirky, fun theme days, some great acts/performers--but I always cringe a bit and decide how badly I want to see said event before booking anything because... I know I'll have to put up with getting into the Bell House and enduring their haphazard service. A couple of lowlights: Came here for New Year's this year--arrived to a not-long line at around 10:50pm--on a frigid night--and still barely made it inside for midnight. At least I had my boiling rage to keep me somewhat warm. Also recently came for a Buffalo City Fair day event that was an incredibly slipshod affair--the lack of organization was palpable, as people milled about and waited on lines for 30-45 min for food or drink. I admit I've had some better times here for shows/under the radar events (Maria Bamford, a baseball writer's roundtable discussion), but that was still more the quality of the event itself than anything. Drinks are pretty much average at best, and service decent on these good days, unimpressive others. If there's something you want to see here, it can be endured, but as a venue itself/in a vacuum... you'll have a much better experience elsewhere. read more

The Bell House has become a pretty popular place in New York for live podcast tapings. It's a got a great, intimate feel in the theater space. I'd recommend arriving early if you want a seat. I've had to stand every time I've gone but never have a problem seeing the stage or hearing anything. The food is fine for a venue like this AKA don't come here to have dinner. The drinks are great (nice selection of local ciders) and the bartenders are friendly. read more

The venue itself is beautiful and it sounds great. I have seen rock shows, comedy nights, NPR game shows, movie nights, DJ parties, and more here and every time it has been a wonderful time. The staff are always kind and helpful, and the beer selection is just what the doctor ordered. The Bell House is a true Brooklyn gem and it is an essential visit for anybody who loves nightlife. read more

Cool venue for shows but, as other recent Yelpers have mentioned, pretty abrasive bouncers. I didn't come into any direct contact with any bouncers thankfully, but my friends and I did witness others getting yelled out for not abiding by a weird pre-show line up and others being chased into the bar area. Customers don't know your rules or what you do every day at this venue, and it doesn't mean they need to be treated like animals if they're not following rules that are not stated anywhere. With that said... the 2 Dope Queens show I saw this past weekend was laugh-out-loud awesome. If you're lucky enough to get a seat (because you stood out in the cold in the line), it was probably an even better experience, but more than half of the audience ends up with standing room tickets, at least for the 2DQ shows. Your best strategy, especially in these winter months, is probably to dart in line just before the line starts moving; from a 10:30pm show, that ended up being around 10:05pm. They had a hot toddy ($11), which really hit the spot though was probably a bit over priced. They also had a classic SingleCut on draft for $7, but the beer selection overall wasn't particularly inspiring. Bathrooms were pretty gross. I've seen worse, but I've definitely seen better at music venues. read more

Bartenders Bobby and Carolyn were ever so kind, allowing me to charge my phone when I was stranded (Bobby) and kindly keeping me entertained and hydrated while I waited (Carolyn), so I thank them, both! And The Bell House is a nice, big space, both inside and out (their Covid-born front patio area is nicer than most I've seen). Highly recommend The Bell House! read more

In the middle of friggin nowhere. If you're not taking a Lyft, make sure your phone is all charged up. Well worth the trek/hunt. Good space, drinks weren't too expensive. Had a great time. read more

Nice intimate venue, been there several times for comedy shows. Nice setup. Nice staff. read more

Disappointing to pay $40 for a ticket to a comedy show and find they did not plan enough chairs for the number of seats sold. Tip for first time visitors to this venue: You need to get there quite early if you don't want standing room. read more

This is a great place ..don't get me wrong HOWEVER.. my sister and I came here for a Janet Jackson party that I seen advertised in a New York magazine that I subscribe to. Now in all fairness it did say in the article that the dj would play 10 Janet songs BUT upon walking in.. we waited about 45 mins before a Janet song came on. Then the dj played 3 Janet Jackson songs and then diverted to something totally different. We ended up leaving after a while when we realized it wasn't going to be a Janet party. Although this was a very nice venue, I highly doubt i will come back due to what I felt was false advertisement. The kicker!? Upon walking out, there was a HUGE flyer posted on the wall in the same venue about this being a Janet Jackson party..smh read more

The Bell House - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I love this place. However, why don't they ever put the party "Tainted Love" in the bigger back room???? Why do they scheudle the 80's party every time they have an event in the back room? Quiet frankly, the ticket prices for their shows aren't fair and it's not broadway....Bell House, it was super crowded last night and I kept getting hit and bumped into. People didn't have SPACE. Please consider moving the "Tainted Love" party to that biggger back room. It's much more spacious...plus isn't there a limit on people for the smaller room? I didn't have any wiggle room last night. The workers are and bartenders are amazing. The DJ for Tainted Love was the BEST. Please keep having her come back, but put her in that bigger back room. read more

the good thing about this place is that they have great shows, but that's also... their job. what has been continuously irking me for years is the limited seating for shows when there is unarguably SO much space to put down a few extra rows of folding chairs. it is a huge bummer to have to stand for 2 hours for a comedy show you paid $30 for, no matter which you way you want to look at it. irk #2 is that i went to the taylor swift dance party last night which myself and what looked like ~200 other swifties bought $20 tix for, only to dance in a pitch black room aside from taylor swift videos being played (not very loudly) on a projector. no lights, no disco ball, no effort. i would have had a better time dancing in my living room. read more

Great venue for music and comedy. Every seat is has a terrific view. They have a lot of beer options, some frozen drink choices, and fire oven pizza. If you are coming by car, the street parking is surprisingly easy, as it is a warehouse type area where you can park at night but have to move by early morning. read more

Today* I injured myself while washing my hands at the Bell House. FML. Specifically, on the paper towel dispenser in the bathroom. After washing my hands, I pressed down on the lever twice, and the thing popped open and gashed my arm. This is not a painful injury, but it's really inconvenient to be bleeding profusely from your arm in a bar. But if it happens to you, here are some things you can say to girls: 1. Great to meet you! Want to write your number down on this bloody paper towel I have pressed to my forearm? 2. Oh, you ordered the Pinkerton?** Can I try it? I'll do my best not to drip blood into it. 3. I hurt myself. Hold me. After field testing these, I've determined that #3 works best. (Best is clearly a relative term.) Despite this absurd injury, I love the Bell House. It's a little out of the way, so much so that you think you're in the wrong place as you're walking down 7th Street. But make the trek, because they always have fun things happening, there are amazingly comfortable couches and chairs, and the space is huge and a very decent concert venue. The bartender/manager Abigail makes me a mean (citrusy) Bloody Mary, and all the other staff members I've encountered have been sweet as well. __________ *Actually, it was Saturday. That's just the format fmylife.com uses. **All their signature drinks are named after 90s rock albums. And I like most of them. The albums, not the drinks. I don't NOT like the drinks, I just haven't tried them. read more

I really had a good time when I went to The Bell House to see a friend's band. The converted warehouse is in Gowanus - off either the F/G or R trains (I took the R). It was a relatively short walk from the station. When you enter, you'll see the bar. It's a nice, long bar and the drink selection was good (fairly priced, too). There's a bar inside the hall, but I'd recommend drinking up at the outside bar first and then maybe getting something inside if you want another later. The acoustics in the hall are good and great for music. I hope to check it out again soon for one of their spoken word or other kinds of events (i.e. the Morbid Anatomy Flea Market - the museum is down the block). The Bell House is also boyfriend approved. My dude saw Booker T. & the M.G.'s and he said it was a fantastic show. So check it out! read more

Came here for the first time over the weekend for the Cookie Takedown with a few friends. Easy to get to as several subway stations are close by within a few minutes walk. Large venue that is probably great to see live bands play. The place itself is spread into two rooms. The front area houses the main bar with couches to lounge on and flat screen to watch the games. The back area second room reminds me of a Texas roadhouse with a wood decor and two large chandeliers hanging overhead. This is where the live music and event space is. Decent sized stage, high ceilings, areas with tables and chairs to the sides, and a bar with a pretty decent beer and booze selection. Even the bathroom is large and clean. Man, this Cookie Takedown we attended was sugar overload, DIABEETUS!!! We were able to sample 30 different types of cookies, and drink Bullitt Bourbon egg nog all the while. By the time I bit into the last cookie I was about to go into diabetic shock. Don't get me wrong - all these cookies were delicious! It's just that there were so many at one time. Also, even though it was crowded, the staff was friendly and kept everything organized and in a good mood. Even the crowd here was laid back and chill. Bartenders were really nice too. Definitely need to check out a few concerts or future events here. read more

I love seeing live music, but I had never seen a show at the Bell House before last weekend. This is one of the most intimate venues in NYC. After taking the 4 to the F to Brooklyn, we arrived at TBH just as Exene Cervenka was starting to play a 45-minute set with members of Dead Rock West. It was all part of Bloodshot Records' 15th anniversary party. Exene, a legend and founding member of the band X, introduced songs from her new solo album, much of which deals with her fight against MS. The music was raw, powerful and understated. Exene was followed by Cordero, the unsung heroes of the night, who played an inspired set of Latin rock. The band is fronted by Ani Cordero, a talented Brooklyn native who traveled to the Puerto Rican island of Culebra to write songs about bullfighting, tequila and love. In between sets, my date and I wandered into the bar area -- the Frontier Room -- where I drank a bunch of Tecates (in a can) and we checked out the photo booth for some funny shots. The night had a little of everything - acid trippers, dancing latinas, urban cowboys, punk rockers and hair worshippers. It even had a spotting of the Gowanus Canal, my second favorite canal after Panama. (You think there are fish in there?) Finally, the headline act of Bobby Bare Jr. took us down for the home stretch. All for only $5. How could I not give the Bell House five big ones? read more

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Have been here specifically for recordings of the Ask Me Another podcast. Usually get to the bar 15 minutes after they open and wait an hour before the doors open. It's always super chill and the price is right. They also have food that's a little on the pricey food, but it always feels worth it when I get the fork full in my mouth. read more

I was here the other day to work an event called the Spring Cavalcade in partnership with New New NY and Etsy.com. The space was nice and the staff helpful and friendly. Had a table next to Peter D., but he was cut and had to leave early : ( The bartender was great with my co-worker's silly requests, and the two beers I tried were great and 5 bucks each. They had a decent selection of drinks, a full bar and small "dub" pies that I did not find to be particularly satisfying. Nice crowd came through, given it was a Saturday. The area around is OK although some might feel it looks dangerous. Parking in front and across the street minus two nights a week. Check out the upcoming events! read more

The Bell House - The Bell House - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The Bell House seems designed to be enjoyed by hipster transplants, sometimes sickeningly so. The graffitied bathroom, the insipid artwork by that cretin Shephard Fairey, you get the gist. That said, they do have a very cool, intimate space where you can hear some decent live music. Plus, the prices for food and drink are within reason. Normally I wouldn't suggest going here unless you walk around everywhere with an NPR tote bag, but I honestly have seen much worse in my day. read more

Came back to the Bell House last Saturday for the 5th anniversary of the Wasabassco burlesque with my gf and a friend. The show was great, can't complain about that. What I want to complain about, however, is the organization of the event by Bell House: 1) There are two entrances to The Bell House: one to the bar, and a second one that leads directly to the will call/coat check area. For reasons I can't understand, all people on will call and people who wanted to buy tickets had to enter through the bar. As a result, there was a massive jam in front of the will call area between people already in line, people getting in line through the bar, and people who collected their tickets and were moving to the stage area. Why they didn't allow people on will call to form a line by the second entrance (like they did for the burlesque festival a few weeks ago, btw) is beyond me. 2) There were only two bartenders working the stage room. Two bartenders for about 300 patrons. As a result, you had to wait 10-15 minutes for a drink, and through the night the two bartenders grew considerably nervous, frustrated, and rude. And understandably so, I must add. 3) I had to go out a bit to walk my friend to the subway; on the way back to the stage the security guy didn't have the flashlight that allows you to see the special ink they use to mark your wrist at the entrance, and wouldn't let me in. What the fcuk was that?! I paid for the ticket, I have the effing ink mark on my wrist, and security don't let me back in because they don't have the flashlight that reveals the ink mark?! What kind of security serice is that?! Luckily I decided to wrestle my way through the bar (again!), and could get in from there. I am glad Wasabassco moved to this venue, since it is larger that the previous one, and I will certainly come back here for more burlesque, but you guys at The Bell House need to get your act together for this kind of show. This kind of unprofessional, amateurish management would deserve less than 3 stars, but I'll give you a second chance. read more

I love The Bell House! Even though I have only been here a couple of times, I've had a blast every time. Great atmosphere! Great people! Great drinks! Great prices! Great music! Great events! Also, parking around The Bell House is very simple to find! read more

The Bell House - Free event! Ask me another live taping - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Love this venue! I have seen a couple of shows here and the place is always full, but still enough room to dance around. It took foreeeeever to get my ticket at will call and I did not bother to check my coat, but other than that, it's a great space with nice bartenders too. Wine will run you about $8 and beers $5-7. I saw Sons & Heirs here last night (A Smith's tribute band) and watched an endless stream of people in costume run up on stage and interact with the lead singer. Masters & Servants (The Depeche Mode tribute band) was also great. This is the type of place that if you want to be right in front of the stage, you can. Getting here is easier from the 4-9th stop on R, F, G than from the 9th-Smith stop as I discovered the hard way. Spooky at night! read more

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Who: Friends and lovers What: Burlesque! Where: near the Gowanus When: Friday night Why: Didn't score tix to the burlesque festival at the door, was very disappointed, but served us right for not buying tix in advance. Went next door, which was also the Bell House, had a drink, enjoyed the ambience. DUB pie - chili and cheese, not too shabby ;-) Cocktail Surfer Rosa not bad. DJ showed up around 10PM, played Ian Dury, now can't get hit me, hit me, hit me with your rhythm stick out of my head, invited to a warehouse party, kewl, after all, not a bad evening, even if I didn't get to see PASTIES!! read more

Came here for the Secret Science Club's "A Night of Chemistry and Culinary Experimentation" where NYU Chemist Kent Kirshenbaum and Chef Will Goldfarb probe the properties, boundaries, and conventions of food. Walking in, you notice there's probably a happy hour thing already going on around 6:30 with karaoke set up. Towards the back is where the lecture is situated and darn did the seats filled up fast. We had to stand. =( Very nice performance space and the Bell House are such awesome people that they let them host the even free there. A lot of indie artists and performers utilize the space which is evident from the pics. Great lecture, great guys, cool crowd. read more

OK, so i went to a Kina Grannis concert here on 5/14. The concert and singing was amazing per usual but the venue isn't the best at all. The service wasn't the best and i can understand why because it looked like this was the first time this bar/lounge/playhouse was filled with ASIANS... sooo many asians and it looked like most of them were not of drinking age. I didnt mind it, but i did feel a tad bit old. Pros: - Big enough venue space for smaller artists - Decently Priced Beers $5-6 - Bathrooms were ample Cons: - Terrible Neighborhood, in an alley way - Bouncers aren't too nice (i know they arent meant to be but still) - DUSTY.. i have terrible allergies and my eyes were watering from the dust not the sad music that was played idk if i would come back. It would have to be a pretty good artist again for me to venture out here again. read more

The Bell House - Im scared of the chandeliers. Dont fall on me please! - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Dear Bellhouse, You kick ass. Period. Great place to drink, excellent venue for music, comedy, dancin', make outs, photo booth, and plain ole' good timin'. I'm thrilled to be the current reigning "Duchess." We'll see how long that lasts, but for now I'd just like to process my internal film reel of the awesome experiences I've had at BH and share some favorite snapshots with you: - Dave Hill's book release + comedy + rock and roll event - Hedwig & the Angry Inch Sing-a-long, that was cute with themed cocktails & gummy bear snacks - NYE 2012 with Lee Fields & the Expressions + the dynamo Sugar Pie Desanto - 3 back to back sets of Louie CK - Those Darlins were a sassy treat - Local food trucks and indoor snacks - love those Jam Stand ladies! And I would also like to extend my gratitude and thanks to your stellar staff - the dudes behind and in front of the bar are gems. Not to mention excellent sound execution. Looking forward to partying into 2013. Cheers, Amanda H. read more

I love this place so much. It's one of the few places in NYC where I've actually have had fun dancing. I've been to their 80s, 90s, and 00s music nights were DJs actually play music you want to dance to. It's not an overcrowded gross nightclub where you have to dress to the nines to come in or pay $500 in bottle service or wait 1000 years to get service. Maybe it's the fact that it's slightly off the beaten path in Gowanus that it's not a shitty tourist spot or a douchey club. It's simply an awesome welcoming space with a variety of events- I've been to everything from dancing to standup to concerts to election night watch parties (been in the area a very long time). I don't get to go as often as I'd like anymore but when I do it's always the best. Love you Bell House! read more

- The Rub on last Saturday of the month is very fun - It's much better with friends, I wouldn't recommend going to canoodle for some buns - Get there as close to 10 as possible...We got there at 10:08 and the line was still ridic - Drinks be cheap as well read more