Address 95 Stanton Street Capacity 150 | Seating type Standing Opened 1995 | |
 | ||
Location Lower East Side, Manhattan, New York 10001 | ||
Arlene's Grocery is a bar and music venue located in the Lower East Side district of Manhattan. It is located at 95 Stanton Street between Orchard St and Ludlow St. The venue has been open since 1995.
Contents
History
The former Puerto Rican bodega/grocery store (the facade of which remains) and neighboring butcher shop were turned into a bar in 1995. It hosts a variety of musical acts, although punk and hard rock bands tend to be most common. Local acts usually play at the venue, while their slightly "hipster" clientele often stay within the confines of the separate bar area.
1997 Musicians' Boycott
In October 1997 Arlene's was subject to a musicians' boycott due to not paying bands. Owner Shayne Doyle said "I have a lot of money invested in sound equipment, I have door people and sound people to pay. How do I get that money back? I consider the club successful in that it's here after a year. But the money I put into this place, I haven't gotten back.". Marc Ribot responded "I have never met a club owner who didn't claim to be losing money. This is the central showcase club in New York right now and they're acting like they're marginal." The Noise Action Coalition, a union of downtown New York City musicians, also handed out fliers and encouraged patrons, who did not have to pay a cover, not to order drinks and go on a "water strike".