Hot parties, fresh beats, and cool cocktails? Welcome to Gowanus, the seemingly forgotten sister of Brooklyn’s hipster-ruled Williamsburg, and home to one of the remaining live music venues in New York City.
The Bell House, previously a printing press during the Roaring 20’s, first opened in Fall 2008 for New Yorkers looking for affordable entertainment outside of Manhattan. Located just a few stops away from Union Square, Jim Carden and Andy Templar ensured that their space wouldn’t be just for Brooklynites. While it may appear as a giant hole in-the-brick-wall, The Bell House is a majestic space with a 450-foot stage, towering chandeliers, giant arched ceilings, and a buffalo overlooking the crowd. If you’re seeking to mingle with some locals, you’ll want to be at The Bell House’s swanky lounge, where plenty of booze and grub can be found.
The Bell House boasts The Front(ier) Room, a bar open seven days a week for up to 150 guests. Sit back on Victorian couches as you sip on a Tom Collins a la Don Draper, bourbon from their bottle collection, or any of their 12 draft beers. Chilled elixirs pair perfectly with meaty Dub Pies ($5), including The Thai Chicken Curry. It’s a feast of coconut milk and chili that’s enough to satisfy anyone’s appetite before hitting the dance floor as DJs play “cosmic disco.” It’s the music that makes patrons come back for more.
What makes The Bell House stand out is their eclectic lineup of events. Every weekend, The Bell House offers different concerts highlighting emerging indie bands, as well as veteran artists giving audiences their punk or electronica fix. The Bell House also offers unique parties for nightlife owls, such as “Salsa Slam,” “Chemical World” for Brit pop delights, or even 90’s themed prom “Save By The Bell House.” The Bell House is also home to the Mode Merr Fashion Show where burlesque performers tease on stage and pinups shimmy to rockabilly throwbacks.
The Bell House is getting better each year, so enjoy this gem before word gets out that it’s one of the coolest places to be seen outside of Manhattan.
