Joe’s Pub at The Public

This venue is great because it’s large enough to not feel cramped, but small enough to where there are few bad seats in the house. Food & drinks was predictably a little overpriced, but tasty & the service is great. Solid pub in a solid performance venue!

Drove 90 minutes from PA to see friends perform there with the understanding there would be tickets at the door. Got turned away by the guy at the desk. He looked me up and down and said «Sorry can’t help you, the ticket window is closed». Reminded me of that Little Brittan «Computer says no» lady. The vibe he was giving off was «Go away I have some serious desk sitting to do». BTW they have a desk, if you have a front desk you are not a pub. I’ve worked security for music venues so I didn’t hem and haw: when somebody says «no entry», you politely leave (and write a Unilocal review later). I heard later that I missed friends having an ok time. Just ok because it’s a sit-​down establishment, not a place to dance around apparently, but I wouldn’t know because they «couldn’t» let me in. Really, that’s not how you treat somebody who drove 90 minutes to see friends. I mean it was a Wednesday, they obviously didn’t need any more Wednesday night customers? I am never setting foot in there again. Horrible door policy.

I went to see a show at Joe’s pub last Tuesday.
Show was great — the service was bad.
The building is beautiful. i can’t believe i walked so many time on this street and never notice it! The 2 stars are for the show room! Very cool. you feel so close to the scene and the acoustic is great the — 3 stars if for the service. The guy who took care of us was very rude. He was probably very stressed… but come on it is not a reason to talk that way. you can explain nicely that you will be back in 1 minute. The ton of his voice was very aggressive.
The second thing i did not like was the 2 minimum drink. i honestly don’t like to be force to pay for something I don;t specially want. THe wine waws like 16 $ FYI …
So at the end the drinks cost as much as the show!

This place is a terrific venue that offers a one-​stop-​shop for a dinner, drinks, music and fun with friends. The layout is awesome but get there early if you want a close up seat because it often gets packed. It’s good to get there early if your getting food too because it’s awkward to order while the band is playing and to turn your back to the band if your table is behind you to eat. They have a full bar, they have plenty of appetizers and entrees on their menu, and a small stage for an intimate setting to view your favorite artists. I had the burger and fries. I wasn’t expecting much but it was actually delicious. The sound system was great, lighting and décor was charming, and the waiters were on point. It’s a difficult gig I would imagine to offer those services while the show is going on but they managed to creep through the crowd like ninjas oftentimes going unnoticed (at least by me because I was captivated by the music). I believe there is a 1 – 2 drink minimum but it is totally worthwhile.

Just a brief word to highly recommend Joe’s Pub, located within The Public Theater, in Manhattan. The space in shaped like a wide pie wedge with the stage at the point. The acoustics are sharp and warm. You sit at tables or counter at two levels with the bar in the rear. My wife & I, along with another couple just saw Garland Jeffreys there on New Year’s Eve. Be aware that there is a 2 drink minimum in addition to the cost of the tickets but I feel that’s fair for the quality of the venue. Will return as often as I can.

We saw The Meeting of the International Order of Sodomites here and had a blast. It felt like old school New York watching a variety show. The drinks and food are really good and prices are pretty reasonable (for NYC). The venue itself it really intimate but still spacious (I never felt cramped).

My new favorite venue! I have been to my fair of music venues and this is by far the best i’ve been to. Not only is the ambiance amazing, the food is amazing and so are the cocktails! The only reason I have it 4 stars instead of 5 is because it is pricey as all hell. There’s a $ 12 minimum but the only thing I found close to that price was the cocktails for 16. Otherwise, fantastic! Can’t wait to go back!

Great food offered at a great venue.
I went here for a packed show and I was impressed with the staffs ability to get to use and serve us drinks and dinner. It was seriously a tight room!!! Hands down a 5 star for service!
I loved the space and I love that this is where super brainy and quirky people get to do their shows. Joe’s is NYC personified!

Without a doubt the best music venue and night club in the city. It’s in a corner of the spacious Public Theater, not tucked in a side street of Greenwich Village, but once inside its intimate and evocative of classic nightclubs. There’s not a bad seat in the house and the acoustics and lighting are outstanding. Apart from the admission fee, there is a $ 12 food minimum and a two drink minimum. Drinks are reasonable by nightclub standards – $ 15. Compared to now shuttered nightclubs, like the Oak Room at the Algonquin, the food here reflects more current culinary tastes and both food and drink can be had during a performance. The staff is eager to please and helps make it a memorable evening. A great place to bring a first date, or your wife. I’m posting the menu as of 11÷19÷15. I saw Melissa Errico there last night. She’s remarkable anywhere she performs, but Joe’s Pub was a perfect venue for her.

Good food and they have first rate entertainment from comedy to great jazz. Perfect for After a show at the public or just come for a late show. Food and service are also very good.

I had a nice time here. Great seats with a very clear view of the stage. Higher end prices for drinks, but nothing outrageous. 2 drink minimum, ugh, I loathe 2 drink minimums especially on-​top of the ticket prices, but I do it so infrequently that I’m not picking for a fight.
I wish I could have sat where I wanted at the table instead of being told what seat I had to sit in. I was further from my date then I may have wanted to be so we couldn’t interact a lot during our time there — but alas, the show wasn’t very long. Over before you know it.
No one really hangs out afterwards. You’re in for the show, then out. Could be good for a first date that you’re unsure about. If you want to continue the night, you’re right near St. Mark’s Place and my fav, McSorley’s.

My friend took me to see Miss Ida Blue, a blues singer who covers a lot of old classics. I first saw her at the East Ville Des Folies at Webster Hall last February. There were several acts on different floors & in different rooms. As soon as I heard her singing I was sucked in. Amazingly talented. But I digress…
Joe’s Pub is an intimate venue, so much nicer than going to a huge place like MSG. I felt like I was sitting on a friend’s couch watching a great show.
The drinks are $ 15 each, there is a minimum and they do serve food.
Be ready to share a table with people if you didn’t reserve an entire table for your group which is fine. I love meeting new people and it turned out that Ida Blue’s dad was sitting at our table too.
I can’t wait to go back and I hope Ida Blue will play there again very soon.

I’m a big fan of Joe’s Pub. The venue is cozy, it is intimate and the food/​drinks isn’t bad either. It is a great way to catch your favorite singer in a casual setting. The seating is communal but we tend to like the bar seating along the mezzanine level. It give a perfect view of the stage slightly above eye level. Service can be wacky depending upon the server but it is never terrible.
It is always a good evening out at Joe’s Pub.

Well … The artist is fab and the Jazz Band is suburb!!!(especially the lead trumpet/​keys/​guitar player –he even sings like dizzy Gillespie!!!)
Service for drinks was very slow food came out 10times faster (I’m trying not to put it on my waitress w the big fabulous loose coils blond hair– but i saw the other waitress way more attentive n available – but she sure showed up quickly to collect the tab-​ha)
JANE LYNCH IM SO GLAD I CAME TO SEE YOU!!!
Over price for drinks w service (food is good especially veggie/​pickle plate) and atmosphere but the Band and Act definitely makes up for it– I’ll be back — got to take pics w/​band front man– he’s really nice and a BAD ASS MUSICIAN AONG W OTHER ENTIRE JAZZ BAND!
I’ll load up on dinner elsewhere then enjoy the drinks and show at this venue!

I went to Joe’s Pub for a concert recently with my boyfriend, who got a table for our group of four. We went to a 9pm show. He has been to this venue a few times and really enjoyed the acoustics of the space, in addition to having good times there.
From Lafayette street, you walk up these tiered steps to the main entrance. Once inside, we were greeted by a staffer who asked us if we had tickets. We had purchased them online and needed to pick them up Will Call. The queue was fast and we got our tickets right away. The venue recommends that you arrive 30 minutes before the show. This way, the staff can escort you to your seat or table.
There was a show before the 9pm one, so everyone for the 9pm show was in line in front of the hall’s doorway. Once the crowd from the earlier show let out, doors opened and we were seated. Our group was at Table 37, which is further back in the room. You get a good view of the entire stage. The acoustics of the room are so good that it doesn’t really matter where you are seated.
Our waitress was very friendly and really took care of us. For a table, there’s an order minimum (either 2 drinks or $ 15 worth of food per person). We ordered starters and sides to share, and a few drinks.
— Corn Salad, Wild Arugula, Walnuts, Sherry: This was really good. I wasn’t totally sure what to expect, but we all thought it was delicious. I would order it again.
— French Fries with Malt Vinegar Mayo: You get a good amount of fries and they are the thin, extra crispy fries (very tasty). Great item to share at the table.
— Night At the Drive In Cocktail (Vodka and Prosecco): So I’m not a cocktail person, but I wanted to try one of their signatures. It was good. A little too sweet for my personal taste, but I think it’s good as a cocktail. It kind of tasted like a drink form of those Hostess Cherry Fruit Pies (you know, those two squares with the glaze on top in a wax paper wrapper).
— Narragansett Lager draft beer: A nice lager.
I had a nice time. It was a pricey night, but I had a good time. This is a place where — for me — I would only go if I really loved the act and the act did not play as often in the area. It’s like a special occasion/​event venue for me.

Absolutely fantastic venue! The ambiance is spectacular! Perfect for an intimate show, great view of the stage no matter where your sitting. Food & drinks were waaaay overpriced, so I suggest sticking with the $ 7 beers & eating at home. The IPA was delish & a good buzz but will definitely need a bathroom break during the show. Good news is the ladies room is fantastic!
I saw Ryan Raftery & his one man comedy show. Excellent band. Can’t wait to see Ryan’s Anna Wintour parody in the Fall. Throughly enjoyed!

Raw sewage outbreak! Do not go here!
Our show was cancelled last night due to an alleged sewage pipe burst. The way the management handled it was terrible. No apologies, no explanation. So they refunded our tickets, big deal. Are they going to refund the money we spent on our hotel and bus tickets to come all the way to the city for the Concert? I will boycott this place forever. Either because the building should be condemned or because they lie about fake accidents just so their lazy employees can go home early on a Friday night.

A nice venue but as stated in many reviews, the «facility fee» + «joe’s pub fee» + suggusted «donation» + 2 /​$ 14 drink minimum makes a $ 35 ticket a $ 70 ticket.
These kinds of policies give Manhattan it’s bad reputation. It just seems sneaky and you really feel as if they don’t value you as the a member of the public who works hard to pay silly NYC rents. Most of us aren’t going home to palaces.
The argument is, you live in the NYC area to have access to such a plethora of events, concerts, shows. But because of these costs, this is why I don’t go out to shows much anymore. I think this is ultimately why most people leave the city and never look back. Better to put your money on something you can enjoy every day, say, a place to live that isn’t a 550 sq ft box.
They also are responsible for Shakespeare in the Park, which provides the best commentary– if you want it for free, you better be willing to devote all day to standing in sweltering heat on a line that may not even guarantee you a seat.

Saw BETTY they rock da house!

Came here with my best friend for New Year’s for the Murray Hill show. The show was slated to start at 1 AM. It didn’t start until 2 AM, which was understandable, but a little too late for me liking.
Murray Hill is awesome and all the acts were pretty bizarre and wonderfully New Years.
I got to meet Sandra Bernhard beforehand– I froze up because she and Julianne Moore are like the only two people worship in show business.
We stayed until late like 4, 5ish.
It was a great way to bring in 2015!
I’ll be back.

Was there for Sandra Bernhard’s this New Year’s Eve party good time she’s a little out of date though.
Odd way of dealing with the billing I was charge for three drinks when I only had two
And the waitress gave me a little happy birthday remark on the check that had a heart … how sweet
Overall we had a good time I’d go back

We were going to get tickets. $ 20. First there is a Joe’s Pub facility fee of $ 6. Then a Joe’s Pub Café venue fee of $ 3. Up to 49 for 2 tickets. Then while filling in the information they ask for a donation — with a suggested fill-​in spot stating $ 11! — so it would be 60.
Continue to checkout and it does an automatic «round out donation» to make it $ 50 [with a «no thanks» in tiny grey letters next to that — which we click]. We continue to checkout and notice that there is a minimum 2 drink/​$ 12 per person drink/​food requirement. So that would be $ 73 (or $ 84 if we’d «donated») — or $ 36 per person — with a tip it would be much more than double ticket price — minimum. Sorry Joe but we’ll miss this show because of your sleazy ticketing policies.

Joe’s Pub is a beautiful, intimate world-​class venue tucked away in The Public Theatre. The programming is varied but consistently high-​quality. Everyone who visits or lives in New York should visit at least once. Although it relatively new, it has already grown a rich history, including the US debut of Amy Winehouse as well as the infamous New Year’s Eve performances of Sandra Bernhard.
The one and only drawback, as others have mentioned, is that everyone who purchases a ticket for a show is required to purchase $ 12 worth of food or order two drinks.
I attended last night’s preview performance of Bridget Everett’s «Rock Bottom» and had a really great time and the service was impeccable.
I ordered Joe’s Burger for $ 18, which also included crispy fries and stuck to water — definitely the most bang for your buck. (There is only one menu item, the Ruby Red Tacos, which is priced at $ 12.)
Looking forward to seeing many great acts at Joe’s Pub in the future! Highly recommended! :)