The Studio at Webster Hall

I appreciate the proximity to the stage, and the sound quality is pretty good for what has to have started as a cellar or storage room of some kind. It gets crowded really fast, especially with the addition of a bar area where people like to congregate in order to talk loudly over whichever band is on before the one they actually want to see. It’s pretty great to be that close up to live music, as long as you go in with the knowledge that the space it’s self is often crowded and kind of gross.

Cool event space! The building is historic and retains so much of its original charm while also playing host to current events with lights, sound and all kinds of «modern» upgrades.
Bathrooms are unisex which is sometimes awesome and sometimes not. Kinda depends on the crowd and the maintenance level of the stalls. There was a bathroom attendant but it was still pretty unclean. Think concert hall though, because it wasn’t atypical of any other venue where you have a lot of 30 somethings drinking all night long. If you have the bladder room, save it and look for the bathroom upstairs to the right of the stage. It was a lot cleaner and the line was shorter as well.
We came for a standing room event and the space easily hosted about 500 guests. It was fun, it was loud and the venue was kept pretty cool considering the crowd and the hot summer weather.

I was brought here to watch a band called Big Business on a Thursday night. During my college years, I could overlook the cons of this place, in my 30’s… well, that’s another story.
First, this place is a dark, grungy basement. It sort of reminds me of nasty dark rec rooms in movies where people play beer pong.
Second, the beers and drinks are WAY overpriced. Not surprising, but at least use the money to clean up the space a bit!
Third, the few seats that were available were dirty couches that I would be afraid to shine a black light on.
Fourth, there was constant cigarette and weed smoke seeping into the place. I have no idea from where. I’m not sure what was better, the general smell of decay or choking on smoke all night.
I wish I could say the band made it better, but since I’m not a heavy metal or grunge metal person, it didn’t exactly help the experience.
If you’re in your 20’s and are a rebel of any kind, you’ll love this place.
If you’re over 25, go at your own risk.

Did a beer festival here… was pretty cool. Have not been back in here since Halloween ’08. Would stop by again if theyns having an interesting event going on.

This is a basement venue, make no mistaTkes. It is literally in a basement, after all. Small space, low ceilings, no barricade. I was surprised how many crowd surfers made it to the stage and dove back into the crowd, given the low ceilings. Many of them landed on the band’s equipment and I think unplugged a guitarist’s cord in the mix, but the band (Hawthorne Heights) didn’t seem to mind too much. They seemed to enjoy how much energy and love they were getting from the crowd, and that’s really the best part of basement style shows.
Why 3 stars?
–1: they try to kick you out REALLY quickly, almost as soon as the event is over, if you are under 21. They were checking wristbands while we were on line to buy merch. There was a long line, why are you trying to take money out of the bands’ pockets?
–1: the drink prices didn’t seem too bad for NYC venues, however, after coat check, I couldn’t afford it. $ 4 per item and you’re sticking them both on one hanger? What? It’s a hoodie and a coat, one goes inside the other, why should that cost as much as a drink? «$ 4 per item,» is all they would say. By the way, when I went to retrieve my items after the concert had ended, coat check prices had been raised to $ 6 per item. I guess that’s more for the people who go clubbing at Webster after because the one coat check covers both rooms. You guys are getting ripped!
I wouldn’t be opposed to returning, though. It’s a very intimate vibe.

While I’ve been to Webster Hall numerous times for shows, I had never been to the Studio At Webster Hall before. So when I won tickets to a show there I was excited to see what it was all about. The entrance is kind of hidden away. It’s actually the second of three venues at Webster Hall, in between The Marlin Room and the Grand Ballroom. It’s entrance is a small doorway at the bottom of a narrow set of stairs. It usually has its own bouncer.
The space is definitely on the smaller/​intimate side, I didn’t hate it. The bar was kind of in an awkward spot off to the right side of the stage and depending on how crowded the area by the stage is… you have to be assertive and squeeze your way in OR find a corner of the bar at the back and hope for the best. The drinks are reasonably priced and there are specials, which is always good.
The sound at the Studio isn’t bad considering its small size and the atmosphere is relaxed and chill (although that’s partially dependent on who you’re there to see). I’d definitely go back and see another show there.

Something about this place reminded me of high school: Going to basement or garage band parties in high school with kids dressed from head to toe in Hot Topic attire. In late 2014, I was still surprised to see teens and 20-​somethings there dressed in Hot Topic attire. (Does that store still exist?!) Hoodies, wide-​legged jeans, tight strappy tank tops, huge ball-​chain necklaces, and hugely-​gauged ear piercings. Praise be to the 40-​something year old woman with her teenage daughter; said mother was rocking a strappy tank top that showed off her Steely Dan tattoo quite nicely! (You can’t make this shit up, people.)
As for the venue, it was a bit dingy, well-​worn, and seeping with the history of hundreds of acts that have once performed in this basement space. The stage was well-​lit and the acoustics were pretty damn good for a venue so small. I did not partake in any drinks, but I did see $ 5 PBR which… ehhhh. I was thankful for a few couches along the side walls to sit upon when I just could not stand anymore. (Note: Just because a show starts at 6:30, it doesn’t mean it’ll be done early. GOD I’m old.)
Def a divey little place I’d gladly return to again. It ain’t fancy, but it’s fun.

I’ve had many great nights here. From crazy hardcore shows, acoustic sets, to some weird freak show thing going on during club hours. While I had a lot of fun this place is dirty, smells, and kinda skeeves me out…

I went here to see PJ Morton live in concert. Very small space. No seating. Once it’s crowded it can be a bit much. But I enjoyed the concert. I was definitely ready to go once it was over.

Recently came here to see one of our bands (Young Buffalo), and was so impressed by the staff that had I had to write a review, even though I’ve been here many times before. Every person on staff that I encountered, from the guy outside checking IDs, to the guy handling the ticket list, to the guy who checked my bag, to the bar staff, to the security in the building, was just super-​friendly, had a great attitude, and helped make being there a pleasure. This is a venue where you are usually seeing baby or developing bands, and when you’re at shows like this, there’s a real sense of community and comeraderie, because you’re with like-​minded music fans who are either also early fans of the band (s) you’re there to see, or they’re fellow adventurous music fans into discovery, or both. It is just terrific that the staff here fosters that feeling, because it really enhances the experience.
You don’t often experience that at any club, let alone one in NYC, but it really struck me that night that everyone working there was professional and human.

More dumpy than the usual dump of an intimate venue for seeing music. And while I say dump out of love in most cases, this place is a real dump. Thank God it’s pretty dark in here even before the shows begin so you are spared better knowledge of what filth you are stepping on or sitting on.
Some of the equipment that is hanging off the ceiling look a bit shaky and seem on the verge of falling off, and maybe it’s because it is not an enclosed room but the acoustics in here seem poor.
On the positive side you are right up there with the stage, which sits about 2 feet off the ground so that makes for a pretty cool experience.
I guess I should have no expectations for what is basically the basement for Webster Halll and if bands I want to see decide to play here then tough sh*t — that said this place feels like a borderline health department shutdown case.

This place is a health & fire hazard. I am surprised I didn’t get food poisoning from my beer. Where are the NYC health inspector when you need them. This is the first and last time I come here.

A decent place if you want to see your favorite music acts performing. It’s mostly for stuff like Metalcore or Heavy Metal music. It’s a pretty small place though. About 300 people could fit on the main floor in general. It is air conditioned though so you wont be that sweaty when moving to your favorite bands. There is also a bar to the right side of the venue but I’ve avoided it overall since drinking isn’t my thing. Sound quality is really good though for the speakers with the prices found.
Of course there will also be Moshing because of the hardcore metal music. It’s a bit more difficult to avoid since everyone is so bunched up so once in awhile you may get kicked in the head, the face or you’ll get dragged in. But sometimes they don’t mean it. The security is pretty iffy to me. The guards I’ve encountered where a bunch of dicks but I guess they were just trying to do there jobs.
The place is also very dark as there is barely any lighting at all. But I think people can manage as well since we all just come for the music. There is also some really nice people here and you really get to know your fellow music fans. Overall The Studio at Webster Hall is a decent venue. Despite the meh security, the small space and dark atmosphere if you want to enjoy your favorite bands at an affordable price this is the place to go.

It was really WORST experience ever. I was organizer for event yesterday at this place. I’m working for Fashion magazine and we had party w several bands.
When last band was playing, I was standing in middle of room. and one guy behind me said I shouldn’t stand in front of him. and girl next me push me back hard. I complained to him and said I’m organising event and I’m right to stand there. then bouncer came and I was kicked out. I try to speak manger named Alex. but he doesn’t come out and I couldn’t get in again for my party. It was really disrespectful situation.
First, I really don’t know why I have to be kicked out .
Because Im Asian guy? And they wouldn’t listen to me after even I’m organize this event for them… I don’t wanna say it’s discrimination, but I feel like it. Because one of my friend (Asian guy) was kicked out also for no reason at this place before.
And I had all my Jacket, bags and credit card at bar inside and couldn’t get it. and my Co worker helped me for it. but bar chaurged me $ 177 for 8,9beers.this is def not right. and bouncer there is assholes. I contacted manger guy ALEX, but he didn’t respond about this. I wouldn’t recommend to go there and you should DEF be careful to give your card at bar there. they would charge lot more than what you have. I will claim this to somewhere else also.

Came here for Globalfest on Sunday and had a great time. I was impressed with the quality of the staff. Even the bouncers were super cordial and polite. Drinks were reasonably priced ($ 7 Blue Moon drafts) and the space is fricken huge!
Upstairs VIP was a plus because you get to watch the stage from above and have the luxury of private bathrooms. The place can get pretty crowded though and with 3 floors (and a stage on each floor) it can be a bit tricky to navigate.
Globalfest was a blast and we’ll definitely come back to check out some other bands in the future.

Fun space, I will admit I feel about 10 – 15 years older than the average age of the crowd (haha… and I’m not even that old!) but the bands playing were fantastic. And this will admittedly be my first mosh pit!

If you are looking to see bands in a more intimate setting, then the Studio at Webster Hall is the place. This venue is great for lesser known bands that are going to draw smaller crowds. I saw CHVRCHES here and it was the perfect location for an up and coming band.
Sound quality is good and visibility from anywhere in the venue (unless you are a shortie like me and stuck behind a tall person) is decent since it is a small venue. I really like the vibe of this place also. It is quite grungy and dark, yet also welcoming and chill. It’s really the perfect feel for live music. There is a bar off to the side of the venue and bathrooms are located behind the bar. Although it is underground it is pretty easy to find once you arrive at Webster Hall.

Nice and small. Good sound even during the 6 Feet Under (band) show. Sometime places have a problem getting the sound right with Metal but all went well. If I have one problem it would be that when I came here one of the bands I came for dropped off day of show but they did not put it on the site. I checked their site to see what time to go in. When I arrive they tell me at the door one of the bands dropped off. My buddy and I walk away and go online and it’s on our metal news website but not Webster halls. Its kind of on a dark street so we got away with drinking in a little dark doorway. We kicked it in the doorway between bands while drinking much cheaper booze from liquor store on corner. The Webster hall door man knew what we were doing but could care less as he knew we were kinda screwed out of seeing a band and drinks weren’t cheap inside.

If you’re into discovering new artists, this is the place to be. Small and dark, you don’t need to be dressed to impress. However, there may be some creepy people who look like they’re trying to sell you narcotics — or they may be desperate college kids.
Plus, you can’t beat ticket prices of $ 15 for a good show.

As founder and Principal Creative of the PiercingMetal website and blog, I find my time being spent at numerous clubs for the sake of music journalism and photography. One of the venues that I have been spending a lot of coverage time in over the last two years is The Studio at Webster Hall. Do you know of it? Well, if not perhaps by the time I am done you will.
The venue sits comfortably below the main hall of Webster Hall on East 11^th Street and to enter the venue you go down a small set of stairs. The stage seems spacious enough for a five piece band and lets the crowd get up close and personal with their favorite artist. There is no photo pit to speak of so as a media doing that you need to get there early for a good spot or navigate with caution in the event it fills up to capacity. Many of the vantage points inside the club are excellent and off to the stage left side is a lengthy bar. To reach the restrooms you go through a small section of doors and since they are often closed, you can remain in the lounge area while friends do their business. Generally speaking the bands set up their merchandise on either side of the soundboard and lighting controls.
One of the appeals to me is the overall sound that gets put out by the technical staff. I have yet to hit a show that sounded bad at The Studio. I’ve actually come to prefer it down here more than upstairs in Webster Hall to be honest. The lighting is sufficient to get the point across but always a little better for the headliner and direct support but we see that a lot in these shows. Either way, the staff gets you up and running and its a nice sounding experience. It almost makes me wish I had my band again so I could jam out here.
So far I have caught Blackguard, Otherwise, Acey Slade, Armored Saint, Seven Witches, Otep, The Deafening, Naked, Vains Of Jenna, A Pale Horse Named Death, Destrophy, Immolation, Arsis and many more. I’ve focused on the Metal and Punk shows since this is what my brand is based on and as you can see by the roster noted in this section, these are solid acts but also ones that are needing this sized venue to be most effective. I would say a good 200 people can fit in here comfortably and since there are a number of bands on each bill for the most part, you can enjoy a handful of performers for a reasonable price.
It’s important to note that the shows at The Studio often start at about 6:30−7pm and usually run on time based on the number of acts. Let’s say you have five bands on a bill and you love the first one up. You will have to get into the venue by 6pm to be sure not to miss them. The shows run in a timely fashion because after a certain hour the whole space becomes a dance hall. Fans from upstairs at Webster Hall are allowed to come down and boogie and I think the same applies for those down here. So far I have not been shooed away when the later crowd comes in which is nice to find being the case because sometimes I want to absorb the atmosphere and kill another drink or two with my friends.
I’ve not yet experienced any kind of free WiFi and have only had a couple of different domestic beers and the standard shot of whiskey but they do seem to have an array of drinks and the bar does seem to bustle. Prices seemed reasonable and not too high. A good find for NYC.
Closing up, I think more bands should be performing at The Studio and I look forward to seeing any who piqué my genre interests for sure.