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The Bell House
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Nightlife Bars Lounges Music Venues, Lounges [Edit]
149 7th St(between 2nd Ave & 3rd Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Neighborhood: Gowanus
(718) 643-6510
- Nearest Transit:
-
9 St (D, N, R)
4 Av (F, G)
Smith - 9 Sts (F, G)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 4 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Leslie K. said: "I found Lelabar thanks to some late night, insomnia-induced Yelping and put it on the list for our most recent trip to NYC. We tucked into this place around 10pm on a rainy fall evening and it couldn't have been more perfect. Cozy,…" read more »
177 reviews for The Bell House
Review Highlights
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177 reviews in English
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Review from Ajay R.
Brooklyn, NY
This place gave me a nerdgasm. I went here for the first time to check out the not-so-secret-anymore-since-nytimes-writeup Science Club, and there's something to be said for sitting in a comfy sofa, sipping a drink, while listening to an NYU astrophysicist talk about black holes and dark matter. Notable quotes from the evening include "Deuterium's a bitch", and "If you ever have the choice between a large or a small black hole, jump into the large one, and take your bro with you".
This place has definite 5 star potential. I'll need to hit it up a few more times for other events then update. The only downside was that the crowd was definitely a bit williamsburgish/portlandiaish. -
Review from Scotty J.
I'm in love with Bell House after seeing The Little Willies perform here.
Maybe it's because I'm crazy about Norah Jones and this intimate room put me inches away from her, or perhaps it's the charm of a smaller venue that makes the music sound better. I didn't even know about this Gowanus spot until I received an email from her mailing list.
For $35, plus fees much less than Ticketmaster (they use TicketWeb), I secured a General Admission spot to the show just days before. Doors opened an hour before and a small crowd was gathered around the stage, which is in a separate room aside from the main bar/restaurant area.
Some of the fans had what looked like delicious BBQ and the beer prices seemed fair; I wouldn't stray from my spot near the stage and attended alone, so I pretty much planted myself there for the next few hours.
The acoustics were wonderful and I felt like I was inside a roadhouse somewhere in the South (attribute that to the musical selections of largely Country covers). Nothing like a real, down-home concert that doesn't feel commercial. I'm interested in seeing who else plays here and when The Willies will come back. -
Review from Nicole G.
New York, NY
I went to the Bell House for the first time this New Year's Eve, to see Lee Fields and the Expressions play. I wasn't particularly inspired by the venue one way or another, probably because I was really surprised by the crowd flooding the floors. Honestly, I know Brooklyn's hipster population is always thriving, but I definitely wasn't expecting to be trying to dance to soul and funk music in a sea of hipsters. I expected a riotous dance party, but mostly the concert was just full of flanneled young people bobbing their heads along. The vibe was kind of disappointing.
They also weren't bothering to give any cut on drink prices for NYE-- I paid $8 for a pineapple vodka, though the bartender was sweet. I will say, the women checking tickets were really accommodating; we lost our print-out on the way, and they accepted looking at the electronic copy on our iPhones without any hassle.
Maybe most annoyingly, they weren't at all prepared to accommodate the number of patrons at a sold-out show who would doubtlessly want to use the coat check on a 15-degree F night; we got there around 10:30 (the show had started at 8:30, and the pre-bands went on until midnight anyway), and the coat check, which still had a long line of people hanging around, was just about to shut down. So, carting my coat around for the night didn't aid the dance party, either.
I'd probably go back if there was a band that I REALLY wanted to see play or if I ever end up living in the neighborhood, but overall I was underwhelmed by the environment. -
Review from Harmony I.
Brooklyn, NY
I came here for the Mac and Cheese Takedown. Big venue and was set up perfectly. My one and only complaint was that my bloody mary cost me $9 in the middle of the day. Jeez!
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Review from Phil H.
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. -
Review from Julia B.
Conveniently located by several train stations, the Bell House is a great venue space. The front area is a bar with a tv screen and couches, which looked cozy. The back area, where the event took place, is huge with high ceilings. There's a stage, a bar, as well as an elevated area with some tables and chairs.
The Bell House played host to The Cookie Takedown, an event that my friend was competing in, so I, along with a couple of friends, came down to eat 30 cookies, drink eggnog and support my friend.
The staff of the Bell House that I interacted with were friendly and efficient in handling the crowds.
The bar seems to have a good selection of booze. I had what they were giving out for free - bourbon eggnog! I'm not a huge fan of eggnog but it was good and went well with the cookies.
The ladies bathroom was big and kept clean.
I'll definitely keep an eye out for things happening at The Bell House from now on, as it seems they play hosts to a lot of quirky events. I know I'll be back for more takedowns! -
Review from Althea A.
Just went here for "Star Talk" with Neil deGrasse Tyson. It was a sold-out event, and the system they had for getting people in was possibly the most complex and confusing I've seen at any club. I guess they figured that fans of astrophysicists would be able to handle it, no problem, but they were wrong. Everyone was befuddled.
The friend who invited me has been here frequently, and said that the door situation was not at all usual, so I won't hold it against them!
The front room of the venue is a nice, cozy-feeling lounge. It smells pleasantly of beer, and is nice and warm (compared to standing in a line outside). I'd be happy to come back and hang out here. Our event was being held in the back (main) room, though, so we pretty much just trooped through the front and grabbed a couple of seats!
I really liked how the main room was set up. The stage is low, but open to the audience on 3 sides, so there's a really nice view from pretty much anywhere you are. The space is high-ceilinged, almost barn-like, with two big chandeliers.
The bar is on the far side of the room, raised up by a few stairs, so don't trip when you're bringing drinks back to your friends! The drink selection was decent, the prices good, and the bartender gave me a really nice pour.
Since we were there for a 'talk' not a concert, I can't fairly evaluate the sound system, but everything looked up-to-date. They have a new LED flood lighting system, mixed with older par cans. Looked good. Sounded good. I'd be happy to go see a show here any time! -
Review from Connie B.
Manhattan, NY
In my opinion... It was the best place to play music at, because the sound is good and the place is spacious/fun. Theres a photobooth!
The atmosphere is very cool and people trek out when they actually want to experience whoever is playing.
Love. -
Review from Giacomo C.
New York, NY
I was here for an event last week. The place is pretty cool... feels like being in the middle of Wyoming. Wooden beams on the ceiling, beer smell mixed with wood and dust, laid back vibe. I liked the layout, because wherever you are standing you are still pretty close to the stage.
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Review from Roberto A.
Brooklyn, NY
My first visit was for a Myspace party several weeks ago, but I only stayed for literally all of one minute.
Last night, my girlfriend and I went to the monthly trivia night. We were sure we would cream all the losers there, especially since it was a Tuesday night and the people there did not look too smart.
But then more people started showing up and our team of two started looking less and less invincible... we were David facing multiple Goliath-sized teams of almost 8 people.
No matter, we got some beers, we found some stools and we prepared ourselves for the mental marathon. Pen in hand, group name chosen, we were off.
First round, okay, second round, okay, third, fourth, fifth, sixth... at the end, we had found no magic slingshot and stone... we were dead last, receiving a very special honorable mention for our terrible performance.
But what of it? The winning team got a $25 bar tab, meaning each player got a half a beer for their efforts.
The crowd was laid back, the bouncer was cool, the solitary bartender was efficient, the trivia host looked like Jeremy Piven and Joe Rogan had a baby, and it all made for a fun night.
I look forward to coming back many more times to redeem ourselves in trivia and to catch the wacky theme parties. -
Review from Michael L.
Brooklyn, NY
$4 tallboys, chill bar front, unusually easy to grab a beer for a concert venue.
I dig. -
Review from Allison P.
Waelder, TX
Went to the bell house for a special concert. I dug the multiple rooms and multiple stage action. It was a perfect venue to have an intimate view of musical talent that may be up and coming, or continuing to burn the flame of passion for the art. The bathrooms were decent enough not to warrant a thankful prayer for all my military shots! The bar staff was friendly and quick. Always good to have a decent import like guineas to amp up an evening. Seated in Brooklyn, easy to get a cab if you over do. An awesome food truck outside capped it off with a veggie dog with arugula. This was a rockin fun time!
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Review from Snezan C.
Brooklyn, NY
Great venue with great decor, unpretentious feel and a really varied list of acts. Have never had a bad time at the Bell House
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Review from Lauren W.
This is just a bar. It takes a semi-sketch walk to get there, but it is fine once you're inside. It is a big space, and would be great for a big group of people. And there was a photo booth...
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Review from Emily P.
Love this venue for its split bar and music venue, and ability to show the most creative events, and best local music. I've been here many times, and its starting to grow on me as a favorite place to see shows. I can always see the stage and even at shows where everyone is dancing, the A/C is always just the right temp.
I've been here NYC Popfest, lots of touring bands, local music, and even a movie night sing-along. All of these were done well. Drinks aren't too expensive at $6 for most of their beer selections on tap, and you have to check out their shots menu, which I cannot morally type for you here, lest I digitally blush in the process.
I have seen them hold the two tables out in the front bar area for private parties, which is good for a party of about 20 people.
Because my fiance works in the Gowanus neighborhood, I think its convenient to a lot of places I like to frequent, and Park Slope hoodies will find it convenient as well. -
Review from Maddie O.
Such a unique venue!
I've been here for concerts, DJ nights, birthday parties, food markets, and the Guactacular guacamole festival. I'm always impressed by their ridiculous array of themed nights and events.
The space is huge. The front "frontier" room boasts a bar, photo booth, tables, and a lounge area. The back room is an enormous event space with a stage and 2 bars, suitable for concerts, weddings, karaoke, dancing... or celebrations of avocado-based snacks.
On a recent thursday night (no event, just a straight up bar night) pints of Bud Light were only $2!
Check the events calender, there is something for everyone, or just visit on a random weeknight to get drunk for cheap. -
Review from Mike O.
Nice venue, small, moderately priced drinks. Bar in front. Hosts so many types of events, you'll find yourself here many times over the years. If the event is super crowded, then this venue can feel super annoying, but that's true for any venue anywhere.
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Review from Sarah K.
I've been back a few times since my last review - twice to see performances in the back room. I really enjoyed their Johnny Cash birthday bash and live WTF with Marc Maron. I was disappointed I didn't get to their event showing classic "don't do drugs" episodes of 90's shows because I love me some Full House. Also, their "Little Mermaid" sing-along. What little girl didn't want to be Ariel growing up? I'd still love a long mane of red hair and a rack that looks that good in a shell bikini top. I digress....
Anyways, I've been able to enjoy Bell House for what it is best at now and am amending my rating. Their quirky events combined with great interior really make the place great. Oh and the drinks are pretty good too.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/29/2009
This review is unfortunately based on only one visit. I went to the Bell House on Friday night… Read more »
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6/29/2009
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Review from Mickey M.
I've been to the Bell House a bunch of times, and really think it's a hidden gem in Brooklyn.
They host a bunch of events, and they have a ton of music acts that I've thought long retired. That's a good thing, though, because the music is excellent.
What I like most is you can hang out in the bar, and hear the music in the back, without actually paying admission. Sometimes there's music in the bar that tunes it out, but not always. It's like a teaser, and you'll end up wanting to check out the show.
There's nothing else in the area, but that's okay too. It's a few short blocks from the train, and well worth the walk over. -
Review from Adina B.
Brooklyn, NY
The place is interesting. You walk in and its a bar, like any other bar in the city. The atmosphere is kind of rustic, the furniture, a little old fashioned. They gave me my wine in a plastic cup, which was interesting.
But their secret is that behind the bar is a small theater with a stage. Its a little far to get to just for happy hour, but I might just go to their next event. -
Review from Mike O.
Los Angeles, CA
One of the best small-to-medium sized venues I've been to. They have a front room with lounge chairs and a relaxed atmosphere. Lots of great local brews on tap (all $6). Decor by Shepherd Fairey. My only complaint about the front room was that they have a separate music feed than the concert hall. It was nice because you could actually talk and get away from the noise; however, it's hard to notice when the show starts.
The only other problem was that it's kind of in the middle of nowhere. Our cabbie got lost. Then, when we were leaving, we got lost trying to find the subway.
The stage set-up is rad, though. You can get up real close. The crowd was pretty chill. I had a great time. -
Review from Martin H.
Manhattan, NY
A regular bar.
The bartender was dressed like the bartender in the movie Wyatt Earp. -
Review from Reg G.
Brooklyn, NY
It was an intimate venue, but there was possible seating for 20 people of the 200 people in attendance. Which might be fine for 200 twenty-somethings, but I went here to see Dar Williams and her demographic is more "mature". Sitting on the floor (which was pretty clean) for a bit proved to be a cold hard experience. Standing for 3.5 hours for a 50 something, not so fun.
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Review from Ian J.
Good venue, depends on your reason for going.
I like the place, but it gets very crowded and the layout is strange, so get there early for an event.
Beer pricing isn't great for your average beer selection, I'd expect lower prices for an industrial area. Guess it's "Gowanus" which is the new Williamsburg, and regular costs are "justified," but screw that. -
Review from Kirsten P.
Brooklyn, NY
I am overall a fan of Bell House. It is a great bar for live music events or birthdays - also the couches in the front room make it more inviting.
I have read about other people's mishaps - in the bathroom, going down the stairs to the back room - and yes it is a big venue, things can happen.
What I like is that the bartenders are nice - when I suggested a change to the Twin Cinema drink (which I like, but I wanted to try something different) - they were open to doing that.
Sometimes, if I am there solo, it gets annoying when guys come up and bother me (no offense guys!) and I just want to hang out and relax.
But, I will be going back now that I picked an apartment in the neighborhood.Listed in: Relax, lets get to it!
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Review from Mona L.
4.5.
Very cool and charming place to chill, people watch and listen to bands without any of the pretense.
Came here last weekend for their annual Johnny Cash Birthday bash and had a terrific time minus the few rude people and long coat check line. The huge concert space was packed with people at a comfortable volume (no claustrophobia, sweating or b.o.) and you can see the performer at any angle and location. With well stocked bars inside and outside the concert hall, a photo booth and Dub Pies to eat in case one gets the munchies, there was hardly any moment of thirst, hunger or boredom. Am definitely coming back to check out their other shows!
Note: Get off the 4th Avenue exit for the shorter walk. We took the 9th St-Smith exit, walked the wrong way and had to take a cab to get over to the other side of the canal. -
Review from Ileana S.
The Bell House is well worth my 50-minute ride from my UES home. I have been here twice for different kinds of parties. The first time I came here it was for a queer party and the second time (last night) I came here it was for a music show. Both were fun.
As you enter, there is a room with bar and plenty of seating (both at the bar and couches/chairs spread across the floor), which is a perfect spot for talking to people in normal range voices (not shouting). The area has the best beer selections on tap. Last night I tried an Octoberfest and a Pumpkin Ale. Delish. However, if the bartender pours your beer in a glass and you want to go to the dance/music area, then you will need to pour that beer in a plastic cup.
Then there's the dance/music area, which feels like you are entering a barn. No joke. I like it, though. There's a stage, a little bit of seating, a bar to the far left, and bathrooms a plenty (I've never had to wait). One thing to note is that the beer selection isn't as great so I found myself going back to the front room to refill. I've never had a problem with dance space so get ready to dance dance dance without worrying about elbows in your face, hips/butts bumping into you, flailing hands. :) However, watch out for a possible balloon or two that people started to throw up in the air last night. Fun times.
Other little details:
-$2 coat check for each item.
-5-minute walk from the F train stop.
-younger crowd (early twenties to early thirties)
-laid back crowd.Listed in: New York Music Venues
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Review from Kim R.
Brooklyn, NY
The BH is a very kewl performance space. I bit out of the way, but what can you do? The sound seems very good and the vibe is great. I've now been to 2 shows, and enjoyed each one.
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Review from Marilyn S.
Manhattan, NY
Ok, I've been here twice. The first time was for the hot dog cookout which promised (and provided) free hot dogs. I had a good time although they sure did run out of hot dogs, and I did think the venue was not so special that I would often trek out to Brooklyn for it. However, my friends assured me that their other events are even better and in general I would have given it three to four stars.
The second time was for the Naughty Holiday Office Party which promised games, prizes, and free drinks for the first hour and a half. This "event" had so much potential for awesomeness but fell completely, breathtakingly, spectacularly flat. I paid my $10 cover online in advance with the understanding that I could surely drink $10 worth of free drinks in the first hour. So imagine my dismay (and the dismay of the poor bartender) when we were told that our drinks were not in fact, free.
So, strike one, no free drinks. But surely there would be games, prizes, hooking up! Right? Right?? Alas, I've never been to anything that seemed more like an awkward church dance... except, well, an actual awkward church dance. But those at least are free. Everyone just huddled nervously by the bar, clutching their drinks and hoping that the creepy guy who couldn't even get laid at an awkward church dance would not come talk to them. Yeah, there was a DJ but no one was dancing and the room was uncomfortably unbalanced with the bar at the end and the empty dance floor.
Note to event coordinators: No one will hook up if there are no drinks or activities to get them mingling. That's why it's called a "mixer." You gotta get them mixing. I was angry and left early wanting my money back. -
Review from Elaine M.
Came here for the Bacon...Takedown! Behind the main bar/lounge scene is another hidden room. I have been here previously for a culinary presentation. It was no surprise that this bacon event would take place in this back area. There's a bar and several tables for seating. The stage is situated in the middle of the room.
Sandy C.' s got a very thorough review on the details of this bacon event. There were 2 winners (that came in first place): the judges' choice as well as the peoples' choice.
Elaine's choices were as follows:
1. Avocado sherbet topped with bacon and sea salt
2. Bacon rice krispy treats topped with cinnamon apples
3. The bacon, almond brittle.
Congrats to the above winners. You did a fine job with everyone's favorite: bacon. *applause* :D -
Review from Megan C.
Brooklyn, NY
This is the kind of place you come once for an event, and swear you will be back.
The front lounge area is super laid back. the back event space is cozy, yet spacious. And, the entire time you are there, you are surrounded by great people.
A- They have great events. From concerts, to Arrested Development nights and everything in between, I could see myself going to the Bell House every night.
B- The bar and bartenders are fantastic. Quick to pour you a drink and they always have specials.
So, get off the couch. Grab a friend and come experience why living in Brooklyn is awesome. You know you want to.... -
Review from Billie F.
This is one of my favorite places for shows. The stage is small, and although the place isn't huge, it's big for local psychobilly and rockabilly events. Anywhere you stand you'll get a good view of the stage. I like that the bar is up a couple if stairs and behind railing because when the dancing starts, you can drink in peace.
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Review from Toy L.
Went to check out the That's My Jam Saturday night party at The Bell House. It was Pride weekend and I was quite surprised as to how many good looking ladies (a few boys sprinkled here and there) were there. The front lounge area is a cool spot to grab a drink and people watch. There is also the back dance floor area, where you have to pay an entry fee. Very cool party. I will definitely try to check it out on a normal Saturday night.
Listed in: Gay/Lez Bars
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Review from Cassandra M.
New York, NY
I love, love, LOVE going to see my favorite bands perform ESPECIALLY when they're performing at smaller venues. There is nothing like being in a room with people who share the same love of music as you do. As corny as this may sound, you really get a chance to feel the artist's energy.
The Bell House wasn't packed but even if it were, there were good sightlines throughout the room.
The front room was a good place to kill time before the show started. Comfy and cozy. The bars had a good selection of canned beers as well as local brews on tap.
I think the only downside (not for me particularly) is that the Bell House is a trek into the middle of nowhere. If you dont have a car, its pretty rough to get to. -
Review from Ethan F.
I went to The Bell House for the first time recently to check out Secret Science Club [http://www.yelp.com/bi...]. I can't believe that it's taken me this long to make it out here, especially considering how many queer events happen around these parts.
The front of The Bell House is SO cozy. Comfy couches AND sexy lighting? Yes, please. The front of the venue provides a great space to catch up with a friend or five. Also seems like the perfect place to sit back and learn all about a new dating partner in crime.
I spent 99.9 % of my time at The Bell House in the back room, because that's where the magic of Secret Science Club happens. The space is enormous. All draft beers are served in plastic cups in the back room, and there are about a half dozen to choose from. The rest of the available beers are served in cans, which is kind of neat. There's also a full bar, if that's your kind of thing. I agree with the other Yelpers that said that the back room has a very barn-like feel. It's very western-esque, and very home-y.
The bathrooms are super nice, and very clean.
I saw a photo booth out of the corner of my eye as I was walking out. Next time, I'll be all over that. -
Review from Gerry P.
Brooklyn, NY
An attractive venue for hearing fabulous music. Nice bar, friendly and efficient bartenders. Good layout, sound system, etc. Fun cocktails and beer list.
Sole factor marring an otherwise lovely evening (at the Johnny Cash Birthday Bash) was extreme rudeness from the unintelligent women running the coat check and "will call" area--observed great rudeness to others who patiently waited on the ridiculously slow coat check line, and then got a taste of it first hand. Too bad. Everything else here was great. -
Review from christina b.
Brooklyn, NY
Friendly staff, good music, good beer.
Kind of a hike to get too though. -
Review from Jonathan E.
Brooklyn, NY
I gotta give them props for hosting offbeat events.
I headed there for a "Colorado" event because, for some odd reason, they've decided to celebrate each state with a day's event and I grew up in Colorado.
There were volunteers who cooked regional dishes, plenty of games, and special beers on top from the Centennial state. And this was a Sunday afternoon affair - quite different from their concert scene.
Glad to see a venue willing to build new audiences by allowing themselves to be different at different times. -
Review from John C.
Piscataway Township, NJ
Just came here last night for the guest-list only Fun. / Steel Train show. This place is excellent. Comfy couches, Mr.F the DJ (Arrested Development, anyone?), and a decent selection of beers.
The main area is not huge, but rather an intimate crowd setting (even though they can fit a couple hundred in there, I'm sure.) Sound system was excellent too! I saw The Juliana Theory at Highline ballroom a few weeks back and they really do not cater to live music at all, it was so poor!
Found parking on the street too, which wasn't too tough (I guess since it was a Thursday night and most people were whippin' bikes anyways..)
I'd come back for sure if I see another act worth the trek. -
Review from Melissa M.
Astoria, NY
The Bell House is really cool and off-the-beaten path. I went on St. Patrick's Day because we were also celebrating my friend's birthday and got tickets to the Little Mermaid sing-along. I seriously expected to get to some bar with a flat screen TV and 20 people watching. The Bell House is a HUGE venue with a stage and seriously hundreds of people watching a large projection screen, with a big bar over on the side. It was such a great event. Everyone I was with had a blast and then when it was over they played sing-along 90s music videos and cleared all the chairs out. A-mazing. Bell House, if you do sing-along Newsies one night, you own my heart for life.
