The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
Categories: Performing Arts, Venues & Event Spaces, Music Venues [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Manhattan/Gramercy-Flatiron, Manhattan/Union Square17 Irving Pl
(between 15th St & 16th St)
New York, NY 10003 (212) 777-6800
- Nearest Transit:
Union Square (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W)
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Music: Live
- Happy Hour: No
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: Yes
55 Reviews for The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
Very cool venue. I went to see Ozomatli here a couple of times. Both times I had a blast. The bathrooms are very nice which is weird for a concert venue. Usually I am afraid to go to the bathroom but this place has cool bathrooms with a couch to hang out in case you are too drunk yo. You can go upstairs if you are sick of the huge crowd. You can also hang out in the main floor and dance the night away. Maybe it was the concert I went to see that made the good times happen, but Irving Plaza is a okay with me!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
As a frequent patron of the Fillmore in San Francisco, I suppose I can see why the bigwigs acquired Irving Plaza. It's relatively similar in size and layout, but I spent my entire evening here longing for the real deal. Part of the San Francisco charm is the sheer magnitude of the building's history, the slew of music greats who've graced the stage (The Grateful Dead, The Who, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Pink Floyd -- the list could go on for days and days), the knowledge that you're walking the floors of a place that was an integral part of 1960s counterculture.
The east coast location is a nice idea, but the name proves to be a little too big for what it is in reality: a decent club venue, nothing more, nothing less.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I'll preface this by saying that after seeing probably over 500 live music shows in my lifetime (and I'm pretty sure I'm lowballing it there), the former Irving Plaza and newly donned "Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza" (cough cough) is the only place that has kicked me out during a show! Sweet.
It's a weird set-up. It's kind of built like a shoebox. The sound has always been great in certain areas (to the extreme left and extreme right and in the middle). There's a balcony, and while the sound up there is decent at best, it is a nice little haven to retreat to when things are getting a little too much downstairs.
You can also ditch the music completely and hang out with the coat people and restroom goers and sit on velvet couches on the first level.
As mentioned above, I've only once encountered any issue with staff at any venue, and this happened to be the one. It was a long time ago - I think probably in 2000 or 2001. I got tossed because the staff thought I was handing out flyers for another band and another venue during the show. The problem was that when they tossed me, it was not only freezing out, but they did not allow me to get my belongings - my coat or my pocketbook - and so I had to pray that a friend of mine noticed what was going down and would take the initiative to get me my things (they did.)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Irving Plaza has one of the better layouts of the midsize venues in NYC. Plenty of space, and even some areas with couches in the back for your friends who get a bit clausterphobic. I think the sound quality is great....shh...I've heard a few bootleg recordings of concerts and here and they sound pretty awesome, so there's a good a gauge as any...
Plus they book some phenomenal acts. U2 played a show here in 2000! One of the more enjoyable concert experiences of my life was Travis playing here this past summer. The whole band came to the stage from the middle of the crowd to "Gonna Fly Now." And the energy and interaction between the crowd and the band was absolutely perfect. Very memorable.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Ugh. This place gives me a headache just thinking of it. They opened the doors almost an hour after they advertised, then proceeded to make everyone wait because a previous show wasn't wrapped up yet. The one we intended to see didn't start for an hour and a half after it was supposed to. The setup/take- down was slower than a snail trying to travel across a superglue covered table. No jokes. I could've had my eight hours of recommended sleep all within the range of the concert times. Too crowded as well, I almost wonder if they exceeded their occupancy maximum. I hate being so negative, but this place turned me off music events for quite a while......the only happy thought associated with my experience here was that Mutemath put on a highly energetic show. Hope they choose to play somewhere else next time though!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I've been going to shows at Irving Plaza since 2001, so what does that mean? I've been there a few times to say the least.
Recently Irving Plaza became the Filmore at Irving Plaza and only a few things have changed (at least that I have noticed)...
1) There was a bucket of delicious apples near the coat check
2) the security at the front door has become much friendlier
3) sometimes they don't have a barricade up - which doesn't really effect anyone except photographers
You can never rely on the show to run on time. Sometimes shows move fast, and sometimes they move slow.
As far as a view, there aren't many bad places to stand.
When a show is sold out, it's packed - on the floor and the balcony. The balcony isn't always 21+.
I prefer it to Bowery Ballroom because it's easier to get around the crowd, especially if you're coming from the balcony.
Bands of all levels of popularity come through Irving Plaza... it's a great place to see a band that usually plays somewhere larger like Roseland Ballroom.
Irving Plaza is a terrific place to see a show. The staff is always helpful, the sound is amazing, and the space is the perfect size. There is a small lounge on the main floor where concertgoers can relax on red velvet couches in between performances. The second floor contains the large stage and standing area, as well as merchandise tables and a large bar section in the back. There is also a second floor balcony which looks down on the main stage. There is a bar/lounge area up there as well. The only problem is that the crowds often get rowdy and the place is frequently dirty. The floor can be covered in grime and beer causing patrons to slip and slide. All in all, though, it's a great venue for rocking out.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
This place stinks since it became the Fillmore. I saw the UCB comedy show there last night. First they gave everybody a pat-down and wanding at the door, causing the show to start late. I wonder if there's a lot of violence at comedy shows? Then they told my buddy that he'd have to check his bag, which they'd already searched. Oh, by the way, bag check is $2. And each item you want to check along with that is another $2. The lighting was bad and so were the sight lines that other reviewers mentioned. Sigh. Another good venue bites the dust.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Came here to see the Plain White Ts (before Hey There Delilah exploded). Thought the venue layout was cool (21+ upstairs, thank god.)
This place was flooded with teeny boppers and my friend T. and I were able to escape by heading upstairs. When the opening bands finished and the main attraction came on stage, the noise was blisteringly loud. This place rocked and rolled throughout the entire set.
Be sure to make sure you head upstairs if the place is crowded. Get a great view of the stage while you enjoy your $4 canned Bud Light.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The Irving Plaza is my ideal size to see a show. No one has a bad spot.
Shows I've seen there: Cold, Thicke, ummm...brain fart. Shit.
Drinks are inexpensive.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I'm a big fan of Irving Plaza's size-- pretty open, not too big, fairly intimate with lots of room to escape creepy boys. I found the drinks to be fairly priced ($5 for vodka and soda, $3 for a can of Bud) which really boosted this review up to four stars. Clean bathrooms with lots of mirrors and room for chatting are nice, too.
Take notice that the floors get slippery. If anyone saw me at the BEA after party last night... I wasn't fall-down drunk, okay? I slipped. It was the floor. I swear.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (4)
Cool (2)
Back after renovations with a new name preceding the old, the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza (whatta mouthfull) looks kinda the same. Which isn't bad cos' it was alright to begin with.
As a concert venue, this place is a nice size.. just a wee bit smaller than Webster Hall. The upper balcony provides a good bird's eye view of the stage, but the sound up there is really bad. So, it's a compromise. Deal with the pushy crowd + better sound vs. nice spot/good view + shite for sound.
Or you could always get there early and stand right in front.. pretty good view + sound. They also bring in lots of good acts. I've seen the Editors, Royksopp and Tapes n' Tapes (and then Deadmau5) here.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
So what's the Fillmore at Irving Plaza got that plain ol' Irving Plaza didn't? Well, posters, mostly. And that's about it. And I kind of like it. Lining the walls going up the stairs are psychedlic (man) gig posters spanning the rock and roll era (we're still in it. it's not dead), very pleasing to the eye. And in both the downstairs and upstairs lounges are framed photographs of acts that have played the club, from N*Sync to, uh, Def Leppard. I actually want to go back and get there early so I can walk around and look at them all. So, in the end, it's just the same old decent venue, but classed up a bit.
Oh, and Lindsay K.? YOU ARE LYING! Why are you lying? Buds and Bud Lights are $5, not $3; other cans are $6. And a house liquor drink is $8, not $5. This is the major suck factor for the joint. Which is why I usually smoke one prior to arrival.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
At $7 for a corona, this place charges a whopping 12.5% less than Webster Hall. Of course, it also charges 16.6% more than Bowery, assuming Bowery would charge the same for corona as their other crappy beers. I think i'm going to stop tipping in protest, especially at Fillmore where you have to pour your own.
Oh, and FYI, they'll eject you from the venue if they catch you with even an empty water bottle of your own.
I'm not audiophilic enough to comment on the finer nature of the sound quality, but it seemed ok. The sight lines blew, though. I have to wonder if the management didn't make an experiment out of maximizing the proportion of the audience space could have obstructed views.
I ended up leaving the concert early, after someone dropped their drink on my legs and the girl behind me repeated violated my personal space with her purse (and i'm talking concert personal space here, sardine style, not ideal personal space where one can breath and possibly even move their arms). The crowd in general was... inconsiderate. From the women in front of me dancing as if we weren't all packed into a small concert space to the couple behind me arguing about whether or not they should just barge back up the stage where they'd apparently been before a drink and bathroom break, even when people weren't trying to violate me with handbags it was a pretty sorry scene. I'm not deducting any stars for this yet, because it may somehow be that A Fine Frenzy and Brandi Carlile have idiots for fans, and not that idiots preferentially attend events at Irving.
Also, since i left early this time, i don't know if they pull the one-door-exit stunt that Webster did. That'd drop them down to one star in a heartbeat.
saw type o negative there back in october for their halloween show. it was packed to the gills. stood upstairs near the bar [hah] but didn't drink since it was a 'school night.' spacious venue, lots of different vantage points with decent views.
someone pushed me down the stairs on the way out, i'm sure of it. but then someone helped me. so that almost makes it okay.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I'm a big fan of the historic Fillmore in San Francisco. What about its newly minted namesake on the Right Coast?
I came June 1 for the CSS show. Right away I noticed the dance floor is smaller and the bar is lamer. (That's "bar" singular, compared to two bars in SF.) No taps and the bartenders give you cans and plastic cups... and make you pour.
Aside from that, I had no complaints. This particular night attracted hordes of collegians and co-eds, off for the summer. The lighting was good and the sound system was kicking. Amazingly, I didn't smell an ounce of the sticky-icky. Compare to SF's Fillmore, where you get contact high at the security pat down.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Irving Plaza used to be a great place to catch a show, in fact, it was the first venue I went to for my first concert in New York: the Mates of State. An awesome duo, backed by probably one of the best venues in the city!
Whether on the floor, or up on the balcony, I couldn't escape from a bad view, and generally, a highly pleasurable aural experience.
After the Mates, I ended up catching other awesome shows here, OK! Go, who had one of their best shows in NY in recent memory (vs. their MSG show a few months later, Adrian, their lead was sick as a dog) comes to mind! Ah the memories.
Then, the venue was bought out by the evils of LiveNation and Ticketmaster, and blasphemously named the Fillmore at Irving Plaza. As I'm from San Francisco, I nearly choked when I found out.
While I haven't been back to Irving Plaza since the rename, I just haven't seen any acts on their schedule (as of late) that excite me, the venue's booking identity seems to have gone a bit haywire as bands I listen to more have ended up playing more Bowery Presents venues, such as the Bowery and Mercury Lounge (even Studio B in Brooklyn is getting a lot of residency from bands I enjoy).
Otherwise, the venue was really ideal for up and coming bands with not-so-huge followings (yet). It's somewhat cozy, bartenders are kind, drink prices a little higher than average (I'm just glad they offer Guinness), and the bottom floor's lounge can be cozy when you're waiting between sets (which can be a long wait, mind you).
Should an exciting act come Irving Plaza's way, I'll happily come back. I kinda miss the space! I'm more or less wondering if the venue will rediscover it's personality.
Just saw Lily Allen here last week.
The sound is amazing, the space is INTIMATE, and you can actually SEE the musicians perform up close and personal. No binoculars required here! And the ventilation keeps blowing. I was able to wear my winter coat in here and didn't get sweaty once!
Bonus: FREE CONDOM STAND. They give out wads of different types of Trojan condoms at the AIDS awareness stand.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
First of all, I dont know what all this Fillmore bullshit is about. It's Irving Plaza... that's it, and I refuse to acknowledge any lame attempt at rebranding this fantastic venue.
If you've read my review of Roseland Ballroom, you'll know what my basic criteria for judging a venue are. Where Roseland falters terribly, Irving excels.
The people running the shows understand the audience. They play music similar in theme to the music that's about to be performed. The videos that they show before and between sets are usually some sort of remixed arthouse filmschool edit of some item from the popularist of culture (eg: Don Hertzfeldt's 'Rejected' Cartoons). There is usually a good crowd and a great atmosphere at all times during these shows.
As for the venue itself, I think Irving is just the right size. Not so small that you feel cramped and uncomfortable, and not too big that you feel awkward and uncomfortable. You can have a decent view of the stage from most angles except far in the back under the balcony, and the sound system is definitely top notch.
The one thing that I like about Roseland that Irving doesn't have... is air conditioning. Fifteen minutes into the set and the whole place smelled like a vegan organic strip club.
All in all, if there's a show here that you want to see, go for it. You're almost guaranteed a good time.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Pro: Good size
Con: Sight lines compromised in the back
Pro: Good prices
Con: They use Ticketmaster instead of TicketWeb. Ticketmaster is the devil and adds ridiculous surcharges.
Pro: Nice lounge area
Con: It's in a useless area. There's no bar near it and it's across from the bathrooms. MUCH lamer than the Bowery Ballroom lounge area.
Pro: Accessible location w/ box office
Con: Beer too expensive given the lame selection (no taps?!!)
Pro: There's always some group there that passes out free condoms
Con: Beer too expensive given the lame selection
Net-net - If an act I like is playing there, I go. But I'm never psyched about it.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
Just caught Sean Lennon's show here...
GOOD acoustics and a nice sized space. Never feels oversold either. Bartenders were cool even though yes, the booze is slightly over priced, but welcome to all NYC concert venues. They trap you. And then they charge you five bucks for a dixie cup of wine or a can of Rolling Rock.
Its about a block from union square and all the transportation and loveliness it offers too. Minus a star for some of the most obnoxious security I've ever encountered. I'm staying put until I lay my eyes on Yoko Ono, pal. Backkkk offffffff.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
this place is huge, good acoustics, spacious second level, and lots of places to get a drink. Coat check is ready at the door, and the different levels assure that there's space for everyone. I've seen a lot of good shows here, from smaller acts to much larger ones, and I've never had a bad time here.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I enjoy this venue because it provides a small setting to see bands. I have been going to shows here since i was a teenager. It is one of the few venues still around that gives you the close up experience of live music. Yeah it's not this new fancy venue but it has its charm. The ticket prices are reasonable at a time when concerts are getting way too expensive. The last show I caught there was GWAR and it was a kick ass time!!!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Screw Fillmore. Last time I was here it was just Irving Plaza. Anyway, I went to a Gogol Bordello show and this place just exploded with good times. Everyone seemed to be on the same page with the vibe and nothing really bad happened (save for my feet being stepped on several times, so wear boots!)
It is a small joint, kinda like if the Bowery Ballroom had a love child out of wedlock. In fact, if I remember right it looked A LOT like the Bowery. So, I do recommend it, but I still would prefer to see shows at the Bowery.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
I HATE this venue. I don't even know how to verbalize the feeling that is invoked when I even hear the words "Irving Plaza"... yes, it's that bad.
The bar is ridiculously overpriced, the bouncers can be jackasses, and the lounge area makes me feel like I should be dressed in a corset for one of those Old Time Photos. These are all petty complaints however to the venue-imposed set times.
30+ minutes between sets? Are you kidding me? It would be one thing if it took that long to break down and set up equipment. But it doesn't. The last show I went to at this hellhole the bands were ready to play after 15 - 20 minutes... and forced to wait until an set interval of time had passed.
Utter and complete bollocks.
I hate you, Irving Plaza.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
I have no idea why people think this is such a good venue. It's long and narrow like a shoebox. Agreed on the sightline issues. I've never had a good viewing experience for any show here. The sound is also HORRIBLE. The room is cavernous and has bad echo problems.
Basically, I give it 3 stars for the bands it draws. If I had my choice, I'd be at Webster Hall or Bowery Ballroom for venues of comparable size. No other comments.
By far, my favorite concert venue. Yeah, it can get a little nuts in here but I've always had good times here. It's small size allows for a more intimate setting. I think what I like the most about it is that it is standing room only. Due to that, its pretty easy to manuever to the front of the crowd.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This place definitely makes my list of top ten places to see shows in New York City. There is a big first floor in front of a decent sized stage. The upper level is also pretty large and with tiered standing areas you can see the stage from just about anywhere on the upper level. The bartenders at this place are also pretty friendly.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I've seen a lot of wonderful shows at Irving: Mission of Burma, Sonic Youth, Joan Jett, Ladytron, French Kicks, Tortoise, Frank Black, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, etc. The sound is awesome and the space is truly spectacular. Tickets are generally inexpensive. The only downsides are the long admission and bathroom lines.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I love irving plaza!
i just saw Gwar here last night and it was awesome!
I think the size is PERFECT! its like big enough for a big act, but small enough that it feels intimate (aka getting sweaty from other sweating all over you)....
bathrooms arent bad at all and theres like a loungey couchy area to chill...
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I've been here it seems a couple of hundred times and I am never disappointed. Granted, i tend to get lucky and end up at the front of the stage. thats the only way to see a show, I think.
Even though it does get packed in the GA pit i never feel overwhelmed and crowded in. And I can even leave my spot, go get a drink or goto the bathroom, and the people around me will save my spot for me. How awesome is that?
Even though the big, burly bouncers are at the front door they are actually pretty cool. You do have to check your bag as soon as you enter but thats no big deal. But as soon as the show ends, head downstairs right away to get your stuff, to avoid the human crush.
all in all, probably one of the best venues to see a show.
I have never in my life, before last night, had to stand on a line to go smoke. I have also never in my life, before last night, been yelled at by a bitchy girl with a nosering working at the place to stand in the back of the line. I told her meekly (and drunkly) "Ok. You don't have to yell." Oy. The last couple of Irving Plaza shows I have gone to have jam banded me until I wanted to jump out of a window. I think I am getting old.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (3)
The premier mid-size concert venue in New York City in my opinion. I enjoy this venue better than Roseland and possibly better than Bowery. Irving Plaza isn't a hassle to get to since it is right off of Union Square/14th Street.
I've caught many musical acts here, and I will continue to go here. Irving Plaza always seems to get the great shows, we can probably thank ClearChannel for that.
The size isn't as large as Bowery or Roseland, but it still feels fine at a sold out show. When I usually go, I try to be on the stage left side where they keep band equipment, away from any pushers and barriers (if applies). I will only try to squeeze up to the front if there isn't a barrier or I know it isn't going to be a rowdy show. Occasionally you may have someone with a beer knock into you and spilling it on you. People just need common sense when navigating through a crowd at a show.
If you don't feel like standing, you can go up to the balcony (if permitted - they sometimes use it for VIP). You get a good view of the stage from there. I just wish it was always open up there.
Irving Plaza is my favorite "ClearChannel Venue." It is also great to pick up tickets for other LiveNation/ClearChannel concerts.
No TicketMaster Rape Fees! YES!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I love seeing shows here. Primarily because the booking folks have great taste in music. I've seen everyone from Esthero and Brazilian Girls to Echo & the Bunnymen and Editors, and wish I'd caught Jurassic 5. I like the intimacy of the room, the fact that you can stand right up against the stage, and the sound is usually great. But I take points off for 1. The terrible vantage point upstairs. You can't see anything unless you're right up against the balcony; and 2. A message for the management: Please, oh please, add soap to the dispensers in the ladies room, I beg you. Oh, the humanity. But on the bright side, thanks for the free condoms.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
A good place to see a show - one of my favorite mid-sized venues in the city, which is important, because I only like to see shows in small and mid-sized spaces. Otherwise, might as well pop in the album at home and actually hear them play.
As far as the complaints about the crowd, welcome to New York City. You can avoid this in one of two ways (1) see bands that are so new band members still have day jobs (2) see bands in really small spaces (which will probably be bands whose members still have day jobs).
That said, since this venue isn't small, if you want to enjoy the crowd, it's best when the band has more of a cult following. I saw Peter Murphy here (among others) and wasn't disappointed.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This miserable club, owned by monster promoter and radio station conglomerate Clear Channel, is a sad, uber-corporate shell of a space. From the rude bouncers to the overpriced and undersized drinks to the B&T and high schooler crowds, Irving Plaza is a horrible place to see a band. Unfortunately, they seem to pull in a really good act once every month or so, which can lead to regret when hatred of the club outweighs the desire to see a favorite band.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I have been to two shows at Irving Plaza and had a great time at both! When I saw Maceo Parker, I was able to get up to the balconey and had a great view of the stage and was able to dance without hitting anyone (except my friends!!). I was down on the floor when I saw Toto. It was a bit crowded but I still had some room to move. Ticket prices are not to bad for a venue in NYC.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
A fun, smallish, venue for concerts. I've seen a handful of bands here and it's always a good time.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Obviously, it's one of the nicest venues the city has to offer. Last time I was ther ewas about a year ago to see Keane. I literally cried...that's how amazing the show was. Oh, and totally hot bouncers in the VIP section.
As a devout rock concert attendee, I still think that Irving Plaza is the best place to see a show. I'm never that crowded, the cocktail waitresses find you, they get the best upcoming, popular, or has-been acts and it's conveniently located.
