Right on the Houston strip, the Mercury Lounge has long been a focal point for the Lower East Side rock community. In the front room, which was formerly the Shastone Memorials tombstone display area, an antique oak bar is barely lit by hanging grated metal lamps.
Past maroon velvet curtains, the back room's raised stage fronts a 250-capacity space.
The sound quality is consistently good and crisp, and the club's intimate size allows unobstructed views for anyone willing to stand. Guests at side tables may find the stage blocked by sold-out crowds, but they do get to sit down.
The club's back room presents between two and four bands a night. Lineups range refreshingly between unknown and somewhat established locals, as well as nationally touring bands from the worlds of indie rock, punk and so on.