On Monday nights, The Sidewalk Cafe hosts NYC's most prestigious Open Mic Night where folks like Jeff Buckley and Beck got their start.
If a NYC-based band makes it big it's not without playing Mercury Lounge first. Come here any night of the week and you might hear the next Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Strokes or The National.
In addition to fresh new music coming out of the main room, Piano's often has more stripped-down acts perform upstairs. Also, the burgers are pretty darn good.
This institution for NYC singer-songwriters is intimate, inclusive, and free. You might even see local resident Norah Jones play an impromptu set here on occasion.
While best know for launching the careers of singer-songwriters like Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles, Hotel Café also boasts it's very own tour and record label.
