The Luna Lounge
171 Ludlow Street
New York, NY 10002
212.260.2323
www.lunalounge.com

Located on the lower east side at 171 Ludlow St. (b/w Houston & Stanton), the Luna Lounge is a great local alternative rock bar, a neat and casual joint where you can chill on any day of the week.

Monday nights starting at 8, Luna plays host to a great comedy night called “Eating It” featuring an array of different comedic performers. Their website has a great section devoted to this night where you can get the who’s who? and the what’s what? about the performers, as well as info about past and upcoming events.

During the rest of the week, the Luna Lounge showcases local and national bands; past performers include The Strokes, Nada Surf, Kid Rock, Interpol, and Elliot Smith. On their website you can see their full schedule of upcoming events, a list of bands that have played there, plus links to check out what the bands are all about.

The interior is dimly lit and is mildly reminiscent of your best friend’s basement. The paintings which cover the scarred walls may be amateurish, but the make great conversation pieces of eye-candy. The foosball machine and rock and roll jukebox give the bar area a local hometown feel. The bar is nice and long with plenty of seating, as is the front area with couches and chairs for you to sit, have a beer and admire the artwork.

The back room is where the magic happens… just kidding. Going through the double doors into the back room you enter the stage area. The bands play in this room on a modestly sized stage and seating area. This is one of my favorite things about the Luna Lounge, because it’s separate from the bar and you don’t have to scream to the bartender; plus, if your stuck there with a band you don’t really dig, you can hang by the bar and still be there for support, so everybody wins!

Overall the Luna Lounge is a really cool place to go and check out up and coming bands and comedians. Close enough to other bars and clubs for hopping, you can hang here, get in for free, drink cheap and watch your favorite bands play the night away.