This adrenaline-fueled music venue on the Lower East Side is one of the best bars in New York to let your hair down, but don’t show up with your collar turned up. It’s a place to give into the sound of emo, punk, and indie bands – and maybe let it take you completely over on Monday night during their rock and roll karaoke, complete with a live band.

A former grocery store and butcher shop, Arlene’s has a reputation for booking top homespun bands – not to mention for welcoming big-name acts back in, who are humble enough to perform for the $8-10 cover charge (Michael Stipe and Dashboard Confessional). The Butcher Bar out front is a good place to kick back with a beer, hear new tracks, and scope the room for new fashion trends.