Jump to: History / Press /  Location + Parking / Directions / FAQ's
 
All comments and questions may be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

HISTORY:

Joe’s Pub at The Public is one of New York City’s most celebrated venues for emerging and established performance artists. Named for Public Theater founder Joe Papp, Joe’s Pub debuted in 1998 and plays a vital role in The Public’s mission of supporting young artists while providing established artists with an intimate space to perform and develop new work. Joe’s Pub presents talent from all over the world as part of The Public’s programming downtown at its Astor Place home, hosting approximately 800 shows and serving over 100,000 audience members annually.

The diverse roster of programming featured at Joe’s Pub includes top performers from Broadway, cabaret, dance, world, singer-songwriter, jazz, country and indie genres as well as New York Voices, its commissioning initiative, today’s rising stars and GRAMMY Award winners. Joe’s Pub also collaborates with other Public Theater programs to present events such as the Under the Radar Incoming series and the Public Forum lecture and debate series.

The New York Times has praised Joe’s Pub as at the “nexus” of “a downtown axis of clubs whose performers gleefully fuzz the boundaries between old and new, and between pop, rock, jazz, rhythm-and-blues, swing, country, world music and performance art.” Its elegant neoclassical design, intimate atmosphere, and superior acoustics have consistently landed the venue on annual Best Of New York lists. A top-to-bottom renovation was completed in 2011, leading to improved sightlines, expanded seating capacity and a new menu from acclaimed Chef Andrew Carmellini.

Artists that have performed at Joe’s Pub include: Leonard Cohen, David Byrne, Anne Hathaway, Elvis Costello, Amy Winehouse, Jason Mraz, Adele, Lady Gaga, Bebel Gilberto, Youssou N’Dour, Prince, Angelique Kidjo, Akiko Yano Trio, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Dolly Parton, Amadou and Mariam, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones, Sinead O’Connor, Wynton Marsalis, Luciana Souza, Allen Toussaint, The Bad Plus, Kronos Quartet, Alice Coltrane, Project Trio, Emerson String Quartet, Mirah, Neko Case, Doveman, Feist, Alicia Keys, Bettye LaVette, Eartha Kitt, Toshi Reagon, Lykke Li, Alice Smith, Mos Def, Justin Vivian Bond, Taylor Mac, Our Hit Parade, Sharon Jones, John Andrews, Antony and the Johnsons, Lady Rizo, Isaac Mizrahi, Liz Phair, Sarah Silverman, Bridget Everett, Henry Rollins, Saul Williams, Mike Daisey, Jack Hitt, Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca, Mythli Prakash, DanceNOW, Sutton Foster, Ute Lemper, Jackie Hoffman, Audra McDonald, Pete Townshend, Kelli O’Hara, Norm Lewis, Sasha Allen, John Lithgow and many more.

“Part supper club, part theater, Joe's Pub has made everyone from Lady Gaga to Leonard Cohen to Alicia Keys (who called it her "favorite rock & roll venue") feel like royalty.” – Rolling Stone, 2013 Venues That Rock, #8

“In this one space, you can see live music of nearly every genre — from indie-folk to free jazz and showtunes — readings and spoken-word events” - Flavorpill

“The only truly multicultural venue in New York" - New York Times

"The city’s premier small spot for sit-down audiences, Joe’s Pub (named for Joseph Papp, the founder of its parent, the Public Theater) brings in impeccable talent of all genres and origins." - Time Out New York

"The future Norah Joneses are more likely to come from a downtown axis of clubs whose performers gleefully fuzz the boundaries between old and new, and between pop, rock, jazz, rhythm-and-blues, swing, country, world music and performance art. At the nexus of the scene is Joe’s Pub." – New York Times

"My favorite rock and roll venue is Joe’s Pub in New York, where you get all the sweat and the heat from the performances." – Alicia Keys

"Joe's Pub has a quiet cool about itself that you don't really see anymore, it's one of my favorite small stages in the city, and has housed some big voices over the last 14 years. I am excited to now have a part in that and bring some big flavors.” – Andrew Carmellini

"A decidedly downtown feel. Think urban goth, with ornate molded ceilings.” – Newsday

"Consistently varied, top quality booking...cabaret, globalist pop prevalent, late night hip-hop too...classy interior...comfy, intimate space." – Time Out NY

"Joe's Pub is so intimate and the audience is a huge part of those shows because they're so close. It's like everybody in the room is in on a secret or something. You've got four guys with guitars, telling stories and drinking whiskey…anything can happen!” – Dierks Bentley

"Best bar to get romantic and play grown-up….Dance, comedy, poetry, and music from folk to hip-hop; sooner or later, it turns up here." – Village Voice

"This room in the East Village offers an eclectic elegance, amazing sight lines, great acoustics and adventurous booking that offers heavy doses of jazz and world music." – Downbeat

"We love Joe’s Pub, the eclectic nightclub that might feature a cabaret performer one night, a jazz singer the next and a straight out rocker the night after. Poets, scratch DJ’s, composers performing their own material – you never know what you’ll find next, but you can count on the fact that it will be good, very good." – New York Magazine

"One of the best small music venues I've ever been to." – BBC Radio

Best Excuse To Let A Single Venue Dictate Your Musical Taste – Village Voice

Best Theater to Catch Rising Stars – CitySearch

Best Downtown Classical-Music Venue – New York Magazine
 

Joe's Pub is part of The Public Theater, located at 425 Lafayette Street between East 4th and Astor Place in New York City's East Village.


Street parking is often available on Lafayette or the surrounding area. If you are unable to locate a public parking space, there are multiple parking lots surrounding Lafayette Street.  Click here to print a $5 off parking coupon for participating lots on Lafayette Street.

By Subway:

West Side: Take the R or W train to the 8th Street Station
East Side: Take the #6 train to Astor Place Station

By Car:

Exit the FDR Drive at Houston Street, drive west to Lafayette Street and turn right.
Or drive down Broadway to 4th Street, turn left on 4th Street and then again on Lafayette Street

Frequently Asked Questions
Q:     What is appropriate etiquette for attending Joe's Pub?
A:     No flash photography or audio/video recording of any kind is allowed.

Please silence your cell phone and refrain from speaking in full voice during the performance; it is a very intimate room and your conversation will distract not only the audience members but the artist as well.
      
Q:     Is there an age restriction on the shows at Joe's Pub?
A:     Shows are open to all ages.

Please be certain young children can observe appropriate concert behavior.
      
Q:     What type of cuisine is served at the venue?
A:     Joe's Pub serves a light fare American menu as well as a wide variety of specialty cocktails. The dinner menu is available until 12:30.

Click here to read the menu.

     
Q:     How do I purchase tickets to your shows?
A:     Tickets and seat selection can be purchased online at joespub.com, by phone at 212-967-7555, or in person at The Public Theater Box Office (1 PM to 6 PM) located at 425 Lafayette Street, NYC.
If your seat is located at a dining table there is a $12 food or 2 drink minimum per person.  Joe’s Pub seating is communal, which means you may have other guests at your table.  If you are located at a counter, bar stool or standing, there is a $12 food minimum or two drink minimum.  As a courtesy to the artists we recommend arriving no later than thirty minutes before show time. Reservations are now made when tickets are purchased, it is no longer necessary to call the Pub for reservations.  Seating for each show begins when doors open for that performance.
If you have any questions regarding the new select your own seat ticketing process or general inquiries, please contact 212.539.8778 

Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable.
         
Q:     Are there minimums for the venue?
A:     Joe’s Pub seating is communal, which means you may have other guests at your table.  Please note there is a $12 food minimum or two drink minimum per person.
      
Q:     How can I get a gig performing at Joe's Pub?
A:     If a band that you represent wishes to play at Joe's Pub, feel free to send an inquiry to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , telling us more about your performance group, their draw in the New York area and where they currently play in NYC.

Please DO NOT send press kits or CDs, as we are not accepting unsolicited submissions at this time.
      
Q:     Is parking available for Joe's Pub?
A:     Street parking is often available on Lafayette or the surrounding area. If you are unable to locate a public parking space, there are multiple parking lots surrounding Lafayette Street including two that will offer you a $5 discount if you present this coupon.