Oi!Oi!Oi! Whether you’re blasting The Clash, chanting along to Bad Religion, or going hard with Nausea and Doom, this guide is for you. We’re hitting up some of the most legendary punk venues in three of the most punk rock cities: Los Angeles, New York City, and Mexico City (CDMX). Ready to open up this pit? Let’s dive in!
Los Angeles: Punk in the Land of Palms
The Smell
Where: 247 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA
Why It Rocks: The Smell is a DIY stronghold in downtown LA, bringing punks together for raw, no-frills shows. This venue is legendary for giving rise to countless punk and experimental acts. It’s a community hub, and every night is loud, chaotic, and perfectly gritty. Expect to leave drenched in sweat and punk spirit.
Alex’s Bar
Where: 2913 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA
Why It Rocks: Alex’s Bar has been hosting punk shows for over two decades. It’s an iconic spot for catching both local punk bands and bigger acts like Rancid. The bar’s deep red walls, low lighting, and killer sound make it an underground favorite. Not quite LA proper, but worth the trip for true punk fans.
1st Street Pool & Billiard
Where: 1906 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA
Why It Rocks: A DIY staple in Boyle Heights, this dive has become the go-to venue for LA’s underground punk scene. With regular shows hosted by Nothing Less Booking, this gritty pool hall transforms into a full-blown punk pit when bands like Special Duties or Subhumans hit the stage.
New York City: Punk in the Concrete Jungle
Saint Vitus
Where: 1120 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Why It Rocks: Known for its dark, moody ambiance, Saint Vitus is a premier venue for heavy punk and hardcore shows in NYC. The venue is renowned for its ear-shattering sound and intense mosh pits. It’s the perfect spot if you want to experience the brutal, unfiltered side of NYC’s punk scene. (Note: Temporarily closed, but fingers crossed for its return!)
Arlene’s Grocery
Where: 95 Stanton St, New York, NY
Why It Rocks: A Lower East Side classic, Arlene’s Grocery has been a key player in the NYC punk scene since the ’90s. It’s the perfect blend of gritty and welcoming, offering a steady lineup of punk and alternative acts. The space feels like a throwback to the grungy days of NYC punk.
The Gutter
Where: 200 N 14th St, Brooklyn, NY
Why It Rocks: A unique combination of a bowling alley and live music venue, The Gutter in Williamsburg is known for its punk shows. You can grab a drink, bowl a game, and then get pummeled by some local punk acts. It’s an offbeat spot that perfectly captures NYC’s quirky punk spirit.
Mexico City (CDMX): Los Punkeros!
Multiforo Alicia
Where: Av. Cuauhtémoc 91A, Roma Nte., CDMX, Mexico
Why It Rocks: The heart and soul of Mexico City’s punk scene, Multiforo Alicia has been championing punk, ska, and revolutionary music since the ’90s. It’s a gritty, revolutionary space where the spirit of punk thrives. Expect raw energy and crowds ready for rebellion at every show.
Gato Calavera
Where: Av. Insurgentes Sur 179A, Roma Nte., CDMX, Mexico
Why It Rocks: A newer but essential venue in CDMX’s punk scene, Gato Calavera is a small, high-energy space perfect for punk and hardcore shows. It’s where the locals go to thrash, scream, and keep the punk ethos alive.
Foro Normandie
Where: López 15, Centro Histórico, CDMX, Mexico
Why It Rocks: Foro Normandie is known for its eclectic lineup, but its punk shows are particularly wild. With its underground vibe and historic location, it’s a hotspot for punks looking to catch both local and international acts.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an old-school diehard or new to the scene, these venues are keeping the punk flame burning in LA, NYC, and CDMX. There’s many more, but for those, ya gotta ask a punk. 😉 Support your local spots, buy merch from bands, and, most importantly, keep the scene alive!
