B B King Blues Club and Grill

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243 W 42nd St
New York, NY 10036

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(212) 997-4144
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Reviews
( 23 )
( 19 )
( 4 )
( 9 )
( 22 )

Best

How this guy isn't playing Madison Square Garden is beyond me, but at the same time it definitely doesn't bother me. It's nice to see such a rockin' performance in a smaller venue...

Worst

Decor is nice, service was fine, but the food is only OK (exception being the spicy chicken wings - the best we've ever had) its the live music factor that gives it a boost. Choos...

Definitly the best 1/21/2003

First time I went to BBKing's was about a year and a half ago. James Brown. Danced my face off, had the waitstaff constantly approach me making sure all was well with my night; did I need anything? Would I prefer the spot the right of the stage where there was a bit more dance room? It seemed they really were working hard to make sure everyone there was having a blast. I've returned to the club atleast once every two weeks. The food is great- solid american fare with a southern twist- really big portions. And the music- where else can you find mtv's steve-o one night, b.b. king another, tommy lee another, nancy sinatra another, roberta flack another, soulive another...the list goes on. Its a high end joint that's hip to whatever audience it targets. I totally agree with its #1 rating. I love this place. more
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More Disney Walk than Duck Walk 12/26/2002

The total rip you would expect it to be. Too crowded for a seat, or anywhere feasable to stand, and so crowded with angry folks with nowhere to stand that you can't even get to the bar. Now THAT'S not very smart. Hilarious hippie lighting (squiggly colored lights on performers -- WOW!) and giant video screens for that 1970s TV rock concert feel. If you must shell out, you'd better reserve a table for dinner or you'll be left with nowhere to stand. Don't even think about dancing. Pros: coat check, music note chairs Cons: poor design, can't get to the bar, "light show" more
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the best 12/15/2002

every seat close to stage, food ok, not overpriced good choice of entertainers Pros: good sound, small Cons: wait outside, not inexpensive more
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Tourists, Yes. Music Fans, No. 12/14/2002

B.B. King's is essentially a tourist trap. The club, which is decorated wonderfully, packs people in to maximize money. Its comes across as tight and crowded, but not cozy. The food is okay, the service is pretty good, although they include gratuity so it doesn't matter. If you go to see one of your favorite groups, realize that some other people there don't care about music or your group and they want to talk really loudly throughout all the sets. Go on a weeknight to catch a classic blues artist, and that is the only way to enjoy this place. Pros: Great sound, swanky digs Cons: Poor seating, Highly crowded, Annoying B&T crowd more
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bad call 12/8/2002

i'll try and overlook the fact that this venue was the top rated place to see music acts in the city. In my view this could be the worst. Maybe all the reviews were from out of town tourists with no clue. Cons: cold, no vibe, bad sound more
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GOOD PEOPLE 12/6/2002

You get great music and can meet some of the best people at B.B. King's. more
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Music in a great atmosphere 11/26/2002

This is a terrific place to see a live band. If you enjoy music and like good food I would highly recommend BB kings. Pros: close to band, great sound, good food more
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B.B. King 10/3/2002

I went on a night where there was some 'old timer' act performing so the crowd was older. Also the tables are really small and cramped, although you have a good view of the stage. I didn't think the food was very impressive though. more
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awsome show BUT ... 9/22/2002

We went on September 19th. Great show. It was only $18 for two great bands. Caberet seating isn't problem. They tell you it will be that way and it says it on the table. That's cool. Also, $10 minimum at the tables is not a problem. Again, it's clear. BUT, don't sit at Table 80. The camera man set up his tripod literally underneath my friend's chair. If you move (at all) it wiggles the camera. He doesn't stay with the camera so if you move he runs over and then threatens to make you pay if you move again. JERK! Then he moved it under my chair. I MEAN UNDERNEATH! We left the table and went down to the dance floor. I would have preferred the table, but didn't feel like dealing with the cameraman/jacka**. Also, our waiter was nice, but S-L-O-W. Pros: Great Sound, $18 for 2 great bands, easy to get to Cons: Camerman, plastic cups!, slow waiter more
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Always Over Booked!!! Sardines in a can! 8/12/2002

Will never step my feet in there again. They enjoy people being miserable. They over book all their concert events. There are much better places. Thanks! Pros: Good Bands Cons: Overbooked, Too Crowded, Service Sucks more
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Too Slick for THE BLUES! 8/11/2002

Too much like a corporate/Disney version of a blues bar. Uptight door and seating policy, poor service, and expensive yet mediocre food would not lead me to recommend. Where have places like Manny's Car Wash and Chicago BLUES gone? These places had character and provided great blues at a resonable price. more
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EXCELLENT PLACE TO BE 8/11/2002

BB KING IS A GREAT PLACE TO MEET PEOPLE AND ENTERTAIN GUEST FROM OUT OF TOWN. more
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Something for everybody 7/26/2002

I had 2 different experiences the 2x I went. The 1st was great. I never heard about the band before but they were entertaining and fun. They weren't that popular, so there were plenty of seats for everyone. The next time was when Tweet was performig with Glenn Lewis. The place was so packed. There were standing room only. While Lewis performed I was bored to tears and wasn't pleased I had to stand on top of that. Tweet was next, but I was so tired by then I couldn't get into it. If you want a good time at this place go when there are seats. You'll have a more relaxing and mellow time. Pros: relaxing, good music more
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Eat & Groove 7/21/2002

At B.B. King Blues Club & Grill you can eat soul food and groove to the music. The Club is very cozy and there is no bad seat. The musical groups are outstanding and the oldies musicial groups does bring back memories. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill will provide a fine evening out for all. Pros: Cozy, Service, Food Cons: Too Dark to Eat, Add'l Drink Minimum more
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The Place to BE 7/21/2002

Went there to see Robby Krieger, Chuck Berry and the man himself -- B.B. King.. and it's the only place to be in NY to here some great music. Pros: great atmosphere, small place, reasonably priced Cons: no smoking at tables, drinks are expensive more
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great place 7/19/2002

Every seat was occupied, the the place was pumping and I had one of the best night in a while. Pros: great atmosphere, bb himself more
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Best Club in NYC 7/2/2002

I go to shows at BBs every week. There are no tourists there. It is a classy place filled with locals in a tourist district. I hate the other clubs where it is filled with smoke and I have to stand. The prices here are very reasonable. I just don't like people complaining about this place. BBs has changed the live music scene in NYC for the better. Pros: Atmosphere, good sight lines, good sound Cons: expensive to park more
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Are these people kidding? 6/25/2002

Times Square is always cheezy, but this was the lamest. Unfortunately, it's the only place in town where you can see certain acts. The food is an utter rip-off, totally overpriced, sub-mediocre American fare. Problem is, you have to get there early to get a table, so you're basically screwed. Drinks are also overpriced, the space is touristy and cold---I would never go back no matter who was playing. Did I mention that tables for four have 6 people jammned into them? Did I mention that the tourist factor is through the roof? Did I mention the waitstaff harrasses you constantly in hopes of running up the night's tab? Pros: good acts Cons: bad food, too expensive, crappy more
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Musicians Dream Venue! 6/18/2002

I went to the club w/ a couple guys from my band to see a show. First off, you can't beat the free tix for signing up for the mailing list! Then, this is a musicians dream: the stage is huge, great pro sound system, and video projection to boot. It sounds great! The drink prices and service are about on par with other jazz and rock clubs in NYC, i.e. expensive and not great. With the acts that play this huge club like, it's all about the vibe anyway. Forget the extras and listen to the music at B.B. King. Pros: sound, sound, sound! more
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Very Nice Club 5/23/2002

I have been to this club many times and every show has been a great experience. The venue is large enough to fit many fans, but still intimate enough for a great show. The food is tasy and the atmosphere and service were friendly to me. This club also has been pulling in great acts like James Brown, B.B. King (the man himself), and upcoming will be Chuck Berry (I can't wait!). I'm really looking forward to the Tweet & Glenn Lewis show this Sunday...See you there! more
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