Elbo Room offers one of the city's better venues to see live music and consistently books bands that don't disappoint. But downstairs, which feels like someone's basement party, is where the magic happens.
Musical acts range in style from alternative rock to reggae to funk, post-punk and ska.
But whatever band is playing, there's usually a crowd of enthusiasts working up a sweat front. Except for the energy right in front of the stage, the crowd at the Elbo Room draws is laid-back and welcoming. The dark and cavernous interior tends to bring people together, as do sheer numbers on a busy night. And if moshing in front of the band isn't for you, striking up conversation with a stranger at the upstairs bar isn't unusual. Upstairs is a space for private parties that is occasionally open to the public for dancing.