About The Paper Box
The Paper Box was a unique independently-owned arts complex in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn . Housed in a repurposed one-story warehouse (built in 1920) , it featured three interconnected indoor/outdoor event spaces . It became known as a hub of Williamsburg’s creative music and art scene, hosting everything from live indie-rock and electronic concerts to theater, performance art and gallery shows . In its prime it could draw “hundreds of lucky fans” to a single event . As a raw, industrial-chic venue with a high loft ceiling and exposed-brick walls, The Paper Box had a gritty, DIY atmosphere that fans loved for its cool, friendly vibe . (Note: as of mid-2023 the venue has been closed permanently , so new visitors can appreciate it now mainly as a part of Williamsburg history.)
Events and Programming
The Paper Box hosted a wide variety of events. It regularly presented live music concerts spanning genres — from local indie rock bands and experimental jazz to electronic and hip-hop DJ nights. The space also accommodated performance art, theater productions, and community gatherings. For example, in 2016 the band *lespecial* threw an all-night mini-festival there to a crowd of “hundreds” of enthusiastic fans . It even served as a meet-up spot for local art happenings (like Go! Brooklyn’s artist open-studio roadshow) . Recurring weekly or monthly nights often included DJ dance parties with regional DJs and themed music nights (from indie-leaning “arts” parties to more club-oriented house or techno sets). In essence, The Paper Box was a multi-night club/show calendar where each week might feature a different local or touring act. Historical ticket prices were generally modest — many events were in the \$10–20 range. For instance, one all-day indie festival event listed only a \$10 cover . (Larger headline shows could cost more, up to maybe \$25–30, but indie performances often stayed on the lower end of that scale.)
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for events at The Paper Box were typically sold online through standard ticket platforms and occasionally at the door. When active, the venue did not have a traditional box office window; instead patrons usually bought tickets in advance from authorized sellers (or on-site via a ticket kiosk) as event dates approached. As noted, cover charges were generally affordable—around \$10-$20 for most nights . Popular shows would be listed weeks ahead of time, and big events often sold out quickly. For the biggest concerts, fans were advised to buy early online. Now that The Paper Box is closed , ticket sales have ceased altogether. But historically, for sold-out events people might monitor authorized resale or mailing lists, and door sales (when offered) often charged a small premium. In summary, there was no physical box office to line up at: fans normally secured tickets digitally and presented either a printed ticket or mobile pass at the entry door.
Seating and Layout
The Paper Box had no fixed seating—its floor was chiefly open for standing and dancing. The main warehouse hall contained a performance stage at one end, and the audience generally stood on the open floor. Best viewing spots were typically near the stage for the full experience, or further back for a slightly mellower vantage. Some portions of the venue could be set up with a few lounge chairs or limited folding seating near the edges. In very small or acoustic shows, portable chairs might be arranged, but for most rock and club nights it was general-admission standing-room-only. In addition, the venue included an attached outdoor courtyard and back patio area (one of its “three indoor and outdoor spaces” ). For events spilling outside, some guests would hang out on the patio as a casual viewing spot. Acoustic-wise, the high-ceiling industrial space had a lively, echoey sound; the house PA was powerful (one reviewer noted a Funktion One-style system, though opinions varied on the mix). There were no blinds or balconies inside, so for those sensitive to loud volumes, the back patio or near the entrance provided a break. In general, the layout rewarded those up front for an immersive show, but the entire floor was accessible and there were no obstructed-view zones as in seated theaters. The venue did include a staffed coat check for jackets and bags to keep the show floor clear.
Getting There and Parking
The Paper Box was located at 17 Meadow Street in Brooklyn (East Williamsburg), between Bogart and Waterbury Streets . This is just a few blocks east of Morgan Avenue. **Subway:** The closest subway stop was Morgan Avenue on the L train (exit onto Bogart Street, then walk a few blocks east). Alternatively, Jefferson Street on the M/J line is roughly the same distance to the southeast. Several bus routes also serve the area: notably the B24, Q54, Q59, and B57 all stop nearby . (For example, the B24 runs along Wyckoff Avenue a short walk away, and the Q54 crosses Bogart St.) **Driving:** Paid street parking in Williamsburg is very limited; Metered spots along Bogart and nearby side streets may be found, but spaces are few. PartySlate notes that the venue had “Street Parking” and even occasional “Valet Parking” options , meaning some events arranged paid valet service. In practice, most visitors booked yellow cabs or rideshares. If driving, allow extra time to circle for a spot or use nearby lot garages (there are a couple of small parking lots on Lee Ave/Flushing Ave 0.5–1mi away). **Rideshare/Drop-off:** A convenient drop-off point was on Bogart Street near Meadow (just off the main intersection). From the Morgan Av L station, one could walk east on Bogart St and south on Meadow. In all cases, plan extra travel time on weekend nights when service and parking can be slower.
Inside the Venue
Upon entering The Paper Box, guests passed by a small reception or ticket counter. There was typically a security/ID check at the door. The interior atmosphere was artsy and energetic: exposed brick walls often adorned with murals or art displays, colored stage lighting or strobe lights overhead, and industrial fixtures. The main room featured a long bar along one side wall serving beer, wine, and mixed drinks. (One patron later noted the bar sometimes closed earlier than expected during a party , so plan accordingly if you want last-call drinks.) Bathrooms were available inside but could have long lines on a busy night. Coat check (complimentary or for a small fee) was provided at coat check windows so that guests could securely store jackets and larger bags. The venue usually offered free Wi-Fi for guests , and cell/data signal was generally okay in the open space. Merchandise tables for bands or events often lined one wall near the stage. The overall vibe was casual and communal, with a dance floor and spare seating around the edges. The designers even listed amenities like a kosher kitchen and pet-friendly policies , reflecting the venue’s flexible use for everything from community gatherings to private parties. In short, The Paper Box felt more like a lived-in warehouse art loft than a nightclub or theater, which fans found charming.
Nearby Amenities
The East Williamsburg neighborhood around The Paper Box had many of the essentials. For pre-show dining or post-show late-night food, there were casual eateries a few blocks away. One local favorite was Swallow Cafe at 49 Bogart Street (American comfort food) . Nearby on Morgan Avenue and Bogart Street you could also find bagel shops, pizza by-the-slice counters, and Thai or Mexican takeout spots – the kinds of places open late for a quick bite. For drinks or nightcaps there was a cluster of hip bars and breweries within walking distance. (For example, many weekend crowds checked out Stevens Bar, Grindhaus Brew Lab, or Santo’s along Morgan/Bogart). The larger Wythe Avenue corridor, about a 10-minute walk northwest, offered more bars and restaurants as well. In general, Williamsburg is described as a wave of the city’s “indie boutiques, trendy eateries, and hip bars” , so visitors at The Paper Box had plenty of nearby spots for coffee, craft beer, or casual dining. If you need a quick coffee, bodegas and cafe stands are common on corner lots around the neighborhood. Nearby lodging options also abound: budget to boutique hotels like Pod Brooklyn (247 Metropolitan Ave ), The Penny Williamsburg (288 N 8th St ), and The Hoxton Williamsburg (97 Wythe Ave ) lie within a mile, with larger names like the William Vale and Arlo a short drive away.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Paper Box stood out for its gritty, industrial character and role in the community. It wasn’t a flashy corporate arena but a lovingly upcycled warehouse that embodied the DIY spirit of Brooklyn’s music scene. Its multi-functional layout (three interconnected bays including an outdoor patio) allowed it to host everything from sweaty dance parties to open-air arts festivals. The friendly, down-to-earth crowd was often noted in reviews – one visitor praised the “cool vibe and friendly people” at their first NYC party there . It also earned a reputation as an inclusive spot: wheelchair-accessible facilities were available , and surprisingly the venue was even pet-friendly for well-behaved animals at events (a rare feature for a music hall). Over its decade of operation, The Paper Box became woven into Williamsburg lore. It saw countless local bands get their start and hosted annual community events (for example, arts orgs like Go! Brooklyn used it as a meetup ). Staff and performers liked it because it was intimate yet adaptable, and audiences liked it for its authenticity – one said it drew a “great crowd” and was “not pretentious” . In short, it mattered to the local scene as a creative home and memorable backdrop for the area’s nightlife. It was a place artists and fans loved precisely because it felt like a real part of the neighborhood’s cultural fabric.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The space was wheelchair-friendly with a ground-floor layout and ADA-compliant entrance. However, as a one-story warehouse it had concrete floors and some steps/kinks at entrances, so elevator/lift needs are minimal but navigational caution is prudent. What to Bring: Always carry your ID (proof of age) as nearly every event required it for admission, and bring a printed or digital ticket. A small bag or backpack is fine (there was coat/bag check), but large loose items can slow you at the entrance. Dress Code: The venue was very casual – no formal attire needed. Clubs may suggest “smart casual,” but most people wear jeans and cool tops. However, avoid excessively loose clothing or jewelry that could get snagged in a crowd. Pushy attire hints (costumes, elaborate fashion) were generally welcomed if it fit the show’s vibe. Age Restrictions: Most evening/night events were 21+ due to the bar license (NY law), though some earlier concerts or community shows might allow 18+ with ID. Under-16s would likely be turned away at night. Phones and Cameras: Smartphone photos and video were typically allowed (no flash, out of courtesy). Professional cameras or camcorders usually required press approval. As a general rule, yard-sign or large tripods were not permitted on the dance floor. Food & Drink Policy: Outside food or beverages were not allowed after entry. There was always a bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails inside, so plan to purchase refreshments there. Coat & Belongings: A staffed coat check was available , so guests often checked jackets and extra bags. For convenience, wear comfortable shoes (dancing/standing). Noise & Lighting: The sound level could be very loud at concerts, so earplugs can help if you’re sensitive. Lighting could be dim or use strobes—move to the back patio for a quieter, well-lit break. Crowd & Timing: The crowd was mixed but generally friendly. Avoid arriving at the very last minute – for most gigs the music starts somewhat promptly. If there’s a cover charge, lines form earlier in the night, so arriving about 15 minutes before doors can secure a good spot. Lastly, check dancefloor etiquette: spaces near the stage are lively (dancing encouraged), while near the back people often chat. Respect other fans and the space.
Is The Paper Box still open or operating shows?
No. The Paper Box closed permanently in the early 2020s . It no longer hosts any events or ticket sales. All information here pertains to the period when it was active. Always verify a venue’s current status before planning a visit.
How many people could the venue accommodate (capacity)?
The Paper Box was relatively small. It typically held on the order of a few hundred people at most. In one reported event (a full-day festival) it drew “hundreds of lucky fans” in attendance . A rough estimate is a capacity of 300–500 people. The space was never as large as a major concert hall – it was a cozy, intimate setting by design.
What types of events were held there?
The Paper Box hosted a wide range of arts events. Mostly it was known for live music: local indie and experimental bands, electronic/DJ dance parties, hip-hop shows, and so on. It also served as a small theater or performance art space. For example, a local indie band’s annual mini-festival was held there in 2016 to great acclaim . The venue also hosted community meetups and gallery nights (e.g. a Go!Brooklyn open-studio event took place there in 2012 ). In short, expect anything from rock and EDM concerts to live art or comedy performances. It never hosted large touring arena acts; instead it was a hub for up-and-coming and niche artists in Brooklyn.
Where exactly is (was) the venue located?
It was at 17 Meadow Street in Brooklyn, New York (11206) . This is on the East Williamsburg side (between Bogart and Waterbury Streets). In practice you’d look for Meadow Street just east of Morgan Avenue. Sadly, if using online maps today you’ll see it marked as permanently closed. But historically that was the site of The Paper Box.
What’s the best subway or bus to take?
The closest subway stop was Morgan Avenue on the L train. From the Morgan Av station, walk two blocks east along Bogart Street to get to Meadow. The Jefferson Street station (M train) is also nearby if coming from Brooklyn–Queens. Several bus lines stop in the area as well: most notably the B24 and Q59 run a couple blocks north on Wyckoff, and the Q54 crosses Bogart・Meadow . (Check the MTA map for current schedules.)
Was there any parking available?
Street parking in Williamsburg is extremely limited. There were a few metered spots on nearby side streets, but they filled up quickly. The venue’s own listing did note “Street Parking” and sometimes provided event valet service , but in reality fans mostly took transit or rideshare. If you drove, expect to hunt for a spot or pay for a commercial parking garage a block or two away. Uber/Lyft drop-off on Bogart Street was generally the easiest option.
How much did tickets cost?
Tickets were very affordable for most shows. Many events had $10–$15 entry prices. For example, one all-day music festival there listed just a $10 cover . Standard concerts usually ranged from about $15 up to the low $20s. Even the higher-priced shows rarely exceeded \$30. (Of course, now the venue is closed and no longer selling tickets.)
Were there reserved seats or was it general admission?
It was general admission (standing room) almost exclusively. There were no fixed assigned seats in the main hall. Concert-goers stood or danced on an open floor. For certain acoustic nights, a few chairs might be set up, but those were the exception. If you needed a seat, try arriving very early and snagging one of any available folding chairs or resting-points along the walls.
Is there a dress code?
No strict dress code. Attendees typically dressed casually (jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, etc.). Some nights might mention a theme or encourage costumes for fun parties, but otherwise come in whatever feels comfortable. Just avoid anything too formal; most people were in streetwear or relaxed outfits. Keep in mind the venue can get warm on the dance floor, so many preferred lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes.
Are children allowed or is there an age limit?
Most late-night events were 21+ due to the on-site bar and liquor license, so children and teens were generally not admitted after dark. Some earlier-afternoon or all-ages shows (often advertised as 18+) might have been allowed with ID. Always check the event listing: if it says 21+, under-21s would be turned away. In practice, expect any gig that goes past 8PM to be restricted to 21+ with ID.
Can I bring a camera or smartphone?
Yes – smartphone cameras and small point-and-shoot cameras were usually fine (as long as you don’t block the crowd). Flash photography was discouraged during performances. Professional DSLR cameras or video cameras typically required prior permission from the promoters. In short, feel free to take personal photos, but don’t set up tripods or do unauthorized recording.
Can I bring in outside food or drinks?
No. Outside food, alcohol or beverages were not allowed past the entrance. The Paper Box had a bar selling drinks and sometimes a food vendor or leftover snacks. Bringing in your own food or drink would violate policy, so plan to eat beforehand or buy inside. Water bottles for hydration might be fine, but anything beyond that should be purchased at the venue’s concession.
Did the venue have its own bar or food available?
Yes. Inside there was at least one full bar serving beer, wine, cocktails and simple mixers. Prices were typical for NYC concert venues (a beer or well drink around \$7–10). They did not have a full kitchen for made-to-order meals, but often there were ready snacks (pretzels, bagels) or occasional food carts during special events. Most people got drinks at the bar; quick bites were grabbed at one of the delis or pizza shops a block or two away either before or after the show.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it was. The Paper Box was on one level with a grade-level entry, and it listed “Handicap Accessible” as an amenity . Wheelchair users could roll inside and access the main spaces. Of course, the floor could be crowded, so getting close to the stage might be difficult in a dense crowd. But entrances, restrooms on-site, and the layout were all navigable for those with mobility needs.
Is there a coat check or storage for belongings?
Yes. The venue provided a staffed coat check . You could leave jackets, scarves, and larger bags at the check-in counter for a small fee (or sometimes for free). This let you move freely on the dance floor without holding onto bulky items. Valuables should still be kept on your person or zipped up, but beyond that the coat check handled most outerwear.
Was Wi-Fi available inside?
Yes. According to the venue listing, free Wi-Fi was available . In practice, service could be spotty once the crowd was packed in, but you could usually get a signal near the bar or entrance. It provided a quick way to check apps or messages between sets.
Are pets allowed inside during events?
Surprisingly, yes – The Paper Box listed itself as “Pet Friendly” in its amenities . In other words, well-behaved leashed dogs were permitted. (This is unusual for a music venue but reflects its community-oriented nature.) If you have a calm pet and it’s a relatively low-key event, bringing your dog was allowed.
