About Kingsland Bar & Grill
Kingsland Bar & Grill was a compact live-music restaurant and bar in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (269 Norman Ave) that became a hub of Brooklyn’s underground hardcore, metal, and punk scenes. According to listings, it opened in 2017 (citytocitymarket.com). The venue occupied about 2,500 sq ft on the ground floor (plus a 1,250 sq ft basement and 1,250 sq ft rooftop terrace) (streeteasy.com). Inside, patrons recall an industrial-chic space with exposed brick and a long mahogany bar, casual tables, low lighting and an intimate stage. A key feature was the brick‐oven pizza kitchen (fresh artisan pizzas served to order) (citytocitymarket.com), alongside burgers, wings, sandwiches and other pub fare. Overall the Kingsland blended a restaurant and bar atmosphere with live rock shows (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com) (citytocitymarket.com). It held roughly 100–150 people (the seating was mostly standing with a small dining area and limited seating by the bar) – an “underground” club vibe that local fans loved. For years it drew both Greenpoint locals and fans from across the city (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com).
Despite its relatively recent start, Kingsland Bar & Grill built a reputation over seven years as a “vibrant gem” in Brooklyn’s nightlife (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com). It was often cited for its friendly, inclusive atmosphere (combining good food and drink with live music) (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com). In a neighborhood now known for artisanal restaurants and bars, Kingsland stood out for this mix of hearty bar food and heavy music. Brooklyn literary listings note that its opening helped anchor Greenpoint’s evolving arts scene – after decades as an industrial/Polish district, Greenpoint’s nightlife and music scene has “burgeoned in recent years” as nearby Williamsburg developed (streeteasy.com), and Kingsland was part of that wave of new venues. Many patrons fondly remember the rustic décor (wood accents, tiled floors, graffiti art) and the friendly crowd. Unfortunately, the club’s run ended in 2024 (see below), but for its operating years it was notable for melding restaurant ambience with underground shows (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com) (citytocitymarket.com).
Events and Programming
Kingsland Bar & Grill was best known for its eclectic lineup of live events. Typically the calendar was filled with rock, metal and hardcore bands (both local acts and touring groups), as well as DJ nights and even occasional non-music events. The promoters (“Kingsland Presents”) focused on punk, hardcore, thrash, death metal and related genres. Lineups often ranged from old-school acts to newer bands in the scene (citytocitymarket.com). For example, city guides list classic metal and punk names that played Kingsland: Cro-Mags, Sheer Terror, Electric Frankenstein, The Dead Kennedys’ D.H. Peligro’s band The Dicks, The Queers, The Zero Boys, and modern hard rock bands like Jinjer and UADA (citytocitymarket.com). Hardcore and metal nights were common – one review noted it was “a key player in the Brooklyn metal scene” (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com). The venue also hosted novelty and crossover acts. For instance, Okilly Dokilly (a Nirvana-themed metal band) played a show there in April 2022 (lineapp.live), and mathcore band Car Bomb headlined in October 2019 (lineapp.live). In 2018, Kingsland even served as a stage for part of Brooklyn’s Northside Festival (showcasing indie headliners) (lineapp.live).
Shows were typically scheduled several nights a week, often on weekends (Thursdays, Fridays, or alternate nights instead of Saturdays, per the special event schedule). Crowds of 50–150 would pack in for bigger shows; smaller local punk gigs drew under 50. As a general admission venue, Kingsland had no formal seating sections – the best views were close to the stage or at the bar. The sound system was reportedly very good for its size (fans mention the “excellent sound quality” and loud bass) (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com), making it a favorite for bands that care about audio. The house lights were typically dimmed during gigs, reinforcing the underground club feel. It was small enough that stage antics and crowd energy were up-close. Over the years Kingsland hosted a mix of touring headliners (even some internationally known acts) and local Brooklyn bands; in short, it offered a handpicked roster in punk, metal, hardcore and related styles (citytocitymarket.com) (brooklyneagle.com).
Ticket prices varied by event, but most Kingsland concerts were modestly priced. Early shows for emerging bands might be under $20, while bigger headliner tickets could run $20–$30. Some special events (club residencies, anniversary parties, New Year’s Eve dance parties) could have cover in the $10–$20 range. Occasionally events sold out, so locals learned to grab presale tix quickly or arrive early at the door. For in-demand dates (a big punk reunion or metal tour stop), fans often joined mailing lists or followed Kingsland’s social pages to get advance notice. Box-office style sales were limited (the venue itself had no separate box office window open all day), so most tickets were bought online (through event websites or promoter pages) or at will-call. Door sales were common when available – but for popular shows, likely sold out. (No major ticketing platform exclusively served Kingsland, so one had to use whatever event listing was up – but all were low-key.) In short, planning was similar to other NYC DIY venues: expect to pay via smartphone (or cash at door), arrive early for a good spot, and keep an eye on Facebook/ResidentAdvisor/event sites for announcements.
Tickets and Booking
To attend a show, tickets were usually sold through the event promoter or on-site box office the night of the event. Many Kingsland events were listed on gig guides and social media rather than a central ticket portal, so band or promoter pages (including Kingsland’s own channels) were the best places to watch. For regular patrons, keeping track of Kingsland’s email list or Facebook page was recommended. Once tickets went on sale, they often sold quickly for hardcore or metal headliners. The venue itself didn’t have a 24/7 box office, so tickets weren’t typically available in advance by phone or at the door day-of. Instead, fans either prepaid online (using an event page or promoter link) or, when available, bought tickets right at the door the night of the show. Door price was usually similar to online price (no steep “service fees”), so it wasn’t uncommon to simply line up at the venue early. There was generally no reserved seating; all shows were general admission first-come-first-served. (Because of the small capacity, some very popular gigs encouraged arriving early, and some turned away latecomers if full.)
As a tip, local regulars often waited until closer to the date to confirm if tickets remained for sale – if an event had spots left, the venue would announce it. Otherwise, some shows offered limited presales through promoters, typically easily found via a quick web search for “Concert title + Kingsland Brooklyn” a few weeks in advance. In summary: tickets could be obtained through the usual channels (online presale, at-the-door sales, event listings), and for the hottest acts it paid to buy early.
Seating and Layout
Kingsland’s layout was straightforward: a main bar area at the front and a small stage at the rear (with limited back-of-house room). Walk in, and you saw the wood-paneled bar with seating, tile floors, and a few high tables. The stage sat against the back wall; for some concerts the DJ booth or band equipment was right at floor level. The main concert area was open-standing-room. There were no fixed rows or assigned seats. A few stools or benches lined the sides or back wall, but most attendees stood. The upstairs/terrace and basement were not typically used for audience viewing (those were more for dining or storage). In practice, fans learned which spots gave the best view: those dead-center or front-right of stage tended to see better (though speakers could be loud there), and some counted on leaning atop the bar for a clear line to the band. The bar itself could serve as an elevation – patrons sometimes stood on the raised bar footrest for a view. Veterans also noted a partial balcony or high vantage along one wall (if present) where latecomers might squeeze in. Because space was tight, the acoustic environment was very near the bands – you could feel the bass through the floor. (Many advised earplugs just to be safe, due to proximity to the speakers.)
Sound-wise, the system was praised for clarity. One review specifically mentioned “excellent sound quality, creating an immersive experience” (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com). Lighting was typical of small clubs – often colored or backlit on stage, minimal front lights on the audience. Since the venue had a ceiling height of about 15–20 feet, it never felt cavernous; it remained a tight, claustrophobic rock cave that fans relished. The décor and layout lent a somewhat “divey” feel (wood paneling, wall art, a few couch seats in front), but it was cleaner than a true dive bar. There was no large video projection or elaborate lighting rig – just a basic setup so the music took center stage. Latecomers often stood at the bar or periphery to avoid blocking sightlines for others.
Getting There and Parking
Kingsland Bar & Grill’s address was 269 Norman Avenue in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (near the Manhattan Avenue intersection) (streeteasy.com). This is on Greenpoint’s western edge bordering Williamsburg under the north side of the Manhattan Bridge. The easiest way to get there was by public transit. Nearby subway stations include the G train: the closest stops are Nassau Avenue (G train, ~0.5 miles south) or Greenpoint Avenue (G train, ~0.6 miles southwest). The L train could be used by walking from the Lorimer Street station (G/L lines, ~0.8 miles away) or Graham Avenue (L only, ~0.9 miles). In simple terms, ride the G train to either Nassau or Greenpoint Avenue and walk about 10–12 minutes east on Norman Ave, or ride the L train to Lorimer and walk north to Norman. (StreetEasy maps show these distances (streeteasy.com).) In addition, NYC’s East River ferry service stops at India Street Landing (~1.0 mile away), which was about a 15–20 minute walk along riverside streets (streeteasy.com). Several MTA buses also served Manhattan Avenue (the cross street), notably the B62 and B43 routes; one could catch them and walk a couple blocks west to the bar.
Driving/car service was less convenient due to limited parking. There was no private lot for the bar; visitors usually parked on nearby side streets. Most spots on Manhattan, Franklin or West Streets were metered or had alternate-side rules. Some side streets (truly in Greenpoint) offered a few hours of free parking overnight, but these are limited. A taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) drop-off could be arranged directly on Norman Ave right in front of the bar’s entrance. Note that traffic in Greenpoint can be slow after shows let out, and cabs were scarce at late hours. Always check posted parking signs and meters; many of the blocks around Manhattan and Norman Ave have time-limited metered parking or resident-only spots. For a full list of transit options and parking guidelines, city transit maps or parking apps would be useful. In practice, most attendees relied on the subway or rideshare due to scarce parking around the club.
Inside the Venue
Entering Kingsland was straightforward. Staff typically checked IDs at the door (for 21+ shows) or required ticket confirmation, and might do a bag check for larger events. Inside, the atmosphere was casual and high-energy. The wood bar ran along one wall, offering beers, liquor, and specialty cocktails (often with a rock‐‘n’‐roll flair) (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com). Bartenders mixed both standard cocktails and house creations; drink specials sometimes coincided with event nights. The bar menu included draft and bottled beers (often with a couple local craft beers on tap) and a range of spirits for shots. Patrons could order food anytime from the kitchen: among popular items were slice‐by‐slice pizzas from the brick oven, cheeseburgers, chicken wings (buffalo or BBQ style), salads and sandwiches (citytocitymarket.com). The prices were typical of a casual NYC bar – pizza slices around $5–$8, burgers $12–$15, and cocktails $10–$15.
The general vibe inside was friendly and inclusive. The Wheree review described it as “blending the excitement of live music with a diverse culinary experience,” and indeed you could eat, drink and talk on one side of the room and still feel like part of the show (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com). People often mingled in the back area in between sets. Table seating was minimal; most eaters sat at a few front tables or on stools at the back of the room. Free tap water was usually available at the bar. There was no coat check service, so guests typically carried coats or left them under tables or over chairs near the walls. Restroom facilities were on-site: Kingsland did have at least one wheelchair-accessible restroom (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com) (though the entrance was a few steps up from street level, so double-check if necessary). Even when crowded, the space never felt completely stifling: the bar staff and security were noted to be attentive and professional, helping prevent any roughness and keeping the vibe safe for everyone. (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com)
The sound and lighting setup was straightforward but solid. The PA speakers were mounted to cover the room evenly, so even back-row listeners could hear clearly (users consistently praised the audio quality) (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com). Lighting was controlled from a booth to one side, featuring mostly stage washes and occasional colored lights. There were no giant video screens or special effects – it was about the music. In breaks between sets, the house DJ or taped playlist often kept the volume high to keep the crowd engaged. The flow inside also encouraged wandering: one side of the ground floor had the bar and a few high tables; the other side backed onto the stage. Fans could view the band from anywhere in the room, though the closest and best vantage was near the front-center by the stage. Back near the entrance/exit was the small merchandise table, where bands sold T-shirts and records. Because the place was small, fans could easily chat with performers or see celebrities if they dropped by. Overall, guests reported feeling part of a tight-knit underground community as they ate, drank and headbanged together under one roof.
Nearby Amenities
Greenpoint is a lively neighborhood with plenty around Kingsland. Just a few blocks away on Manhattan Avenue (to the north) are bars and eateries – for example, Paulie Gee’s famous slower-fermentation pizza parlor, and the casual dive Lot 45. A short walk south on Manhattan brings you to V&M restaurant (with Polish cuisine) and TacoChulo (Mexican fare). Nearby Franklin Street (a block south) has Icon Beach, a popular casual spot with burgers and wings, and Varnish on Green St. (speakeasy style bar) just a few minutes’ stroll. On Greenpoint Avenue (east of Manhattan), restaurants like Bunna Cafe (Ethiopian) and Grand Jury (fancy American) are open late for dinner. A popular snack spot is Peter Pan Donuts (652 Manhattan Ave, ~0.7 mi), open late evenings on performance nights – so some fans grabbed donuts before heading to Kingsland. For drinks, Barcade (70 N 11th St, ~1.5 mi) and McCarren Park Brewing Company (~1.2 mi) are well-known, though a taxi ride would be needed.
If you plan to catch a show from out of town or just want to stay nearby, there are a few local hotels. The Box House Hotel (36 Box Street, a loft-style boutique hotel) is only about 0.3 miles east, and The Box House’s apartments often rent by night. The Henry Norman (140 Franklin St) is a small German-themed hotel around 0.4 miles southeast. Aside from those, most hotel options are in Williamsburg just across the bridge (e.g. Wythe Hotel, East River Hotel) about 10–15 minutes away by cab or ferry. Public bicycles (Citi Bike stations) are also common in Greenpoint; one is on Manhattan & Norman, which can be handy. Late-night dining is limited, but some pizza and sandwich shops stay open until midnight or later; otherwise, consider grabbing food before the show. Obviously, if a concert ends after subway hours (post-midnight), taxi/Uber service will be needed – but note that Greenpoint can be slower for cabs, so plan accordingly.
What Makes This Venue Special
Kingsland Bar & Grill earned its place in Brooklyn music lore for several reasons. Architecturally and decoratively, it was a gritty yet cozy space that felt genuine – not a polished corporate venue. Its signature brick‐oven pizzas and solid bar menu made it more than just a club; it was somewhere friends could hang out even on non-show nights. Musically, Kingsland became one of the few true metal/punk clubrooms in North Brooklyn. After other famous underground venues (like Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn Heights) began closing, Kingsland stood out as a countryside bar dedicated to the heavy scene. Local press and blogs noted that when Saint Vitus shut down, Kingsland was “one of the long-running venues” holding the scene together (brooklyneagle.com). In fact, a September 2024 Brooklyn Eagle article specifically reported that Kingsland had “hosted countless international and local metal, hardcore, and other music artists” and was a true community hub (brooklyneagle.com). Many fans highlight that the Kingsland atmosphere felt more intimate and friendly than larger venues – you never waited in a huge line or felt disconnected from the band.
Some legendary nights are often recalled: for instance, the band D.R.I. (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles) headlined Kingsland in Aug 2024, drawing hardcore fans from all over (www.setlist.fm). The place even hosted punk icons during Brooklyn’s Northside Fest in 2018 (lineapp.live), and held entertaining grassroots parties like cosplay dance nights on NYE. The walls even sported a few murals and graffiti art made by touring bands or local painters, adding to its underground charm. In sum, Kingsland’s local traditions – from its annual Halloween show to impromptu all-night DJ sets – made it more than a bar. It was “the neighborhood bar where the metal crowd hangs out” (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com) (brooklyneagle.com). For artists and audiences alike, it offered a DIY ethos: bands could bring in gear, set up quickly, and play to a devoted crowd. This authenticity attracted both new acts wanting that classic club feel and veteran headliners looking for a gritty stage. In short, Kingsland made a name as neither a winery nor a fancy lounge but an old-school rock club that Brooklyn (and even NYU film students) would miss.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue had at least one wheelchair-accessible restroom (kingsland-bar-grill.wheree.com), but the entrances involved a short flight of steps and a narrow door. If you require full ADA range of motion, call ahead. Arrival: For major shows, aim to arrive early – at least a half-hour before doors – to secure a spot. Lines can form, and the room is small. The doors often opened 30–60 minutes before the advertised showtime on weeknights (sometimes earlier on Fridays). During sold-out shows, late entries might be limited. Age Policy: Kingsland was primarily a 21+ bar (with alcohol service); some concerts might have been all-ages if advertised, but typically expect to be 18+ or 21+. Always bring a valid photo ID. Bag/Item Policy: Standard concert rules applied: no large bags, weapons or outside beverages. Food you buy inside was fine, but eating your own meals was frowned upon. Dress Code: There was no formal dress code – casual attire (jeans, band T-shirts, hoodies) is totally fine. That said, wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely stand or stomp along during a show. Photography: Personal point-and-shoot photos or phone videos were usually okay for memories, but professional cameras might require permission. Flash photography was discouraged once the band played. If you’re in a mosh, be mindful of your device. Connectivity: Cell phone service (mostly Verizon and T-Mobile) worked fairly well inside; some AT&T users found spotty signal. There was no public Wi-Fi. If you need to use your phone (e.g. show schedule or catching a ride), step outside or into the front entry vestibule for better reception. Cash/Card: The bar accepted credit cards, but as with many bars, tipping with cash is appreciated. Some patrons recommend bringing a few dollars cash just in case. Late Night: Kingsland often held night shows that ran until 2–3AM. Be prepared for late subway or ferry schedules. The G train runs all night, but the L stops running around 1AM on weekdays (2AM on weekends), so plan a ride share accordingly. Neighborhood Safety: Greenpoint is generally safe at night, but stay aware after late shows (stick to well-lit streets or wait at the corner if needed). Always take an official cab or rideshare if you feel uneasy late at night.
Finally, insiders note a few extra tips: If you arrive hungry, try eating beforehand (some food stalls close by or pizza slices on the go); or use intermission to grab a quick bite (the bar did serve food until closing). The staff were friendly, so don’t hesitate to ask them about the band lineup for the night or how busy to expect it. Fans also suggest chatting up the regulars – Kingsland had a tight-knit community feel, and you might meet local scenesters who can share merchandise or insider news on upcoming shows. In short: come relaxed, with ear protection if you’re sensitive, with ID and a bit of cash or card for drinks, and you’ll be set to enjoy the raw Brooklyn concert experience that the Kingsland Bar & Grill offered.
