What is the capacity of The Paper Box?
The venue was quite intimate: around 200 people standing or about 150 in a seated configuration . This made it much smaller than big Brooklyn clubs, which is part of its charm. After 2020 it reopened as The Meadows with an expanded footprint (450-capacity with two stages) .
Where is The Paper Box located?
It’s at 17 Meadow Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206 (East Williamsburg/Bushwick). The address is between Bogart St and Waterbury Ave. Use Google Maps for “17 Meadow St, Brooklyn” or set your GPS to the corner of Bogart and Meadow. Nearby cross streets are Berry St and Knickerbocker Ave as well.
How do I get to The Paper Box by public transit?
Take the **L train** to Morgan Ave (exit and walk south about 3 blocks) or to Grand St (walk Southeast about 4 blocks). You can also ride the **M**, **J**, or **Z** trains to Flushing/Montrose, then walk south on Bogart. The **B38** bus (Woodside-Astor) stops on Bogart near the venue. If coming from Manhattan, Ubers/Lyfts drop off at Bogart & Meadow. Always double-check current MTA maps or apps (subway and bus) since service can vary.
Is there parking at The Paper Box? What are the costs?
Street parking is limited. Some metered spots along Bogart and side streets (usually paid until evening). Many people find free street parking on parallel side streets or after 7pm (check signs carefully). Often there’s a small fee on Broadway until 6-8pm, but side streets tend to have free residential parking late night. Nearby lots exist but can be pricey (~$15–$20). During peak hours it’s easiest to use transit to avoid parking hassles.
What are the nearest subway stops or buses?
The closest subway is the **L line** (Grand or Morgan Ave stations, roughly 0.5 miles away). The **M/J/Z** at Montrose/Flushing Ave are each about a 10–12 minute walk. Bus routes include the B38 and B60 along Broadway or Morgan. Overnight there’s also the B38-SBS or the M14 in Manhattan. Rideshares can drop you off at the corner of Bogart and Meadow if needed.
Are there parking garages or valet options?
No dedicated garage or on-site parking. On busy nights the venue has arranged limited valet service or nearby lot access, but normally visitors rely on street parking . The neighborhood is mostly industrial, so street parking spots fill quickly after shows start. Valet may be available through third-party event planners occasionally, but it’s best to park early or use transit.
Where can I eat or drink near The Paper Box?
There are plenty of choices within a few blocks. **Bahia** (Bogart St) is a popular Southwestern/Latin spot, **Sweetcatch** or **Gypsy Pizza** do pizza and salads, and several bodegas offer quick snacks. A short walk leads to more restaurants and bars in Williamsburg on Grand/Bedford. On-site, The Paper Box had a full bar with craft beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic options. You can eat there only light fare (drinks, chips, perhaps a pretzel), so most fans have a meal before the show.
Are there BYO or meal services inside the venue?
No. Outside food or drink is not permitted inside The Paper Box. The venue only sells beverages (beer, wine, cocktails) and sometimes small snacks. Some events have food trucks or vendors outside on the weekends. It’s smarter to dine nearby beforehand; then enjoy drinks at the venue.
Is The Paper Box wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The ground-floor entrance and main hall are wheelchair-accessible, and the venue advertised “handicap accessible” facilities . There’s no change in elevation inside, and accessible restrooms were provided. Staff can help accommodate seating for wheelchairs near the stage. (Note that The Meadows reinforcement has continued full ADA compliance in the same space.)
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Often, yes. If a show isn't sold out, tickets are typically available at the door (cash or card). However, for popular gigs it’s safer to buy online in advance. The venue’s events page or promoters usually list if door sales will be available and at what time. House capacity was small, so “sold out” signs often went up early on buzzworthy nights.
Are there seating or VIP sections?
The Paper Box was mostly general admission standing. There was no formal “VIP lounge,” though the bar area offered some raised seats. Often bands reserved the first few bar stools or tables as VIP. For small private events (weddings, etc.), the space could be reconfigured with rented chairs. But in normal club mode, expect a room you stand in and mingle – just try to get near the front for the best view, or gather around the bar lounge for a relaxed seating spot.
Is the backyard open for concerts?
Yes, there was a small outdoor stage in the rear yard. Many “daytime” or multi-band festivals used it. On warm evenings the venue would open the back doors and extend a second stage or DJ booth in the backyard. It’s not heated, of course, so only used in spring/summer or during special events. The Meadows renovation kept the outdoor stage concept, using the backyard for similar purposes .
What was The Paper Box before it was a music venue?
Originally it was an industrial building for paper box manufacturing – hence the name. By the time it became The Paper Box venue, much of the original factory equipment was gone, but the building’s character remained. Owners preserved the original floors, windows, and even some industrial decorations to honor that history. Visitors often remarked on its “big warehouse space” feel, which dates back to its factory days .
When did The Paper Box open and is it still open today?
The Paper Box opened around late 2012/early 2013 (Bushwick press noted it was “less-than one year old” by mid-2013 ). It remained active through the 2010s. However, the venue closed under that name during the pandemic. In 2021 the space was relaunched as **The Meadows**, a sister venue under the same ownership . If you are looking for live shows at 17 Meadow St now, search for The Meadows instead. The new incarnation has a larger 450-person capacity and continues a similar schedule of concerts and events.
Are children allowed at The Paper Box?
Most nights were 18+ or 21+ due to alcohol service and loud music. Any all-ages shows (like afternoon family events or open mic nights) were rare and specifically noted on event posters. There was no formal children’s section and little seating for kids. If a parent wishes to attend, check the event description first. In practice, The Paper Box was geared toward adult audiences.
What’s the acoustic/sound quality like?
Generally very good. The Paper Box was equipped with a professional PA system, and one reviewer praised its “great sound system” (and “tons of lights”) . The space’s concrete walls can add some echo, but experienced engineers usually dialed it in well. You could hear clearly in most parts of the room. However, if you’re standing directly against side walls or far back in the yard, you might miss some bass impact. Bringing earplugs is recommended on loud rock or DJ nights, as the club can get quite loud up front.
Does The Paper Box offer coat check or other services?
Yes. For rainy nights or winter shows they typically ran a coat check at the entrance . Other amenities noted by the venue included free Wi-Fi inside and even occasional snacks or water for purchase. The neighborhood is industrial, so on high-demand nights they sometimes rented extra bathrooms or provided shuttle/wait staff for bigger events. Most people found the standard coat check and bar staff sufficient for their needs.
What is the dress code at The Paper Box?
There was no formal dress code – come as you are. The vibe is casual/creative. Many patrons dressed in trendy or punk/rock fashion, especially on theme nights, but jeans and T-shirts were perfectly fine too. The important part is durable shoes (the floor is concrete and can be slippery). Do note that on very cold nights you might want layers, since the space was partly unheated, until the crowd warmed it up.
