About Sixty Sixth Congress
Sixty Sixth Congress is no longer open or trading under that name. The venue operated at 66 Greenpoint Avenue, between Franklin and West streets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Its last verified concert listings under the Sixty Sixth Congress name were in 2021. As of August 23, 2026, the address is occupied by Greenpoint Comedy Club, which opened in April 2026 and presents stand-up rather than the rock-focused programming associated with Sixty Sixth Congress. No events have been announced for 2026 or beyond under the former name.
The venue’s significance is best understood as part of a much longer nightlife history at 66 Greenpoint Avenue. The four-story commercial building dates to 1931, while its approximately 2,000-square-foot ground-floor entertainment space has repeatedly been adapted as a neighborhood bar, performance room, art space, dance floor, comedy club, and private-event venue. Its enduring arrangement is a welcoming front bar leading into a separate rear showroom.
CoCo66 established the address as a recognized Greenpoint nightlife destination when it opened in August 2005 inside a former ground-floor woodshop. Its original liquor license was issued in July 2005. The club mixed neighborhood-bar service with DJs, dancing, and live music, although noise complaints, capacity concerns, and licensing disputes complicated its history. A 2011 enforcement action closed it for nearly two years before it reopened in March 2013. A renovated bistro occupied the adjoining dining area in 2014.
The premises later hosted names and concepts including Bar Rachos and Tender Trap/Superchief. Tender Trap, launched at the address in the mid-2010s, combined a front bar, rear live room, DJ booth, rotating art, and even a small half-pipe, reflecting the skater, graffiti, and independent-art communities surrounding the project. State records show that some of these names were used without an authorized trade-name change, illustrating the informal and sometimes turbulent character of the space.
Sixty Sixth Congress emerged as the next music-venue identity in 2019. A new tavern application under that name appeared before the local community board in June, although concerts were already being advertised by May. It functioned primarily as a grassroots bar and general-admission performance room until pandemic restrictions interrupted its schedule in March 2020. Two later concert listings appear in May and June 2021, after which the name disappeared from active programming.
A new company began restoring the then-abandoned bar and performance space in September 2021. The resulting business operated from May 2022 as 66 Greenpoint and subsequently Nighthorse, regularly hosting DJs, music, parties, private events, and Doped Up Comedy Club in the rear room. Nighthorse closed abruptly in May 2025. Greenpoint Comedy Club then secured approval for comedy, live music, a bar, and patio service before opening on April 10 and 11, 2026.
Events and Programming
Sixty Sixth Congress booked an unusually broad mixture of punk, no wave, indie rock, ska, hip-hop, experimental music, local band bills, DJ nights, showcase competitions, and seasonal parties. It was not a formal theater with a fixed subscription season. Programming was promoter-led, frequently inexpensive, and suited to touring underground performers sharing a bill with New York acts. Typical advertised admission in 2019 was about $8 to $12, with some larger or specialized events priced differently.
Its most notable documented period was early 2020. Performers and bills included Kool Keith, Leftöver Crack, BODEGA, Live Skull, Lydia Lunch Retrovirus with the Art Gray Noizz Quintet, Cinema Cinema, Public Serpents, Inspecter 7, Mephiskapheles, ska and punk packages, emerging rappers, and Coast 2 Coast-style hip-hop showcases. The programming reveals a venue more interested in energetic subcultures and eclectic local scenes than polished mainstream touring productions.
The Lydia Lunch performance on March 13, 2020, is particularly memorable because it took place only days before New York City’s pandemic shutdown. Numerous shows remained in online concert databases for later March, April, and May 2020, but those listings should not be treated as completed performances. The only verified entries under the Sixty Sixth Congress name during 2021–2026 are Dayday on May 21, 2021, and AdynastyO on June 16, 2021. No subsequent program or future season was announced under that identity.
The current occupant offers a different but still community-oriented program. Greenpoint Comedy Club presents recurring stand-up showcases, independent comedy series, open mics, occasional clown or alternative-comedy performances, social events, private parties, and limited live music. Regular comedy tickets commonly fall around $20 to $25, while open mics may be free with a one-item purchase minimum.
Tickets and Booking
There are no legitimate current tickets for Sixty Sixth Congress because the venue has closed. Old ticket pages that still describe upcoming concerts or display seating-chart tools are outdated directory records, not evidence that the former club has reopened. Visitors should confirm that any event at 66 Greenpoint Avenue is explicitly identified as taking place at the present comedy club.
For the current venue, advance purchase is advisable for weekend showcases and appearances by established comics. Tickets are generally released through the club’s own box-office system, with recurring weekday shows often priced near $20 and weekend showcases near $25. Seating commonly starts about 15 minutes before showtime. Published policies ask guests to arrive approximately 30 minutes early, and late admission may be refused once a performance begins.
Most current shows are 21 and older unless specifically designated otherwise. A one-item minimum applies to many showcases in addition to the ticket price. Performer lineups can change, including through unannounced guest appearances, so a ticket guarantees admission to the advertised program rather than every individually named comedian.
Seating and Layout
Sixty Sixth Congress was predominantly a general-admission, standing-room club. The front section contained a long wooden bar, some stools or casual tables, and a DJ position. The rear was the principal performance room, with a full stage setup, sound booth, mixing position, and green room. A small number of chairs could be placed along the sides, but there was no permanent numbered seating plan or tiered auditorium.
No dependable public record confirms the former club’s licensed audience capacity, room dimensions, stage measurements, or historical seating limit. The 60-seat figure sometimes associated with this address belongs to the present comedy-club configuration and should not be used as Sixty Sixth Congress’s capacity. Likewise, no verified equipment inventory identifies the former PA speakers, mixing console, microphones, monitors, lighting fixtures, or backline by manufacturer and model.
Today, the rear room has approximately 60 chairs arranged toward a low stage, small cabaret tables with touch-operated service lights, and a built-in bench along one wall. A heavy curtain and doors separate it from the front bar. Center seats several rows from the stage provide the most balanced view; front seats feel more interactive, while seats near the rear doors can pick up bar noise when staff enter and exit.
Getting There and Parking
The address is 66 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222 , on the south side of Greenpoint Avenue between Franklin and West streets. The closest subway is the G train at Greenpoint Avenue. From the station, walk west along Greenpoint Avenue for roughly four to six minutes. The station is fully accessible, with elevators connecting the street, mezzanine, and both platforms; check elevator status before traveling.
Nearby bus options include the B24, B32, B43, and B62. The B24 serves Greenpoint Avenue, while the B43 and B62 stop around Manhattan and Greenpoint avenues. The B32 connects the neighborhood with Williamsburg and Long Island City. Bus routes and service patterns can change, so allow additional time, particularly late at night or during weekend subway work.
NYC Ferry’s Greenpoint landing is at 10 India Street, approximately a five-to-ten-minute walk from the venue. This is an attractive option for visitors arriving from Manhattan, Long Island City, or other waterfront neighborhoods, but ferry headways are generally wider than subway headways. Citi Bike docks are also available around India Street, Franklin Street, Greenpoint Avenue, and Manhattan Avenue.
There is no dedicated Sixty Sixth Congress or comedy-club parking lot. Street parking is limited and may be metered or restricted by loading zones, alternate-side cleaning, and other posted regulations. Rates vary by block, and Brooklyn began transitioning to pay-by-plate meters in late 2025. Driving is least stressful when passengers are dropped near Franklin or West Street and the driver searches farther from the waterfront nightlife blocks.
Inside the Venue
Under its former identity, the defining experience was moving from a neighborhood tavern into a much louder rear music room. The front bar encouraged conversation before and between sets, while the concrete-floored performance area put the audience close to the band. A covered street-front patio offered room to step away from the crowd. Archived advertising emphasized a full stage and sound booth, but did not publish a technical rider. ticketfairy.com
The present space preserves the front-bar/back-showroom arrangement but has been redesigned for stand-up. Current decor combines wood and brass elements, nautical touches, a white brick showroom wall, red curtain, and a stained-glass-style club sign. Servers take drink orders inside the showroom using illuminated table signals. The bar currently advertises Wednesday-through-Sunday hours from 4 p.m. to midnight, although individual event times may extend or vary.
No current published policy comprehensively addresses bag size, professional cameras, outside food, coat check, Wi-Fi, or merchandise. Travel light, avoid large backpacks, and assume flash photography or recording may be restricted during performances. Food service should not be treated as guaranteed; the clearly documented requirement is typically a one-item minimum, which may be satisfied with a beverage.
Nearby Amenities
This part of Greenpoint is well suited to a pre-show meal. Paulie Gee’s is nearby for wood-fired pizza, while Greenpoint Avenue and Franklin Street contain Vietnamese food, bars, cafes, and casual restaurants. WNYC Transmitter Park is a short walk toward the East River and makes a pleasant meeting point in good weather. Build in extra time on Friday and Saturday because popular neighborhood restaurants can develop waits. ticketfairy.com
Nearby lodging includes the Box House Hotel and Franklin Guesthouse, although neither is immediately beside the venue. Visitors staying in Long Island City can also reach Greenpoint by G train, bus, ferry, rideshare, or bicycle. After late shows, the G train and major bus routes are generally the most practical options, with rideshare demand and prices tending to rise as several local bars close.
Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Public information did not establish whether Sixty Sixth Congress provided a step-free entrance, accessible restroom, hearing assistance, reserved wheelchair positions, or other formal ADA accommodations. Its entry and circulation should therefore not be described as verified ADA compliant. A recent account of the current club mentions climbing several steps to enter, and the current operator does not publish a detailed accessibility guide. Guests requiring step-free access should obtain confirmation before purchasing.
Visitor accounts across the address’s different eras are mixed but consistently describe an intimate, highly social room. Nighthorse-era customers praised the attractive bar, friendly staff, cleanliness, and unusually large rear dance space. Early professional reviews of the comedy club liked its comfortable front bar, community atmosphere, and close-up presentation, while some audience comments criticized straight-row seating, bright showroom lighting, uncomfortable chairs, and slow drink service.
What Makes This Venue Special
The importance of Sixty Sixth Congress lies less in architectural grandeur than in continuity. For more than two decades, one modest Greenpoint storefront has repeatedly given independent operators a front bar, a stage, and enough flexible floor space to test new ideas. CoCo66 brought DJs and rock shows to a still-industrial waterfront; Tender Trap added skate and art culture; Sixty Sixth Congress welcomed punk, hip-hop, no wave, and emerging bands; Nighthorse mixed nightlife with comedy; and the current club has turned the rear room into a dedicated stand-up space.
No independent study has measured Sixty Sixth Congress’s economic impact. Its cultural contribution is clearer: it offered relatively low-priced performance opportunities outside larger corporate rooms and helped concentrate nightlife on western Greenpoint Avenue. Successor Nighthorse reported substantial growth in bar revenue during 2022 and 2023, while the current comedy operation has restored regular audiences to a space that stood closed in 2025. These figures and developments show the continuing commercial value of small neighborhood performance rooms.
Visitor Tips and Information
Do not travel to 66 Greenpoint Avenue expecting a Sixty Sixth Congress concert. Confirm the current venue name on your event details, arrive about 30 minutes before comedy performances, carry government-issued identification for 21-and-older shows, and budget for the item minimum. Earplugs were sensible during the former venue’s rock and dance events; they may still be useful during occasional music or amplified special events.
For the smoothest journey, use the accessible Greenpoint Avenue G station or the ferry rather than driving. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for compact seating, and avoid bringing bulky bags. There is no general dress code: smart casual, jeans, and everyday neighborhood attire are all appropriate. Because late entry may not be permitted, leave additional time for subway disruptions, restaurant waits, identification checks, and ordering a first drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sixty Sixth Congress still open?
No. Sixty Sixth Congress is permanently closed and has not advertised a concert under that name since 2021. The address went on to operate as 66 Greenpoint and Nighthorse before closing again in May 2025. Greenpoint Comedy Club opened there in April 2026 and is the active venue as of August 23, 2026.
What is now at 66 Greenpoint Avenue?
Greenpoint Comedy Club currently occupies the space. It combines a neighborhood bar in front with an approximately 60-seat stand-up showroom in the rear. Its schedule includes recurring showcases, independent comedy series, open mics, special performances, social events, and private bookings, with limited live music also permitted under its operating approvals.
Did Sixty Sixth Congress announce anything for 2026 or later?
No verified 2026 or later programming exists under the Sixty Sixth Congress name. Some old event directories automatically display future-year headings despite listing zero upcoming concerts. Those pages are remnants of the venue’s former profile. Any current event advertised at the same address belongs to Greenpoint Comedy Club or another event producer using the present space.
What was the capacity of Sixty Sixth Congress?
No reliable public document confirms the former venue’s licensed capacity, and it would be misleading to estimate one from photographs or old crowd reports. Sixty Sixth Congress generally used a standing-room rear floor rather than fixed seats. The approximately 60-seat capacity reported today applies only to the rear showroom after its conversion into Greenpoint Comedy Club. ticketfairy.com
Was Sixty Sixth Congress seated or general admission?
Most concerts were general-admission and standing room. The front bar offered stools and limited casual seating, while the rear performance room placed audiences on an open floor facing a small stage. Individual promoters could introduce chairs or reserved areas, but there was no permanent numbered seating chart, balcony, mezzanine, or traditional VIP seating section.
What kind of music did the venue book?
The schedule crossed punk, ska, no wave, experimental rock, indie, hip-hop, jazz, DJ music, local showcases, and touring underground acts. Artists connected with the venue included Lydia Lunch, Kool Keith, Leftöver Crack, BODEGA, Live Skull, Cinema Cinema, Public Serpents, Inspecter 7, and Mephiskapheles. It favored eclectic multi-act bills over mainstream headline tours.
How much did Sixty Sixth Congress tickets cost?
Archived neighborhood listings show many 2019 events around $8 to $10, with at least one independently documented performance costing $12 under a ticket-stub promotion. Prices varied according to promoter, artist, and event type. These are historical figures only. Current comedy shows at the address more commonly cost about $20 to $25 before any required item purchase.
What is the nearest subway station?
Greenpoint Avenue on the G line is the nearest station. Exit near Manhattan and Greenpoint avenues, then walk west along Greenpoint Avenue toward Franklin and West streets. The trip normally takes roughly four to six minutes. The station is fully accessible, but passengers relying on elevators should check their operating status before beginning the journey.
Can I take the NYC Ferry?
Yes. The Greenpoint ferry landing is at 10 India Street, near the East River waterfront. From there, the venue is approximately a five-to-ten-minute walk through western Greenpoint. The ferry can provide a scenic arrival, although service is less frequent than the subway and can be affected by weather or operational changes.
Does the venue have parking?
No dedicated parking lot or validated garage serves 66 Greenpoint Avenue. Drivers depend on metered and unmetered street spaces subject to alternate-side cleaning, loading restrictions, and posted limits. Parking becomes difficult on busy evenings, so public transportation is usually easier. Never rely on an outdated online parking price; confirm the rate and rules displayed on the block.
Is the current venue wheelchair accessible?
A comprehensive accessibility statement has not been published. A recent review describes several steps at the entrance, and no verified information confirms a ramp, lift, accessible restroom, hearing loop, or reserved wheelchair location. The nearby G station is fully accessible, but that does not confirm accessibility inside the club. Guests needing accommodations should seek direct confirmation before buying tickets.
Are current shows at 66 Greenpoint Avenue all ages?
No. Current comedy shows are generally restricted to guests aged 21 and older unless a listing specifically states otherwise. Identification should be carried even if tickets were bought in advance. Sixty Sixth Congress occasionally hosted specially promoted all-ages showcases, but those historical exceptions have no bearing on the policies of the present operator.
Is there a food or drink minimum?
Many current comedy showcases impose a one-item minimum in addition to the admission price. A drink usually satisfies that requirement, but the exact qualifying menu and availability of food can vary. Open mics may offer free admission while retaining the item minimum. Sixty Sixth Congress operated primarily as a bar, but its historical minimum-purchase policies were not consistently documented.
How early should I arrive?
For a current comedy show, arrive about 30 minutes before the advertised start. Seating may begin only 15 minutes before showtime, but the extra time covers identification checks, drink orders, and finding the venue. Current policy states that admission may stop at showtime, making punctuality especially important when traveling on the G train during evening or weekend service changes.
Where are the best seats in the current showroom?
Choose the center of the room a few rows from the stage for the most balanced view and sound. Front seats offer greater interaction with comedians, which some guests enjoy and others prefer to avoid. Seats close to the rear doors may hear brief bar noise as servers move between rooms, while the wall bench can feel less directly aligned with the stage.
Does the venue have a dress code?
No formal dress code is published. Sixty Sixth Congress was a casual rock-and-dive-bar environment, and the current comedy club maintains a polished but relaxed neighborhood atmosphere. Jeans, sneakers, casual dresses, and everyday going-out clothing are appropriate. Prioritize comfort because the showroom is compact and current seating consists mainly of individual wooden chairs with small tables.
Can the space be rented for a private event?
The current operator accepts inquiries for private parties, and earlier occupants also used the rear room for birthdays, comedy productions, fundraisers, dancing, and community events. Available layouts, minimum spending, deposits, staffing, and technical support are not publicly standardized. Confirm all financial terms in writing, including cancellation and refund conditions, before committing to a private booking.
