Living large at Artexpo without breaking the bank: the Artexpo guide to the best that New York City has to offer, at the best prices; 40 spots to eat well, catch a show, explore the city, or dance the evening away—all without spending a fortune!

Art Business News, Dec, 2004

NIGHTLIFE

New York City is known for its nightlife, but high profile clubs like Studio 54 certainly aren't cheap. If you are looking to have some nighttime fun without spending a bundle, check out these inexpensive spots and catch a stage performance, jam with New York blues legends, or become your own rock 'n' roll front man with live karaoke.

Chetty Red

28 East 23rd Street

212-254-6727

chettvred.com

Seasoned comedic professionals roam this New York nightclub stage. Political humor dominates the sets of these comedians, most of whom have had their shot on NBC or Comedy Central. And the best part is, there's no cover.

HERE

14S Sixth Avenue

212-647-0202

HERE is downtown's best off-Broadway venue, offering a host of the best experimental theater in the city, including works by Elevator Repair Service, and HERE's director and founder, Kristin Marting, all for the fraction of the price of a Broadway show. Tickets are $15, or less.

The Flea

41 White Street

212-226-0051

Like a fine wine, The Flea seems only to get better with age. Obie award-winning playwright Mac Wellman frequents the Tribeca experimental theater, and tickets are only $5 to $25, and you get a free drink.

Arthur's Tavern

57 Grove Street at Seventh Avenue

212-675-6879

Got the blues? Arthur's Tavern has the cure. The legendary live music venue is the home to performances of musical styles from Dixieland jazz to Chicago blues. The price won't get you down either. No cover, and the club gets so packed that the two-drink minimum is rarely enforced.

C-Note

157 Avenue C, at 10th Street

212-677-8142

The C-Note features free live music seven nights a week. Everything from jazz to bluegrass, and audience participation is always welcome and expected. The one-drink minimum is a small price to pay for the lively atmosphere and great music.

The Cajun

129 Eighth Street, between 16th

and 17th Streets

212-691-6174

Featuring some of the best big-band jazz in the country, this restaurant and bar packs'em in with the infectious mix of '20s and '30s jazz classics. No cover, no problem.

Arlene Grocery

95 Stanton Street, at Seventh Avenue

212-358-1633

Want to be discovered as New York's next big rock star? You bring the voice, Arlene Grocery will supply the stage and the band. Belt out your favorite punk rock or heavy metal hits with a live band backing you. With newfound glory, use the money saved not having to pay a cover to buy drinks for your groupies.

The Baggot Inn

82 West 3rd Street, between

Thompson and Sullivan Streets

212-477-0622

The Baggot Inn is one of the only alternative rock venues in Greenwich Village that won't force you to go for broke. With no cover Sunday through Wednesday, and small covers (between $5-$8) Thursday through Saturday, you'll have no problem spending a cheap night with the one-drink minimum.

The Living Room

84 Stanton Street, at Allen Street

212-533-7234

The Living Room is a haven for folk artists and strolling minstrels to share their art with the crowd enjoying no cover and a one-drink minimum, which the bartenders apply with only modest pressure.

Luna Lounge

171 Ludlow Street, between

Stanton and Houston Streets

212-260-2323

The Luna Lounge is a popular place for big-time acts to get their start. Kid Rock, The Strokes and Elliot Smith have all been caught on the Luna Stage. There are two shows nightly. Both are free.

HAPPY HOUR

Happy hours aren't happy if they aren't cheap. Here are the best places in the big city to find early evening drink deals. Leave the "Franklins" at home, "Washington" is the only friend you'll need at these happy hour spots.

Blind Tiger Ale House

518 Hudson Street

212-675-3848

Forget the prices, it's the length of Blind Tiger's happy hour that makes it so unique. Starting at noon and wrapping up at 8 p.m., the dollar off all drafts, domestic bottles and well drinks will make for the happiest eight hours of the day.

La Linea

15 First Avenue

212-777-1571

The soulful dive-bar is a great place to take your sweetheart for cheap happy hour specials. La Linea offers S2 discounts on all drinks from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

Mars 2112

1633 Broadway

212-$82-2112

Surrounded by aliens in spandex costumes, and a fake, red-rock terrain, Mars 2112 offers drinks and appetizers half off from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. A DJ adds to the futuristic vibe several nights as well.

Rudy's Bar

627 Ninth Avenue

212-974-9169

All of the drinks at Rudy's are cheap, but the house special is Rudy's Red--the house's own brew, served in buckets for $7.75. And the best part: free hotdogs.

Welcome to the Johnson's

123 Rivington Street

212-420-9911

Welcome to the Johnson's, where the throwback, '70s decor complements the disco-era drink prices. $2 for Buds and well drinks until 8 p.m., and free snacks.

CHEAP SCREENINGS

New York is home to thousands of filmmakers in search of a big break. Help discover the next cinematic stars with inexpensive film screenings throughout the city.