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This venue is closed.

Originally an experimental jazz outpost amid the overwhelmingly rock East Village music scene, The C-Note now also plays host to a schizophrenically eclectic mix of styles—from bluegrass to acoustic folk, country to indie rock. Though many of the acts are rough (and not always in a “diamond in the rough” sort of way), the free to $5 cover charge makes wading through the good, bad and the ugly worth it. With recurring band Ma Skillet & The Funky Fritters churning out New Orleans-influenced roots music, $4 domestic beers and $7 key lime martinis, the C-Note remains a blessedly unpretentious option in this trendy ‘hood. In deference to neighbors, the low-decibel venue doesn’t book ear-splitting rock bands, which makes for easier communicating. Short on décor, The C-Note focuses on upstart musical acts. Be prepared to be up-close-and-personal with the bands as there are only about five tables in addition to bar seating—and one of them doubles as a tabletop Pac-Man/Galaxy video game.
— Chris Fichera