Live Music in Astoria: When The Rabbit Hole NYC Brings Sound to the Neighborhood.
- The Rabbit Hole
- Jul 8, 2025
- 4 min read
It’s a Thursday night, and you feel like doing something a little different. You don’t want a full-on concert or a packed club — just a place to grab a drink, hear some good music, and hang out in a relaxed setting.You search around, curious if there’s live music in Astoria that doesn’t require planning days in advance.
That’s when you come across The Rabbit Hole NYC, a bar you may already know for casual drinks, food, or sports. But what catches your attention now is that they occasionally host live performances — small, local, and low-key.
A Bar in Astoria That Occasionally Hosts Live Music — And Does It Right
To be clear: live music at The Rabbit Hole isn’t a nightly thing. It’s not a music venue, and it’s not trying to be.But every once in a while, they open up the space for a performance — and it works.
There’s no stage. No big production. Just a section of the bar cleared for a singer-songwriter, a duo with a mic and a keyboard, or a small local band. And somehow, that’s exactly what makes it enjoyable.
The Appeal of the Unexpected
Because live music isn’t a regular feature here, it feels more special when it does happen.You could stop by for a casual drink and walk into a mellow acoustic set or a DJ playing vinyl grooves. Other times, you’ll find flyers on the wall or posts on Instagram announcing a specific night.
And when it happens, it’s intentional — the artists are carefully chosen, and the setup is made to blend with the existing energy of the bar, not overwhelm it.
That’s part of the charm. You’re not walking into a loud, packed room. You’re walking into a bar that knows how to switch gears once in a while, and give you something different without changing who they are.
What to Expect from a Live Music Night at The Rabbit Hole
If you’re heading out to catch live music in Astoria at The Rabbit Hole, here’s what you’ll typically find:
No cover — shows are free, first come, first served
Local performers — mostly small acts from Queens or nearby
Genres vary — acoustic, indie, jazz, lo-fi, DJ sets
Casual atmosphere — people are there to listen, but also to relax
Bar service stays the same — no inflated prices or long lines
It’s not a scene. It’s just a bar that happens to have a little music that night. And for many people, that’s more than enough.
A Quiet Shift in Energy — Not a Full Transformation
The Rabbit Hole doesn’t dramatically change its identity during live music nights.It still offers the same drink specials. The food menu doesn’t go anywhere. The lights stay at a comfortable level. And regulars mix in with newcomers naturally.
That’s important to note, because not everyone is looking for a “live music experience” — sometimes, it’s just about having something more than the usual playlist.
And in a neighborhood like Astoria, where the bar scene is lively but not overwhelming, that balance matters.
Drinks, Food, and a Reason to Stick Around
Of course, part of the appeal is being able to enjoy music while still having everything you’d expect from a bar:
🍻 A rotating selection of beers on tap and in bottles🍷 Wine by the glass or bottle🍹 Simple cocktails and occasional specials🌭 Happy hour deals (yes, even hot dogs with your drink on some nights)🍔 Smash burgers, wings, nachos, and casual bar food
It’s the kind of menu that encourages you to stay for another round, maybe catch the rest of the set, and settle into the night.
Not a Weekly Thing — and That’s Okay
One of the most important things to know is that live music at The Rabbit Hole is occasional by design.It’s not scheduled every Thursday or Friday. It pops up when it makes sense — when the right artist is available, or when the team feels the timing is right.
And that works. It gives the performances more weight, and avoids turning it into just another part of the routine.
Following Along and Knowing When to Go
Because it’s not a regular fixture, the best way to catch live music nights is to follow The Rabbit Hole NYC on Instagram (@therabbitholenyc) or check flyers posted in the bar. They tend to announce events with just enough time for locals to plan — but not so far ahead that it feels overly curated.
The spontaneity is part of the experience.
And if you miss one? No big deal. The Rabbit Hole is still a solid spot any night of the week — with or without music.
Other Reasons to Visit — Music or Not
Even on nights without live performances, the bar has a few things going for it:
Happy hour during the week
Sports events (especially UFC and soccer matches)
DJ nights and themed events on weekends
A local crowd that makes the space feel lived-in and familiar
Karaoke
So while “live music Astoria” might be what brings you here, the rest is what might bring you back.
Conclusion: Live Music in Astoria That Happens on Its Own Terms
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys unplanned music nights, or who wants to support local performers without the pressure of a ticketed venue, The Rabbit Hole NYC is worth keeping on your radar.
It won’t always have a live show waiting — but when it does, it hits just right.
In a neighborhood full of options, it stands out not because it’s loud about it — but because it knows when to keep things simple.
