B. B. Kings Blues Club:

Conveniently located in the heart of Times Square near Penn Station and Port Authority, The B.B. King Blues Club & Grill offers music fans a unique experience. Owned by the Bensusan Family, proprietors of the world renowned Blue Note Jazz Club, the club features world-class musical talent and consists of two distinct spaces: the Showcase Room & Lucille’s Grill.

Showcase Room
The breathtaking main space is classical in form and spirit: two-tiered, horseshoe-shaped seating (booths & tables) centered around a 30-foot stage presents up close and personal views of all performances. The 40-foot bar is a haven for the reserved listener. The atmosphere is enhanced with two 8-foot big video screens on either side of the stage.

Notable Past Shows:
B.B. King, Gregg Allman and Friends, Brian Wilson, George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars, Etta James, Erykah Badu, Macy Gray, Peter Frampton, Better than Ezra, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Dr. John, Robert Cray, the Roots, Ozomatli, Taj Mahal, Junior Brown, Wilson Pickett, Sonny Rollins, James Brown, Little Richard, The Pharcyde, the Radiators, the Neville Brothers, the Wailers, Lyricist Lounge, Steel Pulse, Buddy Guy, the Beach Boys, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Maceo Parker and more.

Guide Review

B. B. Kings Blues Club offers mature audiences an opportunity to enjoy top acts, albeit at top prices. Quality sound, good sight lines and a comfortable environment with plenty of seating make for an easy evening of musical enjoyment.

Pros:

• Great sightlines throughout venue
• Escape table minimum at bar
• Quality performers

• High cover charges, $10 minimum at tables
• Slow waitress service

• B. B. Kings Blues Club is located at 237 West 42 St.
• Closest subway to B. B. Kings Blues Club: A/C/E, B/D/F/Q, N/R/W, 1/2/3/9, 7, S, to 42nd Street
• B. B. Kings Blues Club Cross Streets: 7th and 8th Avenues
• B. B. Kings Blues Club Phone: 212-997-4144
• B. B. Kings Blues Club Cover Charge: $15-85 depending on act (occassional free shows)
• Avoid hefty Ticketmaster surcharges by getting tickets at the box office.
• On Sundays, they host a Gospel Brunch featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir.
• Be forewarned -- they automatically include 15% gratuity on your bill.

Featuring famous artists(from James Brown to the Blue Oyster Cult), B.B. Kings caters to a primarily adult audience who demand quality performances and are willing to pay for them. While there are occassionally free shows (every couple of weeks -- check their calendar for details), cover typically hovers around $15-35, plus a $10 minimum per person at tables. You can avoid the minimum by standing at the bar, however the bar is pretty much as far from the stage you can be. If you arrive early, you'll have your choice of seats (don't be afraid to tell your usher that you'd like to be closer or further from the stage) and if you like, you can sit close enough to the stage to practically feel the performers breathe. Almost all the seats are well situated for seeing the stage, and the table setup is typically 6 people per table. Personally, I prefer end seats at the table rather than being sandwiched between two other couples, but seating isn't as crowded as at similar venues I've been to. Fulfilling the table minimum is a breeze -- beers are about $5-7 and glasses of wine are $6-9. Bottles of wine and a full range of cocktails are also available. Food options offers hungry dinners choices from appetizers and sandwiches to full entrees and desserts. While a burger will run you almost $15, the food is good(if overpriced) and portions are generous.