Our History
Before there was Niagara, the bar at 112 Avenue A was called A7. From 1981 to 1984, A7 was the unofficial headquarters of the New York Hardcore scene.
Bands like Minor Threat, Social Distortion, The Undead, and False Prophets came out of our back room. A7 was staffed by members of the NYHC scene, including Doug Holland of Kraut, Raybeez of Agnostic Front and Warzone, and Jimmy Gestapo of Murphy’s Law.
The Psychos & Agnostic Front at A7 in 1983
A warning spray-painted on the outside of A7 read: "Out of town bands remember where you are!"
A7 Reunion Show Flyer (2008)
A plaque in the back room of Niagara commemorates A7 and all the bands that came out of that very room: The Beastie Boys, Black Flag, Agnostic Front, Bad Brains and many more. A7 was the birthplace of hardcore.
Jesse Malin and band at Niagara
Jesse Malin, Johnny T. Yerington, and East Village promoter Laura McCarthy opened Niagara in 1997. Laura had owned the live music venue Brownies, and Jesse had Coney Island High. They were looking for a place where local artists and national acts could feel at home, play live music with good sound and good equipment, DJ, connect with other people, and promote their art. They opened Niagara - which has great sound and full backline. It’s a place for local artists and national artists to build their audiences, hone their craft, and take it to the world.
The artwork of Yoshitomo Nara drawn one evening on the walls of Niagara
The artwork of Kenny Scharf on the walls of Niagara
Today, Niagara is known as a live music and comedy venue, watering hole, and mainstay of the uberhip and rockers located across the street from Tompkins Square Park in The East Village, NYC.
Reservations are available for private parties and events.