Pete's Candy Store | Open Jam Events

Introduction: The Sweetest Sound in Williamsburg

Located on Lorimer Street in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Pete's Candy Store is a local institution that defies easy categorization. From the outside, it looks like a vintage storefront; inside, it is a labyrinth of atmosphere. It is a bar, a venue, and a time capsule all rolled into one. For over two decades, Pete's has been the launchpad for Brooklyn's indie folk scene, fostering a community of songwriters who value lyrical depth and acoustic purity. It is beloved not for its size—it is famously tiny—but for its attentive audience and unique, whimsical charm.

Philosophy and Vibe: The Boxcar Listening Room

The venue is divided into three sections: the front bar (reminiscent of a 1920s soda fountain), the middle lounge, and the back performance room. The performance space is shaped like a train car, long and narrow, with a small stage at the far end.

The Vibe: The vibe is "Quiet, please." This is a true listening room. When the door to the back room closes, the noise of the bar is cut off, and the audience is expected to give the performer their undivided attention. The sound is intimate and dry. It feels like you are watching a band play in a private rail car hurtling through the night.

The Events: The Sunday Open Mic

Pete's hosts arguably the most competitive and high-quality open mic in Brooklyn.

When: Sundays. Sign-up typically begins at 4:00 PM (and the line forms early, often by 3:30 PM). The show starts at 5:00 PM and runs until 8:00 PM.
The Rules: Due to its popularity, performers are often limited to one song (or 5 minutes). This keeps the energy moving and allows more people to play. No drums, no amps (usually), just acoustic instruments and vocals.
The Crowd: The room is full of other songwriters. The bar is high. If you can silence the room at Pete's, you can play anywhere.
The Host: The hosts change but are always respected members of the local scene who curate a supportive atmosphere.

History: From Candy to Chords

Origins: The building dates back to the 1920s when it actually was a candy store and soda fountain.
Music Era: It opened as a music venue in 1999, just as Williamsburg was transforming into the epicenter of indie rock.
Famous Alumni: Norah Jones played here early in her career. Beth Orton, Devendra Banhart, and Sufjan Stevens have all graced the tiny stage. It was the incubator for the "freak folk" movement of the early 2000s.
Significance: It was the first venue in the neighborhood to book live original music seven nights a week, setting the template for the Brooklyn scene.

Food & Drink: Toasties and Taps

Food: Pete's is famous for its Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (often called "Toasties" or paninis). They are simple, affordable, and perfect bar food. They also serve chili and snacks.
Drink: A solid selection of craft beers on tap, focusing on local Brooklyn breweries. The cocktails are classic and unpretentious. Prices are standard for the neighborhood ($8-$12 beers).

Location and Accessibility

Address: 709 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211.
Neighborhood: Williamsburg. It’s in a slightly quieter residential pocket, away from the Bedford Ave tourist crush.
Transit: The L train (Lorimer St stop) and G train (Metropolitan Ave) are very close.
Accessibility: The venue is narrow. The back room can be tight for wheelchairs, but it is ground level.

Why It Matters

Pete's Candy Store proves that you don't need a massive sound system to make a massive impact. It champions the song above all else. In a city of noise, Pete's offers a rare commodity: silence, and the space to fill it with art. It remains the gold standard for intimate songwriting showcases in New York City.