After five years in the dark, Market Hotel is finally back in action, feeding much-needed fresh life into Brooklyn’s creative music scene. The former DIY venue gave us a little preview of its updates in December with the Sleater-Kinney show, but it officially reopened Friday, Jan. 22, as a legal, code-abiding operative space.
But fear not! Despite the new, clean bathrooms, updated electrical systems and installed fire alarms, Market Hotel still emits its old DIY charm. The bouncer standing outside is the only indication of its whereabouts. A narrow staircase leads to a graffiti-covered entryway with a message on the wall encouraging guests to “do graffiti in the bathroom.” The main room is essentially the same with some improvements, like hardwood floors, a bright window behind the updated stage that overlooks the JMZ line and a large L-shaped bar in the back corner. A scribbled piece of white oak tag displays the night’s drink specials, including $4 cheap beer, $7 Founder’s and $15 bottle of bubbly, for those who are feeling classy.
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