New York Bars With Jukeboxes Well Worth Checking Out

The perfect jukebox mix is a careful art that requires taking a number of factors into consideration: location, clientele, and that wow factor of the unexpected. Whether you use jukebox selections as a litmus test for compatibility or just a casual diversion, here are five places that get it right.

The Boiler Room
If you're looking for the standards or Journey, look somewhere else. But if Rihanna and 80s pop is more your jam, look no further than the jukebox at this gay-but-straight-friendly bar with cheap drinks to boot. (86 E. 4th St., 212-254-7536)

Blue and Gold Tavern
The torn couches and sticky floor aren't much to admire, but for $5 Mitchter's shots and a jukebox with your basic 80s hair metal and 70s rock standbys—beggars should not be choosers. Bonus: to keep the music going, the bartenders will often give patrons quarters to use. Just another perk to tipping well, beyond human kindness, you know. (79 E. 7th St., 212-473-8918)

The Magician
The Rolling Stones to Top 40s—this unpretentious Lower East Side has a jukebox to match. Plus, you can usually sit down on weekdays and even early on a weekend which is a depressing rarity in the neighborhood. (118 Rivington St., 212-673-7851)

Commonwealth
Where else can you find Neutral Milk Hotel and the Magnetic Fields on the jukebox? While it's not music to rage to—or, to try and pick up people to—this bar with a solid whiskey collection and all the exposed brick you'd expect from a hip Park Slope bar has everything you miss hearing on NPR: Brian Eno, Muddy Waters or Teenage Fanclub all are available to spin. (497 5th Avenue, 718-768-2040)

Jimmy's Corner
Who would have thought something so authentic existed so close to Times Square? Grab a seat, relax and enjoy the jazz and soul collection. Taking the out-of-towners around has never been as smooth as when Al Green and Teddy Pendergrass are on. (140 W 44th St, 212-221-9510)