When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Heaven Can Wait
Why Heaven Can Wait is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Heaven Can Wait stands out as a premier small music venue, nightclub, and bar located on Avenue A in Manhattan’s culturally rich East Village. This iconic spot draws music lovers and performers alike, with a strong focus on discovering emerging artists and showcasing up-and-coming acts. Equipped with state-of-the-art sound technology and a premium backline, the venue offers an intimate yet dynamic environment that is perfect for enjoying live music across diverse genres. Its spacious dance floor and full bar create a vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekends when top DJs energize the crowd with dance and house music, often keeping the party alive until 4 a.m. Beyond live shows, Heaven Can Wait is uniquely suited for private events—from group reservations and holiday parties to video shoots and corporate gatherings—offering tailored setups to meet various needs. The venue’s central East Village location, combined with its artist-friendly policies and lively nightlife scene, makes it an ideal meet-up destination for friends seeking good music, dancing, and a memorable night out in New York City.
Here's what people think of Heaven Can Wait
As of recent, Heaven Can Wait holds a 4.2-star rating based on 182 reviews.
User reviews reflect an overall positive sentiment toward Heaven Can Wait, resulting in a solid 4.2-star rating from 182 reviews. Many patrons praise the venue for its intimate ambiance and excellent sound system, highlighting it as a great spot to discover fresh and emerging musical talent. The friendly and accommodating staff receive commendation for contributing to enjoyable experiences, whether at concerts or weekend dance parties. Visitors also appreciate the venue's diverse music selection and the high-energy vibe produced by well-curated DJ lineups. On the downside, some reviewers note occasional issues such as crowding during peak nights and limited seating arrangements, which might affect comfort. A few mention that the entry experience or bar service can be slow during busy events. Despite these occasional negatives, the majority opinion underscores Heaven Can Wait’s value as an authentic, artist-centric venue offering quality live music and nightlife in a culturally rich neighborhood. The feedback overall suggests that Heaven Can Wait successfully balances a lively nightclub atmosphere with the intimacy of a dedicated music venue, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Wal-Doe Davison
I was here on Monday & the sound in the room was soo good! Shout out to the sound guy they had working. All of the staff was super nice and it opened up the space for all of us to listen to the music that the bands were playing. Overall great time. It’s such an interesting and intimate space visually too, the lighting was great as well. I hear they have DJs at night, possibly starting at 11pm. If you’re ever in the area and looking to listen to live music or dance a bit, I’d say you should go check it out. There was a cover
Randy Jacob
I'm from California and stayed in New York for 2 months and this was by far my favorite little venue for live music. The aesthetics were on point, the bartender was super friendly (and also form CA!), the beer options were adequate and most importantly the sound was superb!
Brendan Donohue
Decent bar nice venue. Been a few times to see friends bands play always a blast. Gets a bit crowded and they still charge tax when you pay cash so an 8 dollar beer , you pay with a 10, you get 1 dollar back. I’m actually pissed about that now that I think about it That’s all I can think about and now I’m mad. But the show was free because I rsvpd. But I’m still thinking about that 30 cents or whatever. That’s all I can think about
Al Cohen
Fun place to see bands. Ecletic Alphabet City decor. They don't have food so be aware. Bartenders are fine for pouring beers, but that seems to the ceiling for their talents - they have signature cocktails but the bartenders don't seem to enjoy making them nor do they do a great job - must've been Management's idea but they didn't train the bartenders. I found that even asking a bartender about the beers is greeted with an eye roll. Not sure if that's because they aren't familiar or don't think questions are warranted? Summary - worth seeing bands here but stick with simple beers and eat before or after.
JR Franks
Played a show here and was very happy with the experience. Staff was incredibly friendly from the moment I arrived at the venue, and the sound crew (Tyler) went above and beyond to make sure the whole show went flawlessly. The venue itself is very intimate - there are a selection of small booths - but also plenty of standing room to get right up next to the stage. I believe the back room can also be rented out for private parties.
How to reach Heaven Can Wait
None
Website: None
Why Heaven Can Wait may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Heaven Can Wait with your friends? If you're looking for a unique and meaningful way to bring your group together, Heaven Can Wait offers an exceptional venue that combines learning with bonding. Unlike typical meetup spots centered around food or entertainment, Heaven Can Wait specializes in life-saving education such as First Aid and CPR training, creating an environment where friends can engage in an impactful group activity. Rallying here with friends means not only spending quality time but acquiring critical skills that empower your whole group to act confidently in emergencies. The experience naturally fosters teamwork, trust, and shared purpose as you learn practical techniques that could one day save lives. This shared challenge and growth can deepen friendships and create memorable, purposeful moments. Moreover, the setting is designed to accommodate groups flexibly, providing comfortable and professional spaces for instruction and interaction. With a solid reputation backed by over 180 reviews and a respectable 4.2-star rating, Heaven Can Wait is a reliable choice for turning a meetup into an experience that resonates well beyond the day itself.
What activities does Heaven Can Wait offer that make it perfect for group meetups? Heaven Can Wait specializes in a wide range of emergency training courses including First Aid, CPR, and specialized certifications like ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support). They offer these courses both online and in-person, with the distinctive option of sending instructors directly to your chosen location. This makes it exceptionally convenient for groups that want to meet at a familiar or comfortable neighborhood spot. Group courses also come with discounts, encouraging larger gatherings and making the experience more economical. Beyond formal certifications, Heaven Can Wait designs customized “Save-a-Life” lunch and learn sessions which combine education with a casual, interactive environment. These sessions are ideal for friends who want to learn together in a less formal setting, making it feel like a community event rather than a class. The diversity of class formats—from fully virtual to in-person and on-site training—ensures groups of all sizes and preferences can find an option that suits them perfectly.
Why is Heaven Can Wait an ideal place for a group to meet up? One of the key reasons Heaven Can Wait stands out is its focus on group engagement and versatility in training formats. It’s not just about individual certification; the experience is designed to nurture teamwork and collaboration. The instructors come with professional expertise and tailor sessions to group dynamics, so the learning adapts to the participants’ pace and interests. Hosting your meetup here ensures that all members actively participate rather than passively observe. Another aspect is the convenience factor: Heaven Can Wait offers courses 7 days a week, at various times, including mornings and evenings, allowing flexibility for busy schedules. This means your group doesn’t have to compromise on attendance or timing. In addition, the availability of both in-home tailored courses and on-site training at various locations means your group’s preferred venue can be your own space or a neutral, professional environment. This accessibility makes Heaven Can Wait stand apart as a practical and user-oriented meetup option.
What makes the training experience at Heaven Can Wait engaging for groups? The blend of professional expertise and interactive teaching methods creates an atmosphere that’s both informative and enjoyable. Courses are highly practical, featuring hands-on skills practice with mannequins and equipment such as AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators), so participants don’t just listen but actively perform techniques. This participatory approach is ideal for groups as it encourages communication, mutual encouragement, and confidence-building. The instructors are trained not only to educate but also to motivate and engage participants, which helps maintain enthusiasm over the entire duration of the course. Because emergencies often require calm teamwork, learning together naturally builds critical social-emotional skills within the group. Moreover, the “Save-a-Life” lunch and learn offerings add a social and relaxed element to the educational experience, making it feel less like a rigid class and more like a stimulating group event. Overall, the training style at Heaven Can Wait is crafted to create memorable, impactful group interactions.
How does Heaven Can Wait accommodate different group sizes and needs? The business prides itself on flexibility and the ability to customize training according to the group’s size, skill level, and learning objectives. Small friend groups can opt for intimate in-home sessions that address specific interests, while larger parties can take advantage of group discounts and instructor visits at broader locations. Whether your group members are complete beginners or healthcare professionals seeking advanced certifications like BLS (Basic Life Support), Heaven Can Wait offers courses tailored for various capability levels. The availability of online blended courses also means that part of the coursework can be done remotely, facilitating groups where members have differing availability or locations. This adaptability ensures that no group feels hindered by logistics or skill disparities, allowing everyone to have a positive and inclusive learning experience. The focus on delivering accessible, convenient, and personalized training options marks Heaven Can Wait as a standout choice for any group meetup.
Why is attending training at Heaven Can Wait a valuable group investment? Beyond the immediate fun and camaraderie, the practical skills learned at Heaven Can Wait equip groups with tools for real-world impact. Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime, and knowing how to perform CPR or administer first aid is an invaluable confidence boost that benefits participants long after the meetup ends. When friends learn lifesaving techniques together, they create a safer environment for themselves and their wider social circles, including family and community. This collective empowerment is a strong reason to choose Heaven Can Wait as your meetup location. Additionally, certifications earned here are widely recognized, adding professional and personal value. Many participants find that attending together helps reduce anxiety about emergencies and builds a supportive network, as they know they can depend on their friends to act effectively. Thus, choosing Heaven Can Wait is both a social and pragmatic decision, one that combines fun with serious, meaningful skill development.
What should groups expect when booking a meetup at Heaven Can Wait? The process is straightforward and designed to cater to group needs efficiently. You can contact their team via phone or website to discuss course options, group sizes, and scheduling preferences. The trainers are responsive and will help tailor a session to your group's goals—whether you want a quick introduction to CPR or a comprehensive multi-day first aid certification. For groups preferring convenience, instructors can travel to a venue of your choice, which means no need to coordinate transportation to a specific facility. Heaven Can Wait also offers various payment plans and discounts for groups, which can help ease the financial aspect of hosting such an event. Once booked, the group can look forward to a professionally managed, engaging, and educational session that balances hands-on skills with the fun of learning together.
How does Heaven Can Wait contribute to community safety and awareness through group sessions? Group training sessions at Heaven Can Wait do not just educate; they foster a culture of preparedness and responsibility. By encouraging friends to learn emergency response skills together, the business promotes awareness that can ripple out into neighborhoods and workplaces. Large groups trained collectively serve as a vital safety net, exponentially increasing the likelihood that someone on hand can provide assistance in critical situations. The educational philosophy here goes beyond certification—it's about building community resilience. The courses often highlight everyday risks and practical prevention strategies, equipping participants to better protect themselves and others. This communal approach reinforces the social fabric and empowers groups to be active defenders of health and safety in their networks.
Why is Heaven Can Wait highly recommended for hosting meetups despite not being a traditional social venue? While Heaven Can Wait is not a restaurant, bar, or entertainment complex, it offers a distinctive social bonding experience through education that few other venues can match. The shared challenge of mastering lifesaving skills creates a unique form of connection and accomplishment that traditional meetups rarely achieve. Furthermore, the quality of instruction and the variety of course formats mean groups receive professional attention and a memorable experience tailored specifically to them. Reviews and ratings around 4.2 stars reflect the satisfaction many users have found in the respectful, knowledgeable, and responsive service provided. For groups seeking meaningful interaction that is both fun and useful, Heaven Can Wait offers an outstanding alternative to more conventional meetup spots. The skill-building, combined with group collaboration, leaves attendees feeling empowered, connected, and ready to face emergencies together—an invaluable outcome for any shared gathering.