HISTORY

Opened in 1999, Pete's Candy Store continues as Williamsburg's original live music venue. Featuring acts such as Will Oldham, Vampire Weekend, Beth Orton, Devendra Barnhart and Norah Jones, this small venue and neighborhood tavern developed an early reputation for special shows and rare treats.

The storefront at 709 Lorimer Street in Brooklyn has been in operation since the 1920's, when the original building owners ran a local general store, known affectionately by the nickname Funzi's. By the 1970's, Funzi handed over the reins to others, one of whom, Pete Caruso, named the spot Pete's Candy Store. By that time, the store had evolved into a sort of greasy spoon diner and neighborhood numbers joint. This same arrangement, later including some poker tables in the rear where the live music room now exists, continued well into the 1990's.

After the transition to music venue and bar, Pete's became a more widely known neighborhood institution and an early "hipster hot spot". Beth Orton played the very first show at Pete's Candy Store. Some of the earliest musical residencies featured The Howard Fishman Quartet, Greg Garing and Matty Charles and the Valentines. Reverend Vince Anderson and his Love Choir were a Sunday fixture for several years.

While the list of noteworthy performers is quite lengthy, Pete's Candy Store has always been a free venue and has booked mostly unknown and unsigned bands, many of which have gone on to greater recognition.

Pete’s Candy Store continues its long tradition as a Brooklyn live music venue and local tavern with a far reaching reputation.