Most people know CBGB’s as the punk mecca that gave birth to the Ramones, or have at least seen it in that Adrien Brody movie "The Son of Sam," but have you heard of ABC No Rio, possibly the last D.I.Y. (do it yourself) space in Manhattan?

A small, unassuming doorway in The Lower East Side is the only evidence of this venue. Known simply for the show matinees on Saturday that start at 3 and end around 9, it's not nearly as frightening as Mars Bar.

ABC (as it's usually called) is run by straight-edge kids, those who don’t drink or smoke, trying to give unknown bands, usually of the hardcore, punk, or indie genres, a place to start. Since alcohol’s strictly forbidden, I recommend going to a local brunch place beforehand if you’re feeling thirsty. If you’re the rule-breaking type, you can sneak in a couple beers, but don’t say I didn’t warn you—the strict show promoters will take them away in a second.

Behind the building, there is a large open space spotted with plastic chairs and benches, kind of like a mini-backyard. You can grab a smoke here, but be careful of the slippery stones and stairs. As you inhale your cancer stick, take in the stunning graffiti adorning the crumbling walls, and, as the smoke makes you lightheaded, you could feel transported to early-‘90s New York City.