Joe's Pub at The Public Theater debuted in October 1998, and quickly became one of New York City's most celebrated and in-demand showcase venues for live music and performance. Joe's Pub was conceived by Artistic Producer George C. Wolfe to honor New York Shakespeare Festival founder Joseph Papp by adding a cabaret space to the theater complex. With impeccable sound and lights and capacity for 161 people in a warm and intimate candlelit atmosphere filled with plush velvet couches, Joe's Pub offers artists and audiences a comfortably elegant setting for performances by some of the world's finest performing artists.

Joe's Pub is frequently selected as an intimate alternative venue for showcases by major artists who typically perform in much larger halls. Among the artists who have performed or hosted special events at Joe's Pub are: David Byrne, Alicia Keys, Eartha Kitt, Richard Thompson, Ute Lemper, Mos Def, Kronos Quartet, Norah Jones, Joss Stone, Youssou N'Dour, Audra McDonald, Sandra Bernhard, Bebel Gilberto, Gavin DeGraw, Macy Gray, and hundreds of others.

In addition to presenting international stars on an intimate scale, Joe's Pub has also developed a strong reputation for showcasing up-and-coming stars and nurturing New York City-based emerging artists from a variety of disciplines. Late nights at Joe's Pub brings a trendy nightclub audience who come to enjoy the sounds of DJs spinning an eclectic mix of R&B, hip-hop, electro, and global grooves. Late night also boasts concerts by some of New York's hottest underground buzz bands.