Hilly Kristal, a down-on-his-luck entrepreneur, dreams of opening a bar in New York City that caters to the music he loves. Seizing a seedy space in the Bowery, he establishes a club devoted to Country, Bluegrass, and Blues, with an unconventional approach, allowing virtually any band to take the stage. The club quickly becomes a haven for underground and emerging punk rock bands, transforming the musical landscape of the time. Bands like Television, Patti Smith Group, and The Ramones start performing regularly, drawing a raw and passionate crowd.

As the club's reputation grows, it becomes the epicenter of the burgeoning punk movement, despite its ramshackle operation and Kristal's constant financial struggles. Kristal's dedication to giving unknown artists a platform pays off, with many of these groups achieving legendary status. The club's gritty atmosphere and Kristal's laid-back management style attract an array of eccentric characters, both on stage and off. This surge in popularity brings new challenges and opportunities, drastically impacting Kristal's life and the lives of those around him.