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Categories: Bars, Performing Arts, Local Flavor [Edit]
Neighborhood: East Village
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The Nuyorican is a place where your senses will be invigorated. You can taste the love, you can hear the emotion, you can see the matrimony of ryhme and reason, you can touch comradery, and you can smell midnight oil perspiring off of the minds of these brilliant poets, and people.
I went here for the first time just last night for open mic, and I didn't feel like a newbie. I was a little hesistant about signing up but I intend to be a regular so thats okay:). They have many events throughout the day, and have been a gem nestled comfortably in the east village for 16 marvelous years.
When your here you are definitely welcome, and no matter what language you speak you can feel the energy, and heartfelt love for spoken word, and humanity. There are people from all walks of life appreciating the same thing. You can honeslty feel the love, and the "Sandman" is hilarious.
I'm something of a spoken word junkie, and I feel a little embarrased that this is my first time getting to this place, but I feel so much better that I can say I've been here. They have a nice bar, and small balcony seating upstairs, which gives the place a real artsy, feel. There are raps and poems in Spanish but you can feel the meaning all the same. Last night there was a rapper from Columbia who rapped in Spanish and English, and he was dope. Then there was this woman from France who sang in French, and I think I just about fell in love:).
This place is LEGENDARY...MOS DEF, SAUL WILLIAMS, SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK have all done there thing at this place. Its no suprise as to why this place is so popular. It is truly a gem and witnessed some prolific poets and pulchritudinous women singing. It is a treasure. The Nuyorican is here to stay for generations to come...16 years and still running STRONG!........I HEART U NUYORICAN!
Ive been here for a Poetry Slam. It's $10 to get in.
They definitely bring in the talented poets but damn they overcrowd this place. The fire marshal would have a heart attack. There is plenty of seating space - or you could slt on the floor (hopefully they're clean?).
As far as the poets - they were great and really touched me. Everyone's got to go at least once.
If there's a fire, you're probably going to die. Especially if you're here for The Moth. Especially if you're in the balcony. Especially if you blew too much money on bottom shelf wine, served in a plastic cup for $6 a pop, and are half-drunk, wedged into a sea of poetry slamming, storytelling, moderately hostile New Yorkers.
I think the Nuyorican Poets Cafe can be summed up by the following story: once, at The Moth, a man passed out while seated on stage, and his place was immediately seized by the woman standing directly next to him. And this was while he was still on the floor and the staff was scrambling to clear the insanely crowded room so the paramedics could get through. The man ultimately regained consciousness after a few terrifying minutes and, unbelievably, walked to the microphone and told a quick tale about his lengthy history of fainting before disappearing into the streets of the Lower East Side. And, naturally, the show went on.
Welcome to New York.
Pros: Went on a Poetry Slam night with a featured poet, Erica Fabri. She was ok with her MANY poems about love from her new book. I much more enjoyed the poetry slam. The artists varied from backgrounds and many of the subjects were related to racial or suicidal issues which made the topics intense. More than half of the audience were locals (many from Jersey) so it was fun to be in a crowd of locals. The MC interjected periodically who was quite funny and really tried to get the audience to interact. I would def. go back again for fun.
Cons: Went over the holidays so it was packed from ceiling to people sitting on the floor..really crowded. Thankfully my friend and I got seats.
Whenever I am back in ny I hit NYPC. It feeds your soul. Makes you feel more alive. And...this is going back some years now...I performed some of my teen-angst poetry there. I have no idea how good it was but it's something everyone should do once.
Thanks for keeping on keeping on.
Exactly what I expected. Clean, basic bar in a funkyish 'hood. $6 beer. Was here for a special event in the mid-afternoon which was fairly crowded ($5 admission). Not my thing, but I can see the appeal.
I went to the Nuyorican Poets Cafe because I had heard many friends talk about it. I arrived about a half hour before the show was scheduled to start and the line to get in was down the block. The poetry was great and the crowd was very cool. When I first entered I was standing up all the way in the back and being short it was hard for me to see. There was an upstairs but I heard that was crowded too so I stayed in my little space next to the DJ booth. Eventually I snick past the crowd and found a seat right next to the stage and the poetry was great. If you are looking to hear some great poetry this is a great place to check out, just be careful if you are claustrophobic.
Review #100
A MUST!! Period.
Me in my complete ignorance of anything past the numbered avenues walked up painfully obviously out of place and disoriented to a nondescript doorway where a couple chill people were standing. Shifty eyes and fidgety, my friend and I asked where do we buy tickets. At which, everyone standing there snickered and condescendingly stated that our epic cluelessness was "cute".... No advance tickets, no ticket window, just wait in line (in the rain, mind you). No matter, we slinked to the end of the line and tried to blend in with the brick. Just a little nyc flavor to start the night off.
We got there early around 8:30 for the 10p Friday night poetry slam, and we were glad we did: 1) because the line started wrapping around the block by 9:15 and 2) because even though we were 6th in line the person in front of us was apparently holding spots for her crew of ummm 20 PEOPLE!!! So, moral, get there early.
The place probably should only hold 40 people, but was packed to the brim with at least 150. People were sitting on everything and standing everywhere. Fortunately, we scored seats right up front with a table (again get there early). The lights dim, the show starts. The host was hilarious and bubbly and a straight talker who happily called everyone out.
And now to the main feature, poetry! We were lucky to come on the night when Josh Bennett (who performed at the white house and a very popular up and coming poetry star) was the main feature of the night. I had never heard any of his work, my friend is the poetry buff, not me. His performance was excellent and he autographed his newly published books for a few people in the audience.
Every performer was 100% genuine, not over done, keep-it-real, powerful storytellers and poets who you genuinely felt were interesting people that you wanted to get to know. We laughed, we were brought to silence, we were touched, we commiserated, and we danced. A complete night that left me exhausted but more energized than I'd felt leaving any club. This is a perfect way to spend your Friday night. And if you want to introduce your out of town friends to some real new york flavor, eccentricity, and camaraderie, Nuyorican is the place. I can't wait to come back. It's worth every penny.
I first heard of this place from a movie called Piñero, I had to experience it.
Friday night poetry slam! All the poets verses were thought provoking, and intelligent, some more than others. Beer & wine is all they serve.. get there early so that you can get a good seat and prepare to be blown away by some amazing poets.
The host is a cute funny gal, the dj plays old school hip hop, 10 bucks a head, but worth it. I will definately come back here when i got back to NYC!
I went to a Wednesday night comedy show and 1000 crunches couldn't make my tummy hurt more.
I laughed so hard I cried. It's current, refreshing and a bit raunchy - a perfect combo.
Yes, there was certainly guy that bombed, but there always has to be one. Poor guy.
This here's an institution.
If you're ever in need of a good laugh, cry, or heart-stopping, thought-provoking remedy, you're guaranteed to get all of it here - all on the same night. You can even get your dance on.
Friday Night Slams are popular so make sure you get in line early to snag a seat. The host is awesome, the DJ is live, and so is the crowd. It's $10 a pop but well worth your money and you'll be supporting artists that are about something.
Plus, you can't put a price on reviving your soul.
Nuyorican offers quality poetry slams! The only reason for a four and not five-star rating was the lack of seats for everyone they allow in... lots of people had to stand or sit on random objects (like we did with one of the speakers!).
Remember to get there early to stand in line or you may not even get in... also, the closer you are to the front of the line, the more likely you will get a seat... which for such a long show, you will want!
My friend came here in 1996 and recommended me to visit this place for my first trip to NY, and when I entered this room and heard people speak their own rhythms and their own rhymes, mingling with live hip hop / jazz my heart sank.
The vibe was clear- we were all unique individuals unifying in a room with heartfelt creative soul. I felt incredibly motivated and inspired, and I can't wait to find places like this on the west coast.
Me: How much for a Sam Addams?
Bartender: Recession price, six dollars.
Me: Oh yeah? How much before the recession?
Bartender: Six dollars.
Marvelous! Great space, great people. I came on a Wednesday night for the Write From Wrong series, which if I remember correctly featured work written by poets about their time in prison or while in prison. Some of it was your standard cosinal-volumed overly dramatic slam fare, but some of it was truly moving and right up there with the best spoken word I've seen.
The crowd, though small for the event, was totally engaged. Probably the best atmosphere for poetry I've found outside of the Green Mill.
I came back later in the week with hopes of reading at an open mic. For that, the place was packed. I got away with two pieces, one a success, the other a mild flop, but it was a great experience. Again, the audience couldn't have been better to read in front of, and everyone from the curious audience member to the staff treated me like family.
If you have any interest in poetry or spoken word, or are just looking for a different kind of place to take a date, this has got to be on your list.
Wow, great place!! Visited from MA., friend raved about this place...she was on target. Only complaint- she neglected to warn me of how packed it can be..we shuffled in out of the rain to stand squished in the bar area, unable to move or see the stage- nor did she mention the fact that they only took cash. All of the seating was full, had I know to go early that would have prevented the 2 hours sitting on the wood floor crosslegged. But, even w/ the drinkless uncomfortable seating- it was worth it!! The poets were sooo good, the hostess was very funny and made the vibe perfect.
So go early, bring cash and sit back, relax and enjoy- a must!!
Nuyorican is in a class all its own. The atmosphere is relaxing, the personalities of the hostess, poets and bartenders are warm , the patrons are friendly and you come out of the experiences a slightly more enlightened individual. It is a great place to spend a night.
My only piece of advice is : make sure if you are going to attend the Friday night slam that you arrive early. I always try to get their by 9:15 to ensure that I have have a seat.
WOW. I had to wait in line for 40 minutes to get in but we totally lucked out because we got to see the poetry grand slam! the finals!
Mahogany Browne is an amazing hostess. She gets the crowd all happy and kicking! An event worth going for. I'm not going to say more and spoil it. All I'm going to say is, go for it. Just go. Like so many others have said, go with an open mind and you won't be disappointed.
Just go, go, go.
(-1 star for the long long wait and the dull ache in my behind from sitting cross-legged on the hardwood floor for about 3 hours)
The bartender kept the wine flowing and kept us laughing. We came here for a poetry slam, and the performers were amazing. The vibe is so welcoming and encouraging. It was a very diverse crowd in every sense of the word.
The owner is a fiesty older man but don't let him intimidate you, lol.
Come here with an open mind and open heart and you'll have a good time.
this place is really cool - and you should really go at least once while living in the city.
i came on a friday night for the poetry slam. It's really fun and the MC keeps things entertaining. The poets are super talented and when I went they were so young (one of the girls was 17!) - it was really a great experience.
Only minus is that we had to stand the whole time b/c we got there close to starting time and my feet started hurting after the first hour.
That being said - its a good spot - they serve beer and $4 wine only - but you don't come here for the alcohol, you come here for the talent...and that impresses.
I got a great introduction to poetry slams at Nuyorican, thanks to a truly sweet and poetic Yelper. It was her first poetry slam at Nuyorican as well, so I suggested we each do something new together. I can honestly say that "your mileage may vary" since I was with someone who really enjoys it, thus my experience was great.
The setting is very typical of what you would imagine a poetry bar would be. The tall walls are draped with artwork, encompassing a casual seating area that is dominated by this wide and intimidating stage. The bar isn't impressive at all, but I was so glad to see one there. Glancing over, it appears to be beer and wine only. You'll never know how shitty the performances might be, so as long as they're serving, you'll manage. Thankfully, the poets we saw were pretty inspiring and I walked away eager to go home and grow a soul patch.
What I enjoyed most is the atmosphere. Everything is moderate to low energy, compared to the venues I normally attend. I can relax with a friend, drink cheap wine and be entertained without having to lose my voice or bruise myself. There is indeed a cover charge, but I believe it's only on nights when they host events.
The staff is very cool and exceptionally sarcastic and witty. Don't take it personally! They're just poets and they're just fucking with you. I grew up with similar folk, so I felt right at home. My experience was great, but I'll only be back to when my new friend gets the courage to perform at a slam.
I wake up Sunday in a weird daze that has absolutely nothing to do with a hangover. For the first two minutes I attempt to piece together a dream that's seems bizarre to me not because of its abstract qualities but because of the unreal reality it illustrated.
I am walking with a friend/roommate Claire Danes. We're talking about a poem, the best poem ever, the one that explains everything, only I cant recall the author or the date all I know it's a few words and if I can remember them I will find the time to write and therefore in general have less complaints about everything. It's four stanzas, short 20 word paragraphs. We end up at a caf I think we are in the east village but I swear all the landmarks are SF. Now that I think of it I realize it is a combination of both a slower New York. Maybe it's another country. This is Claire Danes in that movie Igby Goes Down staring Macaulay Caulkin's younger brother. We are talking about literary theory Deconstruction to be exact and in the next few moments my entire life will be deconstructed by the single hope I have had for my life, writing.
There is an older man onstage, it is no longer day. The room is smoky this is some sort of open mic but with fewer words, cutting to the chase, to the core. Maybe it's the late 50's and this man is a beat poet without the pretense, all the best observational qualities in one person, best word choice, smallest ego. He's seeing right through me and this is uncomfortable. When I attempt to speak no one can hear me. My words do not exist and because of the absolute truth in this I am stunned. I am standing in the back of the crowd so why should this even matter? What sets me apart from a standard listener? Could after all this I just be a watcher?
Claire doesn't give me any good advice, its like shes using what I confide in her against me listening to the way I evangelize all I believe to know about writing contrasted against all I don't do.
My enemy myself. Am I Claire Danes? I see no movie cameras. This is not scripted.
The man onstage is Derrida and he has no patience for people like me. The understanding I get from this is that I can write to exist and the only way I can join in the debate is to be active.
I once went to the Nuyorican Poets Cafe to watch a group of slam poets back when that stuff was popular. I was mesmerized by where I was thought I caught a glimpse into a place I would someday be. Thought I heard my views on politics in the words that were spoken. I wanted to scream, but inside knew that the plane ride home would land me back into reality where no matter how much importance I tried to attach to words and expression. I would take off my wig in the hotel room that night and it was like taking off some other person. I could never be a writer in my everyday life. I could not combine the practical with the soul. My heart and my interest in material possessions.
I fell asleep reading about sheep herding, the slow food revolution and a different way off life. I kept reading the word transhumance because it sounded good like transformation, transcending.
I've never dreamt I was in a movie let alone a movie that so resembled something directed by Woody Allen but I guess in some odd way it makes sense. The wordiness.
This is a must-see spot for anyone who can even begin to appreciate poetry. I went not knowing what to expect, and left in awe and shock over the amazing things I saw there that night. It was definitely intense, and I loved the vibe as well as the diverse people there. The regulars were amazing people, and everyone was so supportive of all the readers. The best part, I feel, was the ability to keep a great sense of humor amid all of the intensity. I laughed, I cried... and it was MUCH better than a romantic comedy.
The ONLY downside was cash-only at the bar, but it's possible that it was only for the event I was at. I'd check it out before you get there with only $5 on you.
You can keep your velvet-rope, suede-banquette, leather-pants VIP lounges. I'll be at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe on E. 3rd Street, or, as it's more commonly known, Reverend Pedro Pietri Way.
Having escaped the scourge of the East Village - gentrification - this bar/performance space retains all its old-school charm: grungy door, plywood floors, ultra-high ceilings, and a small stage at the back of the space, replete with a mangy black curtain. Tables and chairs in the open area in front of the stage, bar stools up front by the entrance. The artwork hung on the exposed brick walls changes from time to time, but the bar itself is always your same old friend.
"What would you like?" the bartender asked one undeniably well-dressed patron on a recent night.
"I'll have a Stoli and tonic."
"Take another look at the bar," Bill replied, moving on to fill another's order.
Three Coronas and two Merlots later, he was back, and the hapless customer had at last caught on: beer and wine only. At $4.00 a beer, who could complain?
The NPC hosts performances every night except Mondays: spoken word, theater, poetry & slam, hip hop, live music, and film. But let's not tell anyone else about it, ok?
http://www.nuyorican.org
Everyone has to do the Friday Night Slam at least once. Period.
Great poets. Wall-to-Wall People (literally, I have seen people sit on top of speakers to get in here to hear the slam). Drinks. Living Puerto Rican History. What more is there to love?
But if you are planning on getting a seat, you have to be there at least 30min early. Be warned.
This is the most diverse poetry venue in NYC, in my opinion. It is a historical place worth seeing, and the poetry on Friday nights is always top-notch.
Make sure you arrive early, the place WILL fill up to capacity. It's not only about getting a good seat, it's also about getting in at all, especially on their biggest night (Friday).
Poets, eh? That's what I said when I heard about this place. I was expecting some grungy place where they'd charge me $10 for a Bud and sing Kumbayah in candlelight.
Clearly, that wasn't how the night worked out, or I wouldn't even be wasting your time with this review. If you really need convincing, they have relatively cheap beer ($4/bottle) and the staff is indeed very welcoming. I chatted with the bouncer/owner and the bartender, they were happy to answer questions (Nuyorican is a play on New York + Puerto Rico) and the like.
And I haven't even mentioned the poetry yet. Trust me, it's like steak for your ears!!
The Nuyorican is an amazing place to chill, have a drink and hear slam poetry. I'm blown away by the talent at this place each time I come here. This intimate venue attracts a friendly, diverse crowd that is always supportive of all the performers. The audience always seems to have a great energy that the artist feeds on, and vice versa.
The Friday Night Slam is very popular -- the performance starts at 10pm, and I suggest getting there 45-60 minutes early to stand in line and get a seat, otherwise you'll be part of the standing room only crowd. And there's almost ALWAYS a standing crowd on Fridays.
Cover for the Friday slam has increased to $10, cash only. Cash only at the bar as well -- you're limited to a small selection of bottled beers, wine, sodas, water.
Come just once and you'll keep coming back for more!
well, after wanting to go here for years i finally went this past saturday.
i wasn't really impressed and didn't understand what all the hype was about. i mean, i was absolutely thrilled to be in the place... and i liked the show that i saw. however, they kept us waiting outside in the freezing cold for about half an hour... and i paid 10 bucks for a show that i felt was worth 5. yes, it was good, but it was about 45 minutes shorter than anticipated (a little more if you count the late start time.)
not a good first impression.
Still one of the top spots in NYC for poetry.
Some of my favorite poems come from various poets that have performed and later published their poetry (such as Pedro Pietri, co-founder of the Cafe)
Take time to check this classic place out and vibe out. . .
I wasn't particularly impressed. I think I just went on the wrong night. I don't really care for MC shows. And the music is usually too loud or the acoustics not really right to accomodate the song being attempted.
I wanted to love Nuyorican. I really did. But I don't at this moment. I would consider it a rip-off had it not been for Captin Planit. You can't charge 12 dollars for me to sit and listen to your DJ for an hour while you problem-solve sir. That's not how it works. You communicate with the venue. Knock half off the price. Apologize for the delay and move on with an abbreviated version of what you had planned. You have to do something to make up for the paper cups the coffee comes in and the inadequate bathroom facilities.
I forget the host's name. He wasn't very memorable except for he rhymes like a boy I used to like which makes me want to forget his name even more. He wasn't very talented off the top and his big thing was making a joke about that. The DJ was alright. The Beats Battle was an ass-whoopin' from Captin Planit for poor P.O. who couldn't even compare remotely to the talent of the Captin. Then some MCs followed who were not very good with the exception of Northstar from Division X. I was bored. And wished for my 12 bucks to magically reappear in front of me. I'll try it again but it'll have to be free and for the love of chocolate people, please start on time.
I attended my very first poetry slam last night at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and left so happy! The place was packed with people of all ages and backgrounds, the poems were fantastic, and the energy in the house was amazing!! I went to see a friend of a friend perform (Samantha Thornhill) and was really blown away by her. Everyone should go, especially if you've never been to a poetry slam before. I will most def be back here again soon :)
Friday night poetry slam: i waited in the freezing ass cold for 45 minutes for some seriously cheesy ass poems in an asses-in-your-face cramped little shitbar. I'm ok with the asses-in-your-face shitbar part...but the scene was too "polite" to make it work. It was like the high school auditorium version of a poetry reading....not mindblowingly raw and original like poetry should be. So tame....with lots of blushing on the audience's part at words like "penis". Then there was the cheese: I actually saw someone snap their fingers as applause.
EW! EW!
This is a place for people who don't have (or are too afraid to have) drunk-artist friends but wish they did.
Awesome spot...just read the other reviews.
Go on a Friday, check the website for the lineup. Get there early for a seat, like 45-60 min early (it gets crowded). Cover about $10. Great spoken word/poetry slam. The guests are the best and truly a treat. The competitors are usually great as well. They have a variety of all great looking events as well. Just a great place to experience in the heart of Alphabet City.
Per the Club's website: Founded circa 1973, The Nuyorican Poets Cafe began as a living room salon in the East Village apartment of writer and poet, Miguel Algarin who was dedicated to bringing new work into the public eye. By 1975 it became clear that there were many poets and too much energy for Algarin's living room. William Morrow Inc. had just published an anthology titled "Nuyorican Poetry". Miguel Piñero's "Short Eyes" had just won two awards as best play of the 1974 season. Poetry, the vital sign of a new culture, needed to be heard live. So Algarin rented an Irish bar, the Sunshine Cafe on East 6th Street, which was christened The Nuyorican Poets Cafe. By 1980, the overflow of audiences led the Cafe to purchase an "in rem" building at 236 East 3rd Street to expand its activities and programs.
A non-profit organization, the Cafe has emerged as one of the country's most highly respected arts organizations and has become an acclaimed forum for innovative poetry, music, hip hop, video, visual arts, comedy and theatre.
The mission of the Cafe is to create a multi-cultural venue that both nurtures artists and exhibits a variety of artistic works. Without limitation, we are dedicated to providing a stage for the arts with access for the widest public.
The Cafe's purpose has always been to provide a stage for the artists traditionally under-represented in the mainstream media and culture; promoting their work while building an audience and providing an ongoing support system for them as they grow. The weekly Poetry Slams are a hugely successful popularization of poetry conducted in mock epic contest judged by people selected at random from the audience. The Theater Program has been awarded over 30 Audelco Awards and was honored with an OBIE Grant for excellence in theater. Theater events are held early evening from Thursday through Saturday with frequent Sunday matinees. The Latin Jazz Jam Session on Thursday nights fills the Cafe with its own special flavor and has been a weekly "Critics Choice" at New York Press for six consecutive years. Our Fifth Night Series has produced over 40 films from screenplay readings since its inception in January '94. The Hip Hop events include an open mic and competitions for poets, freestylers and emcees, as well as collaborations for story tellers and jazz musicians - becoming a legendary hotbed for new talent. Every month the comedy troupe, Nuyorican Rule, brings its humor on the urban, social, political and familial Latino experience to the Cafe. We are proud that our ongoing efforts to provide support for the creative life of hundreds of artists has given us a crucial role in the artistic life of New York City.
For what it is, I couldn't haven't seen anything better really. I only wish that they would not bother trying to have people not record events, as many people were doing so. If people recording these events are not compliment enough, what is?
Worth going to at least five times. Come here with an open mind or don't come at all. I guess the venue is not necessarily for everyone, but if you're more focused on vibrant culture, unique peformances, independent artists and an extremely diverse, artistic crowd-go, go go! Poetry slams are sick, I performed here with a youth spoken word group in high school and even though most of us were not well-versed in slam poetry, the atmosphere was ridiculously encouraging. I cannot say enough good things about this place, but if you're objective is to find a see-and-be-seen spot with a fifteen dollar appletini, go elsewhere. If you want a lively, open minded and rousing crowd, this is your place. I only went to one Friday Night Slam and it left me wishing I could be a regular.
I've been there for a few performances. The spot is great. nice and cozy not your typical socialite hangout but its a place where you can unwind and relax.
You have to get there on the early side to ensure you have a good seat and trust it will be worth it!
NOTE:
The only really enjoyable nights are the Friday night poetry slams.
That being said, I enjoyed myself when I went to the Nuyorican and it was my first time. The poetry was intelligent and the host was entertaining...a little pompous at times, but still entertaining. There were definitely more than a few people there who could be defined as posers , and the bartender gave my friend an overpriced, watery drink but I overlooked it since the show was good.
I would say to definitely get there early and leave right after the slam because then they do an open mike that was a little boring.
So this was my first time coming here. Overall, I thought the vibe was chill. The night I went when Mohagany Brown hosted. There was a contest (two teams comprised of slam poet-veterans) where judges (regular audience members) scored performances. Some of the "veterans" I wasn't all that impressed with. The strongest poet clearly was Mohagany.
This is a good place to go if you are tired of the nightclub and bar scene. I would add "good place to expand your mind," but most of the poets just weren't that deep (not nearly as deep as they thought, anyway).
Cons: This place gets PACKED! My friend and I ended up sitting by the fire exit door (for most of the night anyway, then some guy told us it was a hazard for us to sit there, whatever...) To ensure that you have seating, make sure to stand on the line that forms rather early outside. Other cons? Posers...yup, plenty of 'em in the building. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated the diversity of the crowd. It's just that everyone wants to be "deep" and "conscious." Finger-snapping and a "umhumm" is not necessary after every expletive, pause or stanza.
What to say about the Nu-yo? It really depends on the night you go there and the season of the year. They do have youth night, and poetry night, and hip hop night, and it's important to check the calendar. Saturday nights are fun, it is always important to get there at least an hour early to guarantee a seat. The line is long and cold in the winter, but I always come up satisfied. Good poetry, vibe, and can last until the wee hours if needing an escape. When they are having the battles for the poetry teams... is definitely a time to go.
I love Nuyorican Cafe. They always have interesting events going on, and without fail you know on Friday night you can go and hear some dope slam poetry. My only issue is with the crowd sometimes. A lot of young college-age kids go there and more and more the crowd is looking less diverse. I miss the grown and sexy folks! In any case, I'm glad that this place is still doing its thing and providing a venue for artists to express themselves.
Neighborhood: Theater District
Category: Arts & Entertainment
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Category: Performing Arts
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