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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: time (10) poets (8) years (7) experience (7) poetry (7) open (6) people (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Fulton W. 2 years ago on Google
    I got fooled by either the FALSE ADVERTISEMENT on their official website or the MALE STAFF AT THE FRONT DOOR. Before I visited there, I referred to the up-to-date, date-specific information on their website, and it clearly stated as "$10 W/STUDENT I.D.". However, the guy at the front door demanded me the full price general admission payment, saying like "we don't do that any more, it's discontinued". As soon as he took the money from me, he immediately put it into his purse. I feel betrayed, and would never come back again.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Harlem D. 5 months ago on Google • 146 reviews
    50 years of Boricua fabulousness. They're closed for a short time for renovations but this is a definite New York must have experience. They do occasionally have open mic nights. I've been here several times in the past but it's been about a good maybe 11 years between my last visit and this one and I can't believe I stayed away so long. There's a reason why people travel from near and far to come to the cut of Manhattan in Alphabet City to be here. I came with two people who were traveling all the way up to the north Bronx and we all thought it was worth it to make the trip despite the fact that a return trip was like making the journey from the Shire to. Mordor
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bunmi H. 3 months ago on Google • 119 reviews New
    The experience waiting to get it was just as awesome as the experience when I got it. Spoken Word and Poetry artists passionate about their craft and putting on great performances. (I went in October 2010)

  • 5/5 Beth E. 1 year ago on Google • 52 reviews
    Back to the 50's, the Beat Poets, Charlie Parker, and the legendary David Amram. With brilliant Puerto Rican musicians and festive atmosphere - what could be better?
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 0 1 (‪Love My L. 1 year ago on Google
    Different place now. Africans pretending to be AA, having white ppl say the n-word. Definitely a a new place. Miss the old crew ( 4 one, Mahogany Brown) where are they?
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony V. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place to watch live performances with deep roots. Tip- if you’re trying to preform here make sure you go 2-3 hours in advance to line up because I kid you not they only have 25 slots & the first 15 are always regulars
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Losiago 1 year ago on Google
    Great atmosphere. Drinks are reasonable
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kai M. 4 years ago on Google
    I had heard about the famous Nuyorican Poets Cafe for years and had always wanted to go. I visited Manhattan for the first time and made it a point to stop by. Maybe I came at the wrong time but it was not what I had expected. It was to start at 10pm and they didn't open the doors until about 10:12pm. We purchased our tickets online earlier that day. After standing outside in the cold we didn't have seats. Many people were standing up. I wasn't sure what the capacity was and wondered why we could pay to get in but not have seats. Even still I was a bit excited but we came on a night where one of the Host was trying out his guitar lessons and the order of poets didn't seem to be organized. I'll chalk it up to bad timing. Maybe I'll try again whenever I come to the city.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is perhaps the most renowned home of slam poetry out there. Its legendary open mics serve as an opportunity for all comers to test their skills at this uniquely American form of performance poetry.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jorge Luis B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great space to see and share poetry and drinks. The venue is a staple for the nuyorrican poets and slam poetry in general. I’m glad it continues to open its doors. I feel the environment is very supportive then somewhat competitive.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Honey H. 5 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    Love this place finally went better late then never can't wait to see what the future holds.

  • 5/5 Bryan B. 6 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Wednesdays at Nuyorican poets Café are amazing. The open mics are incredible. The artists are very talented and it's quite the experience to see live. Definitely go and get there early.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kimberly V. 6 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    Always a vibe! Amazing historical and inviting venue. I went for a Friday night poetry slam, Sat at the bar, and watched magic happen on stage. The staff are great. The bar is simple, offering wine, beer, and non alcoholic bevs. Get your tickets ahead of time online. There is always a line for people waiting to get in.

  • 5/5 Joi M. 1 year ago on Google • 9 reviews
    It was a whole vibe and the environment was friendly and welcoming! Had an amazing experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Doug R. 5 years ago on Google
    Very cool little slam poetry venue that has a very friendly vibe for showcasing the poets. The night we went it was packed with standing room crowds and more sitting on the floor. The show was supposed to start at 10 but they didn't even open the doors until then and things didn't teally start until 10.40 or so, so it was a late evening. Judges are appointed from the audience to judge two sets of 3 poets, each of whom do 2 poems each. The poets were preselected, so it's not like anyone can jump up and read a poem they just composed (so there is some basic level of quality). The music before and between sets is very loud (club like atmosphere).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ana Sofía V. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic venue - loved the SLAM competition. All poets were extraordinary. Glad this place exists.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Franc G. 1 year ago on Google
    A landmark place in Loisaida #CommUnity
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda J C. 4 years ago on Google
    Rome Neal's Banana Puddin Jazz is fantastic. Great music, great people and delicious banana puddin.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maurice P. 5 years ago on Google
    This is a NYC Gem that has stood the test of time. 35+years and still going. Spoken word artist here bare their souls for crowds of mostly tourists, for roughly $10 a pop. It's democracy at it's finest.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Garik 6 months ago on Google • 29 reviews
    Great experience to learn/get involved with deaf/hard of hearing community and spend the end of night at any of nearby bar. Definitely recommend and will comeback

  • 5/5 Raquel A. 6 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    I had a great time here last week. I brighten my 20 Year old daughter with me since they are closing up for 3 years and I wanted her to see the original theater. I used to visit frequently when I was in my 20’s and it brought back lots of happy memories.

  • 5/5 Rome N. 8 months ago on Google
    I had a great time in my artistic home performing with my Jazz quartet... At the end of the evening we received a standing ovation!

  • 5/5 William W. 1 year ago on Google
    Performing at This Legendary Venue Awakens My Ancestral Spirit.. When Artists & Lovers of The Art Visit The NYC.. The Nuyorican Poets Cafe is a Must Attend!

  • 5/5 April M. 9 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    We had an absolutely amazing time here !!! Good music before show, host was entertaining and all the poets were simply phenomenal!!!!! Such talent ! Can’t wait to go there again !

  • 5/5 Antoinette m M. 1 year ago on Google
    I plan to have my party here. I attended an event here in the past. I really enjoyed it. Thank you

  • 5/5 Teiyahwanna B. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful experience. To hear the poetry from these artists is absolutely amazing. Must see performances

  • 5/5 Shantez Marie T. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s such a special little place of magic. It’s in a staple for the poet community. Always a good time. This is such a needed and sacred place. Go and support this Gem.

  • 5/5 Leyni R. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is such a vibe. I absolutely loved my time spent here listening to the talented artists. I also loved that there was a secluded spot, a balcony, for people to go up and view the performer/artist.

  • 5/5 Harold R. 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing hidden treasure. I've been going there for over 20 years. Even with all the success thru the years, it is still the same friendly feel that it has always been.


Call (212) 780-9386 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
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  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance

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