Nuyorican Poets Cafe

I absolutely LOVE this place. I went for the first time when I was young, but have gone several times since then. It’s small so get there early, I’d say a little before 9pm (doors open at 10pm) or now they allow you to pre-​order your ticket for early entrance and for a slightly larger fee.
The feeling is very relaxed and everyone just vibes out so it’s comfortable. Even people who aren’t huge poet fans have been known to like it and want to return with me. I’ve been a judge a few times, and there is some pressure from the bystanders but its a cool gig.
Can go till 4am at times, I’ve only gone on Fridays for the poetry slam. If there’s something political going on in the world then the topics get extremely redundant and sometime’s that makes it lag, but overall a good time.

Came here for my first ever spoken word show and it was very interesting to see the great work that the ladies and the headliner put on. But in my opinion, the venue — although extremely conducive to that kind of culture (think dark, sultry, minimalistic and urban) — lacked the main necessities to make this a comfortable venue as an audience member. Granted, it may have been the fact that it was a packed house, as in standing room only. In fact, they had to take people upstairs for additional seating. But the place quickly ran out of working chairs — our group was seated towards the back, right at the entrance of the bar and my friends chair was literally up against the trash can. Limited selection of drinks (and over priced for that limited selection) and the venue itself is definitely a trek to get to. Still, a very unique (maybe even fitting?) first spoken word experience. Just not the most comfortable for a 1.5 hour long show.

Loved the experience here. The imagery of words being produced through their open mic platform exceeded my expectations. I simply cannot deny that I wish that I could attend more often. I really love spoken word whenever it is divulged from the heart. This place is classic.

This was a great experience in early Jan 2015, I hope to be going again, Jan 2016!
Good music, good vibes, top of the nation poets. The only thing I can say is that some of the poets get a little redundant with the topics, but I’ll give another review to see if this is a consistent problem once I go again.

I went here on a livingsocial deal recently and had a great experience. They ran out of dates back in Sep and I had to reschedule a couple times and the staff was extremely accommodating in getting me set up. Since I had a deal, I was able to skip the long line that went around the block and got to VIP entrance. It would have been almost impossible to get in otherwise. Try to get there early as the lines are super long.
The show itself was really great. There were 3 performers and audience members who were selected an judges scored each performer. At the end the readings, the scores are tallied and the winner is revealed.
The place is a bit small so try to get there early so you don’t have to sit on the floor. There is also a small bar that serves mostly beers and wine. Overall I had a great time and would def recommend it.

If you want the BEST of the Best, it begins at Nuyorican! Nothing more to be said! Where you hone your chops, gain inspiration & cultivate a family of bards.

I love love love this place. There are people who speak here and you can hear and feel their pain.
When i got there all the seats were taken standing room only. So i went upstairs sat down on some paper towels Indian style and peered through a small crevice between someones leg and got ready to use my listening skills… The introduction began and I then realized i did not miss anything. The MC is pretty dope herself. She cracked a few jokes and warmed up the crowd. Introduced the judges (audience members) and they wrote a small bio of themselves on paper. The MC read the bio to the crowd and everyone laughed and settled in… In between each segment people got up and danced and bought drinks at the bar.
THE BAR: Beers and Wine. I had a glass of wine and closed my eyes and listened to the words as they floated off their lips.
Transparency is good. Its a gift in poetry especially!
There were 4 poets and they all are gifted. The first poet to speak was a young lady from Africa that came to America and she spoke on assimilation and disassociating herself from her country. Wearing Jordan’s and trying to forget about her tribal clothing. She told her mom not to call her by her tribal name. Then one day she had an epiphany and began to take pride in her language, the darkness of her skin and the name she hated so much. The second poet spoke on being a immigrant from China and being the first refugee to escape to Hawaii. He then made it to America and cant forget the days he was a hungry young boy. He spoke on children poking fun of his eyes and accusing him of eating dogs. (Kids are mean :-!) The third young lady is African American but her parents were from Canada. She said her parents changed their names all in the name of the American dream. The 4^th Poet yeah he cracked me up. he did a rendition of his Grandma and him having an argument about him being a little bit black. He considered his skin spray tanned and he told her (grandma) he was still treated like a black man. She said to him you’re just a little bit Black. He had a Gumbi flat top and yelled like an old lady. She wanted him to disassociate himself from AA.
Wish it began a little earlier than 10.
Live in the light, be the light, spread the light…(my fav Trader Joe Yogi tea saying) I am the light!

Having never been to a poetry reading before, I can honestly say that that beyond exceeded my expectations. I went to the Friday night Poetry Slam (which I have been told is the most popular event), and was astounded by the amount of talent I saw. Everyone is very friendly and accepting. I was nervous to walk home alone in the area so late at night, but found that most places were still open and full of people at 2am.
Get their early because Friday nights full up FAST, and the lack of space was the only downside. I got creative and found an old crate to sit on. Host was great, definitely recommend making the trip to this café!

Went here the other night to see a friend perform. It’s always a pleasure to see an artist in their zone. The vibe is very welcoming and the people here are very receptive! I usually sit by the bar and sip on a beer as I enjoy the vibes. Definitely a cool spot to check out whenever you’re in the area.

Fantastic performance venue; there really aren’t enough slam poetry events like the ones hosted here! I actually discovered Nuyorican after buying a Living Social voucher for two, and I’m so thankful I did. We had to make reservations via e-​mail three weeks in advance, but it was definitely worth the wait. My boyfriend and I were able to get in at 9:30 with VIP access and score some good seats. But since they didn’t start until around 10:30, we had time to grab a few glasses of wine from the bar and chat while the DJ played some old-​school rap and hip-​hop as people shuffled in slowly from the huge line formed outside. It was a full house! All the poets throughout the night had great content and delivery, and the MC was hilariously entertaining. I felt like the judges from the crowd were quite biased, though. But overall, I would definitely come back to switch things up and introduce some friends here.

Amazing venue and amazing performances!!! I wish there was something similar to this in LA.
I came here on the last night I was in NYC and I wish I could go again! My friend brought me here because she knows I’m a fan of slam poetry and she wanted to check out this place. There was a bit of a line when the doors opened at 10pm and there’s a $ 10 cover.
There were slam poetry pieces and singers! Everyone was extremely talented and there were several pieces that gave you the chills because of how much soul they put into it. There’s a live band that accompanies the rhythm of the performances and the artists have a good time.
My friend’s a singer and her first live performance was here! SO PROUD! She performed the night of an album release party so everyone was really upbeat.
It’s beer and wine only but the drinks are decently priced. There’s no drink minimum!
I’ll definitely be back when I’m in the Big Apple!

I’ve only been to this venue once. My sister dragged me to this spot on a Friday night because she says that she loves it. I just thought it was OK.
For one, The place is pretty small and basic. Also, if your going on a weekend night be prepared for a very long line. According to my sister the price changes often depending on the show but it supposedly always stays under 20 bucks.
I personally had an issue with how the line was managed. Because after paying our entrance fee we entered the café to find that all seats were filled so only the option to stand was left. It would’ve been courteous to let the people still waiting on line outside know that they’d have to stand or sit on the floor before they paid the full amount and entered. But of course this courtesy wasn’t given.
The poets were incredibly talented but the judging process could definitely be improved. Randomly selecting judges just doesn’t seem fair to me-​how do you know these are not friends of a performer?
There’s was also a bar on premises but I didn’t order anything so I cant speak on that topic. The crowd the night I went seemed to be made up of alot of skunky smelling twenty somethings-​Or maybe it was just the section I was in? One girl was so high she could barely stand, walked right into me repeatedly until her friends (who definitely saw my patience was wearing very thin) finally sat her down on the floor.
I would return in the future but I would definitely inquire about what seating is left before paying my entrance fee because that information is definitely not volunteered.

The Nuyorican Poets Café is to poetry what The Apollo Theater is to Music. A place that cultivates and celebrates an art form. It is also a place that has a competitive approach to the culture it represents much like The Apollo. The Nuyorican Poets Café is one of the few places in New York that still feels like New York.
I came to NPC to watch my friend compete in the weekly poetry slam that is held every Wednesday. Honestly, I was just there to watch a friend in his first appearance at NPC. What started off as an effort to support a friend quickly turned into an experience I would not forget. Before the first Poem was read I became immersed in the experience that is NPC. The show began with the host «Jive Poetic» warming the crowd up with his mix of jokes and an explanation of how the night’s proceedings would go. Mr Jive Poetic definitely has a comedic side because I was laughing the whole time he was on the stage. Following his humorous explanation of the poetry slam rules the competition began.
Every Poet I saw on that stage brought something of value to the microphone. For some it was relatable content and for others it was expertly written and delivered poetry. Some performances were excellent, none were less than entertaining. The subject matter ranged from familial issues to relationships to matters of a political nature. Much of what I heard resonated with me on a personal level or at least gave me a glimpse of someone else’s reality. This isn’t Haikus or abstract poetry. This is real people sharing a piece of themselves on the stage. At NPC the crowd participation adds an element of authenticity that is invaluable to the experience. The poetry slam is judged by three volunteers in the crowd. The cheering (or lack thereof) is a major influence in the scores the poets receive.
Based on my first experience NPC deserves a perfect 5 star rating. For only $ 8 there’s not a more entertaining and stimulating experience to be had in New York City. The talent, crowd interaction and overall energy in this place are priceless. NPC is preserving an underrepresented art form that is relatable to anyone and for that it should be a protected city landmark. I will be back often.

Came here for open mic night and i loved it. There were a variety of performances and it was only $ 10. They set up several rows for seating just make sure you get there early to ensure you get a good seat.
There is only beer I would have loved a mixed drink but I can understand why you wouldn’t have liquor here. I am coming here again next month.
The host is absolutely hilarious and she is having a one woman show. I cannot wait to see it. This place is a new favorite for me.

This place! The vibes! The good energy! I live!
I had the opportunity to come to this place on a rainy Friday night with some good friends. As with many nights at this establishment, it was poetry slam night – a night where the novices and the hotshots meet to make beautiful… poetry!
My friend bought a few tickets in advance so we were able to fast track past the rapidly growing line of people whose tenacity to stand in line persisted despite heavy rains. The advanced tickets were super worth it, for they helped us snag the last available seats in a room where sitting and standing on top of each other was more of a truism than anything else. The place was crowded! And it was just what we needed to soak in the good energies and even greater vibe that inhabited the place.
The MC was great. He got the place jumping by calling out the boroughs (WHERE’S BROOKLYN AT!!!). After that, a few poets came on. And they were deep (*snaps fingers*).
It was a great experience and I cannot wait to go back again!
Word of advice, either buy advance tickets or show up early!

«A poem doesn’t do everything for you.
You are suppose to go on with your thinking.
You are supposed to enrich the other person’s poem with your extensions,
Your uniquely personal understandings, thus making the poem serve you.»
– Gwendolyn Brooks «Song Of Winnie»
I finally was able to perform at Nuyorican as a spoken word artist on New Year’s Day 2015. I may be inexperienced and an amateur compared with fellow poets of years to back them up to feel intimidated, but I am a quality writer. The façade depicts a beautiful mural of founder Miguel Piñero, poet and writer known for his play «Short Eyes.» Nuyorican is LEGENDARY with mostly Def Saul Williams, Sweet Honey In The Rock and spoken word slam performers have all performed here. Long lines flooding the street, intensely competitive with local prolific poets/​writers, quality energy performers of musicians and passion, high level talents fill the air with a long rich history. Nuyorican is a performance venue space for open-​mics and various performance art (spoken word, music, or comedy) to showcase talent. Spoken word slams (competition) are on select nights. Cover charge is usually $ 10.00 CASH admission per person. Personally, I enjoy quality performances of one’s own original work.
Dilapidated floor space, narrow cramped foyer where patrons hang around, dark and dingy with minimal lighting all resonate divey bar. During my brief presence I witness a loud crashing sound (chair broke while someone was sitting on it), which fend many years of neglect to the physical care and cosmetic structure of the interior of this building. Alcohol and non-​alcohol drinks are available, despite this business name resonate «café» there actually is no food on the premise. It really is a bar. The exterior depicts a magnificent mural by local artist Chico. Staff hustles to fulfill drink orders at the bar. The microphone emits good acoustic sound quality that is fully operational without fault.
Note: Nyourican Poets Café is not suitable for minors due to excessive vulgar language used in poetry and music as a method of freedom of expression in an artistic form.

Not sure what’s up with the few recent low star reviews. One lady seems to be upset that she paid for a show that had a set lineup rather than the open mic night, but that’s not the Nuyo’s problem.
I came for a semifinal slam and it was phenomenal. All the performers were incredibly talented and the host was DJ provide great comedic additions — not a dull moment once the show got started.
I listened to people on Unilocal and bought the advanced tickets. It was nice to have a seat, but floor space didn’t look bad so long as you’re able-​bodied. I was told, though, that it often is more crowded than the night I was there.
Anyhow — it was just a special night all around. Yeah, it has a dark, grungy vibe, but that’s part of the experience and people seem to have a special place in their hearts for the Nuyo.
There is a bar, but when someone is on stage, all attention is on them. You really come for the show, not just to mingle. That said, it does feel like a close family inside this café, which is a pretty nice the to find in NY. It’s also a really diverse crowd in age and ethnicity, which is neat.
The show goes late (1am?), so plan on a long ride home or a cab, and rest up before. This is not hour-​long event!
I’m recommending this far and wide. A worthwhile, off the beaten path NY experience.

I had never heard of this café before (which I have since learned is pretty well known) but came here with a group of high-​school students and was blown away by the quality of the poetry and the warm atmosphere.
It is not always easy to grab the attention of teenagers, especially in the summer, but all 100(ish) of our students were stunned into silence by the opening poems, which were honest, raw, and presented in such an emotionally compelling way that no one was left without goosebumps.
The performers then gave our students the challenge of writing about something they feel vulnerable about, and reading their writing on stage to the rest of the group. The fact that many of our students did, in fact, write about intensely personal matters that they then shared with all of their classmates is in itself a testament to the inspiring nature of this café and its performers.
I am not sure what this café is like at night and I know little of what cover charges it might ask, but based on what I saw during this trip with students, it would be a shame to miss out on a night at the Nuyorican Poets Café. Bring your friends who think they hate poetry — this will turn them around!

If I could give the Friday Night poetry slam 10 stars I would. This is a life-​changing event… truly.
Everyone is so chill (I think that’s a stupid word normally, but in this case it fits really well). Yes — as others said… get the VIP tickets and DON’T sit in the front row. Because when people file in to sit on the floor, you’ll feel scrunched. We were three rows back and it was perfect. Everyone was great about the squeezy-ness…we even all got up and moved our chairs back a bit so there was an exit aisle up front… and no one got weird about it. The other funny part was how few people were drinking. As the host said at one point «we’re here for poetry and just happen to have drinks» (total paraphrase) and she was right. The bar had no line and you looked around and I saw only a few drinks in hand. And that was cool.
The music was unbelievably great — from 9:30 to 10:30 it’s all music as people are loading in. The DJ is part of the whole show so you get to hear from him all night. And the host… she makes everyone feel great. Funny and witty and NOT at the expense of others… hard to pull off and she does it with authority. Love her (and she’s originally from Oakland!).
And then the true heart… the poets. On this night there were teams getting ready to try to go to the National Poetry Slam (being held in… wait for it… Oakland this year!
) They were phenomenal and brave and glorious and gut-​wrenching and more. And for those of you with short attention spans, there’s a 3 minute time limit, so if you don’t like one, you’ll see the next one very quickly.
Don’t hesitate… just go. Take the F. Take a cab. Rent an apartment a few doors down, like we did. Just figure it out and go. You will absolutely not be disappointed.

I always feel extra proud of my roots when I come here. Cute little café filled with culture.
Try going to an open mic night, maybe bring your own poetry to read. The first time I came was for Bruk Di Stage (Caribbean poetry showcase and open mic night). I didn’t think that I would read my poem, but I felt so inspired by everybody else that I had to.
You will definitely enjoy yourself.