For those that crave new experiences, inexpensive entertainment, or just a feeling of relatedness, Da Poetry Lounge is the place to be at least once on a Tuesday. $5, raw talent, you get in, you snap, and you get out. Simple. Like every other review said: -Don't stress about parking, it's available right next to their building -Wear comfy clothes (there's a high chance that you'll end up sitting on the stage on a busy night) -I'd totally bring a date here. You should too. You'll have plenty of thought-provoking topics you'll want to cover after. -Go to the bathroom before you get in. Having to maneuver your way through the audience during the very short appropriate time you can is not a fun time for you or your urinary tract read more

Love this place! So glad that they managed to return and that poets returned with full gusto! Tickets can now be purchased online, seats are still first come, first serve basis. So show up early otherwise you're looking to sit onstage or on the steps. Steps are a little awkward and legs will go numb. Performances are only on Tuesday, be sure to check social medias for special events and schedule updates. Parking is right next to the theater but that to fills up quick. If you love open mic and poetry, this is the hot spot! You will laugh, cry, cheer, and snap up the lights come up. read more

As others have said before me, this place is one of a kind.. seriously. I came here with 3 friends and we definitely had a crazy great time. We were all first timers when it came to Poetry Slams in general so that made this experience all the better. The show ranges from beginners who have only started to more advanced poets who have been there for years. The performers can range from singing and readings, but mainly readings.. You'll laugh, cry, and be absorbed in what these people have to say. Even if you're not the "poetry" type, this event will suck you in. The crowd is super friendly and open, making the vibe of the overall place all the better. The DJ and MC's are sick, commenting and encouraging each poet, while keeping the crowd alive. This is one thing that cannot be simply written in a review. You have to experience it first hand to truly understand how powerful this is. Here is some basic information to know that will help first timers (like me and my friends) who are interested in attending. When: Tuesdays; 9:30 PM Where: Greenway Court Theatre Price: $5/ person Parking: Fairfax High School (It's literally right next to Greenway Court Theatre) Additional Comments: The doors will open at approximately 9:00 PM, so make sure to get there around 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM if you want a good seat. You have to wait outside for a little, but getting a seat is worth it. If you come to late, you'll be forced to sit on the stage (as shown in the yelp pictures), which is not comfortable at all. read more

Da Poetry Lounge - Dante's Poetry Lounge - Brian B. Chen - Lounges Near Me - Leimert Park, California

I love the poetry lounge. Make sure you purchase tickets before arrival and you especially want to be on time. Seats go pretty quickly. I've been twice and personally I enjoy open mic much more than slam night but I would definitely recommend coming here for a night out or even a good date night. read more

Closed despite saying open on Yelp and having events listed every Tuesday on Google. Wasted gas and time

It's a real place for real poets that understand the souls craving to speak and share and experience this human condition. I walked in and felt at home. Encouraging, caring, fun and loving. read more

DPL deserves an award for being one of the few that lends its platform entirely to the individual artist and they're unique message. Every Tuesday, poets from all walks of life, courageously place themselves in the center of the stage under the spotlight (sometimes surrounded by upwards of 100 onlookers) and boldly proclaim their message. DPL deserves an award. Not to mention Sheehan, the host, is the man! And also a very talented poet in his own right. DPL is one in a million and has gifted me with the richest relationships I ever coulda imagined. A genuine breath of fresh air in the heart of the vanity that is Hollywood. read more

For the regular nights see my previous review.. this is for poetry slam night. Note whether you arrive very early or late your order of line doesn't matter as they randomly pick and if you're not selected you won't know until after you pay which is kind of scammy and most of the crowd leaves after the first round and by then it's 11pm. For the grand slam it's every 3rd Tuesday its$10 cash. It's a cool atmosphere but yes I don't want to pay for a place if I can't perform. read more

After dashing home from Taco Tuesday in Ontario I got "gussied" up for a night of verbal enlightenment my source... Da Poetry Lounge Shihan was our Emcee (still funny as shyt! his stories crack me UP!!) Brutha Gimel was spinning his beats in between the many poets that presented themselves raw on stage for us to hear their agonies, triumphs, discoveries and other pontifications of life in general. I love this place it is the most kick back atmosphere that I can get with that always leaves my cup "full" and my mind in wonder. I can not get on stage and "spit" nor flow as these young and old accomplished poets/lyricists can... but I tell you this, if you are looking for a fun time on a Tuesday night where you will hear some moving, poignant sometimes funny words being spoken eloquently and sometimes violently... make your way down to Fairfax around 9:00pm. Be sure to get there early to get a good seat or you will find yourself with the young'ins on the floor on stage surrounding the talent... which isn't a bad thing. They have refreshments/concessions for sale outside and available during the break so bring your cash as there are no ATM's located on site. All nationalities are welcome but come with an open mind oh yea and the door was only $5.00. The night can be a long one so although it's during the week be aware you will probably not leave there before 12:30 am and they have a "intermission" around 11:00pm. I suggest if you need to depart discreetly this would be a good time :) Once the poets begin you can not move from your spots and they come up in 3's no cellphones nor texting because YES!! you will be called out and blasted in front of all LOL Respectfully Reviewed read more

I went to this poetry lounge for the first time last Tuesday and it was okay, but just okay. The lounge is located at the veryyyyy small Greenway Court Theatre. The show starts a 9pm but my friends and I arrived around 7:30pm to ensure that we'd have a chair to actually sit in. We stood in line until they started letting us in around 8:40pm. We were probably number 17 in line and we BARELY found seats inside. We watched as all the high school kids packed in this place by sitting on the stage. The poets were good....I was in need of a poetry fix and this did the job. The audience was respectful and the DJ was great. I don't know if I will be back because I am not about standing in line for over an hour when I am not guaranteed a seat. And I definitely am not okay with sitting on the floor of the stage. There are just some things that I feel I am too old to do. Cost is $10 on Tuesdays (poetry slam) and $5 on other nights. Parking is available at Fairfax High School or you can opt to park on the street. There are also snacks available for sale--mainly candy, chips, and soda/water. read more

UHHHHHHHHH! DPL! I LOVE DA POETRY LOUNGE! I absolutely love how popular it is, but it's also it's greatest downfall! While some nights are better than others, a bad night here is still a way better night than at the movies. It is easy to forget with so many people we come across everyday that we all have different stories, but if you want to be moved by someone you didn't know 10 minutes before...wow. This is the place. $5.00 cash only and be there WELL before the 9pm start or....you might not get in which has happened to me once and I got there 30 minutes before. Life is pretty powerful and it is really easy to miss if you aren't open to new experiences, the people who have the courage to come up have some incredible stories and open up some incredible wounds in both themselves and often in your heart, so why not experience life with other people. Isn't that what it's all about? Anyways, I really enjoy this place...I hope they are blessed with so many more years of being the nations largest open mic poetry lounge. Go out and support, enjoy, experience. read more

I always heard of this place, but never truly had the opportunity to go...until last night. I arrived at a good time too - SLAM poetry Semi-Finals - so the poets were absolutely great! As young as eighteen years old stepped up to the Mic and flowed words in rhythms only one can imagine. It's located at the Greenway Court Theatre off Fairfax Ave. There's no sign that markets Da Poetry Lounge, and it's one of those Hollywood secrets you either know or don't know. The "line" builds up pretty early, so arrive far in advanced. If security is not handling business outside, the "line" looks more like a crowd trying to bust through gates. There is a maximum seating limit, so you may stand in line, but others may cut in front of you just to crowd up front. If you see this, and you think you can brave the crowd, make your way up to the front. If you don't make the line in time, they will cut you off. The crowd is obviously young, and I'm talking about 18-20 young. Once inside, you can sit anywhere between the audience seating and on the stage, near the DJ, and on the stairs, surrounding the poet and the Mic. If you end up sitting in the audience seats you would think you were attending an MTV sponsored talk-show. $5 on SLAM nights, otherwise, be prepared for Open Mic nights for free. After the SLAM competition, OPEN MIC poetry takes place. That's the thing: only POETRY. Two guys stood at the Mic and disrespected it with randomness. One stood up in silence, asked the audience if they wanted to see him break-dance, and when he did, he left. The next guy, assuming it was his friend, stood at the Mic and began his story of how he's old since he remembered Super Mario Bros and talked about his friend, Lloyd, the Filipino. HuH?!? Poetri, the guy who created the event, said in the beginning that disrespecting the Mic would not be tolerated, and yet, these two guys disrespected the Mic by acting like (or just being) fools. I enjoyed the second round of poets as much as I liked the SLAM poets, but by the time the second session began, you can tell the high school students had to head home and let the older audience members enter. There's a talented DJ in between poets. Hip-Hop. A host. Two sessions. 3 hours total. Parking is free. Overall a great experience, you just have to know your ways around getting inside. read more

Ever since I got into poetry and open mic nights a couple months ago, I've been on the search for ones in Los Angeles. I've been here twice and had a great time. An intimate yet large venue, funny hosts, variety and so many talented poets that come. Absolutely love this space! read more

This is an awesome spot to come check out. I had been wanting to go to a good poetry spot and I came across da poetry lounge. Let's just say I was not disappointed at all and they are there every Tuesday so I'm looking forward to checking it out again read more

Da Poetry Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Leimert Park, California

Very cool Tuesday night open mic poetry at the Greenway! There was nothing pretentious about this crowd and the talent oozes with emotion, it's like a breath of fresh air when you don't realize you've been suffocating. A gem. Natalie the host is as awesome as one can get! Loved it Loved it Loved it! read more

One can only wish for the kind of talent DPL draws through their doors on Tuesday nights. I love this place. And always make it a point to go if I am visiting home. I was first introduced back in high school and then came back when I was older and more mature in college to get elightened by the poets that can uncannily reach into some deeper part of yourself and conect with you, somehow knowing exactly what you're going through before you say a word. I met a woman who once performed there and she was a hater so I had to restrain every part of myself from slapping her for dissing Poetri and Co. Yes, Shihan is here and he does host most of the time. Yes, he is beautiful. And yes, he is married. You have to stand in line to get a chair in the audience so get there early and bring a friend to talk to. Don't cut the line. it's rude. As you file in, don't trample people. You'll get in, eventually. If you are late for any reason, there is an intermission of sorts where you can come in and take a seat on the stage. Some very notable spoken word artists come through here. I have been fortunate enough to see Shihan, Poetri, Ise Lyfe, and Dante Basco grace the stage. And many locals also make a name for themselves on the stage, delivering solid poetry week after week. Go for the talent. Seriously. You'll be changed when you leave. Something will touch you or move you or enlighten you. If you're going on a slam night it cost 5 dollars and you might get the chance to be a judge. If Poetri is holding a contest or giveaway of any kind, don't raise your hand to volunteer just walk up there next to him like I did. In fact if anybody needs a volunteer and you want to do it. it doesn't pay to sit and wave your hand like a girl. And your experience will be embedded in your memory forever. I can't say enough about DPL. JUST GO! read more

Da Poetry Lounge - We love Shihan! - Lounges Near Me - Leimert Park, California

This is a cool spot with lots of talented people but don't waste your time waiting in line for 2+ hours if you plan to perform, which I've done a handful of times only to NEVER FUCKEN MAKE IT TO THE GUARANTEED FIRST HALF. You can get there presumably early enough to make that list but there will be all kinds of people saving spots for their friends in line who will take up space and cut in front of you, which is whack as fuck and completely unfair. I want to give this place one more try but I don't think it's worth it, as shitty as that might sound. It's just a free-for-all in that line and whoever runs the place doesn't have anyone dedicated enough to be there and keep order until it's too late. Super disappointed but I guess I'm gonna have to find another spot and I will most definitely spread the word and let my friends know what I'm sure many people probably frustratingly experience too. read more

I feel like going to college i've heard a lot of spoken word, and sadly most of it isn't that great. Da Poetry Lounge is legit as hell though. There were poems that i'm still thinking about and others that nearly brought me to tears. I wish i'd found out about it earlier cause i'm leaving LA soon. check it out, mad legitness, and if u come late sitting on the floor isn't bad at all! read more

I heard that Da Poetry Lounge is doing a marvelous and exciting job of showcasing top poets in Los Angeles. Well, I host a poetry reading show on KPFK 90.7FM on Tuesday nights from 1-2am. Needless to say, we are always looking for progressive and socially conscious poets to appear live on the show. read more

The space is decent size, cant help the amount of people it attracts. If you have the time, Id get there an hour and a half early so you know you'll get a seat, unless you dont mind sitting on the floor or stage. I do prefer a concessions of more than candy, I didnt see any drinks. They dont allow anything other than water in the theater, but selling bottled water isnt a bad idea. read more

After moving here from Detroit, I was feeling kind of out of touch with the city. I didn't really feel like I belonged, and I know that sounds cheesy but bare with me... Every Tuesday that I can make it, I make my way to the Greenway Court Theater to witness Da Poetry Lounge in action. The first time I went there, I could feel the emotion dripping off the stage and I knew this was somewhere I had to come more often. Last night, I was there for their 14th anniversary and it was really moving to see all the people this place has affected and how a community can really bring a person to life. The logisitics: Starts at 9pm -- GET THERE EARLY TO GET A SEAT or else you're going to have to sit on the stage (which is uncomfortable, but it's a nice home-y vibe too). There's a second half at around 10:45-- easier to find a seat. If you need a place to express yourself, or you have a poem that you've never spoken out loud, this is the place to do it! Trust me! These people are kind, welcoming, and appreciative of the art of poetry -- which as the DJ so eloquently pointed out has become: "the red-headed step child of the art forms." You won't regret your time here, it has definitely affected me for the better. read more

While DPL does open mics every week, they do poetry slam nights every third Tuesday of the month (which are $10 instead of $5... but so worth the extra money). I was completely blown away. I was fortunate to get a seat at the most recent Third Tuesday--but we had to start lining up at 7:30 to get our seats (doors don't open until 9). If you don't have seats, you sit on stage. The people on stage looked pretty miserable near the end of the slam (and looked like they couldn't feel their butts), so I'd advise to bear the line and get seats early. As for the event itself--each poet spoke with such passion that it was impossible to pay attention to anything but their thoughts. Not only were each of the poems captivating, but the music, emcee, and audience made it a very positive place to be. I left feeling energized, inspired, and excited for the next slam night. Something that especially stood out to me was the age of many of the poets. Many of them are high schoolers, and use their words and their minds to combat the hardships they allude to in their poems. Other poems were lighthearted and brought down the house in laughs. I was so touched by each poem--even though I didn't necessarily understand each specific topic they talked about, I still think there's something so human about their joy, anger, and anguish that anyone can relate to it. I appreciated every second of the night... and can't believe I didn't find out about this sooner! read more

Da Poetry a lounge has been around for a long time now. I believe it's one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) poetry venue in Southern California. It is a place where young hopeful poets come to spill their guts on the mic in front of an audience of over 100+ lovers of the word. Hosts Shihan (one of DPL's original visionaries) and Natalie, are dynamic, fun, and keep your energy up even if the poetry is lame(which oftentimes it is). The crowd is young (mostly high-school/college folks) decked out in the latest trends. Boys in baseball caps, leather jackets and fadoras. Girls in hip-hugging jeans, gold hoops with high heeled tall boots walk with swag shaking the booty from side to side. You get the odd school teacher who brings his/her favorite troubled student. The white kid wannabe hip hop, Bob Dylan types; and blonde hippie girls in flowy skirts and feathered hair pieces that write poems about recycling and their wombs. Most popular themes are love, heartbreak, sex and revolution. You'll hear a lot of repetition since many of these young writers are still finding their voices and therefore imitating each other in the process. Usually Shihan will throw into the mix some of the more seasoned/regular poets who bring the energy of the crowd up again. And there are always the one or two surprises where a young quiet kid gets up and blows you away with their talent, makes you wanna go home and be creative! The worst part about this place is the line outside. It begins to form at 8pm but they don't let people in till just after 9pm. If you are not in line by 8:30pm, it's likely you won't get inside for the first half of the show from 9pm-10:30pm (first half is usually the better one). Second half is 10:30pm-midnight (but may end earlier). I also don't like that people who show up at 8:45pm (in large groups) will cut in line with someone they know near the front, which sucks if you got there at 8:15 and were diligently waiting in the cold for 9pm to come around. If i really wanted to, i could skip the line, I used to run in the scene back when DPL was just an idea and all the veterans would perform at Tanners Coffee Shop in Culver City back when "Green" was the popular place to spit- BUT NO! I stand in the line to get inside like everyone else that gets to DPL early- SO please be respectful, come early or don't skip the line. My time is worth just as much as yours! I love the diversity in the crowd. the different races, and mixes. biracial young couples. I love that while it is a male dominated field, many women muster up the courage to get on stage and thrive! read more

I came here expecting to point and laugh at people because I find humor in everything but I left this teary eyed and moved. There are some really talented people that come through here and it's a wonderful place for dates/inspiration/Tuesday evenings when you've only got 5 bucks to spend. Here are a few genuine pointers: Get here at least 45 minutes early if you want to find seating DO NOT buy candy from the dude at the table. You can't eat in the auditorium. That shit is a trap. Come with an open mind and try not to be judgmental. People that perform here come from a variety of different backgrounds and walks of life. People on stage will say things that will inevitably offend you or touch you or make you feel uncomfortable. embrace it and understand that you're learning about someone else's experience and try to learn from it. And don't leave early unless you want them to call you a republican. But if you do leave early, leave during the commotion. They called me out and made me feel super awkward. Hatin' on me 'cause I'm trying to get enough sleep to go to work in the morning. But it's a pretty good time, and a great way to to spend a Tuesday afternoon. read more

Whether you're a fan of poetry and hip hop or not, the Lounge is definitely not your average open mic experience, and it's a place you'll always find your way back to. The atmosphere there is unbelievable--Shihan and Poetri (both have been on HBO's Def Poetry multiple times), the hosts, always know how to keep a crowd entertained, even on nights where the sets are moving relatively slowly. Brutha Gimel, the DJ, always knows how to mix just the right amount of mellow and hype with his selections. And the crowd, oh man...the energy in that place on a Tuesday night is amazing. The entire theater is filled with excitement and anticipation, and when poets finish doing their thing on stage they're shown nothing but love. There are two halves, with the first starting at 9:00pm...you should DEFINITELY get there AT LEAST 20 minutes before the show starts if you want to grab a decent seat. You'll still be let in if you're in the tail-end of the line, but you'll have to sit on stage surrounding the performers, and while the stage gets you up and close to the action, it can become extremely uncomfortable...besides, when I watch someone perform I like to actually SEE them, not have to catch glances of their profile or stare at their backside the entire time. The second half starts at 10:30 (roughly), though usually when I've gone the Lounge mostly clears out by then, so the captivating buzz of the first half's audience is missing, but the level of talent that performs generally remains the same. There's usually a $5 cover, but it's completely worth it, I promise you. And if you do in fact dig the melodious funk of hip hop, cop some of Brutha Gimel's mixes for another $5. OH, and there is plenty of parking in the parking lot just next to the Greenway Court Theater (the venue), so no need to run around trying to find street parking. read more

Dis place is HYPE AF. The reviews don't lie, you best get here early because it gets packed fast. The night I came on was a slam night ($10), and they started letting people in around 8:30. People were continuing to filter in all night and the stage gets real cozy real fast. If you want a seat, I'd probably advise showing up by 8pm at the latest. Parking is free and plentiful at Fairfax High School - the entrance is on the right, right past the Greenway Court Theatre on Fairfax. What I loved, aside from the poetry itself - there is an incredible focus on supporting the poets/artists and I really really liked that about DPL. Don't come here to be on your phone, tweeting, booking, gramming or any of that nonsense (that I admittedly love). Come here to unplug for two hours and really listen to the poets and to give them your full attention and respect and they share their beautifully spoken stories. Shihan, the MC, also keeps the transitions and downtime full of energy and a lot of fun. P.S. Sitting on the stage for two hours does in fact hurt like a beez. Nothing you can do about it really. The poetry makes it somewhat bearable. Possibly, bring a pillow or padded pants??? I sucked it up but damnnn my butt hurt when I got up at the end of the show lol - not gonna lie - but this place was still 100% worth every bit of pain. read more

Bob Dylan once said, when asked what he thought about the emerging punk rock scene decades ago, "I like their energy.". And that is what I like about this place, I've attended about 5 times. And it does have a great moving energy to it. It's makes for a fun and entertaining night and people are friendly here. The actual poetry to be found at Da Poetry Lounge is few and very far between... most of what you will hear is Spoken Word and rap/hip hop lyrics or what sounds like bad entries out of someone's junior high diary. BUT- all delivered very movingly and passionately. There appears to be a bit of favoritism going on with who gets to read/perform/act out... so I would call it "open mic" only very loosely. The place is diverse in terms of people, arrive early early and rush in to assure you get a seat, and donate what you can. They have the energy if not always the quality. read more

I guess this is the only place for it in LA sadly.... It's encouraging to see there are people who are inspired to hear about the issues rather than bitches and hoes and 26 spinners and crys and henn and the list goes on... What sucks about this place, no the crowd! is this. If they are not charging the door, they send out the donation collection baskets, and more than half of the people have the nerve to leave and not even drop a dollar! For reals majide WTF? That's waaaaaaaaaay toooooooo unclassy-ghetto for me. Man support the art yo! SO, if you are going there, you have to contribute and be classy!!!! read more

Da Poetry Lounge is one of the coolest experiences I've had here in LA. Who knew there was so much talent in this city?! Da Poetry Lounge hosts a weekly open mic night every Tuesday and one larger poetry slam the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The slam is a competition where each poet performs their own original work and is judged by five audience members. There are multiple rounds and you have the opportunity to hear a variety of poems from the highest scoring poets in each round. It's a very cool experience! The open mic costs $5 and the slam is $10 (cash only). My friend and I arrived a few minutes after 9:00 to attend the slam and had to wait in line until we were able to enter an hour later. Once we entered we realized that the theater was completely full! We found a small spot to sit on the edge of the stage, but it was a tight squeeze. I would plan to arrive closer to 8:30 in order to secure a spot and avoid missing the first half of the show. If you dig poetry or only know the work of Dr. Seuss, there's a spot for you at Da Poetry Lounge! Every single poet brought something beautiful and highly personal to the slam. It was an incredibly experience and I cant wait to attend their events regularly. read more

Damn do I miss this place (big thanks to Rhommel C. for taking me here for the first time and always...haha)!!!!!! Coming here on Tuesday nights was one of the highlights of my college life. People were real legit here and it definitely feels like you've entered a community that you've come to know for a while. Every now and then, Def Poets would perform....but all the folks that sign up the day of are just as good. If you're looking for some powerful, moving, and passionate pieces of people's minds...then look no further. Cause you're here. Just a few notes, come early to get a good spot and bring a bit of cash to donate! read more

I grew up with the NYC vibe for Slam Poetry, and while this is no NYC, I do like this place. So it's every Tuesday for those that somehow still don't know that. I like the venue and the realness on how its run. The MC's are chill as are the DJ's. The poets can be a hit or miss but that happens. I just wish they would enforce rules more like when they say no props, don't let someone perform the moment they bust out the prop. Cut their mic! I get annoyed how when there are judges from the crowd, how easy they are as graders. NOT EVERYONE IS A FREAKING 10!!!! Its hard enough to be an 9, don't let people booing you change your mind if they're just ok. Nothing wrong with knowing you have room to grow. I've been here a dozen times and I'll keep coming. read more

I went to the poetry slam. I got there an hour early based on the reviews, but next time I would get there even earlier to be able to sit with the people I came in with. It seems ludicrous to think that I would knowingly go somewhere that I have to wait that long, but YES, it was THAT GOOD. I was moved beyond belief. Get there early! I recommend that you pick up some Ethiopian Food from up the street, take up a spot on the concrete in line and enjoy the wait for an incredible show. Parking was free and easy. Don't buy the candy from the candy guy. You can only eat on breaks and we didn't have one. read more

I've been here twice and both nights were great. It's a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere between the host, staff, and audience. Different hosts and artists come each Tuesday and the system and way things are run is extremely efficient and makes the experience untraditional and unique. I'd recommend this to all creative and open minded individuals. read more

Poetry slams every Tuesday at 9 pm. $5 entry. They also sell random snacks (chips, water, candy, etc) for $1, but you can only eat during the break. Get there early because the venue is small and intimate. Once the seats fill up, you have to sit on the stage - and in about 15 minutes your butt will go numb! Free parking in Fairfax High School's lot next door. read more

Thought about giving DPL 4 stars for the limited seating, but decided that they make up for it with the intimate and supportive atmosphere which I doubt would be the same in a more spacious environment. My partner and I got here around 9.30-10. Outside and the entrance was completely quiet which made me kinda wonder if there is anything going on, but once we got inside it was packed! People on the stands, on the floor, covering the stage except for one tiny circle for the mic. The energy was so powerful, so inspirational. The support among each other is amazing, and the presenters/leaders were great to listen to as well. I specifically liked how much the rules were reinforced, but in a non-aggressive way. And last but not least, the DJ was dope! Definitely suggest this to anyone looking for a poetry fix, to expand their minds, or just a random Tuesday evening act read more

I love this place. When I first started going, it didn't seem too crowded to me... so imagine my surprise when I come back after a year hiatus and notice how much larger the crowd has gotten during the first half of the show. It didnt help that the props on the stage took up a third of the space so the stage was not able to accomodate more people, but it happens. People were sitting on the steps of the stairs and there were people standing along the walls and in the hallway. I remember back then they discouraged people from doing that because it was a potential fire hazard. But whatevs, the more the merrier, lol. The second half of the show which starts late 10ish to early 11.. the crowd size decreases and this is your chance to move to the seats if youve been sitting on the stage. Show is from 9 to 12. I used to come at 8pm and still be able to snag a seat. We got there at 745 and there was already a little line forming. We went to go get some food real quick and we come back by 8pm and saw that the line doubled. Holy crap lol. So come early like 730! And just eat your food in line because no food in the theatre. JUST water. Parking is at the fairfax high school parking lot. I feel like I have to pay for parking everywhere in LA so its just so nice not to have to pay for once!! Whoever made the decision of opening up the lot for the threatre and for keeping it free... kudos! They could charge but they don't. Entrance fee is 5 bucks, cash only! On slam night, 3rd tuesday of every month, its 10 bucks. Bathrooms for the girls is only 2 stalls so pee accordingly if you dont want to miss an act! Attire is casual. Some people (err.. girls) dress up with heels and dresses... looks cute but i hope they are ones who come early to get a seat... because its a little hard to cover yourself modestly sitting on a stage in a short skirt or dress. I LOVE the poetry here. Ive connected with some of the poems and have felt empathy for other poems. And some poems are just darn funny. People of different ages come here to listen and to inspire. No pretentious vibes here. read more

An awesome place for a Real Talk Tuesday! The theater gets jam packed with folks literally sitting EVERYWHERE but it's worth it even if you're blocking the aisle and causing a fire hazard. Go early if you want a real seat but it's also cool to sit amongst a sea of talented and very supportive individuals on the floor. One of the most powerful pieces I watched was of an old man who couldn't hear very well, but he shared his words of wisdom with us anyway. Other things: -Parking is free at the Fairfax H.S. parking lot next door. -I was told it was free mostly every Tuesday, but I went the one night of the month when it was $5. I didn't mind supporting tho! -I saw RUFIO-- I mean Dante Basco here!!! I also learned he frequents Da Poetry Lounge a lot! How random! Keep your cool if you see a celebrity tho. They're people too, duh. read more

Ohhhh DPL. How I love you! I first heard about it through my homey, J D. (thanks J D.!). I've spent many a Tuesday night here, just listening, loving the spoken word vibe, hoping to get a glimpse of Dante Basco. Okay, I did have a secret crush on him a while back. Okay, it wasn't so secret, as I told my friends. Okay, it was a plain ol' crush. Hahaha. But that was a long time ago, but I still love DPL. I love that it still continues to this day. I love seeing Dante go up to speak his word. Loved seeing others like Poetri and Sheehan doin' their thing. I remember driving all the way from OC to this joint on Tuesday nights, just to soak up the vibe. Promoting it to high school kids is great. Seeing it grow. I've told the world about this underground place. Well, those who I think would love it as much as I do. A couple of friends have gone with me. My personal trainer from back in the day has gone up on stage. My broker (of all people) goes on his own to enjoy it! haha. Cheers to DPL. Now if only I can find the guts to get up and be vulnerable on stage. *sigh* read more

I've wanted to come ever since my friend told me that this place does poetry slams. It's a type of cultural experience that you always see on TV but never know where to find. I'm so glad I came, because I was exposed to an artistic community that I don't normally know or understand (I'm not the most articulate person -- words stumble off my tongue, so I sound more like a blubbering fool than a poet). Open mics are weekly, but slam nights are the 3rd Tuesday of every month. They cost $10, but it's well worth the money. Topics ranged from love/lust to social justice. I enjoyed every act. Some of them really moved me. Words can truly hold so much power. You definitely do need to come here early for the slam nights if you want to get a seat, since when they run out of seats you have to sit on the stage (it gets very uncomfortable). Or you might not get in at all if they run out of space. Doors open at 9, so get here at 7 if you want to grab a seat, or by 8 if you want to get in at all. Parking is free in the lot behind the theatre, so no need to stress about that. Enjoy your night! read more

Poetry for the soul, this is how I felt last night as I was sitting on stage engulfed in all the poet's powerful words. Dope with a capital D! Poets from all over LA, Philly and NYC rocked the house. So what if I had to wait in line for almost 44 minutes? I laughed, I cried, I will be back. Maybe next time I'll have the encourage to share one of my own poems. Who knows?! Mad props to all the performers! read more