NYC's poetry and spoken word scene has always thrived and, the historic Nuyorican Poets Cafe has always had a home in the Lower East Side which comes through with flying colors every time. This is where my eyes opened to the world of poetry+ spoken word- and come here in the early 90s to be the spectator and listen to poets. Founded by a Puerto Rican, it attracted fearless activists: poets such as Sonia Sanchez- who read here, (and mesmerizing in person), so did Amiri Baraka, Allen Ginsburg- who all, lay everything on the line. With that being said, those black, brown, white poet leaders, paved the way to a new generation. In honor of their 10th Annual Block Party, Nuyorican Poets C. blasted an open-mic email and hubs wanted all in. Quite honestly, my husband is a closeted poet. He knows that. Even Nuyorican Poets Cafe know there are folks exactly like him. Hubs has always had a wonderful and creative knack for words that jive, words that don't necessarily rhyme but just 'go'- plus hubs does not have stage fright. Nuyorican P. C.'s Saturday event gave hubs as well as other newbies the energy to get up on stage and rock. And my husband did it with conviction and ease. Nuyorican P. C. is a 2 (3?)-fl building with black walls, it's low-lit, has a small bar area that sell water and maybe some snacks on their main floor and a balcony area on the 2nd. The feel seems discreet- but it isn't. Prior to this block party event, it's been ages I've been here on regular nights- but I can sure tell you, it's always full force. Take advantage while Nuyorican P. C. is still open before they shut down for renovations. If you're a closeted poet, this place highly speaks to people who are otherwise unheard or who don't know where they can read their poetry. Just take the stage and do it. read more

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What an incredible place that is so steeped in rich history!! I've been here three times now in the last month for spam poetry events and the vibes and energy are off the hook! Drinks are so darn inexpensive however I've been sticking to the orange juice and Canadian dry seltzer here (only $2!). I love watching performances from the second floor "balcony" and also getting some fresh air from their fire escape. If you're ever looking for an amazing time on Wednesday's, come here at 8pm! read more

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Poetry cafes are one of my favorite venues because all are welcome and all have a voice. Nuyorican is known as one of the best and their slam team is top ranked. They have slam nights on Wednesday and Friday, which is where poets compete for a small prize and practice their craft. Anyone can sign up but it's first come first serve. I had an incredible experience. The staff is great and the poets just kept preaching. There were three poets in particular who spoke to me. If you're interested in art, this is for you. read more

Nuyorican Poets Cafe - a mural of a man with a mustache - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

A true New York experience that you need to go to! I went to their Friday night poetry slam and I'm not sure why I thought this would be a quiet poetry reading. Quite the opposite - it was a comedy show, bar and poetry with a lit DJ! So much energy! They pick 5 members of the audience to judge the poetry slam finalists. Super fun if you get a scorecard! But the audience will judge your score as well if you're too harsh! Highly recommend and will come again! read more

Nuyorican Poets Cafe - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

A few weeks ago, I went to Nuyorican Poets Cafe to see the a play debut, Quirk! It was my first time at this historical venue on the lower east side. Coincidentally, we were told by the house manager that that night of the play was the first larger group private events held at the location since things changed in 2020 with COVID. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. QUIRK! is a one-woman show that draws attention to how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence. The show debuted on Monday, October 11th at the Nuyorican Poets Café. The show started at 7:30pm. There was a short intermission and the bar was open. Then there was a Q&A/Talk-back after the conclusion of the play with the writer/director/actor Charlette Speigner. This was a private event. I'd estimate there were about 40 people in attendance. The space at Nuyorican Poet's Cafe was perfect for an intimate event like this. The acoustics were great. There's a second level where you can get a view of the main floor (2nd level is also where two bathrooms are). It was neat to explore the space, and check out the art and wall decor during intermission (Over the last 40 years, the Nuyorican Poets Café has served as a home for groundbreaking works of poetry, music, theater and visual arts). Cool vibe. read more

Nuyorican Poets Cafe - Stage set for private event - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I had Nuyorican Poets Cafe bookmarked for a decade before I actually set foot in this performance space. Now that I've been a couple times, I can't believe I let so much time pass me by. My first visit was for open mic nite & the crowd came from far & wide to speak their art. Poets from all over New York State, Jersey, PA, the West Coast, & Connecticut were in the house but London & Bali also represented. The styles & topics were diverse, to say the least. My second time here was for hip hop, jazz, & poetry night & that was equally amazing. Supportive, vocal crowd. Definitely an intense but fun vibe. Buy tickets online - prices are reasonable (I believe it was $10-$15 for the events I attended.) Only beer & wine served at the bar. read more

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this placed changed my life, nbd. 10/10 would recommend if the name calls to you even a tiny bit. GO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTIST SPACES. Ticket worth every penny!!! read more

Nuyorican Poets Cafe - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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My 16 year old daughter wanted to go to a women orators event so she bought tickets in advance. We were in town from CA for three days. The venue cancelled the show and refused to give her a refund. Suggested we fly back for a future show. Like that's an affordable alternative for a kid. Basically a forced donation. Seems like very poor business choice. Leave a very bad taste. I don't recommend you buy tickets in advance seeing as how they could chose to cancel the show and keep your money. read more

Been coming here for years! If you are in the mood for spoken word, good vibes and great poetry- this is the place to be! If you can remember "Def Poetry Jam" on HBO- then you know exactly what I am talking about- this is the same thing just a much smaller venue. Although I mainly come on Friday nights, there are other days out the week in which events are hosted, it's just that Friday nights are "slam" nights and typically the most fun. It was my sister's 1st time coming here and she loved it! The host name was "Jive Poetic" whose been here for a few years- I remember him when I came here a while back. The crowd and poetry is very diverse from all races, ages and genders. The topics can range from anything from a poem about "Bus Bae" (a poem about a handsome man a young woman seen on the bus) to a poem about being a Muslim woman in society. There was even one poem that someone read that made someone else walk out due to feeling offended. Please understand that "all" races of people go here to express themselves-nothing is meant to be offensive- it's a matter of someone's perspective. Tip: This place gets extremely crowded so paying the $25 VIP pass online is well worth it. It beats standing outside in the hot/cold weather until everyone else that paid 1st is well seated. IF you should happen to get there late- there is seating upstairs as well as seating on the floor in front of the stage. Although it will be a little uncomfortable sitting on the floor- it beats standing for those few hours trying to enjoy the night. Overall, great place! read more

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Went to see my daughters friend perform with Generation Verb. The poets were great with a range of topics from apology to religion as the root cause of indifference. read more

Very cool, almost hidden spot! I came for an event one of the organizations I'm involved with was hosting. The event was a live Klezmer performance and the space was perfect. Very New York meets grunge meets underground meets Lower East Side in the 90s. The event itself had about 60-70 people, which was perfect. Any more and it would've been overcrowded. There's a bar, a small stage, and the run-down decor makes for the perfect atmosphere, and that's coming from someone not into the music scene at all. Also, there are two floors, we didn't use the top floor but there's definitely lots of room to get creative! read more

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Amazing talent! I got all the emotions while listening to the different spoken words - joy, anger, sympathy, surprise, emotionally everything. It's a great chill place. Though you definitely have to come early or else you'll just have to stand by the bar and it's not such a great spot as people are constantly trying to come in and out. Definitely ruined my experience a bit as I was constantly distracted and shoved. It's a great community of people and they would randomly choose three people to be judges. Come and be open-minded and appreciate the poetry and combination of words that is able to elicit so much meaning and story. We also made a reservation online beforehand since it was during their competition rounds so not sure if is always necessary, but just check their website for details. Highly recommend the experience and if you're up for it, try out your poetry with this crowd! read more

Love this spot! This is a really wonderful place to feel like part of a community. We saw the Haunting of Lin-Manuel Miranda here a few days after seeing Hamilton and it was a beautiful juxtaposition. I highly recommend seeing the play here while you can... it sent a really powerful message that ... Banana pudding was pretty great too :) read more

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe is a staple for me. For as long as I can remember I have been going to the Nuyorican Poets Cafe for poetry slams. However, my husband bought us tickets for a 1 Woman show. The show was interesting and well Orchestrated. The Nuyorican is timeless. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the weight of the words that have been spoken there, you can feel the history and love that has been shared there. The Nuyorican is a place of and for community and if you enjoy poetry or the arts this is the place to go to. read more

Nuyorican Poets Cafe - Stage - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I absolutely love this place! I have been here two times for the poetry slams within this past year and I have never left disappointed. My experience the second time was even better than first. Woah how often does THAT happen. Nuyorican brings a diverse crowd of people so you will never feel out of place. And the poets. There's not enough I can say about most of the poets that enter this building. The way they articulate the human experience is sometimes beyond comprehension and I mean that in the most positive way. Sitting in this audience, you will have chills because these artists speak with such passion and truth. You might even cry because you can relate to the pain of what the poet is expressing. You will laugh. But most importantly you will have great time. I can go on and on about how amazing this place but what would be even better? You coming to check this place out for yourself! read more

Nuyorican Poets Cafe - Purchased VIP tickets. Worth it. This is before the crowd flooded in. - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I've seen some of their work on YouTube but in person is the best! I'm not going to say much cuz I don't wanna give it away! My friends and I loveddddd the once in a lifetime experience. read more

A really cool place and highly recommended. We came for the Friday night poetry slam. I booked the vip ticket after reading many of the yelp reviews. We got in a half hour early and got good seats near the front. If you do not buy vip tickets make sure to get there early as you will be sitting on the floor or standing. If I can describe it in in way the performance was like a small comedy show and ofcourse a poetry slam. The poets in my opinion were very talented and deep. The hostess was the one that got the crowd involved and said the jokes. Overall I was entertained. It was a very urban crowd and performance which was fine by me. They do have a bar that offers beers and wines as well. I highly recommend the vip tickets as not to get stuck outside in the cold or without a seat! read more

Checked this legendary place out for the first time at one of their Friday night poetry slams. Absolutely incredible experience with featured poet Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa and 3 competing slam poets. Couldn't get tickets online day-of, so we bought general admission tickets ($25 at the door) around 9:30 and were able to have our pick of good seats. I love the upstairs balcony space too. The evening (with excellent host Jive Poetic) was filled with a packed house and compelling performances. Most outstanding was the night's champion who had their 4th-consecutive win that evening. I'll be back again and again to support this space! read more

An amazing place filled with amazing history. Awesome poets. I actually performed here as well. The place gets packed. I do recommend that they get one more bartender and keep the restrooms a little more clean. But I really enjoyed my time here read more

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Came during an afternoon workshop. It was such a delight sitting in and learning about poetry! Went up for the mike and read some of my work. Really supportive community and great performances read more

You walk into this place and you feel the history just ooze through the bricks in the wall. The walls are marinated with the positive energy and spirits of the poets of time's past. These are Puerto Ricans, New Yorkers, minorities, but above all else, people! People who come here to pour their heart and soul into the infinite glory that is expression and have the desire and strength to share it passionately. The passion is a blazing fire, ignited by love and pain and by dark and light. They are fighters of social injustices; they are truthful and proud, and most of all inspiring. Coming here is an experience. Open your mind and you shall receive. Be impacted by their words. Celebrate their love and support their falls. read more

Nuyorican Poets Cafe - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This place is so chill and awesome. I visited from Houston last week and got a chance to read some of poetry in a different city. The people there are welcoming and hilarious. I attended one of the open mic poetry slams on a Wednesday night! If you're a poet visiting the city you should def check it out. If you're a regular civilian visiting the city you should still check it out. There were some hella talented poets who performed. I'm very thankful I got to experience this artistry. read more

Nuyorican Poets Cafe - Here's the stage area where poets read! - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Love the space, great crowd and awesome performers!

4.5 stars What a cozy, edgy place this is. I came here on the last Saturday of the month (they do this every month) for open mic and it was a great show. There were performers who came and signed up at 10 and the performances started shortly after 10:30. The host was funny and engaging and kept us interested. The combo of comedy, rapping, singing, and poetry was a good mix and unlike anything I've really experienced before. The special guests really did an outstanding job and made the show what it was for me. I will definitely be coming back here. This place showcases some surprising talent and a good crowd that appreciates the artistry displayed here. Certainly worth checking out! read more

#15 I went with a group of friends, to see a friend performing on a Wednesday night. These places have live people that perform poetry. They was a 8 dollars cover... but is worth it, over here you see so much talent that people from NY have, this is my first time going to a poetry club, so i did not know what to expect. So they were almost 15 people performing, each participant had time to recite a poem; they were 3 judges that were scoring, each participant. I think all people that did a poem, did a great job, but they only can choose the top 5 to pass to the next round. After this each winner that pass to the next round, had to do a new poem and the judge give then new score, then the winner, was the one that had more points from both rounds. The winner won 10 US dollars and an opportunity to go to Friday match where the best of all perform will do new poem and then go to the national. They sell all kind of alcohol in this cafe too. read more

I came here for the poetry slam grand finale a few weeks ago. PROS: - It gives a voice to poets not just from NYC, but from all over the North East. - Extremely diverse crowd; one of the most diverse I've ever seen. - Nice venue, with unobstructed views of the stage from basically anywhere, both on the floor and on the mezzanine. - Good acoustics. CONS: - One hour and a half wait to get in[1]. - Pricey ($15 per ticket; $6 for a bottle of Bass). - Overcrowded: once the seats are taken, people sit anywhere on the floor; once the floor is full, people will sit on ANYTHING else that is not taken (you will literally have people standing on your back). - If there is a fire, or if somebody panics, you're going to die[2]. This was my first poetry slam, and I enjoyed it. Most of the poets dealt with heavy stuff, with subjects ranging from race, to abortion, to civil rights. Which is good, but I would have liked to hear somebody try to tackle the same issues with a bit of irony. Or sarcasm. Or a dry sense of humor. Everybody take themselves really seriously here. ------------------------------------------------------------------ [1] Keep in mind this was the poetry slam grand finale, so the wait may be shorter on an average weekend evening. [2] The only other time I feared for my life due to an overcrowded venue was at the now defunct club Baktun in the meatpacking district for a Jazzanova gig, a few years back. read more

High off my memory of my first visit here, I came back - or, attempted to come back. I bought tickets online for an afternoon event (this was actually back in November, although I'm only writing about it now!) and showed up to be right on time. There were many people waiting outside to be let in, but no one ever came to the door. People were cold, wanted to use the bathroom, get a glass of water... an hour later, still no one at the door. Finally someone opens the door, but does not let anyone in; he said he was waiting for a 3rd party (some sort of promotion team). He did not have any information about when the event would start, even though it should have begun an hour earlier. Finally, I left, because it seemed I would waste the whole day waiting. I emailed the next business day asking for a refund; my email was ignored for one week until I wrote again, saying I was going to dispute the charge with my credit card company. At this point I did get a response from someone who asked me to wait another three days while the "case" was being "reviewed." I waited the three days but still did not hear anything, so at this time I disputed the charge and Chase refunded me. After all this, the person finally wrote back saying that he would give me a partial refund, although at this point it was too late because I had already disputed the charge. The poetry here is great, and it's a fantastic venue, but I'm not convinced it's worth the gamble/risk of spending your time and money for an event that might not happen. read more

"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 facade 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 "cafe" 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 Cafe 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. read more

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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! http://nps2014.poetryslam.com/) 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. read more

A great NYC treasure that brings worlds and cultures and people together. I came here for the staple friday night poetry slam and was not disappointed. It's more than just a slam, but pretty much also a dance party and interactive cultural feast. Get your VIP tix to secure a seat in this tiny venue, otherwise you'll have to line up and maybe have only floor seating. MC's are incredible at getting the audience involved and up and dancing. The night starts off with shout outs to all the boroughs. People representing from all over and all professions and ages ranging from teens to middle aged. Awesome DJ in the back playing plenty of hip hop and latin, and whatever else suits the mood. The slam kicks off with a key speaker followed by the seasoned contestants. All were very good, I believe there were 4 competing with three rounds of judging (each contestant get to do three poems/spoken word pieces). Judges are chose at random from the audience. The crowd is rambunctious and excited, don't come here if you're expecting a quiet place to sit and ponder. GET UP and DANCE, and laugh and move yo self. OVERALL: can't wait to go back read more

This is my soul's home. NPC is where the soul is. You will laugh, you will cry, you will feel all types of ways. I can't emphasize how necessary this spot is. Whether you are a New Yorker or just visiting, this is on my list of absolute places you must see in Manhattan. The sheer talent is mind blwing. Friday slam can get a little crazy, so I recommend going a little early to get in line and swoop a seat. Also, buying tickets online make it easier so you can just drop your name at the door. The bar is cash only so come prepared. If you're tryna to live Drake's Views life and feel no ways, then don't come here. But if you want to get in touch with real life and see some of the most talented slam out there - this is a MUST hit. read more

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! read more

Nuyorican Poets Cafe - Great venue! - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

So...a random Friday night, with nothing to do. Friends are busy, didn't wanna get into the regular of going to bar, or lounge. Did something different and went to a poets cafe solo. One of the coolest things I did in a while. A very chill, enlightening spot where you will here some great, empowering words in rhythm that will please the ears and the soul. Some of fun, some of it painful, some of it emotional. All to make to make you feel something. The host on Friday nights is funny to get you hyped for the poets that are to perform on stage and small but good enough bar selection. If you intend on coming I suggest get there early being that the seats are limited and fill up REALLY fast, especially on weekends. If not be prepared to stand for a few hours. Also, only two bathrooms in which each only have one toilet so be prepared for that also. All-in-all, Nuyorican Poets Cafe is dope spot to go to if you enjoy spoken word as I do or of if you're looking to hit up a different kind of NYC experience. Very much worth it. read more

Best time! We got a true NYC poetry experience. Best vibes. I recommend everyone to experience this!

Nuyorican Poets Cafe is a home for poetry lovers as myself. I usually go on Fridays for the poetry slam. You have to arrive at least an hour and a half on line to get seats. Otherwise you'll be sitting on the floor or even worse standing.If you get a seat by the bar, be prepared not to hear much.The bartender makes a lot of noise with his register as well as the people around. All in all you'll have a great time for $10.00 on a Friday night. Amazing experience. read more

Nuyorican Poets Cafe - Bar Seat View - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

A hidden gem in the East Village!! Seriously, this place is goregous and amazing. I rented the space out for a cabaret show and could not be happier with my experience! I communicated with the management via email and they were very easy to reach and prompt. They do have some interesting rules regarding taking photographs, but it was easy to gain approval for that. The venue itself is goregous and plentiful. The walls are lined with exposed brick, the ceilings are so high, and there's a lot of space. They provided two platforms for a stage, about 80 chairs for audience seating, and a fully functional tech booth (with light board and sound system). They also have a piano that's available for us (beautiful sound), a bar onsite for patrons, and a few dressing rooms in the basement. I would absolutely rent space from Nuyorican again and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a venue for theatrical, musical, performance-based events! read more

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Loved this place. Visited from Atlanta and it was everything I expected. I felt one with the community and very much welcomed. The poetry was amazing along with the host. read more

So I just want to update my review. I went back to California, and my cousin was actually able to contact someone about our t-shirts that we were supposed to get with our VIP pass. She finally got them and sent mine to California. T-shirt is beautiful and I have updated my review to five stars. read more

I always feel extra proud of my roots when I come here. Cute little cafe 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. read more

Nuyorican Poets Cafe - Bar area - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I had not gone to a poetry slam in a long time and so when my friend told me about the Book Tour for the Domestic Crusaders, I was definitely in. I'm so glad I went because not only did I have a really delicious Hot Tea with Milk and Sugar, I got to listen to some really good poetry, monologues, and bits of the Domestic Crusader's play. The Nuyorican Poet's Cafe is a very comfortable, intimate space. There is a bar right as you enter and a small stage with chairs for about 80 - 100 people towards the back. There is also standing room upstairs. I went to the 6pm show, so it wasn't too crowded. read more