by Toya Bridgett on Review #100 A MUST!! Period. Me in my complete ignorance of anything past the numbered avenues walked up painfully obviously out of place and disoriented to a nondescript doorway where a couple chill people were standing. Shifty eyes and fidgety, my friend and I asked where do we buy tickets. At which, everyone standing there snickered and condescendingly stated that our epic cluelessness was "cute".... No advance tickets, no ticket window, just wait in line (in the rain, mind you). No matter, we slinked to the end of the line and tried to blend in with the brick. Just a little nyc flavor to start the night off. We got there early around 8:30 for the 10p Friday night poetry slam, and we were glad we did: 1) because the line started wrapping around the block by 9:15 and 2) because even though we were 6th in line the person in front of us was apparently holding spots for her crew of ummm 20 PEOPLE!!! So, moral, get there early. The place probably should only hold 40 people, but was packed to the brim with at least 150. People were sitting on everything and standing everywhere. Fortunately, we scored seats right up front with a table (again get there early). The lights dim, the show starts. The host was hilarious and bubbly and a straight talker who happily called everyone out. And now to the main feature, poetry! We were lucky to come on the night when Josh Bennett (who performed at the white house and a very popular up and coming poetry star) was the main feature of the night. I had never heard any of his work, my friend is the poetry buff, not me. His performance was excellent and he autographed his newly published books for a few people in the audience. Every performer was 100% genuine, not over done, keep-it-real, powerful storytellers and poets who you genuinely felt were interesting people that you wanted to get to know. We laughed, we were brought to silence, we were touched, we commiserated, and we danced. A complete night that left me exhausted but more energized than I'd felt leaving any club. This is a perfect way to spend your Friday night. And if you want to introduce your out of town friends to some real new york flavor, eccentricity, and camaraderie, Nuyorican is the place. I can't wait to come back. It's worth every penny.
by Lorette Lowrey on So... I think my first mistake was coming here when I was sober. My friends and I were starving and wanted a late night diner meal, so rather than heading to our trusty local WaHo, we decided to check out the buzz about the Majestic. No buzz, y'all. Want a greasy breakfast at 2am on the cheap? Go to WaHo. Trust.
by hen a. on only a handful of places known...frequent visits to nyc.....third floor cafe, blue cafe (or cafe blue?..hmm)..'n' diablo....during under aged days....many hours hanging...typically empty "cafe" lounge before sunset....cushy sofa seating....a rest from city walking....manhattan priced drinks....but worth extended stay 'n' rest....spacious loft/lounge...peaceful in the day......louder by night....one of few places still familiar....reason for continued visits.....
