There’s something really special and unique about open mic nights in New York City. The music. The poetry. The jokes. The energy in the room is infectious. Watching artists take the stage and showcase their talents is inspiring. It could be the moment a stranger becomes your new favorite artist.
If you’ve been thinking about performing yourself, or just want a night out that feels real and unscripted, open mics are a great place to start. Here’s a roundup of some of the best spots in the city to catch (or be) the next big thing.
Mic Check, NYC
Get your front row seat at these open mic night spots in NYC.
- Don’t Tell Mama (Hell’s Kitchen)
- Pete’s Candy Store (Williamsburg)
- Nuyorican Poets Cafe (East Village)
- Otto’s Shrunken Head (East Village)
- Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar (UWS)
- The Local Bar (Astoria)
- Starr Bar (Bushwick)
- The Inspired Word at Parkside Lounge (Lower East Side)
- The Open Mic Downstairs (Manhattan)
- Show N Tell at Astoria Food Pantry (Astoria)
- Kitty Kiernan’s (Bay Ridge)
- Restless Open Mic at Marché le Woof (Astoria)
- The Open Mic at FRIGID New York (East Village)
- Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar (Kips Bay)
- Irish Haven (Sunset Park)
- The Village Underground (Greenwich Village)
- Bowery Poetry Club (NoHo)
- Harlem Nights Bar (Harlem)
- Under St Marks (East Village)
Every artist starts somewhere, and what better place than in the Big Apple? That “somewhere” might be a dimly lit bar in Queens or a packed room in the Village. So go on, bring your lyrics, your guitar, your best one-liner, or just bring a friend and soak it all in. NYC’s open mic scene is ready for you.
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