Bowery Poetry Club

Monday's poetry slam was amazing. The variety of performances and messages discussed was immersive. I loved it! the ginger margarita was also very tasty. Please give it a try.

I hadn't been to a poetry open mic in years so I really enjoyed this experience. Music with the poetry was good. I'll be back. Great way to spend the evening.

Great venue for readings, music, you name it. Cool bar and great atmosphere.

Do not come here, this is a very small space. You also have to pay to perform. Why would you pay to perform they should be paying me.... people should pay to attend. It’s also $15 dollars. Very selfish. Who ever runs this place. Needs to make a better evaluation.

My favourite place to listen to great slam, sketch, hangout with philosophers, historians, poets, comedians when in the hood.

Bowery Poetry Club is the perfect mix of modern elegance and good, intimate vibes. It's spacious, there are multiple bathrooms and friendly staff. 9/10

Came for the Nuyorican Monday night poetry slam and had a wonderful night. Really well organised, the host and team putting it together were brilliant. And the poets were all outstanding. Great fun, highly recommended.

Great little space. My first poetry slam!

I went to my first poetry slam ever and was blown away. All of the poets were absolutely incredible. It felt like such a safe space for everyone to be their most vulnerable selves. The poets poured their hearts out on the stage. My mind will be forever altered for the better by this one experience. I hope to return time and time again.

Apparently, I've always been a poet.. I just didn't know it! So while looking up open mics last Wednesday, I found the Bowery Poetry Club. I immediately hopped on the LIRR and made my way into the city for their weekly open mic. Everyone there was soo incredibly friendly and down to earth.. the perfect ingredients for a wonderful open mic! I performed two of my original pieces and loved the enthusiastic and audiences organic reactions. I can't wait to go back asap!! Pros: - $5 wines! - great audience - amazing poets - rich history - gorgeous ambiance Cons: None!

Love love love. Came here for a Monday night slam and it was INCREDIBLE. So worth the ticket price and I can not wait to come back for another show. This was my first spoken word experience and everything about it was amazing. The performers, the style, the space, the host (the perfect touch of funny in between all the dense seriousness!). Guys, don't skip on this- the tickets are only $10! I can't wait to bring some friends ( and tissues ) again soon!

4.5 stars The venue that houses Bowery Poetry is intimate & more sophisticated than I expected. A bar provides liquid courage in the form of stiff drinks. We came on Open Mic Night, 8pm-10pm. The audience showed a great deal of vocal support for each poet. Topics ranged from our current political climate, social unrest, finding one's path, & the ever-popular issue of love -- found & lost, unrequited, gut-wrenching love. The host was humorous & a talented poet, himself. Had an incredible evening; full of inspiration, feel-good emotions, & things that make you go "hmmmmm." Well worth the $10 ticket price. Will absolutely come back.

This is the place to be on a Monday night. It's open mic poetry every Monday with a special guest featured. I was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous venue and lights. The bar was OK nothing special. Overall, a great night spent with friends. Would highly recommend!

I visited this place when I was about 11 years old I was taken here by my middle school teachers and a bunch of other students here with parental consent, the vibe here always stood in my mind because it was everyone pouring their own thoughts into a audience without it being biased or funny styled... you snapped if you liked it and If you didn't well you know keep your comments to yourself. Overall now I'm an adult and I still recommend this place although I haven't been there in a long time. We will see when I walk through one day, Bowery you've enlisted a memory for life.

A thousand times I've said before A thousand times I'll say it more My source of outlet Dramatic with passion Written from my heart Leave my mark in history My Book of Shadows History written A thousand times I've said before A thousand times I'll say it more Why should one's style to re-charge be judged? Define your style To shape the person who I am today That I will never stop writing As a somewhat newbie poet in the industry since January 2009, I've evolve and grown to a more outspoken versatile in my writing and as a spoken word artist performer. My first experience on a Sunday mid afternoon as a guest performer was well received. Bowery Poetry Club's admission fee at $6.00 per person allows artistic poets to freely express their most creative talent and build a network of aspiring writers, musicians and performing artists. Founded by Bob Holman in 2002 as a nirvara haven for verse in all its forms of poets, spoken word and performing artists. WiFi is an open network. No food exist but patrons are permitted BYOF of choice. At selected events and selected open-mics Bowery streams live at: www.bowerypoetrylive.com That I just be!

Nice. If you have a poem or performance inside of you, go to the Monday night open mics. You can just do whatever and everyone is forced to clap. Mostly hobos come. Hobos. They are strung out and they go on stage to expel crazy-cringe worthy dialogues that last twelve minutes long. Yeah, that's four YouTube videos worth of boring--- but it's also fascinating. I learn so much about humiliation and dedication from these events. Best of all, Monday night open mics help you analyze and deconstruct the meanings of performance and entertainment. There is just such incredible variety--- all done with unrelenting passion. Once a dude hooked his saxophone to a gas tank and each time he took a toot A MASSIVE FIRE BALL EXPLODED FROM THE STAGE ONTO THE FIRST ROW OF THE AUDIENCE. SPLASH ZONE!!!! I'm always entertained by shows at the BowPo, I've never been to a place where so many innovators come to create and perform.

Initial thoughts that I thunked: Bingo? My friend wants to go play Bingo for her birthday? Oy. What is the world coming to? Awww, look at the cute old guy on stage. Cuuute! Please make the old man get off stage. Yes, I know he's had work in the Whitney. Yes, he's adorable. But he's lulling me to sleep. Make it stop. Please oh please. Friend on my left points out that this must be their secret tactic to making BINGO sound so wild and crazy.... Did I mention we are packed like sardines in this place? Get here early if you actually want a chair, and don't forget to stretch and warmup. You will be doing some kinky moves to crawl up and over chairs and people. Bingo has commenced. The hosts are hilarious. Yes, there are sixty sardines playing Bingo, that in itself is funny. But the hosts provide the real entertainment--- great comedy is flowing nonstop throughout the night... I'm still wondering what the heck Tiddlywinks is...

I was introduced to the Bowery Poetry Club on a lovely Monday night for Tranny Bingo. Instead of staying home on a Monday night, I decided to drive to NYC for some bingo with a couple of friends. As we walked inside, we had to make a contribution to a poetry organization (or so I believe). I gave them $3.00. They were running drinks special at the time we arrived, which was pretty cool. The atmosphere was pretty chill. The space is very limited on Bingo night, so I would arrive a little bit early. As for Bingo, Murray Hill and Linda Simpson are fantastic together. They are so funny! If you do not have a sense of humor or if you are not open-minded, please do not come here. Also, if you do not like nudity, you might have a problem with a portion of the night. The prizes are pretty random, which makes it all the better. One prize can be a dancing doll, while another prize can be a porn magazine. The last prize is the jackpot money. Unfortunately, none of us won, but we all had some great laughs and had a really good time. Will be back again!

Went here on a Tuesday night for Urbana Poetry Slam and it was amazing. I don't think you can say you're a true New Yorker until you've experienced live poetry at the Bowery Poetry Club. Spoken word at its best. I listened to people from all walks of life - young, old... different ethnicity, sexual preference.. all under one roof to express their emotions of love, anger, sadness, joy... It was very inspirational. Words cannot describe it. So go at least once if not more to experience live poetry.

I've been to this place a few times to see amazing performers--Penny Arcade, who needs no introduction, and last night to see Stefan Zeniuk and his band Gato Loco (Crazy Cat.) It was the full ensemble, Gato Loco Coconino; he also has a smaller ensemble called Gato Loco de Bajo (Low Notes.) It's a cool, open room in the back; the front room is a café which has nothing vegan, as far as I know, and it was closed last night anyway. The band opening for Gato Loco was a band named EMEFE (Music Frees All) and there were people dancing; it's a damn good sign when the opening act is good. Reading the other reviews, I might go tonight for open mike; sounds like you can't lose. And the cover is reasonable, which is a huge plus. (For lazybones people like me, though, there's also a live feed available at http://www.bowerypoetrylive.com/, and I'm definitely keeping a tab open to it in my browser.)

I came on a Saturday night for the burlesque show and it was amazing! The bartender was great and the drinks are super strong! I would definitely recommend this spot!

I went here for a show case. Didn't have any food or any drinks, so I can't comment on that. But everyone was very friendly. They let me and my friend in early to use the bathroom, made everyone else stay outside. The bathroom is in a sus little spot downstairs. But as long as you go with someone it isn't that scary lol. All the artists sounded pretty good. There were no technical difficulties as far as I could see. By the stage they have a few seats on the side. Wouldn't mind going back or another show.

It's always a great time here. I went to Tranny Bingo on Monday night, and it's a packed house everytime. So get there early. We got there at 7ish and it was hard to save our seats for the rest of our friends coming later. There was a sub tranny host, but she was still really hysterically funny and had on the best outfit ever. The beers are priced cheaply at 5 bucks for one. And the bingo cards were only $2. It was a cheap night full of laughs. Unfortunetly, I wasn't the winner in the jackpot drink off but I was pretty damn close. The crowd is really great and there were a bunch of really cool people. They have some pretty lame prizes but some were really funny too...like a pack of 40,000 nyc condoms. You can bring your own food. One table was there with a pineapple and cutting board. Other than that I really think they had a great atmosphere with goood music! A definite must on monday.

I was asked to be in a friend's performance piece here recently, and I immediately agreed thinking "I am so downtown and cool performing at the legendary Bowery Poetry Club. Time to go shopping for a black turtleneck and a beret!" And the place itself was definitely what I imagined it - small, dark, and cluttered with pictures of Alan Ginsberg and other greats of New York poetry on the walls. A funky staff serving cheap beer and french fries, and a crowd full of poetry aficionados of all shapes, sizes, ages and colors. Sadly, no black turtlenecks. But cute beat-related outfits aside, but this place just needs to get it together a bit. You'd think a place that's been around this long would know what they were doing a bit better. Case in point: our piece was supposed to start at 7, and because the piece before us ran long and had some kind of reception afterwards, we didn't get started until 7:30. Then some very serious looking stage manager woman had the nerve to try to cut us off early because we were going over our time limit. Even so far as to cut the mikes and turn the house lights on before the piece was over (we finished anyway). You'd think that because they caused us to start late, they'd be a little more lenient. But what do I know? Regardless, it's nice to know that the poetry and the under-the-radar performance scene isn't totally dead, I'm just not sure I'd want my work performed in such a unorganized and unsupportive environment.

I went to the Monday night poetry / tranny bingo night; they had an old man saying some poetry, but then he said a very racist remark on MLK Day, and I didn't appreciate it. I stayed for bingo, and I won, but the hosts gave my prize to someone else. RUDE! It is $4 to play ($2/card, 2 card min) probably would have had more fun playing at someones house :) I am leaving 1 star because I don't want to promote an establishment in NYC with racist performers (the older man reading poetry).

I've become a Monday Night Bingo regular, and have drifted through here a couple of other times. Drinks are cheap, food is good, the deals are a steal and some other rhyme goes here. I'm a poet and I didn't even realize!

So my first impression of this place...was an old man on the stage (possibly 80 years old) reading a story about a priest molesting him...and liking it....how can you NOT love this place after that??? I was actually just early for Monday's Bingo Night, and got to catch the ending of this man's set. Bingo night was awesome!! It starts at 7pm so make sure you're there early to get good seats. Bingo cards are $2 each, and theres a bar and waiter service! The hosts are hilarious, the prizes are a joke, people get naked for drinks, and it's a good laugh. Monday night...nothing to do?? Put on your bingo hat.

Recently went here for a Hip Hop showcase and saw some of my friends UppaNotch performed along with YC the Cynic, as well as some other dope artists. Cheap entry, usually 5-10 beans(dinero) and cheap drinks mostly everything was 5-8 beans(dollars). The acoustics in the place were decent, and the live band sounded vibrant, and not drowned out like some places can do. There are some sweet benches outside to park your rear on, and if you usually hang out in the Bowery there is a good chance you will run into someone you know or even better a facebook friend!(Hey do I know you??Where friends on facebook right??) If your new to the Bowery, and you've never been to the Bowery Poetry club there are always cool people like Independent Hip-Hop artists, poets, artists, singers, and maybe even a comedian or two, as well as some other laid-back interesting folks to chill with and meet. Definitely worth your time if your in the area so check it, http://www.bowerypoetry.com/ and check the schedule to see what's going on. If your coming with a group I would just call in advance to see if I could get a deal, and bargain with em'. Enjoy Enjoy...owwww

I didn't come here for a show or reading or any sort of performance. I simply stumbled in on a random Thursday afternoon looking for a place to grab a bite to eat and scam some free Wi-Fi. The place is super chill. I am not sure if someone's iPod was being pumped through there or what, but the music was good. Not overbearing and not completely lifeless either. I ate one of their paninis. It was the Tuscan panini. It looked like a normal tomato and mozzarella panini, but it was not. I don't know what the hell was in that thing but it was amazing. I ordered the side salad with it...walnuts, cranberries, sundried tomatoes and honey mustard dressing...worth the extra dollar or two. I sat at one of the few tables in the front for a good hour after I finished my meal. Nobody seemed to be in a hurry to rush me out the door. I will definitely be back. Can't comment on what it is like at night or for a show (although I was here for one a LONG time ago...can't really recall what I thought)...I definitely plan on checking out what they have there after my recent experience. Great vibe.

For a wordlover, a perfect night can be had at the Bowery Poetry Club. Their calendar is insane...how do they do it? There's almost always something going on here. Check out their website in advance to figure out which nights you want to attend. I've heard Vijay Seshadri here twice....possibly one of the best contemporary poets in America. His recent collection, The Long Meadow, was a serious nod to American poetry, to form, but also seriously beautiful and full of lyricism. To hear him read his poems is a delight. Even Alice Quinn of New Yorker fame has done the occasional event here. Come by, get a cheap beer and listen to the words.

I absolutely love Bowery Poetry! Definitely one of my favorite spots, and it always reminds me of why I love NYC so much. This place is so welcoming to a diverse group of people. Whether you are a poet yourself or just appreciate listening to poetry, you have to check this place out! I have been to the Page Meets Stage event a few times which is hosted by Taylor Mali and brings in so many talented poets. I also recently checked out the Tuesday night Urbana Poetry Slam and was blown away! Definitely as good as it gets.

This establishment has been renovated and now called the Bowery Arts + Science. Now trying to have a Great Gatsby interior style, but not designed comfortably for intimate performances. Recently went to see a venue there, seating was very tight and seats were not assigned. Once allow in, after an hour long wait outside, people rushed to grab seats. My love and I couldn't even enjoy the show sitting next to each other. No organization at all, the staff looked confused as why we were there. People w/ tickets and w/o were on the same line. Once inside there was another 30 min. wait until the show started. Over all experience was not great. The 2 stars are for the singer we came to see, her voice was beautiful.

This might be my new favorite place in New York. There's something about the very idea of a poetry club that's alluring and worth supporting. And while I haven't attended or participated in any poetry-oriented events there yet -- I've gone just once for music -- I think I'm a fan already. In the front, there's a little cafe and eatery. In between, at the top of the stairs leading down to the restroom, there's a selection of poetry books and chapbooks -- I need to return just to check out some New York poets' work. There's a full bar (They make a mean gin and tonic.). And there's a sizeable performance and seating area, well lit, and with excellent sound. C. and I went to see Will Holshouser -- http://www.willholshouser.com/ -- on the eve of his CD release party. The club was just the right sort of intimate for this trio setting, and the music was amazing. Be sure to check out their new recording, "Singing to a Bee." I shall return!

This place is near and dear to my heart. I grew up with my brother taking me to slams in Berkeley, which led me to hearing the voices of so many of the outstanding poets that call the BPC home. The club is diverse, unpretentious (though not to say that it can sometimes be a little intimidating), and beautiful. Even if it's not your thing, go to at least a couple of events here because it's so so SO important to support the existence and continuance of open outlets of expression...while you're there you can get some draft magic hat, too : )

This place is a cool little corner for the artsy and un-selfconscious amongst us. Bingo, music, dancing, readings, and the titular poetry are only some of the things that you'll find here. Cheapish hooch and decent food help make this a place that you can come to relax... or have a fun ol' time with a group of friends. BEER SELECTION: Limited, but cheapish. FOOD: A little eclectic, but great for noshing early or late in the night. SERVICE: A little too hip for my tastes, but what do you expect from a self-labelled "Poetry Club"? Check the schedule ahead of time: you never know what'll be here. One night might be a series of Haiku from albino-lesbian-nazi-eskimoes, while the next will feature 80's speed metal from Fuck Your Yankee Blue Jeans.

Had such a great time at open mic night! It was my first time and they did not disappoint. Loved the diverse style of poems performed from funny and romantic to deep and thought provoking. The environment was warm and supportive, perfect for new poets starting out or any person with feelings to get off their chest. The featured poet for the night was pure magic, don't remember his name but I do remember he was from Hawaii as alot of his poems were written about it, and left me yearning for paradise. The decor was elegant, with candle lit tables and a beautiful chandelier. Perfect place for a date, hanging out with friends, or night alone with great company. Everyone felt like family and was very welcoming. Nice bar, nice bathrooms. Great night! Will definitely be back.

I've only come for Sulu Series, which is all Asian, all awesomeness every 3rd Sunday of the month. I'm not by any means a New Yorker, having moved from Boston merely months ago, but even in Boston this spot (and night) has been legendary. All the Asian-American performer greats have passed through here: Kevin So, Taiyo Na, Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai, Regie Cabico. Me. :) Anyways, I was there again tonight. It's always fun there - you never know what to expect, whether seeing Magnetic North bust out some soul stompin' hip hop, Ishle Yi Park doing some soft guitars with moving lyrics, or the bartender yelling some inside joke to the most hyperactive poet I've ever met, Vinh Hua. It's all good. DJ Boo spins. It's all about community here, and there's never anything short of love, love, and more love up in this club. There's good coffee up front - never eaten there before, but I'm gonna have to try it next time. I heard their paninis were great. Good Asian Drivers (me and Kit) are curating in April, so come on down. Sulu Series is the bomb.

I came here to hear my friend JT read. The space is pretty basic, but there's tons of room for chairs, a good sound system, a bustling bar (though the prices are in the medium range), and a large stage. I really like the collage of randomness to the left. Your eyes will wander.

Murray Hill & Linda Simpson's Monday Night Bingo is easy fun, but you have to get there before 7 if you even want a seat - it's that much of a smash! Elderly, naughty Warhol superstar Taylor Meade reads his poetry in the slot before them, so while you're taking up space you'll also be taking him in. That's pretty cool if you're into that era of New York history. Speaking of NY history, this is not the venerable venue some reviewers seem to think it is; it opened in the 90s at the earliest, probably more recently than that. Nothing wrong with that; just sayin'. Good selection of draft beers; waitress service makes the crowd easier to deal with since you can just keep your ass on your hard-won seat instead of shoving through the crowd to the bar. The bathroom is too small, with an awkward set up. It's also not so clean.

I've graced the stage at the Bowery a handful of times. Each time was pretty anxious turned exhilarating experience. Participating in an open mic, as well as trying my hand at the poetry slam competitions. I've also seen a variety of interesting shows here. One of the most interesting that I didn't stay for was the deaf poetry recital. Surreal. But making perfect sense.

Went to open Mic and it was amazing ! A great experience. Proshea O killed it! I like how warm and welcoming the staff was and the MC had me laughing all night.

First thing first... If she door guy says you should come at 9 to pay and get in. Get there at least 20 minutes earlier because this place is not only small but they will stuffed people in as much as possible. Like seriously, it should not even happen but it did tonight for me and my friends for Burlesque (which was amazing by the way) Bathroom, only two stalls for girls. Pabst beer, eww!

I thought this would be a great experience for slam poetry, but instead it was the most racist and segregated crew I've ever came across in NYC. The whole experience was a complete joke! The poets who perform there are extremely clicky and quite corny. I was asked to be a judge and I give a white person a good score I was shouted that I was a racist. I was mortified and couldn't believe what was happening. There was crew of black people that didn't respect one of the white poets as an artist and started to badger him in front of the crowed. The woman Ashley who is running the show was completely unprofessional and started screaming and crying on stage. It was complete mayhem. I was completely quiet during the entire show and was told after the big brawl not to come back for at least a month! It was clearly white versus black and completely unacceptable! It was shameful, and for that I will never return to the Bowery club.

Definitely one of the nicest looking Poetry clubs. It doubles as a burlesque club during the week so it has a very classy and intimate feel. The crowd was crowd and very respectful and the poets were very stimulating. The host was entertaining and hilarious. There was a vocalist at one point and it sounded AMAZING. I will definitely be going here for more open mics and events. Great people and vibe.

TWO WORDS. TRANNY BINGO. Every Monday night, Linda Simpson and Murray Hill step up their game (ha!) with the infamous classic old-person favorite with a FAH-BU-LOUS twist. Linda and Murray host, and while they usually have a "spokesmodel" show off the sweet prizes, the two entertain with their witty banter and Linda's showstopping (and always sequiny) outfits. ALSO - this is the best first date litmus test in the world. If you can bring someone new here and they think it's fabulous, you've got yourself a keeper (or a closeted tranny). Trust me people, this works! There's usually some sort of happy hour going on and bingo cards are only $2 each (and reusable for the entire night). Also, there's a chance to win back your dough with the cash jackpot at the end of the night! I was here once and one of my friends got naked on stage and another of my friends won a strip off (on the same night, no less!). So if you are disgusted by the notion of a stranger's nudity, then ... well, let's be honest, you might just find it best to leave NYC altogether. I haven't been to bingo in a while (6+ months) because ever since the NYT blew it up, it's super hard to get a spot and the long aisles of tables are extremely hard to maneuver around. I think they're still doing it at LPR on Saturday nights if a low-key (and a tad classier) evening of tranny bingo interests you more.

I've been to Bowery Poetry Club a few times, mostly for Monday night bingo. Which is a hilariously good time, by the way. Get there a bit early if you want to find a seat. It's really awesome that they allow you to bring outside food in. When I went, the front part had recently been turned into "Bowery Beef", so perhaps the liberal food rules will tighten up since they are selling food again. Who knows. The bar is cash only, but there's a Chase right across the street. -1 star for a pretty limited beer selection.

Still growing and developing its crowd and name recognition, this club is a very unitimidating place to step up to the mic and share your words on paper. I attended a presentation by Bard college while sipping my Brooklyn lager. A very enjoyable experience.

I've been here twice - the first time for a live show and the second time to grab a quick lunch. Both were great experiences. The music venue doesn't get too crowded, it's not terribly difficult to get drinks at the bar, friendly service, friendly crowd. Really a great night. I do imagine each night is different based on who is playing. The night I went there was an alt rock group on stage. Mook was supposed to be there but had to cancel (not at all BPC's fault). The cafe was surprisingly good. I had chili and a fizzy lizzy. The girl serving me was a total sweetheart - I believe their staff is all from the Lower Eastside Girl's Club, which is also a plus. I really love this place, which to the uninformed could be considered a grungy hang out, but it's really pleasant, family friendly venue.

Great place to throw a show. The managers are easy to work with and the staff is friendly and helpful beyond what you could ever expect from the door person (Duv is the man, forreal) to the bartenders and attentive sound guys. Very good people make this spot what it is. Check out there website, they have an eclectic mix of shows here all the time and the cover is always reasonable.

I went with friends to Tranny Bingo on Monday. It was a blast! We got there 2 hours in advanced and the tables were almost filled. We parked at the bar. You can bring in your own food. Sadly, I did not win anything, but my friend won Hannah Montana Plastic plates. As you see the prices are interesting. Watch out for the naked round... The last round is for money, so stay until the end. I would definitely go back. The bartenders were attentive and very nice.

The entrance pays homage to all the Restaurant Kitchen Supply stores along the Bowery which I like. The space inside is the perfect size for a small stage, tables for artistically/ musically inclined guests to rest their drink on, and the spot to take a whiff of what kind of weed people are interested in smoking. Went in here for a movie screening. My "date" was an hour late so I missed the first half of the movie, which was too bad as it seemed like a pretty good movie after watching the second half. Sitting behind my date on a bar stool, some strange girl forcefully rubbed her inner thigh against mine while walking past me I was scared. Remember that part where McLovin was getting all rubbed up against in SuperBad? Yeah... me too.

Bowery Poetry club was amazing! I loved seeing such talented artists perform at the literary death match. I always meant to go while I was living in the city and never made it over What a shame! I finally got to an event during my most recent visit to the city. It was wonderful! I wish I could go on a regular basis. Definitely check out while visiting NYC! I can't wait to return during my next visit to the city.

I visited BPC for the first time last Monday to par take in Bingo Night. It is usually hosted by two trannies, Murry Hill and ?, and young lady, the stage help. A gentleman plays quirky show tunes on cue on his Casio. The show started around 7:30pm, a few minutes late, but was worth every minute of it! The hostess was hilarious, the games well-paced, bingo cards well priced ($2/card for the entire night), and drink $4 and up). COME early, like 6-6:30pm, for the show. I arrived around 7:15pm and saw like one empty seat. The "regulars" will bogart 5 -8 seats at a time to hold for the late arriving friends. The stage assistant tried to find seats for my 2 friends and I, but was unable too, nor did she tell the seat savers to give up their seats. I was annoyed. Seating is free so how can people be allowed to hold 5, yes 5 seats in the front 10-15 minutes after the show started is beyond me! I did not show my face. I stayed by the bar and enjoyed space enough for my 7 bingo cards.

I've only experienced the Bowery Poetry Club twice, but I enjoyed myself both times. As mentioned in previous reviews, the Tranny Bingo is unbelievably entertaining. The open mic is interesting and sometimes painful. The highlight of my experience: Taylor Mead. What a wonderful person with amazing stories and comical insight. If I had more time in New York, I would have been at the poetry club more often.

Possibly the best sound system for a place that caters to the crazy and talented. You'll find a cast of characters that will clear your mental palate for people. Great open mic's, cheap ( $4) magic hat's, and if you're lucky Debra will be the bartender and she's got bombs! Her boobs actually have their own facebook page http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=wall&story_fbid=113323625360603&id=34602475#!/pages/Ask-Dianes-breasts/99545719986?ref=ts There's a cafe in front that is perfect after you just participated in a beer chug on stage and need some food

I went here few months ago. I have to say i enjoyed the whole poetry and snapping scene while having some drinks. Drinks are a little expensive compared to some places but it is worth going there. However if you want to go there during their poetry night thingy (srry lol) there is a fee. I think about $10? I do not remember exactly.

i didn't realize this was a poetry club. every time i've walked by i thought it was a place where men with beards sat outside to work on either their thousand yard stare or, conversely, practice their approachable look. either way, it appears to be working with the nyu coeds.