6. Cafe Wha? – 115 MacDougal Street

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Cafe Wha? boasts, “Allen Ginsberg regularly sipped his cocktails here.” This spot hosts live music every night of the week, with a house band that rocks every Wednesday through Sunday with its own taste of both contemporary and throwback jams–all while staying true to its Beat Generation roots. Fun fact: this is where Bob Dylan had his first NYC gig, where many Beat Generation writers were in attendance.