4. The Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe

The Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe, which derives its name from a blending of words “New York” and “Puerto Rican,” grew from what was just at first a small gathering of poets who all congregated in the home of Puerto Rican poet and professor, Miguel Algarían. Some of its most fascinating notches in its historical belt included by Cabe are of William S. Burroughs (credited along with poets Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg as a founding father of the beat generation) getting booed off stage, and the cafe’s claim in hosting the first ever poetry slam.

Today, the Nuyo (as the cafe is now most commonly referred) is only open for performances. These performances include the famous Friday night poetry slams open to people of ages, as well as open mic nights, theatre and musical performances, and readings among others. However, in 2018, the Nuyo will become a bit nomadic as it plans on hosting its events throughout the city while the building goes under major renovations expected to last a year.

Signature drink: Plum Daiquiri (as an homage to Puerto Rican writer, William Carlos William’s poem, “This is just to say”).