2. Cafe Wha?
Nestled on the corner of MacDougal Street and Minetta Lane, Cafe Wha? is a music venue opened by Manny Roth in 1959. With a stage graced by icons such as Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen, the spot has played host to a deep pool of musical talent. Bob Dylan landed his first gig at Cafe Wha? in 1961. “A glowing New York Times review of his performance led to Dylan signing a five-year contract with Columbia Records,” Mastropolo wrote.
Today, Cafe Wha? boasts, “Allen Ginsberg regularly sipped his cocktails here.” This rock n’ roll 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.