To be invited to perform at the West Side Comedy Club on 75th at Amsterdam Avenue, comedians must have already begun their ascent of New York City's ferociously competitive 'ladder of success'.
That ascent begins in casual performance spaces scattered over every borough. There is one such not far away on 72nd Street between Broadway and Columbus Avenue on the uptown side of the street. The 72nd Street IRT Subway station (1, 2, 3 Trains) is just half a block away.
The space functions day to day as a bright and modern-looking upscale deli with a large, open grill kitchen, long coolers full of cold drinks and so forth, and an upstairs loft area dedicated mainly to seating with an overview of the busy street outside. On certain evenings, it doubles as a performance space for stand-up comics.
There is no website for these events, but because it is a 24-hour Deli, the phone is answered promptly and calling it is how to find out about 'who is on tonight'.
This block is known for this kind of entertainment. Across the street is the Triad Theater stage, known for similar 'tryout' performances. It was there that I saw Richard Belzner (of Saturday Night Live and Law and Order fame) present a new routine.
And beside Triad, a very old fashioned Fred Astaire Dance Studio—still in operation—and besides that, a CitiBank housed in an Art Deco building specifically designed for a 1930's Horn and Hardart automat restaurant.
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"New Plaza Cinema" in NYC has one mission: to show independent, foreign and classic films. It is run by a grassroots group; how long will it survive?
by
"Manny's Bistro" is a French bistro in my neighborhood in New York. Susan & I prefer to sit at the bar, which makes us belong & contribute to the scene...
by
"The Elevated Acre" is in the middle of the Financial District in NYC, but you would never see it when passing by - this park is hidden above street level!
by
John's Pizza is situated inside a former tabernacle with a domed stain glass ceiling about 50 feet above, and ‘sliced’ into 8 sections, just like a pizza.
by
On Broad Street stands a bronze sculpture named Fearless Girl which exudes bravery, pride and strength but not, according to the artist, 'defiance'...
by
It’s all free, on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll get a life jacket, a paddle, a 'kayak', and a locker, for a session of approximately 20 minutes.
by
"Amsterdam Billiards" in New York has a nice bar, nice service and soft couches. It's a well-known place to play (and watch!) billiards, darts, foosball...
by
The Cage in West Village is a chain link fenced, bagel-sized basketball court in New York. Here you can also find handball, a citywide spectacle...
by
"The Seasoned Vegan" in New York is crowded (in a good way), energizing and really fun. I got the Harlem Chopped Cheeseburger, and I'd order it again...
by
"TAP - NYC" makes Brazilian tapioca from yuca! I really love their Pão de Queijo, tangerine-sized, feather-weight bread-puffs with molten cheese...
by
"Bethesda Terrace" in New York's Central Park is home to Bethesda Fountains, sculptural balustrades and breathtaking magical depictions of wild animals...
by
"Bodegas" are NYC convenience stores that are as much an essential part of urban culture as are chippies in Whitley Bay or curry shops in London, England...
by
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips