NYC's Best Venues For Poetry Readings And Open Mics

Are you a poet looking for a stage? Or are you a fan of poetry slams? Whether you're an amateur or an avid poetry writer (or reader), there's plenty of shows, slams, and open mics to attend in NYC. Here are five of our favorites. By Carly Petrone.

Nuyorican Poets Cafe

236 E. 3rd St.
New York, NY

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Whether you're looking for a poetry slam or a poetry open mic, Nuyorican Poets Café is the place to go. See how it all goes down at their various poetry slam events and open nights during the week.  Every week, professional and amateur poets hit the stage top share their stuff. Check their calendar for more details.

QED Astoria

27-16 23rd Ave.
Astoria, NY

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If you're looking for a place to try out some new material then make your way to QED Astoria. This fun venue hosts a variety of open mic nights throughout the month. Be sure to check out the "Bunk Bed Time" show on Sundays -- hosts Andrea Shapiro & Chris Gersbeck welcome a variety of spoken word, including poetry and storytelling.  There are 25 4-minute spots available and sign-ups are first come first serve. The mic is a lottery and order is determined randomly.

Otto's Shrunken Head

538 E. 14th St.
New York, NY

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Carmine Street Metrics brings their open mic night to Otto's Shrunken Head every first Sunday of the month. Get on up there and try out some metrical poetry – this casual environment will make you feel right at home -- plus a fun tiki drink also helps calm down the nerves)

Bowery Poetry Club

308 Bowery
New York, NY

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There's always something fun going on at the Bowery Poetry Club. Every week, this iconic New York venue hosts poetry pop ups, slams, and open mics. You can also take part in a variety of poetry workshops to help get you started on a unified collection of work. Most classes are five to eight weeks long. Learn more here.

Cornelia Street Cafe

29 Cornelia St.
New York, NY

Stop into The Cornelia Street Café for a cocktail and some storytelling at one of their open mic nights. This warm and inviting space has a welcoming ambiance to it – you may just feel like hitting the stage yourself! Learn more about upcoming performances here.

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Carly Petrone is the founder of Petrone on the Rocks, a lifestyle site about food, drinks, beauty, travel, and more. She lives in New York City.