Nuyorican Poets Café

The Nuyorican Poets Café is a cultural center on the Lower East Side featuring performance spaces where literary and artistic events take place regularly. Poetry slams, theater productions, music performances, and open mic nights fill the schedule throughout the year.

It was founded in 1973 as an informal gathering in a private living room before establishing itself at its current location in 1981. This move reflected the growing demand for a dedicated space where the artistic community could gather and perform.

The venue functions as a gathering space for Puerto Rican and Latino artists to present their work through performances and open sessions. Visitors come here to see and hear voices from the neighborhood and beyond sharing their artistic expressions.

The venue contains different areas designed to accommodate various types of performances and audience sizes. Visitors should check ahead regarding current programming and any special requirements for specific events.

The artistic movement that emerged here attracted recognition from notable writers and performers representing diverse communities. This made the space a symbol of how different cultural voices found a home to collaborate and create together.

Location: Manhattan

Founders: Bimbo Rivas, Miguel Piñero, Pedro Pietri, Miguel Algarín, Lucky CienFuegos

GPS coordinates: 40.72195,-73.98178

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:23