Thanks to technology, we now have the ability to record our talents and share them with the world, but sometimes it’s better to head out to a local club or venue for an open mic night. Not only do we meet other local artists in the community at open mics, but we also get to make new friends and network with people who have similar interests.
Pine Box Rock Shop
12 Grattan St., 11206
IG: pineboxrockshop
Previously a casket factory, Pine Box is just steps away from the Morgan L train. You can check out its menu to see the hot beverages offered, perfect for this winter weather, along with plenty of other drinks. It’s one of the best places to catch live comedy on any given night.
Pine Box’s CHAMPS open mic night returned on Jan. 26 and will continue to be hosted every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Pine Box’s Married at First Mic also returned on Jan. 25. Sign up if you’d like to try new material and get to know others in the area!
Nook
45 Irving Ave. Unit 1, 11237
IG: nook_bklyn
For freelancers, Nook has much to offer in the way of comfort, with sofas, armchairs, industrial-inspired furniture crafted by owner David Freiger and floor-to-ceiling windows for a bright atmosphere. You can order coffee, tea, fruit juices or beer, among other beverages, to drink along with food.
Though its open mics don’t fall on the same day every week, Nook consistently has weekly events. Its next open mic is on Friday, Jan. 28, so be sure to fill out the form on Eventbrite if you’d like to perform. The show starts at 9 p.m.
La Cumbanchita
24 Irving Ave., 11237
IG: la.cumbanchita
La Cumbanchita’s small stage hosts some big events, with karaoke nights and live music. You can order some Mexican cuisine from its menu and drink for a generous price if you make it in time for happy hour. La Cumbanchita hosted an open mic night for all expressions throughout December and may do so again soon, so follow along on Instagram!
Starr Bar
214 Starr St., 11237
IG: starrbarbk
This list wouldn’t be complete without Starr Bar. At Starr Bar, there’s a dancefloor, DJs spinning tunes and delicious cocktails to enjoy. But aside from the typical nightlife events, Starr Bar also supports social justice movements and groups, such as Mayday Space. You can also enjoy some vegan eats at Starr Bar from Monk’s Meats Smokehouse.
Starr Bar hosts an open mic every Monday from 7 to 11 p.m. Sign-up is done at the bar.
Luv Story
894 Wyckoff Ave., 11237
IG: luvstorynyc
This spot is just as much a bar and venue space as it is a place to find unique fashion pieces, which you can sift through on Luv Story’s online shop. Luv Story is the place to go for fun dancing and weekly events, such as its Monday karaoke nights and comedy open mic nights, which happen every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Chispa
259 St Nicholas Ave., 11237
IG: chispanyc
Decked out in lavender and neon lights, this corner cafe offers coffee, teas and a wide selection of cocktails and wines. There are also books and board games if you need a break from work or simply want to play a game with a friend.
Chispa hosts its Solidarity Open Mic every Monday. The cafe also hosts other open mics, including a writer’s open mic, so be sure to follow along on Instagram for Chispa’s latest event schedule.
Stars Cafe
247 Wilson Ave., 11237
IG: starscafe247w
This cozy cafe has bookshelves that span across the wall, which you can check out while enjoying some sweets and a caffeinated beverage of your choice. Stars Cafe regularly hosts its Wet Cash! Comedy show for charity, alongside other events.
Open mics are hosted every second and fourth Friday of the month.
The Buren
1223 Broadway, 11221
IG: theburenbkny
Along the border of Bushwick and Bed-Stuy, The Buren is a corner cafe offering a fusion of Filipino and Mediterranean dishes, alongside all-day breakfast and coffee. Plants hang from the ceiling and a swinging chair adorned with cushions can be found by the front window inside the establishment. Oh, and there’s also outdoor seating all year round.
The Buren hosts open mics every Sunday from 8 to 11 p.m.
Ornithology Jazz Club
6 Suydam St., 11221
This jazz club has quickly become a community hub for local musicians and artists of all kinds. It has a small, tight-knit feel. Everything from the rotating vegan menu to the specialty cocktails, and even to the art hanging on the walls, is filled with narrative. As such, the club welcomes artists who want to experiment with new material.
Ornithology hosts daily events with open music jam sessions, allowing artists to practice material before and after scheduled shows. There is a stand-up open mic every Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and an Open Heart Jam session every Monday and Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. where people can recite poetry, play an instrument and more.
Coexist Game House
524 Evergreen Ave. Unit 1, 11221
IG: coexistgaming
Though open only four days a week, Coexist Game House is packed with activities for the community. Community Sunday is about networking alongside games, arcades, food and drinks. Music Mondays is when Coexist hosts its open mics, from 6 to 10 p.m.
To see more of the events offered at this community space, check out its events calendar.
Caffeine Underground
447 Central Ave. Suite A, 11221
This cafe exudes local talent. Its walls have vision boards and paintings, which you can purchase. You can check out Caffeine Underground’s menu to see the beverages offered, including “Trippin’ Tea,” which contains kava. Caffeine Underground hosts live parties, workshops and classes. Open mics are hosted on alternating Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
Bushwick Public House
1288 Myrtle Ave., 11221
You’ll find that Bushwick Public House (BPH) is the perfect spot for that work and play balance. You can get your caffeine fix to get the day started. And after work winds down, you can grab a premium cocktail to drink while at the pool table. You can also catch a live show at BPH’s downstairs bar.
BPH has comedy open mics every Tuesday from 8 to 10 p.m. and Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. An open mic for all talents is in the works, so be sure to follow along on Instagram!
Bar Freda
801 Seneca Ave., 11385
IG: barfreda801
You can play Pac-Man and see live events at this bar and venue in Ridgewood. Bar Freda commonly hosts themed nights, such as Party Mix, a night of 80s, 90s, punk, new wave, goth and industrial vibes, or The Sunday Saddies, where you’re free to be in your feels all night long.
Bar Freda hosts The Underground open mic every Monday at 8 p.m. Sign up is at 7:30 p.m.
Featured Image: The first The Underground open mic from the Bar Freda Instagram account.
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