Feb 18, 2025

The Cage in West Village New York

Hoops & handball

"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..."

'The Cage' is a chain link fenced, bagel-sized basketball court on Sixth Avenue at 3rd Street, across the street from Joe's Pizza and the old Waverley movie theater in the Village.

The action takes place on the court, beside the court, on the adjacent handball courts, on the sidewalk, and everywhere within the eyesight of the court. Better you should watch the next two video links than me try to explain the 'scene':

Players' website, Wikipedia, and, a game video.

A cool thing about the 'game video' is its soundtrack. Notice in the background a sound like a racquet hitting a tennis ball: whack, whack, whack. It is created by the players in the handball court next to the cage. Handball (great video link) is a city game of which tourists might be unaware, a citywide spectacle with major tournaments.

Two background information videos featuring players, coaches, and viewers, all with impressive flash and chip-on-shoulder confidence here: Episodes 1, 2.

So, you're in the Village --- go to Joe's, buy a slice, cross the street and watch some basketball, some handball, take some pictures, go over to Washington Square park to play some hustle chess, get your fortune told along the way and then apply for your I❤️NY card.

But you don't get the card until you've explored the Bronx and Harlem (Rucker Park, especially), Queens, and Brooklyn. That's where the soul players come from, says Spike Lee.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Minetta playground

US$

no-price

Explore New York like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

Frick Collection

Intimate, reopened art museum

Visit the newly restored Frick Collection, a Gilded Age treasure with masterpieces by Vermeer and Fragonard, housed in a historic Fifth Avenue mansion.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 13, 2025

Apthorp Cleaners

Barbies, Barbies, Barbies

"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 13, 2025

Taco Mix

Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls

Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 12, 2025

Dinastia

Cuban - Chinese

"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 12, 2025

Studio Museum in Harlem

Artists of color

"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 12, 2025

Stand Up NY

UWS Comedy Club

Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,

019-lemonade-1
Theaters

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 10, 2025

NYC Pride March

The Greatest Show on Earth!

This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 10, 2025

Fall Foliage

Central Park

A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 7, 2025

Patisserie des Ambassades

Senegalese/French café

"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 7, 2025

Loeb Boathouse

Central Park

"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 7, 2025

Sisters

Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem

"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 7, 2025

1166 Sixth Avenue

Lichenstein & Otterness

In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 4, 2025

Heading to New York?

300 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to New York?

300 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on:

cached_response not present
63
Filters