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 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
"Bund on Broadway" is one of the most popular restaurants on Astoria's restaurant row in New York. I always go straight fo the famous pork soup dumplings.
by
The "Conference House" in New York is a perfect place to escape modern life if you're interested in what life was like in the 1600s...
by
"Vite Vinosteria" in New York is the Italian restaurant where, ever since I moved to Astoria, I've celebreated nearly every birthday & anniversary...
by
"Hunter's Point Library" in New York, on Long Island City's waterfront, is definitely for you if you're a fan of books, architecture and skyline views!
by
"House of Yes" is a colorful, eclectic space in New York that houses everything from roller skating to trapeze artists. Free entry on Fridays before 11pm!
by
"Jajaja Plantas Mexicana" in New York is a creative joint that has vegan versions of traditional Mexican food. It's delicious, affordable & healthy!
by
"Star Polish Bakery" in New York makes the best Polish desserts and cakes, especially the makowiec. Here they make it exactly the way I like it...
by
New York City is ideal for Art Gallery Hopping, and opening & closing receptions occur frequently. Here are my go-to spots when I'm thirsty for some art...
by
"Brooklyn Heights" in New York along Montague. I love going there for a stroll after a visit to my dentist. Just relax, soak in the ambience and history...
by
"Harlem Shake" in New York is a small, nondescript, inexpensive burger place. It makes a difference though by employing mainly local Harlem residents...
by
"Icon Style" is an antique jewelry and vintage fashion boutique located in New York's historic Upper West Side. For me it is a museum of the city's finery.
by
"Widow Jane Distillery" in Red Hook, New York is housed in what used to be a cocoa factory. There are many 150-year-old factories housing businesses here.
by
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips