[rating:5]
Known as “the most famous bar you never heard of,” Neir is one of NYC’s, and possibly America’s, oldest bars still operating. It has hosted the filming of the movie “Goodfellas,” the new “Tower” movie with Ben Stiller, Mae West, and many other celebrities. Most recently, they welcomed me as part of their lineup, an exciting addition!
On a whim, I attended their open mic night and got the chance to perform three of my favorite poems. It was exhilarating, fun, a bit nerve-wracking, and very stimulating. I truly loved the experience. The atmosphere was great, and the crowd was very supportive of this poetry reading newcomer. There was a lot of impressive talent present.
The performers ranged from a gentleman wearing glasses, suspenders, a bow tie, and a beret who delivered lyrics with excellent flow, to another gentleman with a relaxed, casual style who demonstrated lyricism on par with some of the best I’ve heard. There was a diverse range of performers in between. It was truly amazing.
The space itself is intimate and comfortable, featuring old furniture, cozy couches, and vintage decor that fits the bar’s century-old heritage. The ambiance is quaint, and I felt very comfortable. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. For dinner, I had a burger and fries, and the burger was cooked medium well to perfection. The fries were just how I like them, and the ginger ale complemented the meal perfectly. The best part? All that cost me under $10, and the quality was really impressive.
The vibe at Neir’s was warm and inviting. They host events throughout the week and weekend, really helping to put Queens on the map. On the night I attended, the event was streamed on http://gothamradio.com, and a newspaper reporter also stopped by, which was a nice touch.
Although the location is a bit out of my way, this will not deter me from becoming a regular at their open mic nights because I genuinely enjoyed it. The group was welcoming, the venue was great, and I can’t say enough positive things about the experience. I loved it and will definitely be back.
A big thank you to Neir’s, Aisha, and Loy for organizing this event and providing Queens poets with a wonderful opportunity and venue to perform. It was a pleasure to share my poetry debut with you all.
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