Cafe Wha?

Cafe Wha?

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5 star rating: Highly Recommended 54 Reviews | Add review

  • Address: 115 MacDougal St, New York, NY
  • Hours: Mon-Sun 8:30pm - 3:00am
  • Admission: Prices vary per event

ATTRACTION Keywords:
Live Music, Pop Culture, Cafe

Cafe Wha?
Located at 115 MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village, Cafe Wha? is a historic bar known for being the career birthplace of many well-known musicians and comedians. Open since the 1950s, some artists who consider Cafe Wha? a home include Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce, Bill Crosby and Peter, Paul & Mary, to name a few. Although it’s gone through many changes over the years, you can expect high energy music in an informal atmosphere every night of the week. In 1987, the Cafe Wha? House Band was employed, and are now known throughout the world and regularly feature celebrity guest performers. You can hear them live Wednesday through Sunday, playing everything from Motown to Reggae to Alternative Rock and more. On Monday nights you’ll hear Brazooka, a Brazilian dance band incorporating elements of Jazz and Samba, while Tuesdays are a mix of soul, R&B and Funk with Disfunktion. While the house bands play every night at 9:30pm, you can check their calendar for talented guests to go on beforehand. Although the drinks tend to be overpriced and there is usually a cover charge, you will be guaranteed a good show of eclectic music. Moreover, the venue features an extensive bar menu with delicious appetizers, salads, burgers, entrees and desserts.

Cafe Wha? Is open daily from 8:30pm, except for Mondays when it opens at 9pm. Reservations are recommended. Cover charges are $10 on Mondays and Tuesdays, $5 on Thursdays, $12 on Fridays, $15 on Saturdays and free to enter on Wednesdays and Sundays. To get to Cafe Wha? by subway take the A, B, C, D, E, F, M to W 4th Street, or the 1, 2 to Christopher Street- Sheridan Square or Houston Street.

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5 star rating: Highly Recommended Review by denise b, March 2013
Doing what: New York City Original Rock 'n' Roll Walking Tour

We had a great time on this walking tour our guide Bobby Pinn was a great guy he was passionate about New York rock and roll and the bands that have made a name for themselves here. He showed the iconic sights and made the tour very interesting. I would recommend this tour for music fans and those who would like to find out more.

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5 star rating: Highly Recommended Review by Kai-Chin T, January 2013
Doing what: New York City Original Rock 'n' Roll Walking Tour

If you are a fan of contemporary music this tour is a must. Bobby Pinn is literally a walking encyclopedia of not just rock n roll but jazz/blues as well. Lower east side really came alive after this tour

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5 star rating: Highly Recommended Review by Andysj, November 2012
Doing what: New York City Original Rock 'n' Roll Walking Tour

A brilliant, informative and personal highlight of my holiday. Bobby Pin was a brilliant tour guide, passionate and knowledgable on the history and area and I cannot wait to return and do the west village tour next year. Oh and his book is awesome. Many thanks.

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