The Duplex Piano Bar & Cabaret

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Although The Duplex looks like a quiet West Village corner home, there’s a raucous world of great cabaret behind its French doors. Opened in the '50s in its original location across the street, The Duplex moved to its current digs in the '80s and is touted as the city’s oldest continuing cabaret theatre where the likes of Joan Rivers and Woody Allen tested out their early work. Enjoy an entire evening of Broadway-quality entertainment without the long lines or overpriced tickets. The centerpiece in the downstairs piano bar is undoubtedly the black baby grand piano, played nightly. For patrons with the courage to take center stage, the piano bar hosts impromptu open-mic sessions for singers during the week after 9 p.m. and on weekends after 6 p.m., until close. At the end of the rainbow lies the intimate cabaret theatre. Two short rows of tables lead up to the bright, minimalist stage, which generally hosts two or three shows every night. Performers give audience members more than their money’s worth, often showcasing unique, first-time acts as well as popular continuing shows and revivals. — Chris Fichera

One of the best seats along the annual parade route, the Duplex has made it a tradition to honor Pride week at the end of June with a big bash.

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