If you find yourself soul searching all along the salty stretch of Long Island, New York, then this may be the article for you. Although often falling in the shadow of Brooklyn’s artistic offerings, Long Island is a wonderful land hidden with the treasures of aesthetic celebration and ‘hipster-vibe’ open mic nights. It allows for a clear interaction between artists who all try to make it through New York’s MYOB (Mind Your Own Business) vibes, as well as encourages the aesthetic celebration of music, art and literature in a world that is becoming continually fast paced. Unfortunately enough, this article gains no sponsorship from the following venues that are to be listed; they are simply the findings of my own explorations in the past three years of living on Long Island. Thus, the compilation is meant to guide and share the covert hipsters that are soon to follow me; in order to expand the lives of our fragile people, and bring on the legacy of the aesthetic hipster artists that is too ‘hip’ to admit themselves as such. If you have any more suggestions, please leave it in the comment section below! (Warning, most of these venues are biased towards my coffee addiction!)
1. The Babylon Bean, Babylon
I thought I would start the article with the Babylon Bean since I have been attending their Wednesday night open mic nights for two years now and have always been impressed by the incredible display of work that the town of Babylon had to offer! The performers and the regulars at the Bean create a tight-knit family. If you are looking for artistic honesty and celebration of a simpler, artful life, there is no better place than this adorable coffee shop!
2. The Creative Corner, West Hempstead
Catering to arts and music classes for all ages, the Creative Corner in Hempstead provides a platform of creative expression where artists can truly explore their talents. The venue also houses countless events such as poetry readings, performances, art galleries and Monday Open Mic Nights for rising artists that are feeling bold.
3. Conklin Farmhouse Museum, Huntington
The Conklin Farmhouse museum was declared a historical landmark in 1911, and is believed to be the county’s first house museum. It stands as a historical landmark to the Conklin Farmhouse and is a display of the lifestyle set of a farmhouse in the mid 1700s. The building now holds a lecture hall used for aesthetic and historical events, in order to celebrate the culture of the county.
4. Cyrus: Chai & Coffee Company, Bay Shore
The beautifully decorated coffee house is known for its delicious tea-time treats and lovely ambiance. However, the venue holds an event every second Saturday, called, well, ‘Second Saturdays.’ Up and rising poets are brought into the coffeehouse in front of an audience keen to explore the complex art of modern literature.
5. Sip This, Valley Stream
Whether this venue is considered a part of Queens or Long Island is irrelevant; the pastries venture past county lines in their delectable fame. I don’t know what it is with artistic expression and coffee-houses, but the cooperation of this conglomeration is expressed incredibly well at this coffeehouse, which also provides poetry readings, comedy nights and trivia nights, thus always keeping its customers both caffeinated and entertained.
6. Massapequa Perk, Massapequa Park
(Did you enjoy the duality of that title? Because I did!) Massapequa Perk acts as the perfect ‘secret artistic oasis’; it is totally underrated and provides an adorable ambiance for amateur and novice musicians to play in.
7. Witches Brew, West Hempstead
Although a pretty popular venue around Long Island, the Witches Brew is a true hole in the wall, with mismatched furniture and creative decorations that totally immerse the customers within its own odd culture. The ambiance is, in itself, a true attraction, however, the food sells itself at this venue.
8. Tiger Lily Cafe, Port Jefferson
An alternative eatery that has great selections for all dietary needs; the Tiger Lily Cafe is a must visit when exploring the quaint town of Port Jefferson. It promotes itself as ‘the funkiest alternative vegetarian eatery around,’ and truly stands true to these words with its delicious menu and incredible aesthetic experience.
