The Cutting Room
New York City, NY
The Cutting Room is an intimate concert and events venue, known for its cozy, cabaret-like vibe. Founded by the actor Chris Noth—of Sex and the City fame—back in 1999 at a different Manhattan location, it reopened at 44 East 32nd Street in 2013. Its stage hosts an eclectic mix of artists, from chart-topping musicians to emerging acts.
The basics
Popular with New Yorkers and out-of-towners alike, the Cutting Room features a packed calendar of live music events, comedy shows, theater productions, and more. The best way to experience this 32nd Street venue is to book tickets to a show. The audience for each performance is capped at 200 people, so many prefer the Cutting Room to larger concert halls or stadiums, thanks to its intimate atmosphere. Expect great views wherever you’re seated.
Things to know before you go
- Be sure to make your reservations well in advance—popular acts tend to sell out fast.
- While you shouldn’t come expecting to see celebrities, don’t be surprised if you do. Well-known musicians, actors, and comedians have been known to make an appearance here, and not only as performers.
- For the ultimate night out on the town, consider coming early and grabbing a pre-show dinner with drinks. The Cutting Room bar is known for its cocktail selection and nothing says New York like a classic Manhattan.
How to get there
The Cutting Room is centrally located in the center of midtown Manhattan. It can be reached on foot from many New York City attractions, including the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Grand Central Terminal—all are around 10–20 minutes on foot away. If coming by public transportation, the nearest subway stations are 33rd Street, 34th Street-Herald Square, and 28th Street.
When to get there
The Cutting Room hosts events year-round, so there’s no wrong time to visit. Weekends tend to be livelier and busier, while weekday performances often have a more laid-back clientele. In general, New York City is at its best during the fall and spring, when temperatures are mild. The Christmas season is popular with tourists, but cold rain and bursts of snow often make navigating the city on foot unpleasant.
Other only-in-New York concert venues
Depending on whether your interests lie—from jazz clubs to offbeat comedy clubs—New York City has a whole bevy of boutique performance spaces. Some of the most loved include the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, the hip and compact Le Poisson Rouge concert hall in Greenwich Village, and legendary jazz venue Village Vanguard.
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