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Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater, New York City: Address, Phone Number, Apollo Theater Reviews: 4.5/5

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Apollo Theater

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Apollo Theater
4.5
620
#54 of 1,323 things to do in New York City
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About
The symbol of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, the Apollo is still the place to perform in Harlem.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Harlem
As a hub of African American culture, Harlem has played a vital role in the history of New York City. Today, the neighborhood is as vibrant as ever as new businesses and developments go up next to local institutions. The heart of the neighborhood is bustling 125th Street, where street vendors and historic landmarks like the Apollo Theater mingle with big-name stores. Turn down almost any corner, and you’ll discover some of the most beautiful blocks in the city, filled with handsome brownstones, soul food restaurants, corner shops, and scenic parks. For a taste of a real New York neighborhood, it’s hard to top a visit to Harlem.
How to get there
  • 125th St • 3 min walk
  • 116th St • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,248 within 3 miles
SottoCasa Pizzeria
413
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Pizza • Neapolitan • Campania
Jacob Restaurant Soul Food & Salad Bar
189
0.3 mi$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Harlem Shake
486
0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Maison Harlem
181
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Bar • European
Red Rooster
2,538
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Sylvia's Restaurant
2,069
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly
Levain Bakery
1,655
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • American • Vegetarian Friendly
Babbalucci
116
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • Pizza
Corner Social
199
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Jacob Restaurant
112
0.3 mi$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
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Attractions
263 within 3 miles
United House of Prayer for All People
3
309 ftChurches & Cathedrals
Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church
4
0.1 miChurches & Cathedrals
Greater Refuge Temple
69
0.1 miChurches & Cathedrals
The Studio Museum in Harlem
66
0.2 miArt Museums
Dwyer Cultural Center
2
0.1 miSpeciality Museums
Morningside Park
58
0.2 miParks
Salem United Methodist Church
30
0.2 miChurches & Cathedrals
Church of Saint Joseph of the Holy Family
19
0.3 miChurches & Cathedrals
Harriet Tubman Memorial
3
0.3 miMonuments & Statues
Dempsey Theater
4
0.2 miTheaters
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Popular mentions
4.5
620 reviews
Excellent
405
Very good
159
Average
45
Poor
5
Terrible
6
Anna V
Toulouse, France1 contribution
Do it !
Mar 2021 • Family
We went to the amateur party on Wednesday night. To top it off, we had the chance to chat with Mr. Mitchell, who has been around the place since 1964! Very nice evening in this legendary theater.
Written April 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stacy
Nashville, TN148 contributions
Alanis at the Apollo!
Dec 2019 • Solo
I attended Alanis Morissette’s one night only performance at the Apollo on December 2. Most people were shocked she’d perform there since it has historically been a venue for African-Americans to entertain. I am here to tell you that the Apollo is a beautiful venue with an amazing staff. I’ve seen many Broadway shows and visited many tourist attractions, but the staff at the Apollo was by far the most friendly and welcoming! I look forward to seeing another show there in the future!
Written December 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tina M
Westbourne, UK25 contributions
Brilliant night out - forget Broadway
Nov 2019 • Couples
The iconic Apollo theatre where many of the Mowtown greats started out at the famous amateur night.
The whole evening was brilliant. The only minor was the on entering the theatre.This was the most chaotic and aggressive security check I had ever experienced. The security guards were basically shouting at you to do bag checks but there was no organisation which was obvious. It was all highly aggressive and basically no basis to be like this. It felt all a bit unnecessary and having lived in London and more than aware of the good reasons for security but this was just unprofessional.
So once in the theatre it was all positive. From the amazing warm up band and host. Who prompted us what to do. I'm not one for shouting out but you couldn't help getting involved. From the amazingly talented children. To the adults again who were all talented. We were encouraged to clap or boo the adults as this was amateur night. The winner was chosen and then unfolded a truly amazing and humbling story of a man who had been incarcerated for 35yrs on a false charge. Supported by the innocence project they fought for his release. This achieved earlier this year his wish was to sing at the Apollo. There was not a dry eye in the house as he stepped forward and the audience stood to applaud him. Especially as he was a runner up and his story was told after the voting had ended.
A truly memorable night for so many reasons. The Apollo is in Harlem and not on the main tourist route. Saying that most at the show were tourists who obviously have a love of black culture. Also our 2 tickets were still cheaper than 1 Broadway show.
If in NYC this is a must do.
Written November 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John
3 contributions
Fantastic
Sep 2019 • Friends
Fantastic theater that you absolutely should not miss during your stay in New York.
Make sure you buy the tickets online to avoid disappointment
Written November 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nell W
New York City, NY75 contributions
Part of New York tradition
Nov 2019 • Friends
We went to Amateur Night at the Apollo and had a blast! It was the semi-finals, so all of the performers were winners from prior weeks - competing to get to the next round. It just meant that all of the performers were good, there wasn’t as much booing as usual, and lots of screaming to make sure your favorites would advance! The highlight of the evening was comedian Capone, whose insights and wit just moved everything along in a way that you walk out happy. We will absolutely go back, it was a fun and memorable event participating in a historic New York tradition.
Written November 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
deecee64
Sydney, Australia255 contributions
Amateur night fun
Nov 2019 • Couples
Soooooo entertaining. Audience is involved from the moment you enter the theatre. From cheering and booing the guests, dancing on stage to the banter between the host and audience. Didn’t know what to expect but it was just fabulous. Would highly recommend (book online to avoid missing out prior to your visit), and put on your list as a “must do” when visiting NYC.
Written November 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Carole P
Brooklyn, NY25 contributions
Awesome!!
Oct 2019
If in New York this is a must. Amateur night did not disappoint. I enjoyed every Ute and every it of the show that night. The amateur singers were great and I had fun booing some. Overall great experience as a New Yorker.
Written November 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lars Blichfeldt H
Risskov, Denmark2 contributions
Amateur Night - great time
Oct 2019 • Couples
Our 6th time in NY but first time in Apollo. Our only regrets that we waited so long. It was a lot of fun with good Music and best audience I ever have seen - all dancing and having a party
Written October 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CeEmDee
Llandudno, UK141 contributions
A real honour
Oct 2019
We made a pilgrimage to Harlem to stand outside the Apollo. To stand and reflect on the greats in music who have appeared there was a special time for me.
Written October 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jeremy F
New York City, NY12 contributions
There's still nothing like Amateur Night on 125th St
Sep 2019
Although I've been a resident for 17 years, I've only been to Amateur night recently - twice in the past year. I was pleasantly surprised how tight the evening runs when the acts are (by nature of the fact that it's a competition) unpredictable. Of course Harlem is the big star here as the more full the crowd, the wilder the energy. During the first half of the show the house band led my Michael O. Mitchell really get to shine and they've recently had some upgrades to the lighting which make things pop a little more. The evening wraps by 10:30, but everything keeps moving. Darryl J Williams was the star of the show with his Whitney rendition - don't think I've ever heard anyone sing like that. The nights that I went there was very little booing, which I was disappointed by, but it was still a great NYC night out. Everyone should go at least once.
Written October 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Apollo Theater
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