NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

The first entrepreneur at 80 Saint Marks Place was Walter Sheib, who opened a tremendously successful "speakeasy" during prohibition. After the repeal of prohibition, Sheib's Place became a popular night spot and then Jazz mecca, the Jazz Gallery. The second epoch of entertainment here began when Sheib sold the place to Howard Otway, an actor, singer, novelist and playwright, who converted the club to a theater in 1965.

• Directions: Subway: L to 1st Avenue, F to 2nd Avenue, 4,6,6x to Astor Place