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Theatre 80 St. Marks

A historic Off-Broadway venue at 80 St. Mark's Place, this 180-year-old building evolved from a Prohibition-era speakeasy into a legendary jazz and theater hub in the East Village.

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What is Theatre 80 St. Marks known for?

It was an Off-Broadway theater in Manhattan's East Village that served as a vital destination for performers since Prohibition. It is known for hosting jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, and Frank Sinatra.

Is Theatre 80 St. Marks still open?

No, the theatre was reported closed in April 2023 following final efforts to save it.

What is the history of the building?

The 180-year-old building was a speakeasy during Prohibition called Scheib's Place, where the New York City Council drank, and later became a jazz club.

Was the theatre wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the theatre was wheelchair accessible and featured a ramp for wheelchair users to enter.

What was the seating capacity of the venue?

The theatre had a capacity of 160.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Theatre 80 was an Off-Broadway theater located at 80 St. Mark's Place in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan. The building is 180 years old and played a foundational role in the neighborhood's identity; when it was first envisioned and built, the surrounding Lower East Side was considered a blighted area, and the term 'East Village' had not yet been coined. The site has a rich history as a destination for performers. During Prohibition, the location housed Scheib's Place, a speakeasy where the New York City Council famously drank. Later, it transitioned into a jazz club that hosted legendary figures such as John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, and Frank Sinatra. In 2007, Lorcan Otway began a restoration of the theater and launched projects to illustrate the building's deep history. The venue featured a capacity of 160 guests and maintained accessibility with a ramp for wheelchair users. It also housed the William Barnacle Tavern, which utilized an outdoor dining shed. Despite its cultural significance, the theater faced a tragic end. Following final efforts to save the venue, it was reported closed and the Otways were evicted in April 2023. Following the closure, the venue's name was blotted out on the canopy and the dining shed for the William Barnacle Tavern was demolished.

Visitor tips

  • Look up at the canopy to see where the Theatre 80 signage was once displayed.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as you explore the surrounding East Village streets.
  • Visit during the day to better observe the architectural details of the 180-year-old facade.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the East Village on St. Mark's Place, this site represents the generational shift of the neighborhood from the blighted Lower East Side into a cultural hub.

Sources

Evidence and links