NYC is Not Dead: Welcome to Alphabet City

Tour guide and comedian, Tomas "Tom" Delgado, takes you on an entertaining and informative walk through Alphabet City in New York City, a neighborhood famous for its Puerto Rican roots. He even stops by the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and interviews accomplished Puerto Rican poet, Advocate of Wordz. Shot by Phil Rizdon.
Please check out Tom's Patreon - / tomdnyc
Venmo - venmo.com/tomdnyc
Check out the Nuyorican Poets Cafe - www.nuyorican....
Check out Advocate of Wordz - / advocateofwordz

[@theDronalist]

Can we get a spin-off series where Tom interviews random nyc small-business owners?

[@JakeRoman]

Isn't that what "whatta town" was?

[@rosaborrero6633]

Hello I live in New York in the lower Eastside bring back memories thankyou

[@PennilessPolitics]

​@@rosaborrero6633 the best Driver's Ed School @ Rabbi Jacob Joseph Highschool. I went there on Sundays. Then, for the next three decades, I drove city buses. Dropped out of PACE😩 I've eaten well since 🥰

[@halmedrano]

Back in the 1970s, when the neighborhood was rough, we used to call Aves A, B, C, and D: "Arson, Bedlam, Chaos, and Death. The further east you go, the closer to death!" Just a slight variation on what you said. Super informative, man. I love the history. Subscribed!

[@EstOptimusNobis]

You didn't go down there in the crack years (mid 80s)! It was a war zone man.

[@amymalina5073]

In the later 70’s, Avenue D was one of the scariest places, even compared to the worst of the worst in the other boroughs too.

[@amymalina5073]

Tom is very knowledgeable and obviously very intelligent too. Makes this channel a winner.

[@yutubetom]

The quality of your content just keeps getting better. Loved the poetry! I grew up in the Baruch projects nearby. As a teenager in the 1970s, I walked up and down Avenue D day and night and never had a problem. I guess they recognized me as a local and left me alone. Good times.

[@kevmagill5163]

I lived there in 81..three young guys my age started to mug me and I was like, "I see you everyday I know your moms...what the hell", they were like, oh shit, sorry...good times.

[@AL-grhvc]

Tom is the BEST city connoisseur ('tour guide' doesn't serve him enough) ever and this is the only channel that makes me happy when I see a new video of..thank you for this great episode 🙏⭐️👏👏

[@lizef5195]

Histotainer

[@allisonmanning2344]

Thanks for this. I'm a native NY'er with lots of time lived all over east village and les. For the past 7 years I've lived in the Caribbean, so ive been feeling really disconnected to my roots. This has not only been nostalgic and heart warmer, but this has taught me a lot of history that was overlooked when I was younger. Thanks dude.

[@youngdoctorathlete8334]

New York City is (as a function of its dimensions, complexities and controversial standing) rife and riddled with tour-guides and you-tubers, many committed to quality content and effective presentation. Yet, even in this highly competitive arena, Tom never fails to stand apart: open, keen-witted, distinctive, exceptionally intelligent -- with an uncanny mastery of landscape, architecture, history, demography, evolution, devolution and more -- he masterfully contextualizes, entertains, inspires and edifies with unparalleled flair, with an inimitable air of effortless abandon. An iconic figure worthy of note and acclamation.

[@718ant5]

New York will never die.

[@kabirpour]

This is the BEST NYC walking/talking show. Love the NuYoRicanCafe segment. I recall Piri Thomas here~~RIP, Piri! Also a moment to recall Hector Lavoe! RIP, Lavoe! Long Live the NuYoRican Cafe!!

[@tomdnyc1]

Piri Thomas is the best!

[@moniquelacosta5170]

I loved the vibe and the energy of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe Owner. Love his natural talent for poetry and his advice for new poets; be sincere. Thank Tom for this wonderful interview.

[@kymmcl8435]

Loved the poetry Tom and the tour ..also hello Phil

[@stewartpierce2596]

Just found the channel, and enjoying it immensely. Dude, your poetry needs polishing, though. Obvious stuff, like 'Hey, I want to show you around....and I want to show you a square'. From Times to Herald, from here to there. Circle back for Columbus, and the Upper West Side. Union to Bushwick, come along for the ride. Yeah, lots to cover, but it was still cool. How come you didnt' cover Manitoba's, baby?

[@cadillacjack3240]

TomDNYC is the best NYC tour guide here on youtube. He has more talent than folks with 100k subs. His downfall is he doesn't post consistently. Maybe give your fans a quick check in with an update on your next video so that way we know.

[@billpickard7848]

Tommy D rockin NYC. Shout out and props to Phil

[@broluxgigantos89]

Finally, good job Tom. I hate these New York haters who claim NY is dead. Liked and subscribed.

[@carlwright3694]

NYC is in crisis

[@tranquilplanet7153]

For those of us who grew up here who are Gen X and older it kind of is dead. Doesn't mean we're haters.

[@austindragos3826]

Do you even live in or have you recently visited New York City? Just about anyone can sugarcoat reality to please people who cannot see beyond the surface.

[@Phoebedumplings]

Another steely Dan reference” daddy don’t need no lock and key for the piece he stowed down on ave D”

[@leot1403]

It was a funny coincidence that a fire engine passed by in the middle of your presentation. Tenement buildings in the Lower East side were prone to fires and insurance was collected from those buildings in the 1980s. Artist Martin Wong painted beautiful urban paintings with these buildings and the fire and was good friends with the original Puerto Rican poet that you had mentioned. His poetry appears in some of Wong's paintings. Just wanted to let you know. I love your series!

[@noreenanthony-tabar2148]

As Robin Williams said while a fire truck was going by, "There's my ride" LOL

[@potatolew4495]

The Gemeral Slocum boat disaster happened off North Brother Isalnd. The vessel caught fire, the captain ordered full steam ahead trying to ground the vessel. All that did was fan the flames into a raging inferno. This was the largest loss of life in New York history until the tragic day 9/11.

[@timhower3628]

I liked the poet. He has a wordhord in his mind. Note. Wordhord is an Anglo Saxon word that I found online about two weeks ago from another Poet living in England. His name is Malcom Guite. He also has a youtube channel.

[@JulianSteve]

The fact that this is the first time I heard of Alphabet City is crazy, but I am happy you are teaching us Tom. As usual, Phil doing a great job filming. It was great to hear from a fellow Bronx native making moves in the city😎‼️

[@josephciolino2865]

You walked right past the site of the LOEW'S AVENUE B, a movie house of the "Golden Era" of movie palaces. Absolutely glorious for many years.

[@PennilessPolitics]

A poem is a flower Not seeded by the poet The poet transplants seedlings Into the minds that sowed it

[@christopherm5958]

Awesome, you mentioned Vazacs or 7B a great bar. I lived in that place in the 80s. Met and would hang with Rockets Red Glare. Matt Dillon was always there. A real eclectic mix. One of the bartenders was a starving actor who became regular on Sons of Anarchy years later. I lived above a bakery @C &8th. Kinda scary

[@aligaines8476]

Was that the brothers bakery that had the knockout flan or further up... That might have been 6th/C. They closed. I used to walk up there for my yarn, I was a crochet fool.

[@christopherm5958]

@@aligaines8476 oh the Bakery, I think you're right yes

[@codacraft]

I used to have a boyfriend who lived in a squat on 9th between b & c. He had the whole four story tenement building and held it until 1982. He took care of the building but eventually was rousted out

[@redstreet8012]

This channel should have many more subscribers.

[@elaineburnett5230]

We all need to share...like we do for ActionKid...these are truly wonderful tour guys....whether you were born in New York, visited, or are living far away...these tours make you feel at home.😊😍😄☺😏

[@aligaines8476]

Lived on 3rd and C, so frequented Nuyorican, remember the park razings of the park 88, 91. So many creatives and different types, artists, musicians (hella great consignment stores thirty years ago, dk post covid). Bikers, Benny's Burritos, Artists doing naked art in the park... interesting buzz down there. Lots of jam sessions, house parties, hitting punk, jazz, bowery to the Village Left my little poor spot for the music explosions re: Mancuso's Loft, CBs of course, Pyramid, Mudd, all the back pages Village Voice band spots, up to the Fever in the Bronx... who knew what that would turn into, Rap, House, etc.. But lost a lot of my rock bands and some of the original punk ones. We got to see so many starting out, finding their feet in music and acting. You would be shocked how many stayed over after our house parties that became famous... Everyone was struggling, it was a good time.

[@thiscorrosion900]

"I Drink Your Milkshake!!" - Daniel Plainview, There Will Be Blood

[@Alex-ye1br]

You're the best tour guide ever!

[@Mrbeahz1]

Thank you. You walked by the park I played in, my church and school, my parents' corner bar (Vazac's now Horseshoe) and the building I grew up in. PS - The Catholic church on 3rd Street is the original St. Emeric's. It was merged with St. Brigid's.

[@conniedelio]

Make sure to throw out some sick plugs about any other projects you’re working on (podcasts, comedy). Your audience will keep growing. Thank you for another great tour. You too, Phil!

[@anthonyguida4889]

The old squat on c has a lot of history with the local punk scene. Would be worth looking into further.

[@AJPrieto444]

Im new here but I’m like 10 videos in… officially addicted!! Lol 😂 cheers my fellow Floridian 💪🏽 Miami in the house 🏡

[@ldiaz71179]

My wife and I love your Videos. You should do more of the Bronx like the Parkchester area. There is a lot history over here. Thank you for enriching us with all NYC history.

[@richhong1176]

Keep smashing that like button!!

[@rafaelvega538]

I grew up in the mighty Ave D.

[@renniejohnson9032]

Found your videos last week. My German, Swiss and Slovak ancestors spent their first years in the US in many of the neighborhoods from the1840's-1920's. Very infomative.

[@thiscorrosion900]

I spent an inordinate amount of time in this nabe and East Village in general in the early to later 1990s, especially by 1995 when I was working in Chelsea, mostly clubbing and seeing shows. I also had a few friends who lived down here, one briefly sharing a loft on Ave B (until he got his Masters and gave up finding a FT gig in NYC and moved back to Portland, Oregon) and off the park where you were, and had a friend who had an apt. at Ave. B. off Houston, and I never had any issues hanging down here. I didn't spend any time in NYC until the early 1980s, so I guess before then, this area really was scary, dunno. Certainly the rents were lower then.

[@ak11472]

One more great, interesting, informative video you did, living over 23 years in New York myself, and like I said before, whatever happens in the future, this City, with all different cultural, architectural, historical places of Manhattan, Brooklyn and so on., with it' mentality, character, always will be part of my life... Originally I am from Southeastern European country in Caucasus by Black Sea- Georgia, from capital city Tbilisi, there I birthed, raised, finished School, University, worked as teacher of history in short time, before emigrated in New York....Just in case about Tbilisi, just in case, David Agmashenebeli Avenue, Rustaveli Avenue, Marjanishvili Street, places around Freedom Square, around Rustaveli Avenue, Vake and so on., are my favorite places in Tbilisi, which have a Tbilisi city style, with a diverse European architecture, including the Tbilisi city style, with modern architecture and so on. These places, streets, avenues of Tbilisi, which I have designated, were built and financed by the Germans, famous German, Polish, Russian, Italian, Armenian,, as well as Georgian architects and businessmen in those times. Among prominent businessmen who invested their money in construction and development Tbilisi, also need to be singled out Georgian catholic brothers Zubalashvili and with others well-known German, Polish, Russian, Italian, Armenian and Georgian businessmen-figures. Of course, another part of the city, which is called "Old Tbilisi", which represents a multi-ethnic culture, has its own character and so on. (Also, there are many who are ethnically non-Georgians in Georgia have Georgian surnames, so to speak, Georgianized, that's why I am senting also pictures of Georgian ethnic appearance in historical terms, for comparison), but again, those previously listed streets, places , avenues with all kind diverse European architecture, are my favorites. There are some pictures from city Tbilisi: pin.it/1YBtUD3 Sincerely, Alex

[@Phoebedumplings]

The royal scam by steely Dan is about the Porto Ricans being promised a better life in NY , “they are hounded down to the bottom of a bad town, amidst the ruins “

[@TXMEDRGR]

I really love seeing parts of NYC that are off the tourist trail. Your commentary is informative and entertaining. Thanks to you and Phil for the videos.

[@cwdresmker]

I'm a new subscriber to your channel...I've never been to NYC. Thru the pandemic I've been watching videos like yours to get the "feel" of actually going somewhere. I'm ready to come visit...maybe next year I'll actually get to come do the FiveBoro Bike tour.

[@John-eg3gy]

"WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET "

[@janicesanders9981]

Tom the interviews are great too. It's nice to hear from people who actual live and work in NY, to hear how they survive there.

[@littlerobbie8463]

Authentic queens boy, love alphapet city depth. By ten, I had "worked" in all boroughs. A is alright, b is brave, c is crazy, d is death lol. I've always tried to describe this area, but your abc's work well.

[@OmarAvilesCreative]

Tom, you and Phil are doing a fantastic job With your tours of New York City ! 🌃 Thank you for all your hard work!

[@isabelleshields976]

Tom I'm enjoying so much watching you from my home. I live in the city of Hamilton, Ontario Canada.Hamilton is well known as the city with the world's most beautiful waterfalls .You know you're professional at what you're doing. I feel like I'm walking behind you learning about NYC. I've never been to NYC but as travelling permits after 24 months of Lockdowns; told to stay home ++ distance cause of COVID-19 from hell. Anyways Tom thank you for taking your viewers walking with you! Stay safe & I'm sure your trip to Panama is enjoyable & you're safe! Bye for now!🙋‍♀️

[@mikebrooklyn6842]

Tom filming my current neighborhood. Wish I knew you were here filming.

[@I_am_ka]

That Christadora House, movies could be made about that place.

[@angeladelia7472]

Not sure if your familiar with the movie 200 cigarettes, "I'm not crossing on to A" lol. His poem gave me chills, it was awesome!

[@javonfernandez6774]

Les my stomping grounds! Was born there! Lost everything selling! Les!!

[@jorarch1]

I used to live in St Marks Place from mid 80s to mid 90's.....had friends living over in Alphabet City.....some of their set-ups were so out there - including whole eccentric houses.......best of times.....different times now I guess.......

[@stringkill70]

Thanks for the vid-tour of the neighborhood from my youth (and current as I’d moved back w/the wife years ago). It’s too bad you didn’t shoot this before summer 2017, when the last two willow trees in Ave. C’s La Plaza Cultural community garden. They were huge, vibrant pieces of the area that were treasured community landmarks since a trio of them were first planted in the mid-1940’s (one was toppled during Hurricane Irene and removed), and had to come down due to rot & fungus. Reminds me of days when I’d meet friends there on bike as a kid, before heading across E. 10th St. to the FDR Drive to ride!

[@caseyjones221]

"Viennese Secession" - never heard of that movement before this video. Thanks for the enlightenment! Now, when I pass the old bakery, I'll know how to describe the building's unique architecture.

[@tussilein2012]

the nuyorican poem is just beautiful

[@Adrienne-t4h]

I grew up on the lower east side, on 400 grand st. I miss NYC.

[@cesaesa]

In restaurant Casa Adela like 3 or 5 years ago alot of people were eating in this restaurant and there was not even enough chairs or room for other customers who were coming after the people that were already there also in Casa Adela restaurant they sell food that don't cost too cheap some food there cost more than other restaurants in the neighborhood like the fried green plantains ( tostones) and whole baked chicken that I personally never found that cheap

[@Witchy1976]

I believe that there are other community gardens in NYC other than in Alphabet City. There's several in Harlem alone and a lot of these gardens are created by GrowNYC.

[@steviegalloway8124]

YAY feet up and let’s go Tom and Phil !!!

[@tomdnyc1]

Thank ye, thank ye, kind sir!

[@philpaule472]

I love your tours !!!

[@J1gtbfanpage]

Beautiful video with all those historical buildings . Thanks ❤

[@SusannahPerri]

@13:50: "Alright, yeah, there's a fire nearby. SAVE IT, buddy! (was that insensitive?)" Priceless!!! 🤣

[@markjaws1]

Tom, I grew up in the Vladek Project from 1955 to 1977 and I know the area very well. I noticed you did not go down Avenue D. Wise move.

[@davidbailey6563]

When I first went to NYC in '81 one of the staff in the hotel told me to stay away from the Lower East Side unless I was armed. In '93 I got talking to a business man in Grand Central Station who was a Vietnam vet - he told me that there were some cool bars in Alphabet City but he only went down there if he was 'packing'. He told me that A is alright B is for brave etc thing. I gave it a swerve - looks OK now. If Boris ever lets me out of the UK I'm coming back.

[@AL-grhvc]

Tom: "I'll show you around this Alphabet town.. I'll show you around this Alphabet town.." 🎶

[@danielstoddart]

Hi @tomdnyc, I'm a big fan of your videos because they're so full of historical commentary. I'm wondering: what are your fave books on the history and architecture of NYC? What books have inspired your tour guide commentary?

[@JnTmarie]

Love all your videos. Poetry was fun. I’m stuck home elevating a broken ankle for weeks. (Hit while in a crosswalk by a speeding car) Your videos make me feel I’m walking right there with you. Wish I was! The louisida seems like an insult to me but whatever. If it makes people smile in the neighborhood then it works. Thanks Tom.

[@AbandonedNorthJersey]

Some of the apartments had tenants who lived there from circa 1900 till 1960s and Left for whatever reason leaving behind time capsule rooms due to fires condemnation or reasons unknown. I found out from a friend a apartment that was fully furnished and still liveable but was closed according to the kitchen products around 1950 during the early to mid 1980's between ave c and d

[@audrey9762]

Hey Tom. Have you thought about making a podcast about New York? Then you can listen to the podcast while walking around New York - Of course it's more fun to meet you and get a real tour.

[@damianmcdonagh7908]

Tompkins Square park had the riots back in the day. Alphabet City used to be a rough ass part of town. David Mancuso had his final loft parties there.

[@johnkellett2669]

We need more tours Tom.....Miss your tours....

[@monica-NJ-123]

Yay my daughters neighborhood xoxo

[@MultiRabe]

Nice video Tom! I was born on 7th St Btwn C & D back in the day! We always called it The Lower East Side back then! I really enjoy your walking your videos, so please keep up the great work!

[@johnharris1673]

Next time finish walking down Avenue D till Houston , it’s changed a lot but should show that part. It’s a nice stretch of blocks with all types of mom and pop stores from various Countries

[@3C7S]

my home!!! honestly it has not been dead the past year at all, besides maybe april of 2020. the best, thanks for your tours and videos! love them

[@PavelZaitsev]

I really want to visit from Toronto

[@jennygibbons1258]

Interesting and entertaining. Great. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@m0thdm]

lol my boy WORDS. Didn't expect to see him here!

[@nexussever]

Thanks for showing me my old stomping grounds. I am housebound due to CoVID and more, so I walk in place to your walking tours. To me, it is a terrific way to get my exercise.

[@UnderAlog572]

I really like these videos. It's like watching a famous person doing a walking tour of NYC, only he's wearing a disguise.😊

[@Guppieboi3]

Great tour of Alphabet City, Tomas! I lived on E4th between A&B, and I'm a Chicano from L.A. (Orale, guey). I learned a lot about the neighborhood from your tour. I like your choice of threads> the plaid shirt and winter cap --You're a fashion statement..:) Mind if I ask you what brands they are? I also have long hair, and will be your west coast follower of your great vids.

[@sagenev]

As a old Rican, that was A LOT BETTER!

[@TMAItalia]

Tom, this was soooo intersting, I love the interview!

[@lillydejesus9510]

Boricua in the house that was too cool and I'm from LES.

[@crystals8693]

Awesome video! I learned a lot about the area 😊

[@verbzfromnyc3377]

Great tour...Love the content overall. Was wondering if you could do one on Washington Heights....

[@tomdnyc1]

I've done one on Washington Heights - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2mQmGl_nM-GgbM

[@andrasszerencses]

Wow I thought it's only me, I feel uncomfortable and start to afraid when things are quiet as well! Now I wanna be a poet lol.

[@India-rd6wi]

i was there from april 17 to the 24 nyc is deff back on the way up

[@88detour]

Yeah, "Advocate of Wordz" has some dope rhymes about relationships. That brotha can flow!

[@tomdnyc1]

Yeah, he's the best!

[@hosugeorge9141]

dude , post more OFTEN !

[@user-zu4cc6pb9x]

That poet guy was brilliant

[@gumbee9967]

Very interesting note about Avenue ABCD 10:40

[@history775]

Nice tour Tom 👍

[@mssijae]

Tom D...Enjoy the tours... & Phil keeping up with sick plugs baby😃 Bsafe Bwell Bbless!

[@almamiranda4421]

I love you tours when you’re walking through the buildings but even if they’re boring buildings it would be nice if you can mention what kind of building that is on that one particular street that you’re walking because sometimes you’re saying a lot of rambling stuff which is cool but I want to know what building that is so if it’s not interesting to me I just won’t go through that street when I go visit New York

[@stephaniebloom4220]

Epic vid, Tom! The part at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe was siiiiiick. Also, I am digging the editing you do at the beginning with the subscribe/like/Patreon logo and your head in the middle. Nice!!

[@tomdnyc1]

Thanks a lot, Stephanie!

[@LuisSantiago-cf6ok]

Damn!! Advocate was 🔥 🔥🔥🔥

[@MrRp25]

Give my regards to Doc Holliday's at 9th and A... I hope to return someday. I was accepted there a few times in July 2018.

[@nancywysemen7196]

really enjoyed. loved the spirited cafe and poet[not you.....blink,huddle].

[@jakeb4026]

awesome videos man! I've been watching them all day!