New York City in 1966 is awash in destitution, crime, and economic segregation. The National Origins Formula quota limits have just been repealed, leading to unprecedented levels of immigration to America. The Julius "sip-in," a Gay Liberation protest against state laws preventing bars from serving homosexuals, has owners concerned about who they admit into their establishments.

Danica Klimmeck, a painter and life model recently arrived in the country, sees an opportunity to escape a moneyless existence when her ex-husband John Slodeth bequeaths her the Aleph Null, a burlesque club serving the gay community in defiance of the Liquor Authority. Between managing unruly dancers and learning business administration on the fly, Danica rekindles her love of painting, becoming a beloved rising talent in Pop Art, which allows her to escape from the chaos of the city.

Her upward trajectory is reined in when she discovers that small-town life is not as easy as it seems, thanks to needy neighbours and an alcoholic cowboy named Tenn. And neither the Aleph Null, nor the dead and buried John Slodeth, seem to want to stay where she left them behind in New York City.