New York City’s culturally rich Harlem neighborhood is home to musicians, actors, poets and scholars. Naturally, a strong drink in a cool space isn’t hard to find.
Any establishment that has an Afro-Asian-American influence is worth the trip. So, pay a visit to The Cecil for finely tuned fusion cocktails ranging from whiskeys to bubbles to vodkas and other unusual spirits, including The Yenga or Blood and Fire. Loyal customers rave about The Cecil, and are impressed by everything from its indulgent desserts to expertly crafted cocktails.
Headlined by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, Red Rooster celebrates the roots of American cuisine and the diversity of the neighborhood with its menu soul-food menu. The restaurant, which opened in 2010, is named after the now-shuttered legendary Harlem speakeasy. Red Rooster has its own speakeasy (Ginny’s Supper Club) tucked in the basement, where visitors can enjoy dishes like cornbread slick with apple butter and waffles crowned with fried chicken, all while listening to local musicians.
Whether it’s for the avocado fries, the peanut butter burger or one the many tailored cocktails, Harlem Public is a sure go-to for anybody in the neighborhood. Most customers head to the bar and trust the opinions of the cocktail connoisseurs behind it. If you’re not in a festive cocktail mood, try the wondrous world of craft beers offered at this neighborhood staple. Happy hour is a local favorite, great for post-work date nights or a gathering of friends. It’s truly one of the best bars in Harlem.
With its killer food and cocktail combos, 67 Orange Street has established itself as a solid option for any Harlem resident or visitor. The space is both comfortable and sleek, while the staff are attentive and the cocktails well made. The diverse crowd and genuine space for free-flowing conversations make for an ideal evening out.
A late-night local favorite, At the Wallace offers customers space to fully experience delicious food and drinks paired with fun. Partake in Jenga, enjoy that photo booth or play arcade games that beckon each passerby. Aside from the allure of non-traditional bar activities, the fare is inexpensive and highly recommended. With a casual ambience, there’s no need to dress up. It’s great for groups: the happy hour is stellar and the space is perfect for dancing.
An inexpensive spot that largely caters to Columbia University students, this Harlem-based watering hole offers great drinks and an enticing happy hour. Described as hosting “an incredibly weird crowd but in a good way,” this dive bar is sure to live up to your expectations. 1020 Bar is a place where the bartenders are likely to remember your name, and the drinks are cheap and stiff. Visit on weekend afternoons for smaller crowds.
Walk into Paris Blues any night of the week and listen to live jazz for no cover charge. Grab a drink at this cozy, long-standing dive bar that’s been a Harlem institution since 1968. Patrons can expect a friendly smile from the tending owner and some incredible live music. Paris Blues is a Harlem jazz bar that’s like a club from another era, a true sample of what was and what still is within the original jazz community.
A rather small but vibrant space can’t keep good food, strong drinks and smooth jazz under wraps for long. Smoke Jazz & Supper Club entertains and is entertained by some of the most renowned contemporary acts in New York City. While prices are on the higher side, Smoke is worth it. Music sets begin at 7pm and go until 11.30pm. There are three acts in total, each one hour long. Get ready to be part of the action – this place is lively.
Do you like beer gardens, watching sport on projector TV screens, outdoor seating and good food? Then Harlem Tavern will tick all your boxes. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by this newly renovated large beer garden. In fact, many locals have begun to call this a staple, saying that it’s exactly what the neighborhood needed. This bar and grill serves up some of the best chicken wings around, as well as a range of American dishes. There are also cold brews to wash it all down with. Heads up: game nights can get pretty loud.
This hybrid hotspot beckons anyone with an eye for great decor and a stomach for great taste. The Grange Bar & Eatery offers crafted cocktails and delicious food. The Grange sources its produce from regional suppliers, so the food and drinks are made with the freshest local ingredients. The beautiful oak floors and antique chandeliers appeal to a more discerning crowd. Rest assured, the prices aren’t as upscale as the ambience.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips,Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
