11 Best Bars in Harlem, New York City

Named for the address of a historic Black tavern in the Five Points neighborhood, 67 Orange Street has been a Harlem staple of the craft cocktail movement for more than a decade. The cozy space is surrounded by exposed brick and wood-clad walls, with flickering candles lining the bar and a handful of tables. The Manhattan After Dark cocktail is a standout: bourbon, port, ginger liqueur, Benedictine, and Angostura bitters are combined and then poured through a cigar smoke–filled decanter. There's also a kitchen serving small bites like truffle fries, fried calamari, and chicken wings.

From the sultry red interior with jewel-toned furnishings and quirky chandeliers to the Asian fusion menu, every detail within this new cocktail bar on Restaurant Row was designed by award-winning executive chef Serena Bass (the woman behind the Chelsea Hotel's once-star-studded Serena lounge). The sexy setting serves as a playful backdrop for the well-curated drink selection, including the Rosa Peligrosa made with mezcal and Thai chili, and tasty bar food, like the braised short rib fried wontons and katsu (breaded chicken) sliders. Cozy up with a date on the plush, custom-made aqua-marine couches and terracotta chairs or peep the adorable heated patio in the back.

Located in historic Central Harlem, Harlem Nights is a cozy neighborhood bar set in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. With live entertainment ranging from open mike nights on Monday to comedy shows on Saturdays and weekend DJs, there’s something for everyone. At their daily happy hour, you can enjoy craft cocktails that are updated every few months. And with an extensive food menu that embodies the heart and soul of Harlem, you'll want to repeat your experience at this rustic bar again and again.

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but this bar and small performance venue hosts multiple events each night, with live music ranging from blues, jazz, Latin, Afrobeat, indie, and more, as well as DJs, spoken word, and dance. African masks, vinyl records, and album covers adorn the walls and ceilings, and there’s ample seating with plenty of space to dance, too.These days, there's usually a crush of out-of-towners during showtimes, but the music remains stellar, and the establishment itself is the stuff of legend.

Located in the heart of Harlem's Restaurant Row, Angel of Harlem is a neighborhood favorite for a good time. From weekday happy hours and local artist performances, to live DJs spinning R&B, hip-hop, and reggae, the energy is always high. Stop by on a weekend and experience the seamless transition from lively brunch to bustling nightlife scene. On the menu, contemporary American cuisine prepared with local, fresh ingredients, mingles with Latin and Caribbean flavors. Try pairing the Frederick Douglass Burger with “What Happens In Harlem” (a mojito made with Hennessy!). During warmer months, make a reservation to dine alfresco and enjoy the music with a view.

With nearly 20 beers on tap, sports on big screens, and bar food that's anything but boring (everything from shrimp macaroni and cheese to house-made popcorn shrimp), it's no surprise that this neighborhood favorite is packed on weekends. Their brunch menu includes classic soul food with a spin, like the fried chicken and bacon waffle topped with Cholula honey cheesy sauce, and well-portioned salads like the Harlem Goddess salad with lamb lollipops and feta cheese. In warm weather, an outdoor patio gives you a front-row seat to the scene on Lenox Avenue.

This sophisticated, sleek, bi-level dining and nightlife venue is known for its mix of Caribbean and Southern-inspired cuisine. Well-heeled regulars flock here for Sunday brunch (shrimp and grits, or fried chicken and red velvet waffle); late-night noshers come for the food as well as the live DJs and specialty cocktails.

Head downstairs from Marcus Samuelsson's renowned Red Rooster restaurant and find yourself in a glamorous lounge that seems right out of the 1920s. The cocktails are classic with a modern flair, and there is live music and/or DJs throughout the week, as well as a Sunday gospel brunch. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance reservations are recommended.

Launched by three graduates of Historically Black Colleges, this cozy pub specializes in “beer, booze, bites, and beats." Bites on the casual menu include a Bavarian soft pretzel, craft beer bratwurst, and a variety of spicy guma pies (similar to a flaky samosa or empanada), and everything pairs well with an accessible selection of innovative small-batch beers. A second location is opening at Pier 57 in Hudson River Park.

A juicy burger and more than a dozen craft beers on tap make this the type of neighborhood watering hole every New Yorker wants on their corner. Plenty of stools fill the sprawling space, along with a scattering of tables on the sidewalk in warm weather. The peanut butter burger and loaded grilled cheese and avocado fries are crowd favorites, and there’s live music during special events. It's an unfussy spot to raise a glass after a day of exploring vibrant Harlem.

It may have all the fixings of a typical sports bar, but this new spot on the corner of 120th Street is far from average. Decked out with chic, striped wallpaper, black and white photos of sports stars, and a modish quartz bar top and stainless steel tabletops, The Fox caters to locals with impossibly delicious small bites, beer on tap (plus weekly happy hour), and high-quality cocktails. Try the refreshing hibiscus-infused gin and the angus beef blue cheese sliders while you catch the game (they also show women’s sports, lacrosse, and cricket) on any one of the nine flat screens around the bar.