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    Alke Cafe

    4.4 (7 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM

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    ALKE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Happy hour specials

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    Alke Restaurant and Coffee Bar's Skimpy $17 Chicken Yassa Entrée with Only 1 (One) Drumstick!
    Mike R.

    Alke Restaurant & Coffee Bar (per their website, maybe a.k.a. Alke Cafe) looked like a nice venue to have a bite or cocktail, part of a series of new African-inspired cuisine restaurants opening in Harlem outside of the W. 116th Street corridor. Given my other positive experiences and excited to try Alke out, discovered that, despite being a "Coffee Bar" that's open (again, per their site) "From Sun Up, to Sun Down," the earliest they open is 3 PM. (From my estimate, 3 PM is approximate sunrise in New Caledonia, about 8700 miles away!) Noted it offers a Monday Stand-up Comedy Night, but decided to go for the Wednesday Trivia Night. By far, things did not match up to my expectations! (Note - And not because of the Trivia, which was fun.) Since it was the evening, I held off on getting the coffee but ordered the Chicken Yassa, listed on their menu as an entrée with a caramelized onions and lemon sauce on a bed of rice. Although Alke's online menu listed Chicken Yassa as $12, it was corrected on the restaurant's menu to $17. I didn't think too much since I recognize typos happen and/or prices change. See pic of what I got! While Alke's dish was well-prepared and delicious, it seriously had only 1 (one) drumstick and an ice cream scoop size portion of rice for $17!!! Outrageous! What a RIP-OFF!!! Considering the person in the table next to me ordered the wings for $12 and later received 8 wings, I couldn't believe that they served me an entrée portion. When the waitress, who is also Alke's owner, came with the check I asked her how long it was opened... apparently 8 months. I mentioned to her, while my food was delicious, how outrageous it was to get only one drumstick for an entrée. She replied something about food costing money and the trivia was for free to participate. (7 teams played, plus they gave away $50 1st prize and $25 2nd prize.) I responded it could have had at least two drumsticks! She was absolutely unapologetic and obviously lost. Did she reduce the portion from the every other day size because the Trivia costs something?! Seriously! There are options if the numbers don't work out: either charge for Trivia or don't give as big prizes, or whatever... but don't skimp on what is presented as a main course portion, especially when the bill for that alone with tax is $18.50! Given her response, I regret also automatically giving any tip! Of course, I recognize how hard it is to open a restaurant and build a business. Who knows? Perhaps she's strained by the rent. Given Alke's limited hours, perhaps she's running it as a one person show which I understand would be a struggle. (Which is why I give it two stars not one.) Nevertheless, Alke's owner has made a place that's a total lost opportunity! The space is warm and inviting with stone walls, exposed brick, and white ceiling beams that also (1) is a couple blocks from Central Park and (2) has limited competing restaurants in an immediate radius! Plus, the tasty Chicken Yassa she served me was at best (not really) an appetizer portion, yet again her menu lists it as an entrée! $17 for a single drumstick and a tiny portion of rice? Seriously? If the portion was anywhere either close to entrée size or sized/priced proportionally as an appetizer, I'd be going back. I live in the neighborhood and could have been a regular, but not if she's going to try to pass off anything like that small as a meal! There's no excuse - even if Alke's owner informed me (which she didn't) it was Silkie or Golden Chicken she procured downtown at The Tin Building market! (See my review.) Beyond that Alke's owner by leveraging all the advantages of its location, especially with better weather ahead, could benefit from opening earlier, if not as an actual place to get morning coffee or weekend brunch and with reasonable lunch specials, to get people to try out their food, build their customer base and revenue stream. Regardless, her response to my feedback killed it for me, even if I noted the wings or sliders might be a better deal - I'm not going back, even to try its $15 cup (unbelievable) of Ethiopian coffee (which is served with some sort of Ethiopian snack). An absolute shame! I go out of my way to support a good local business in my neighborhood, but given the disappointing response from Alke's owner truly unfortunately this won't be one!

    Good vibes and a great time!
    Aurora L.

    Amazing! Went here for a poetry night for my husband's birthday. Another organization was hosting but we had such a beautiful experience! The food was delish and the drinks were good! I love that they have non alcoholic options for those of us that don't drink. Also if you haven't tried their coffee you need to that was the highlight of my night soooo tasty! The ambiance was great, very comfortable and overall the service was amazing. It felt super welcoming ! Oh and btw Central Park is across the street so really cute date idea if you want to take a little stroll and unwind.

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    Harlem Nights Bar - Nasty ass dj don't even come

    Harlem Nights Bar

    4.3(201 reviews)
    1.3 miHarlem
    $$

    This place has changed so much over the last four years--and while a lot can change in that time,…read moreit was still disappointing to see. I stopped by on a weekday around 3:00-4:00 p.m., right as happy hour was starting. According to their website, happy hour runs from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The main reason I came was for their frozen rosé, which I remembered being one of the best. It's definitely more of a sweet, refreshing drink than a strong one, but it still gives you a nice buzz. I was even willing to pay full price for it. I literally paid for an Uber just because I was craving that frozen drink. The first thing I noticed was that, despite it being broad daylight, there was a security guard at the door checking IDs and searching bags. That's their policy, and that's fine, but what really stood out was the condition of the entrance. The front door was cracked and held together with duct tape. It seemed odd to be so focused on security while basic maintenance appeared to be neglected. When I walked in, I was only the second customer in the entire bar besides the bartender. Unfortunately, I found out the frozen drink machines have been broken for months, so there were no frozen drinks available at all. The bartender mentioned that she has repeatedly told management the machines need to be repaired, but nothing has been done. Since that was the only reason I came, and nothing else on the menu really caught my interest, I decided not to stay. This place has changed dramatically since the COVID era. The atmosphere feels completely different. One of the things I used to enjoy was their hookah happy hour, which was around $25 with refills for about $10-$15, and they had a great selection of flavors. From what I've heard, they no longer offer hookah, and it sounds like they may not have had the proper license back then, which is concerning if true. Another thing I miss is the outdoor seating area they had during COVID. The indoor space is pretty small, but the outdoor setup made the bar feel much larger and created a much better atmosphere. It's disappointing that they didn't keep it because I think it really added to the experience and probably helped attract more customers. Sorry I didn't take any photos, but honestly, there wasn't much worth photographing. The interior hasn't really changed, so the existing photos online are still an accurate representation of what it looks like still.

    I came here for a game night with a Meet Up group. The spot is cute, a bit divey, but they have a…read moregood assortment of alcohol and enough space to host group events. They have a happy hour until 9pm. Dwanna (bartender) makes a great rum punch (I had two) and was able to recommend a vegan/vegetarian friendly meal. The service was great from start to finish.

    Photos
    Harlem Nights Bar - Rum Punch by Dwanna

    Rum Punch by Dwanna

    Harlem Nights Bar - Boring music

    Boring music

    Harlem Nights Bar

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    Bar 47 - Dirty martini

    Bar 47

    4.3(15 reviews)
    1.5 miMott Haven

    Can you imagine being accused of presenting a fake ID in your 30s? Well I don't have to imagine…read morebecause that's what happened when I visited Bar47. I see why this place has such low reviews, the common sense and customer service are nonexistent here, so I suggest everyone avoid this place and go somewhere where your money is valued. A friend suggested this place and I should have spent my Friday night elsewhere after a long week, after this gross and terrible experience. I presented my ID 4 different times and closed out my tab after I consumed 1 $18 drink, and my real out of state ID was put under a microscope. Additionally, another customer has the same Florida ID I had and the bartenders were comparing both!! The same ID I used to get on a flight. Are you telling me a US Government agency can't detect a fake, and a small bar in the Bronx can? After the 4th and final time, the (Andre L & team) bartenders told me to wait for the manager to come and resolve this issue. Why would I waste more of my time after my night was ruined to further "resolve" this non-issue? The pride flag out in front is clearly not representative of their all-inclusivity if they're accusing a Black woman of using a fake ID.

    Kool bar & good vibes here!!! Stumbled in on a Saturday night & was pleasantly surprised!! The…read morebartender who's a Leo Rising (M) was a pleasure!!! Thank you & see ya soon!!!! & Thank you for the King Leo Lion glass!!!! And I peeped the pool table in the back last second!!! More stars!!!! I also met the Swiss Army knife Jay on a Friday afternoon & she was just as great as M!! Welcomed me to the neighborhood by spanking me in pool (2-1 her way for now) I was the first guest in that day and she treated me like family!!! Ohhh and Jill is a vibe too!!!!! The whole crew!!!!

    Photos
    Bar 47 - Patio

    Patio

    Bar 47
    Bar 47

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    Sobro Garden

    Sobro Garden

    4.6(74 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    Family-owned & operated
    Private events

    After moving 3 years ago up to Port Jervis, I was completely out of the loop on where to host my…read morehusband's party in the Bronx while still making it convenient for family and friends to attend. I wanted to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday on Saturday, May 16th, and after searching a few places, I settled on Sobro Garden especially after finding out it was one of Jimmy's spots. We celebrated with 30 of our closest family and friends, and it truly became a night he said he'll never forget. Where do I start? Let me begin by saying Sobro Garden, you guys did NOT disappoint!! First and foremost, thank you Jimmy, because when I tell you this man went above and beyond to make everyone feel like family at his establishment, I truly mean it. Jimmy personally checked in with everyone going table to table making sure everyone was enjoying themselves, asking if everything was good from the drinks, atmosphere, music and food was to satisfaction because he genuinely wanted everyone to enjoy and especially told my husband it's a blessing to hit a milestone, celebrating with family and friendsand hope his place made it a memorable one. Jimmy is truly a perfectionist at heart. A host beyond host!! Even taking pictures with everyone. He took several pictures with my husband and even accidentally walked away with his iPhone for a moment & my husband allow his too he didn't realize it was his phone until I told him. Our maître d', Suhaily, was such a beautiful soul inside and out. She made the entire booking process for my husband's event feel effortless. She guided me step by step, helped choice a menu plan, stayed in communication the whole time and was so patient, kind and welcoming the moment I arrived. Her smile and warm hearted present made the experience even better. She greeted me as if we knew each other for years and our waitress and waiter? Absolutely AMAZING. My husband, our guests and I were attended to with such PRISTINE EXCELLENCE all night long. Now let's talk about the FOOD... because BABY!!! Everything was DELICIOUS. I can't even single out one item because every dish hit the spot. Everyone at our tables ordered something different, so we all got to taste a little bit of everything from the pernil, steak & onions, grilled salmon, chicken, arroz con gandules, fried fish, steak skewers and BABY... those famous Crack Wings Rub had everybody wanting to eat their fingers To top it all off, the highlight of the night was seeing Melle Mel celebrating his birthday from the day before and actor Darrin Henson, so handsome in person was also in the building. Both were so down-to-earth and when Melle Mel grabbed the mic, he absolutely brought the house down!! Thank you again to EVERYONE at Sobro Garden for making my husband's 50th birthday celebration such an UNFORGETTABLE Experience. We will DEFINITELY be Back!

    Gd vibes & dope spot!! Must check out if in area!! Was here a few days ago & now here again on a…read moreMonday & the bartender Nayeli is a vibe as well!! Come check her out!!! And the food was on point! The steak skewers with the mash potatoes was delicious!!! I'm going to try the oxtails one of these days!!! Now here again on a Monday night & the bartender Shalimar was/is a vibe!!! I'm meeting and learning the names of everyone in the Mott Haven area!! Come check her & tell her Dave from Charlie's sent ya!!! The whole crew here Issa vibe!!!. I met Dolly, Jose, Kwame, Ralph and Chenet on a Thursday night and they all treated me like family!! I felt like I knew them for years!!! 1,000,000 stars for the staff!!! I'll definitely be back again to check them all!!! Here on a Monday night and had the pleasure of meeting Ché!!! She's a vibe & it's her 1st day!! I thought she was a veteran. Gd chop up newbie!!! The whole crew are vibes!!! I see it comes from the owner Steve!!! He understands customer service Met Jesus tonight & he's definitely a vibe as well!!!! Great addition to the crew over here!!!! Good vibes only!!!

    Photos
    Sobro Garden - Bad Bunnytini

    Bad Bunnytini

    Sobro Garden - Steak and Eggs

    Steak and Eggs

    Sobro Garden - Twin Lobster Tails

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    Twin Lobster Tails

    Cocteleria Perla Negra - Decor on point

    Cocteleria Perla Negra

    4.4(29 reviews)
    1.6 miHarlem
    $$

    Very cute little place. Intimate & well decorated. Dimmer lighting and darker colors, good for…read moredates. Enough space to feel like you're not on top of each other, but not really a place for huge parties. Probably great to do a buyout for birthdays, etc. The happy hour (food & drink) is affordable with a nice selection and runs a good length of time (5-7pm). The non-happy hour menu is the real gem though. A little pricey for the neighborhood, but the quality is on par with cocktail bars down in the villages, so well worth it. Service is quick without being overbearing, and casual without being lazy. Handsome bartender and server. Better to make a reservation later into the night closer to and on the weekend because the space fills up fast. *will update this review when I've tried more of the food*

    My husband and I have been here three times in less than a month! Sunday oyster specials are on…read morepoint and good deal. The tacos esp the mushroom hibiscus was delightful & fresh something I've never tried before but will again. The wings and shishito peppers were so full of flavors and happily eaten. Now the cocktails...wow!!! Every cocktail was refreshing, thought out and beautiful. Pure art! My fav was the Paper Plane and my husband's was martini with caviar (the caviar made it taste like a dirty martini! Genius!) The beautiful decor and relaxed vibe is mixed with neighborhood foodies and diversity of age and backgrounds gives a warm inviting feeling as soon as you enter. The staff were welcoming, kind, attentive and never overbearing. It's a perfect meet up for 2-4 people, comfortably.

    Photos
    Cocteleria Perla Negra - Greenfield

    Greenfield

    Cocteleria Perla Negra - Pretty bad

    Pretty bad

    Cocteleria Perla Negra - Old Fashioned ($10 happy hour)

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    Old Fashioned ($10 happy hour)

    Harlem Hops - Swipe Right - Old Fashioned

    Harlem Hops

    4.5(168 reviews)
    1.1 miHarlem
    $$

    Harlem Hops is an African American owned and operated beer bar offering beer from local breweries…read moreand other breweries where the owner seeks and hunts. This is a place to find rare beer not ordinarily seen elsewhere. This was my first visit and I must have walked past Harlem Hops innumerable times along Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard in Harlem. This time I caught myself walking past on a beautiful Saturday with a five second delay and turned around and walked into Harlem Hops. Initially I thought I'll have a beer and keep it moving. I ordered a canned Hefeweizen, Deep Fried Highlighter Hefeweizen. Yep, that's the name and it was great. It supposed to have a banana note, but that was barely detectable. The clove note was there and it rode the top of this summer Hefeweizen nicely. Given this is one of the canned beers, they may have this anytime. Then I had American Pale Ale on tap, another great choice for a summer day: crisp, refreshing, cloudy light amber in color and unfiltered reminding you of a Hefeweizen. It has a slight citrus fruity flavor to my palate. There are sixteen taps. The taps change with the kegs, the season and what the owner sources from local breweries and beyond. Meanwhile, I'm having good conversations with folks who are regulars and the woman behind the bar, giving great recommendations. I forget the woman's name, but she is great. You can sample whatever they have on tap. She is good at understanding your taste profile and making recs. They also have a limited food menu. There is a backyard patio or garden and one can sit outside in front on the sidewalk. The dark interior is nice and cool on a summer day. The bathroom was clean as well. Four stars!

    I was really excited to find this little place. It was quiet when I was there on Saturday…read moreafternoon, but heard that it picks up later on in the day. It was nice for me, though, because I got a chance to chat with the woman who tends to the bar and really explore their ample beer and ale offerings. They have an extraordinary selection with lots of things that I have not run into before. They tend to focus on local breweries. I found a couple of things I really like. I look forward to returning and trying some more of their ales.

    Photos
    Harlem Hops - Bar ambiance

    Bar ambiance

    Harlem Hops
    Harlem Hops - Bar

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    Bar

    Alke Cafe - african - Updated September 2026

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