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    Alke Cafe

    4.3 (6 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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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.

    Chicken Yassa

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    Cocteleria Perla Negra - Decor on point

    Cocteleria Perla Negra

    4.4(28 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*

    If you're uptown or in Upper Manhattan, skip the trip to Soho -- this place brings world-class…read morecocktails, vibes, and energy right to the neighborhood. The Vibe Cozy, comfortable, and full of surprises. Some nights are mellow and chill, perfect for catching up with friends. Other nights, you'll walk in and it feels like a Colombian street festival -- music pumping, people celebrating, energy everywhere. The Drinks This is a cocktail-first spot, and their selection is next-level. If you don't know what to order, just tell the staff what flavors or spirits you like -- they'll craft something spot-on every time. Presentation? Always . The Food Yes, they have bites -- but don't come hungry. The small plates are designed to complement your drinks, not replace dinner. The Extras Live DJs, curated sets, and even surprise performances -- this place keeps things fresh and exciting without losing its cozy feel. The Staff Absolutely outstanding. Friendly, knowledgeable, and they make you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. Good vibes in, good vibes back. Overall, one of my favorite spots in the city. Whether you want a low-key Tuesday or a Saturday night that feels like carnival season, this place delivers every time.

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    Cocteleria Perla Negra - Greenfield

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    Harlem Hops - Swipe Right - Old Fashioned

    Harlem Hops

    4.5(167 reviews)
    1.1 miHarlem
    $$

    Wow!! Completely blown away. The beer selection, both draft and in cans is incredible. By far…read morethe best selection of beers from incredible breweries that you can't get anywhere else. If you enjoy hazy IPA's this is especially incredible. Taylor the bartender was fantastic and met owner Kim who was so welcoming. This is must visit if you're on a beer trip to NYC or a beer fan in the area. Can't say enough good things. Cheers!

    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!

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    Harlem Hops - Bar ambiance

    Bar ambiance

    Harlem Hops
    Harlem Hops - Bar

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    Alke Cafe - african - Updated June 2026

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