It is a nice cozy hang out for adults. Offers great music and great company nice bar service also.

Very intimate and Mature atmosphere!! Besides wonderful Jazz sounds, nights of dj Tall Guy spinning R&B mixing, and dancing. Wonderful Venue read more

This is a great Harlem spot for the over 50 crowd. There's great music, people, and the atmosphere is very comfortable and friendly. I've been 4 times, and each time was better than before. read more

Called the number Recording came on "Mail box has not yet been set up" I need the 1-800 number for the American Legion read more

My current favorite Harlem Brownstone basement for soul food and jazz. No, seriously, perhaps my very favorite soul food joint ever. I went with my jazz pianist friend, Ben Paterson, http://www.benpaterson.com/ and as expected, I absolutely loved it. Ben warned me that American Legion was not the type of jazz joints I was used to in Manhattan, that it was, "basically a basement of someone's apartment." He was not lying. But obviously, that's part of the charm of American Legion on 132nd St, along with every single friendly faces, not to mention the aforementioned BEST SOUL FOOD EVER. $10 buys you a dinner plates with four perfectly fried wings, two amazing sides, and a tiny thing of salad. Let's not forget the cheap drinks. A regular-sized bottle of Bud and airplane-sized bottle of JD will set you back $8. Drink up! Packed on Sunday, really chill on Thursday nights. They also have classic R&B nights, so give them a ring if you want to pick and choose. For those looking to hit the jam sessions, they do not have a piano, but a great sounding old school organ. read more

Great jazz in a speak easy style brownstone in Harlem . Wednesday jazz was awesome ! I hear it's closed the beginning of the week . Call first . No cover charge and they have a great food menu . The legion also offers cocktails ! read more

American Legion Post 398 - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

This is it! Excellent jazz - EXACTLY what I was looking for in Harlem. Thursdays and Sundays starting @7p - I was told to arrive over an hour early to get in on Sunday (intimate space). I went on a Thursday and there was plenty of room. Phenomenal jazz, delicious food (catfish and collard greens), and wonderful hosts. The ladies at Post 398 were very helpful and made sure I was satisfied with my food and the experience. DJ on alternating Wednesdays, jazz on the other - the bartender, Barbara, recommended I call ahead whichever night I'm thinking of going. Loved it here. It's my spot anytime I'm in NYC on a Thursday or Sunday night! read more

What a treat! I am a little dismayed by all the folks reviewing this place about the rude staff, cash only, spotty service and so on. Nothing on the music or the ambiance? Now come on guys! That sounds a little unfair. In case you want to be pampered and need something more than this hidden gem has to offer in terms of a casual unwinding place with friends/colleagues over some fine jazz music and drinks, I would suggest you go elsewhere. We are definitely going back! read more

I'll NEVER return to this place. One of the owners and a bartender were very rude and harassed us to the point where we had to leave. I asked the bartender if they accepted debit/credit cards, and she said no and directed me to an ATM up the street/around the corner. There was no way that we were going back out into the freezing cold night just to get cash, but we planned to definitely bring cash on our next visit. About 5 minutes later, one of the owners, who was sitting next to me at the bar, asked us if we were drinking. We said no and just sort of blew him off b/c he was making a loud unnecessary scene. Five minutes later, the bartender told me that I had to give up my seat since I wasn't ordering. That was fair enough, but she was very nasty and could have said it in a nicer/more professional way. I stood on the wall with boyfriend and tried to enjoy the music despite being very bothered by the way we were treated. Ten minutes later, the owner got up from his seat and started harassing us AGAIN! He was yelling,"Do you have a drink? You need to get a drink or you can't stay! We don't charge a cover". He yelled this at us and other people in the vicinity. We left at that point, and we will NEVER return to this basement again. They were very disrespectful, and they don't deserve anyone's money. If they're so hard up for a profit, then they need to just charge a cover. I've never been treated so badly. Shame on them. The 15 minutes of music was good, so I'll give them a star for that only. read more

DON"T GO HERE. (i don't want this place to be anything but the hidden gem it is. the DJ on tuesdays and fridays spins old school r&b and funk. the people are welcoming, and warm, and i had the best freaking time) BELIEVE THE SIGN ON THE DOOR THAT ONLY VETERANS AND THEIR GUESTS CAN DRINK, AND GO TO LENOX LOUNGE OR SOMETHING FOR YOUR BEVERAGES. STAY AWAY read more

Highly recommended if you want to see/hear the REAL DEAL in jazz! Its like stepping back in to a 1960's jazz club: complete with phenomenal musicianship. BTW, Greg Lewis was on the Hammond- what a treat! read more

i owe Yelp a huge thank you for this one! So, I wanted a nice Jazz place in Harlem to hang with a cutie. lol I wanted something unique, but something off the beaten path. Low and behold, I found this gem. The drinks are strong(gotta love their use of the airplane booze) and cheap and the food looks and smells amazing! Most of all, the people here make this place. They are very friendly and truly welcoming of any and everyone who steps thru the door! Lastly, the Harlem Groove Band truly "showed out"!! Every single member of this band is extremely talented!! I am still in awe of the Tenor Sax player! This will not be my last time at the American Legion Post 398! read more

Despite it's being hidden and with plenty of signs up front advising members-only club's policy, this place is filled with the great music and friendly people and great hospitality from Eddie (host). Sign the guests book, sit down for a drink and maybe some soul food, or just kick back for the Jazz. read more

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ALP 398, what can I say, you had me at: "Pull your pants up or don't come in!" At least, that's what is written on the prominently displayed sign at the entrance of the place. If you asked me, there should be a sign like this on every corner in Harlem! But enough about pants, let's talk about drinks and jazz. Drinks are the cheapest in the hood and come in miniature bottles - but that doesn't mean they are deli quality! Music on Thursdays is interesting and surprising (the setup seems to be open mike, but not to worry, everyone in Harlem can carry a tune). Apparently, Sunday nights feature the real jazz stars. As a final comment, the manager is wonderfully friendly, he treats this place like a home, and the customers as his guests. (He offered us his table when we came in!) Caution: You may want to bring earplugs - while the music was pleasant the acoustics were a bit too strong given that we were in a brownstone basement. read more

Was there Friday night July 18, 2014 It may have been a hit a while ago, but the place is small the people crowded into a small foyer area ,there's only one way in and out. the backyard is horrible there is plywood covering what appears to be a floor of sand and dirt which is covered over weeds and brush . the tables are dirty the chairs are broken,to top it off they serve soda,but no diet soda. 90% of the people there over 50/60 and 70 years of age . We were advised that they don't serve any diet sodas, and this was a statement from a worker it's no good for you. Ha ha Ha had to laugh everybody again no matter who they are has some kind of medical history, and most of all being black diabetes high blood pressure,but the lady indicates they do not serve diet sodas and is no good unbelievable. But I have to say the people were very nice and friendly and that's a plus. read more

This is probably one of the last great music institution in Harlem. Enjoy while it is still open...you have to check out for yourself! My thanks to Commander Randy Dupree for keeping the spirit alive. read more

So when the styrofoam plate arrived with our "fish fry" meal (two pieces of whiting with vegetable and macaroni & cheese sides, $9), it was obvious that we had not come here for the food. It was tasty enough though, and the glimpses through the swinging doors back into the kitchen and all its floral decorative goodness were fine for this night. The real draw is the incredibly nice array of people and fun jazz jam session which happens Wednesday and Thursday nights. read more

American Legion Post 398 - a jazz band - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

Five out of five for the friendly neighborhood vibe that's different from the too-cool-for-school vibe some bars and clubs give off in New York City. Those places can be fun but this place is a breath of fresh air if you want a break. Fried chicken dinners usually happen on Sunday. The music and jazz is pretty great. Drinks are pretty affordable ($3-$4 for a bottle). The outside area feels like you're chilling in your friend's backyard in the suburbs. Come here with the expectation that you'll spend a few hours chilling, listening to music, and waiting and eating food. Don't come here with expectations that you'll be in and out for dinner within an hour-- it's not that kind of vibe, but it's a great break from the New York City rhythm of over scheduling yourself and feeling like you need to go to three events in one night. read more

There's actually something quite charming about the basement of a brown stone. This place is tinier than my basement at home. Chairs are packed tightly and I'm convinced that all of this is why people are so warm and friendly here. You automatically feel like you know every body as soon as you walk in. There's no pretension here. Finally a place that feels almost like my living room. I'd like to give it 5 stars but the cook was out that night and no food was served. I was highly disappointed because I'd braved 2 hours in the snow and cold just to get there and have some steaming whiting. I was hungry so I went down the street and got my soul food fix elsewhere. Bless Harlem for this convenience. I came back later and enjoyed some great jazz. I'll be back, but I'll call ahead and make sure the cook is there. read more

I went out last night to catch up with a friend thinking it would be another dive bar... boy was I in for a surprise.. This is by far the most friendliest Jazz Bar in Harlem with a sorta speakeasy feel.. The food was amazing the customer service top notch and the alcohol all good no filter or water down drinks & cheap A++ I will be back.. My favorite person was Barbara the Bartender sweetheart!! What a hidden gem... read more

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I had a TERRIBLE experience at this establishment this evening. My friends and I were harassed within 5 minutes of entering. It was our first time so we didn't know how anything worked. For one, signing "the book" upon entry... ok cool thanks for letting us know sir at the front table. We find a spot all the way in the back because it was so crowded and check out the place. Wide range of clientele, great musicians, bar is limited in selection , but we thought we found a hidden gem... NO. The bartender asks us what we were drinking and I tell her I'm looking ( there wasn't much to look at so I figured I wouldn't waste my time with a mixed drink) I order my beer and ask my friends what they think about this place? We agreed we would stay a while because the music was good. A guy who I assume was related in some way to the lady bartender proceeds to tell us that everyone needs a drink and that it was free to get in. (COOL, now I know the policy makes sense. Would have loved if you have a better tone of voice but got it) My friends and I had been drinking prior so they were slowing down and I suggested sodas or water. money in hand while figuring out what they want to drink , this guy tells us that we have to go if we aren't drinking we can't just stand here.... -_- "Sir? Do you not see the money in my hand asking my friends what they are drinking ?" ... He raised his voice and continued to talk about us to his friend. Other people at the bar started to take notice as he was causing a scene. This is probably the 4th minute. My friends at this point are turned off and do not want to stay and continue to support an establishment that would treat their clientele in such a way. However, I made it a point to speak to the women who was bartending who seemed to be oblivious to the situation. She apologized for his behavior but didn't seem to actually care about what we had to say nor did she tell him to stop when he was butting into the conversation. Totally disrespectful! His friend came to his defense saying "well if it's any consolation , sometimes he talks to me like that too" -__- BYE! I really wanted to give this place more stars but it would ONLY be for the talented musicians. Really disappointed that this was my first impression of this place. Looking at the reviews I realize this isn't the first time something like this has happened. I rather pay a cover and a little more for drinks if it means I won't be treated like crap. read more

I am here right now!!!!!Amazing music.. Great food!! What a show with the Harlem groove Band. read more

American Legion Post 398 - Hanngin out - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

I was there in March 2018 and saw a great Jazz show. Ray Blue - Tenor, Greg Lewis - Organ and Russell Carter - Drums was there and they put on a spectacular performance. Amazing Jazz band was swinging hard. Drinks are very reasonably priced. Great "Live" music and drinks. This a must go to place to visit and enjoy. Very friendly atmosphere and welcoming. read more

Came here to listen to jazz and was pleasantly surprised by how good all the musicians and singers were. The drinks are cheap ($5) and the fried chicken was sooo good. ($10) They only accept cash. I felt like I was in a speakeasy since I did not expect this place to be in the basement of a brownstone but I really liked the vibe and am so happy places like this exist. read more

It's messed up that I'm writing the first yelp review of this American Legion. It's a thousand years older than me. I know little about the history of this specific post, but enough to know that my old next-door neighbor started as one of many posts of the national organization of veterans and grew to be something more. It just might be wrong of this interloper to be sharing this hideaway with you all... but how can it be wrong, when passing on my memories of falling asleep to the jazzy strains of timeless songs pulsing through the bedroom wall of my low-slung basement apartment, just feels so damn right? I've only really heard whisperings of the depth of history in the music scene here, on my limited trips over to the other side of the wall the sounds have been far beyond worth the trip. Jazz is the standard. If you are the man, bring your instrument and join in. Karaoke night on Saturdays... at least last I knew. Wine sold in dainty individual bottles on white plastic tables topped with flowered plastic tablecloths to catch bbq, grilled and smokey in the summer. People who know each other welcoming strangers, their guests happy to be accepted into this close knit family. You know how purely kickass margaritas taste when sipped on a beach in Mexico? This, is like that. read more

I just got home from one of the most magical evenings I've had in the four years I've lived in Harlem, thanks to ALP 398. Only St. Nick's--may it rest in peace--could rival this place's authenticity, enthusiasm, and heart. Thank you, thank you, thank you. read more

the sax, the chicken it just bopped and didn't stop dont forget the vets read more

Great jazz and Harlem spirit abounding. A newfound fave in my book and I will be back as often as possible! The cook rocks and my whiting, green beans and cabbage were A1. Great Jazz, and great neighborhood scene. Very friendly, welcoming spirited crowd, even the grumpy owner who warmed back up to us after a little scuffle about how many seats our large group was occupying! read more

waited 2 hours for food. staff was annoyed that we asked twice about our order. If you're up fo that, go-- the music is great.

Great jazz and excellent food. No cover and awesome vibe. Try the herring or fried chicken. Go on a Sunday night for some of the best jazz in the city. Tucked away in a classic Harlem brownstone. Your friends (or date) will be impressed you found this hidden gem. read more

Definitely a locals place, but welcoming just the same. We were there on a Friday and the DJ was playing fun throwback R&B and people were dancing up a storm. We enjoyed the cheap drinks and beer at the bar. Everyone was happy, friendly, and having a great time. read more

Great music, warm atmosphere in the heart of a brownstone basement in Harlem! If you're looking for a place to hang back on a Sunday night this is it. Hope business stays open for much longer, it's been around since the 1930s and clearly is a location gathering spot for the community. Grateful to have been invited to be a part of it for a night, and looking forward to more times! read more

Amazing, fun, great food and even better music

very small homey cool jazz club, we had great fun tonight! wish to see more micro brew beer with good price $2.5 or 3.50 all $10 plates of fish, chicken and pork on plastic plates were nice definitely this is a special place.. read more

Love the place. It's one of my two favorite places in Harlem to listen to real jazz. Make sure you sign "the book" when you enter. Also, if you want to sit at a table, you have to order dinner. The dinner is ok, not great; but the music makes up for it. read more

Found this spot on Yelp while searching for some Friday night jazz in the neighborhood and decided it was a go after reading the reviews. When my friend and I arrived it was actually R&B night and there were no jazz performances scheduled. We decided to stay anyway and were charmed right away by the mature, down-to-earth ALP regulars and the quaintness of the spot. The DJ did an excellent job of dropping old school R&B tracks and getting everyone on the dance floor with the usual line dancing suspects. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at ALP before jetting off to another jazz spot. I will be back (hopefully for some jazz) for sure. read more

Fabulous music but I really have no clue where the friendly staff was that all the other posts were speaking of. The waitress taking our drink had such a crap attitude. After finishing our drinks in the drab backyard we decided to go in and listen to some music. Super crowded tight squeeze in the main area was not very inviting but the music just hypnotizes you to stay. I wasn't even a quarter of the way through the second song when the hag behind the bar starts berating me about ordering another drink. I just finished a drink not even 6 minutes before!!!! Meanwhile there were plenty of others around me without a drink. Yet she honed her death ray eyes on me and wouldn't leave me ALONE until I couldn't take it anymore and just left. Such a shame because the music truly was outstanding. read more

I rank Post 398's Wed. "Jazz Fish-fry" as one of the most enjoyable evenings of jazz that I've experienced. Both times I was there, there was a great house band, including an organist (on a house Leslie!) w/ a featured sax player. The good music was complemented by a full bar (served Boeing 747 style) and tasty fish dinners. Free admission but there is a charge for food and drinks. read more

Really a special place, $5 drinks, $8 dinners, and an impromptu Jazz crew that rivals anywhere else. Everyone is really friendly and the experience is amazing. read more

Nice jazz and depending on when you go, you may get adequate service or barely any service at all. I went once and took a white friend and the service was so bad she thought they were prejudiced against her until the group told her that the service had nothing to do with her skin color but rather the attitude of the waitress. I only saw one and I guess she was overworked. We ended up going to the bar and ordering our own drinks and going back to the table. We also stuck our head in the kitchen and gave our own order. It took so long to get any wait service, we finally did it ourselves. But the drinks are about $5 and the food maybe $10 or less, so I think serving ourselves was no big deal. Also, they have a patio garden outside and one can sit there as well. read more