So fun! This place has a low key vibe, with good food and hospitable staff. Open mic is a great…read moretime to go and hear some dope voices. The drinks are good and not watered down.

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.

This was my first visit. I will say for positives that the food is great. I had the chicken breast…read moreand subbed out the lentil salad for potatoes, and the server was good about making that requested substitute. The cheese plate was good and the server made great selections / recommendations for us on cheese to try. The server was very attentive. The music was great. It's a fun and lively place to get some food and hear some great jazz! However, they do not show online when choosing a seat that there is a column in front of the seats over to the right hand side of the venue when you enter, right by the stage if you choose those seats.

I had one of the most disappointing and frankly unacceptable experiences at Smoke Jazz & Supper…read moreClub on March 28th for the 10 PM show. Let me be clear, the main redeeming aspect of this place is the talent on stage. The musicians were exceptional and deserved far better than the environment surrounding them. I ordered a scotch neat, something I'm very familiar with, and immediately knew something was off. When I politely flagged down a waiter, he responded with visible annoyance, as if I was inconveniencing him by being a paying customer. I explained the issue and simply asked if it could be checked or replaced. Instead of addressing it professionally, he walked away without a word, returned holding the bottle and my glass, and said, "this is what you were poured," before carelessly tossing the drink back onto the table. No apology. No explanation. Just attitude. It escalated from there. When I confronted him about his behavior, he denied it outright and then doubled down with an aggressive, confrontational stance, getting in my face and effectively threatening me. His exact words? "If I tossed your drink on the table, it would have been all over you!", and "Man, shut yo ass!" Completely unprofessional and unacceptable in any setting, let alone an establishment that positions itself as upscale. The manager's response was just as disappointing. Instead of addressing the behavior of his staff, he blamed me, asking why I "chased" the waiter and suggesting I should have gone directly to him. That's not how basic customer service works. I tried to resolve the issue directly, respectfully, and without escalation, something his employee clearly had no interest in. I was thinking if I talk to the waiter first, he wouldn't get in trouble with his manager. To make matters worse, the manager continued to defend the waiter rather than de-escalate the situation. At that point, it was clear this wasn't a one-off issue; it's a reflection of how this place operates. I paid my bill and left. For a venue that attracts world-class jazz talent, it's astonishing how low the standard of service is. This place is doing a disservice to the artists who perform there. I will never return, and I would strongly caution anyone expecting a professional, respectful experience to look elsewhere.

I came to the Shrine World Music Venue with a few friends after a Friday evening at a cigar lounge…read more I had no expectations and had walked by the Shrine several times not knowing what was there along Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard. Unless you know about it, you can easily walk by, given it blends into the general Harlem cityscape, especially during the day. Then at night, especially during the afterhours when I was there, the scene flips and this place becomes turnt up! People were lined up trying to get inside at 0130. The bouncers were searching and patting people down, nothing absurd or overly intrusive. There is a cover charge and they take credit cards for the cover. As you walk inside, the bar in on your right. Keep going and the dancefloor awaits you. It's not that large, but people are generally very courteous. There are a few places to sit, especially in the back in the left corner. That is also where the steps lead you downstairs, presumably to the restroom, which I did not have to use. The vibe is poppin' inside and it is fed by the DJ on a stage in the back, playing Worldbeats, Afropop, Afrobeats, Reggae, Dance Hall, and Soca. They are setup for live bands here. The volume is high, but not uncomfortably or earsplittingly high. The people here are drawn to this vibe and energy. You can dance here all night and the air conditioning and ventilation are of the capacity to keep you and everyone else comfortable. Stick around until closing time at 0400 when everyone starts walking out and the AC nearly turns the Shrine into a refrigerator. For an unassuming place on the outside, it is clear this is a place you can come to with friends or a date if this is your vibe and it's hard to imagine anyone not enjoying this. Prices are reasonable too at the bar. They have a good selection of draught and bottled beer. Guinness on tap was $9 for a pint. They serve up the cocktails too. Four fun and returnworthy stars!

This is a neighborhood spot. It's for music lovers. It doesn't have any ambience to speak of. I did…read morenot eat here so I can't talk about the food. We did have two drinks and the service was OK. You're here for the music. My understanding is after the bands leave at midnight you can dance until 4 AM. This is a good chill, relaxed spot. You don't need to get dressed up. It's very casual and you will have a good time.

What a fantastic place for a jazz show. Marjorie is a national treasure and warmly welcomed us into…read moreher home. Her son provided drinks and snacks. Top notch musicians and an intimate venue. A truly special experience. There is nothing like this. I wish could go back every week. A magical experience.

MARJORIE is a wonderful woman; an elegant lady. Opening her home for jazz concerts, she is warm and…read morewelcoming. When she plays the piano, it is like silk. Her son,RUDEL, also plays the piano and sings. They are accompanied by a stand-up base player, trumpet, and woodwinds. All are amazing talents.

Love this place.....great ..musicians and people…read more... Atmosphere is fantastic...cherishing Memories of good Harlem times and childhood...

449 LA features jazz that is not only authentic, but also a pleasure to listen to…read more Last Saturday I was entertaining a friend from San Francisco, and at first I was going to take her to Fat Cat which often features live jazz, lots of seats, and has a cheap cover charge. However, on the way there she said, "Yay, jazz in Harlem! This is awesome!" So... not wanting to disappoint her, not having been to jazz in Harlem for a long time, and not knowing where to go, I looked up some places on the internet, and we decided to go to a place at 449 Lenox Ave called 449 LA. Yes, that is a rather unimaginative name, but boy am I glad we went. The cover charge was $20, which may seem expensive, but included all you can eat (red beans and rice with baked chicken), and all you can drink (a choice among various soft drinks and sangria, which was not the best sangria I've ever had, but it wasn't bad, and I do believe it was spiked with brandy to yummy effect). The website where I found it says the cover is $10, which it normally is, but it was more that night because of the included food and drink. Call ahead to see what the deal is. The place itself is intimate -- I'd say about 18 people could actually be seated. But that Saturday night was brutally cold (25F, -4C, and it was very windy), so there weren't that many people there. We arrived at around 10:30pm, and there were about 8 other people. The service was very warm and friendly; when the band wasn't playing, the server stopped to chat with us asking where we were from and made other small talk. The music was GREAT. Small band: piano, drums, bass, sax, and a guy who invented his own instrument that was two kinds of saxes joined together that he blew into at the same time so that he was always playing a chord. No brass that night. A couple of improv pieces, a few standards. A couple of songs with vocalists. Not too loud, not too abstract, all of it very enjoyable. The band didn't mind if we took pictures (non-flash, of course) and we did. I would highly recommend 449 LA if you want to go to jazz in Harlem.

Went here for an event. Tickets were pretty cheap and the music was really good. Loved the vibes…read moreand service was good as well

I went to Ginny's for a birthday gathering. It is a quaint space downstairs inside of the Red…read moreRooster restaurant. The evening had a beautiful flow - we dined upstairs in the restaurant prior to entertainment downstairs. The cool thing is there was also live music playing as we dined. It was a bit noisy, so we were glad to experience an obvious change in atmosphere once we arrived at Ginny's. I love the speakeasy vibe and the fact that we did not have to exit the building entirely to be in a different place. Ginny's has its own ambience and the music was lovely. All in all, a wonderful experience and I'd go again, with or without a reason or special occasion.

Came in with our tour group to watch jazz and enjoy dinner after a day of site seeing. The team put…read moreon a great show for us and invited the guests to come up and play with them. Several kids and teachers participated and ended the evening with great music. Buffet style food for our large group. Good food and service was fast and pilot. Highly recommend.

Very excited to have the opportunity to hear the artists perform in such a legendary place. They…read moreare open on Saturday & Monday nights, and I believe they may be in the process of bringing back their Sunday brunch. My friend made the reservation, and they have an old fashioned, pen and paper, system. And the only way to contact is via email on their website. Needless to say, plan in advance. The inside was put together fine, you can tell there is need for updating the decor and fixing a few items. The musicians were phenomenal, they were engaging and each of their songs kept you moving. During their break, we were able to directly talk with them about their experiences and how things have evolved there at the Cotton Club. They were playing upon our arrival around 8:30, took an intermission around 10 and then played for another hour until 11. There were only two other tables that evening, I think around 9 people total. I was shocked at that as well. I found the temperature to be a bit chilly and it was even worse in the lady's restroom. The men's room had a space heater...so not really sure how that worked out? One of the hand air dryers on the wall was almost falling off as well. Needless to say, I was sad to see the disrepair the building was in when such talent individuals were on stage that evening.

On 4.18.26, the weather here in NYC was pleasant with a calm breeze, so upon leaving the theatre, I…read morehad decided to "treat myself," for a change and has an early supper at THE EAST POLE, were several of the staffers, including the CHEF JOE, suggested that I head on over to MELODY' s PIANO BAR . . . the dim, comfortable, piano playing was perfect night to send the evening. The drinks were exotic, refreshing. The only nip-in- the-bud for me was: I was a lil' undressed; it its a very cozy, but chic environment. I highly recommend it for a first date, a ladies night out, birthday, and/or anniversary. I will be returning, again, and again!!! SULE, www.nunuradio.com

UES Piano Bar sounds awesome and it is! We've lived nearby for 12 years and finally stopped in on a…read moreclassic Manhattan Saturday night in January. The line moved quickly and WHAM! the second we walked through the door, the energy hit us like seeing a best friend. The live music was fantastic: a great multi-piece band singing classic favorites. Add in friendly people, attentive staff, and a lively setup with seats, tables, dancing, and a fun crowd the entire time we were there. Highly recommended for a high-karma, feel-good night out. We're definitely coming back with some of our peeps, they're going to love it.