This was my first time, my aunties and I had a nice variety from; deviled eggs, fresh and seasoned empanadas, tons of seafood in the pasta dish with a nice size portion. Plus the sweet fried chicken dish- ask for the yummy homemade hot sauce, cornbread, apple pie!! EXCEPT I couldn't have anything to drink I requested. No beer on tap because the machine was down. Then, I wanted to try the espresso dessert drink- couldn't guess why? The machine was down!! sigh... The floor in the restroom was sticky. The door guy was super helpful with my auntie's wheelchair. Our server, Neil was EXCELLENT, as someone who was a food server for years, (personality & skills ) are key!! read more

Red Rooster was amazing. Great ambiance and live music and the food was fantastic! I had the seafood pasta and honestly was the most flavorful seafood pasta that I've had. The apple à la mode was also fantastic. The best I've had. Great service, too. Thank you Shahkai for the excellent service. read more

Visited Red Rooster on a Saturday with reservation. We were quickly greeted and seated in a cozy booth for our party of three. The staff immediately greeted us for drinks and were very attentive in checking our table and offering recommendations on the menu. We ordered the jerk salmon bowl and bucatini Piccadilly with Mac and greens. The food was delivered relatively quickly - the jerk salmon was well seasoned just a little dry and the bucatini Piccadilly was mixed very well with flavorful buttery noodles. The Mac and greens were so rich and thick and definitely are shareable for the table. The atmosphere is warm and very lively - there was live music playing when we entered. There is live music offered in the evenings on the weekend (there will be additional charge on your reservation). Red Rooster is commonly one of my stops when visiting NYC and I would recommend a visit you love hearty soul food with African and Caribbean infused flavors. Great price point for the portions! A train station is mere steps away from the restaurant $$ read more

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Red Rooster is a not-that-old place that has a dazzling sense of history, thanks to the art, the live music and even the food. There are old classics with a couple of strategic tweaks, like the Yardbird fried chicken, which has very appealing collard greens as expected but more surprisingly is accompanied by excellent chicken gravy. The shrimp and grits get an assist from chorizo. But there are also modern, unique inventions such as a smoked banana old fashioned. The banana pudding is top-notch and I was also impressed with the Lil' Apple Pie. It finds a great use for green apples, a relatively unheralded fruit that gets left out of the conversation when Zestar and Winesap fans get to talking. read more

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My first visit to Red Rooster, and it absolutely lived up to the hype! I had just gotten off a plane and wanted something different, and this was the perfect choice. If you're looking for incredible food, handcrafted drinks, and live jazz on a Sunday, this is the place to be. From the moment you walk in, it has a warm, energetic vibe with a touch of speakeasy charm that makes the whole experience feel special. I couldn't decide what to order, so my sweetie took over and ordered a variety of dishes he knew I'd love. He has been here several times and always says the food is consistently excellent--and now I understand why. Every bite was flavorful, beautifully prepared, and worth every calorie. Between the amazing food, outstanding cocktails, incredible live music, and welcoming atmosphere, this was more than just dinner--it was an experience. I can't wait to come back the next time I'm in New York! read more

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As a Marcus Samuelsson fan, I was very excited to dine at Red Rooster Harlem. I was the first to arrive in my party which I must brag about because that never happens, but of course I arrived early for this special occasion. I promptly sat myself at the bar and took in the beautiful ambience that Red Rooster Harlem has to offer. After drooling over the menu, I ordered a Pom-o Paradise which I later found out is a pomegranate margarita on tap topped with Prosecco. This drink is ordered up to 500 times a day and rightfully so!! It was light and delicious. For dinner, I ordered the sweet potato and coconut soup. It was flavorful and memorable. I crave it as I write this review. I then had the jerk salmon bowl. As a Jamaican, I was skeptical, however I had faith in God and the chef lol. I have to admit I was a little disappointed when I saw that the small, roasted tomatoes were left whole, however, cutting into them as they elegantly burst into an additional sauce was an experience I didn't know I needed. The jerk rub was spot on and made me want to whip out my flag, but I surprisingly left it at home. I say all this to say, I had an amazing experience and can't wait to come back and try their highly recommended chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, mac and greens, and more. Until next time, Red Rooster Harlem! read more

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Saturday, 9th May 2026 Harlem, NYC Rainy day 60s We were here for a Pre-Mother's Day Reggae brunch and to hear the music of the fabulous BROOKLYNERS Reggae band. It was wonderful to see customers get up to dance! Red Rooster's brunch menu had much to enjoy and we tried as many items on the menu as we three could. Of course we required 'doggie bags' to take home leftovers. - For Brunch we indulged on their: - Deviled Eggs, Cornbread, Fried Chicken on waffle, Red Velvet pancake with eggs and maple bacon, and Double Smashed Cheeseburger with Fries. Yes, we will have to work off the calories tomorrow, but so worth it! Good list of wines, beers, cocktails and various libations. Friendly staff and servers, although often moving at a slow pace. However, each were very friendly, warm and helpful with inquiries. Irie! read more

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I really looked forward to dining at Red Rooster during my trip to NY, but it missed the mark. I've visited Marcus Bar (another restaurant owned by Marcus Samuelson in ATL) a few times and really enjoyed it. Red Rooster is gorgeous and is filled with beautiful art. They had a live band, which was nice. I ordered the Savoy cocktail to start. It contained grape infused cognac and was very nice. To eat, I ordered the crab cake, fries and peri peri wings. The wings were excellent. Crispy and a tad bit spicy. The crab cake was a complete joke. It was almost inedible. The fries came out cold. My friends who've been to Marcus Bar as well agreed that Marcus Bar is more enjoyable. Our server was great and was very attentive. Sadly, although we did enjoy our evening here, the food overall didn't meet expectations. read more

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Red Rooster is a lovely dinner and live music venue. I do wish the bar wasn't quite so central to the table we were sat at. However looking around the room the seating for only two it probably was the most comfortable spot. The music was the timeless jazz that everyone knows the tunes. Nostalgia everywhere. The digital frames were a really cool feature, however it switched pictures when trying to point one out to my date. I wanted to visit this restaurant for years. I had watched Chef Marcus Samuelsson on television and I've finally got to eat his concept of soul food. I was happy with my dishes. Wanted more okra in the grits and more mashed to share. However, I did not relate this to my server who was courteous throughout the dinner. The best for me was the smoked banana old fashioned and the banana pudding dessert. Chicken gravy was pretty tasty too! The dishes were variations on my childhood favorite meals my grandmother used to make. So overall a satisfying bucket list item to check off for me. read more

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Service was great the vibes with the live band was awesome. The appetizers all of them were very delicious. Wasn't a fan of the catfish. Overall this a great place for family friends & date night. read more

Red Rooster Harlem - Atmosphere is nice - American Near Me - New York, New York

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I'm not sure why it took me so long to make it to Red Rooster, but I finally did! I love fried chicken, and this outpost in Harlem is legendary. I took the 4 train and walked over (14 minute walk) - it was a tense walk - the neighborhood has completely deteriorated. If you decide to go, take the 2 train which is across the street from the restaurant. I ordered the Yardbird Fried Chicken, with a side order of Stone Ground Grits. I asked for white meat, which has an up charge. The two breasts were thick and juicy - the flour crust was crunchy and balanced out the tender chicken. Red Rooster uses a process called 'beer-brined', using a lager with the brine overnight. It helps the chicken retain its juiciness and adds a unique flavor. I will admit there was a good amount of salt in the chicken-not to the point it was objectionable, but it was heavy. Nonetheless, it was an excellent fried chicken. I hesitated getting the garlic mashed potatoes since I was getting the grits - but I decided to get them anyway. I'm glad I did - they were very good. The grits were delicious - the menu states 'Creamy Stone Ground Grits'. There's no mention of cheese, which I found unusual, since they were cheesy. They were very creamy, not too salty, nice and hot, and with each spoonful, very thin strands of cheese would be trailing on the spoon. Truly excellent grits. The venue was very warm and beautifully decorated. I had read several reviews where the staff is very friendly...and they are! read more

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I feel like this place is a staple in Harlem. I finally made it to Lynchburg the family. We had their lunch specials. I ordered the coconut, sweet potato soup which was lovely. Then I ordered the fried catfish over black eye peas, this was just okay. The catfish could have been crispier, the peas needed a little more flavor. Then my father had the steak sandwich which he said was okay, but the side of greens was tasty. The service was very good and the vibe was warm and inviting. I imagine this place is good for drinks or happy hour, while listening to music. read more

Red Rooster Harlem - FRIED CATFISH - American Near Me - New York, New York

Occasionally I pop in for a jazzy soulful work session in the back saloon. You can order at the bar, sometimes the severed are generous enough snd will tend to you back there. Fairly quiet and a nice vibe. Cobb salad is tip top. Food's always flavorful so I keep going back. read more

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The live band was amazing and definitely the highlight of the visit. The $10 cover charge felt fair because the music and atmosphere were chill. Unfortunately, the food didn't hit the mark for me. I'm not sure if it was because I tried something new, but the dish just wasn't good to my taste. My waitress noticed that I wasn't enjoying it and kindly offered a replacement, which I appreciated. However, when the bill came, I saw that the original item was only taken half off, and I was charged full price for the replacement. When I hear "replacement," I usually assume it means swapping the item out, not paying for two separate meals. So that was a little disappointing. Another surprise was the lemonade. It tasted more like water with lemon squeezed in it, and I didn't realize refills weren't included. I ordered a second one thinking it was a refill, but it ended up being another charge. Overall, the music and vibe were great, but the food and unexpected charges made the experience a bit disappointing. The portions also felt a little small for the price particularly the hush puppies. Because of that, I probably wouldn't return, but if you're going just for the live music, you might still enjoy the atmosphere. read more

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Super classy interior with a live music stage evoking southern charm and opulence - but in the heart of central harlem. Walked in at opening for lunch and was lovingly greeted. Only had room for one dish and opted for the $22 Yep Chicken & Waffles ~appetizer~ which was enormous and most definitely not an appetizer for one. It came out soo quickly! They did not skimp on the chicken, it was unbelievably tender and seasoned throughout. The waffle was thin and light, but the dish was still pretty heavy. Happy I got the chance to dine here while watching their feature almost a decade ago on Worth It. A great place to spend an evening in Harlem but not sure I would make a dedicated trip. read more

Red Rooster Harlem - YEP- CHICKEN & WAFFLE - American Near Me - New York, New York

This place is just amazing. Wow not only the bar area. We had the gospel brunch and he was just absolutely one of the best times I ever had. The food was great. The atmosphere is just buzzing. What a great place it feels united every culture every language it was incredible absolutely loved it 10 stars straight up. read more

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Came with a large party and service was amazing! We order the chicken tower with mashed potato, mac & cheese, asparagus, and greens. Everything came out hot and fresh. The Mac & cheese do have the greens mixed in and it's really good.... The only thing was the greens were a light sweet. Also the happy hour is where it is at. Live vibe and the feather chandeliers take over the top read more

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First time to New York and to Red Rooster's went on a Jazz Brunch afternoon. The place was packed, but the service was still fast. I only ordered appetizers had the Deviled Eggs- po' boy hummus, sweet relish, crispy onions, chives, caper berries, UPTOWN GUAC and wings. The food, the service, the jazz band it was a relaxing experience. read more

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Number 1 fav is absolutely Shrimp & Grits. All the textures in there work together so well and don't cancel each other out. I usually avoid ordering Chicken & Waffles since most menus have this but it did indeed smack in the best way possible. Waffle was anything but plain. The Mac & Greens is a must order. The thick, wide noodle really makes this side dish stand out amongst the whole table spread. So creamy, so rich. Sangria was really strong! Not a complaint whatsoever. Loved our waitress too--very sweet and explained her recommendations really thoroughly. Not sure if live jazz occurs every day, but I got to experience that and it was a lovely touch for a Sunday brunch. read more

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We came here for lunch on a Friday and there was no wait. I did not have a reservation but the host was very friendly and sat us down right away. Our waitress Dicksy was so friendly and knew her menu. The food was really good and mimosa as well. They played 90s music and I was in heaven :) read more

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Great food and drink choices. Just catch them on a non-busy day. Bathroom: *** (average) Quality: *** Quantity: **** Presentation: *** (okay plating) Price: $$$$ (a bit pricy for what you get) Ambiance: Loud/Casual/Busy/crowded Attitude: **** (very nice staff and attentive) Overall: went on a Friday, packed. Not that I didn't expect that but, it was too loud to even hear your table side guest. Things were pricey, and some food items weren't available. Maybe try again but, it's iffy. read more

Attended the Gospel Choir Brunch. What amazing singers! Very much enjoyed the performance. The brunch was delicious and the seating comfortable. A great experience! read more

Red Rooster Harlem - Great performance! - American Near Me - New York, New York

We have been to NY, several times and we have always tried to get up here, but we've run out of time. This time we made it. We arrived around lunch time. We walked in without a reservation but the establishment is very large so we were seated immediately. Banana smoked old fashioned and lemonade were ordered. We started with the deviled eggs and corn bread. The deviled eggs are over stuffed, creamy yolks topped with crispy fried capers. The hummus on the bottom of the plate is delicious. The corn bread is two thick slices of firm , yet moist cornbread. Served with compound butter. My daughter had the catfish. It was a large, crispy, golden brown piece of fish. Served with blacked eyed peas. A pickled salad on top. She loved her dish. I had to get the fried chicken. A light crunchy batter. It was a thigh and a leg. Collard greens and buttery silky mashed potatoes. The collards had a nice vinegar touch. The potatoes were more like a puree. Both dishes were balanced so well. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and service was excellent. Would love to come back for dinner read more

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Food was great! The music was a great addition as there was a DJ and then the music transitioned into a live band who was great. The service was amazing and they accommodated us and we didn't have a reservation. read more

Red Rooster Harlem - Fried Catfish - American Near Me - New York, New York

The atmosphere was so welcoming, and although we did not have a reservation(table for two), the concierge explained we would have a short wait. The wait was about 10 minutes, and the music helped us pass the time. Our waiter was extremely hospitable, and made sure we had something refreshing to drink while we waited for our food. We ordered the coconut sweet potato soup and catfish over stewed black-eyed peas, and everything was absolutely DELICIOUS. read more

Stopped by one a walk around Harlem looking for a new restaurant to try. When we walked in the staff was nice and friendly and sat us right away. I ordered the appetizer Yep! Chicken and waffle and I have no complaints. The chicken was cooked well and was nice and seasoned and the waffle was cooked perfectly in my opinion. I also ordered the Roo Roos red sangria which was nice a refreshing and got me red to get back out there and walk around. read more

I've been a fan of Marcus Samuelsson for years! From being a Chopped judge to Top Chef to Iron Chef to No Passport Required this guy is a wizard in the kitchen. Finishing up some business here in Harlem with my son, we were ready for lunch and just for fun, I said let's see if we can "walk-in" and get a seat at The Red Rooster, Marcus's restaurant. Eureka - we scored. Going through his menu, everything looked good so choosing a plate or plates was difficult. We picked: * GRILLED CAESAR & SHRIMP CEVICHE - with green chile, cucumber, avocado, red onion, cilantro, plantain chips * YEP! CHICKEN & WAFFLES with fried chicken leg, maple hot sauce, pickles * CRISPY BIRD SANDWICH - with buffalo chicken, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, charred onions, pickles and fries Everything was excellent The ambience was fun due to the live band and great singer The art and photographs on the walls, along with the videos (loved the Soul Train video) made you feel that you were in the heart of Harlem. We Loved everything about the Red Rooster! read more

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It was storming in the city last night and I was in need of some good food! I was craving fried chicken, and Red Rooster popped into mind so I thought i'd give it a shot! I decided to order one drumstick, the wings, and fries for delivery. Once things arrived I immediately took a bite into the "fried chicken". I was so disappointed by its taste. It lacked flavor and honestly was not fried chicken. It was instead glazed and lacked any real crispness (i should have tried jolibee lol). The wings were also a major disappointment. I wish this too was fried, then coated in the sauce, but instead it was mushy and a big let down. Fries were cold, but as expected when delivering. I am glad that I got this out of the way. I wouldn't come back. When I think of southern food, i'd expect more flavor and actual fried chicken especially for the price. read more

Red Rooster Harlem - Drumstick, wings, fries - American Near Me - New York, New York

Came with my friends and enjoyed a great night out. Friendly service, great vibes and the crab cake was amazing! read more

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I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Red Rooster. I came with a girlfriend around 1:30 on a Friday evening. There was a 20 minute wait, but a beautiful "waiting room" designed as a living room made the wait feel like part of the dining experience. There was a prixe fixe menu, M-F 12pm-4pm, for $35 with the option of the choice between a soup or salad for the app, and two entrees for the main course. I chose the sweet potato coconut soup and it was so delicious. It was fully bodied, full of flavor, and hearty for a cold, winter day. For my entree, I chose the catfish and substituted the black eyed pees for the grits. They were both absolutely delicious. The catfish was fresh, and the grits were cheesy with a beautiful crunchy garnish on top. The icing on the cake was when my server, Autumn, overheard me tell my friend that it was my birthday. She sent a birthday desert to my table and that was the sweetest gesture ever. Thank you Autumn! read more

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Harlem staple. Come for good food, good vibes, good music, good fun. Its gourmet, so it ain't your granny's fried chicken. Expect something a little different, a twist on your soul food faves. Like the mac and cheese: it has chopped collards mixed right into the dish. Actually, I've heard the fried chicken is pretty good, but I haven't tried it yet. On this most recent visit it was pretty late and I wasn't very hungry, so we just went tapas style and ordered a few appetizers. Everything was good Id never turn down an invite to Red Rooster. read more

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Red Rooster definitely lives up to the hype! My entire dining experience here was superb. From the amazing food to the live jazz music, everything was great about this restaurant. I made a reservation prior to coming, which I'm glad I did because the bar area was full. I was still able to get a good view of the live music from where I was seated, which made great entertainment while enjoying my food and cocktail. For my cocktail, I got the Pom' in Paradise, and I mostly chose this drink because of the pomegranate grenadine, but I didn't love the tequila in it. I think vodka would've been a better liquor for this drink. For my food, I started with the cornbread. I most definitely recommend! It was absolutely amazing, especially with the roasted tomato and corn butter. I then ordered a thigh piece with the hot honey on the side and the Mac n greens. Both tasted great! The Mac n greens was a bit over baked, but I was able to get around the slightly burnt parts. All the waitstaff were very friendly, from the hostess to the waitress. The jazz singer was even engaged with the audience. It gave a great vibe to the restaurant. read more

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Finally had the opportunity to go to Red Rooster. This restaurant has been on my list for awhile. Loved the decor (especially the feathered chandeliers above the bar) and the vibe. We happened to go on a Tuesday. They had a trio playing some jazz. Really nice touch. The food and drink were good. Had the sangria. It was amazing. To eat, I had the jerk salmon bowl. Although I didn't really taste the jerk seasoning (I expected to taste jerk in every bite), it was still good. They just need to marinate & cook the salmon in the sauce. I feel like it was just topped on the salmon after cooking. This is why I could only give them 4 stars. Our server was great. He made sure we got our order on time. And was good about checking on us. read more

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I've been coming to Red Rooster for a decade! Tonight!!! I had the new CHEF's special Gullah Okra Stew. OMG, I will eat anything I don't eat, if she created it. This stew was top tier and it boggles my mind how you get that much depth and flavor in BULK!!! The vibes at Rooster are so good. The neighborhood and the tourist mesh into perfection!!! The entertainment is so inspired and soooo HARLEM!!! This place is more than a resy... it's an experience you must have if you come to Manhattan. read more

I remember when this opened up in 2011, and was met with both cheers and jeers. Great addition to the neighborhood, but also a check in the negative column of gentrification. I always wanted to go here after learning about Marcus Samuelson, and his plethora of culinary influence. A planned hang with a High School buddy, and his wife, gave us the opportunity to finally go. We went on a Saturday night, and the place was buzzing with positive energy. We were a little late, and they sat us right near the bar. Their dinner menu isn't too big, but it has a lot of choices. We ordered a bunch of items; some to share and some to try. Our waiter was nice, but he seemed a bit nervous and a little green. The Hush Puppies app & Fritters w/Guacamole were ok, but both dishes tasted exactly alike. Sweet Potato & Coconut Soup was good, but incredibly sweet. Grilled Caesar w/Shrimp Ceviche was fair, but the shrimp needed more time to marinate. Pan Fried Catfish had no flavor whatsoever, and my wife's Yardbird By The Piece, {Breast & Thigh} was just ok. The Cornbread was great, and Banana Pudding for dessert was a better choice than Lil Apple Pie (which should be changed to Teeny Tiny Apple Pie) It's a real shame this restaurant, right in the middle of this historic neighborhood of NYC, fell incredibly short. I think the bill was close to $225.00 (with a few drinks and 2 coffees) Luckily, my friend picked up the check. read more

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I hit up Red Rooster this past Tuesday with the guys, and honestly, the spot lived up to the noise. The restaurant is surprisingly spacious--you've got room to move and doesn't feel like a middle seat on a flight to Lagos. The live jazz was a nice touch, giving the room a relaxed, soul-heavy energy that felt right for a midweek dinner. The food didn't miss. I ordered the Yardbird, and that hot honey is the real deal--sweet, but with enough of a bite to keep you honest. We had the crispy Brussels sprouts for the table, but the Mac & Greens was easily the standout. It's cheddar and parmesan mixed with collard greens, and I'm telling you, it's a revelation. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to pull the chef aside just to shake his hand. For the finish, I went with the Lil' Apple Pie. The green apple tartness mixed with the nutmeg and cinnamon was a solid play, especially with the vanilla ice cream to balance it out. It was a well-executed meal in a spot that actually feels like Harlem. If you're looking for a place that handles the culture with some actual technique, this is it. I'm definitely coming back for another round of that Mac. read more

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I disagree with any negative reviews. The food this morning was excellent and the staff was lovely. We were there right when it opened, it wasn't too loud and it was quick service. We ate more than we should have but if there is one thing I would go back for anyway, it's the lobster Mac-n-greens. Try it, if you hate it, I don't know what to say about your taste buds because it's delicious. Cheers to Chef Marcus Samuelson because our sever has worked at Red Rooster for over a decade and is still very happy, which is hard to do in the restaurant industry. read more

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Had a delicious lunch at Red Rooster. My favorite was definitely the fried chicken, which had a tantalizing hot honey sauce, with the batter super crispy and thin, and the insight still very juicy; it outdoes a lot of the korean fried chicken in NYC. The corn bread and shrimp & grits we had were pretty decent as well. This seems to be a very lively restaurant, as there was a live DJ spinning in the early afternoon hours; they played some of my favorites from the early 2000s that day, but it was a bit hard to talk. Definitely recommend the chicken if you visit! read more

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Our trip to New York had to include a subway ride up to Harlem to try Red Rooster. My husband is a huge Food Network fan and wanted to check out chef Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant. We made reservations a few weeks ahead of our planned trip (as was advised). It was a gorgeous fall day, so we sat outside. The restaurant is vibrant and busy, but we were seated quickly and the service was great. As it was still lunch time, we were offered lunch specials, which were epic and priced very nice. I chose the lunch chicken sandwich and my husband had the ceviche and yardbird lunch. The whole meal was spectacular, but the grilled Caesar salad that came with the ceviche was one of the best things I've ever eaten! Absolutely amazing. I could've eaten 10 more. Definitely worth a trip uptown. read more

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