The Best Harlem Bars & Restaurants

Soul food & jazz ❤️ I don't really recommend Harlem as a neighborhood to stay in during your visit. It's super local & it's a little rough around the edges, but it's safe to visit and amazing to eat at. It's really famous for jazz music, live music, and soul food. It's full of history and it's one of my favorite neighborhoods to grab a drink & a bite at. This map contains my favorite soul food restaurants, a steakhouse, and a couple of great spots to watch live jazz. This is a living map, meaning, when I discover any new spots that I love, I'll add them in & you'll automatically get the updates! Use the map function at the top right of this guide to see what's closest to you when you visit!

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The Cecil Steakhouse

@meko

The Cecil serves really good steak & soul food.

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Ricardo

@meko

This restaurant is definitely my favorite in Harlem. They have a really good fixed menu. I think it's about $40 and you get so much food. I always take food home with me. It's so good. I usually get the steak & mashed potatoes, then you also get two other sides. The drinks are also really good, and so is the music.

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Red Rooster Harlem

@meko

This spot is really famous for the soul food.

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Harlem Public

@meko

This spot has kind of a hip, younger vibe.

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1020 Bar

@meko

This spot has really cheap drinks. It has a really good, hip vibe also, and they have some games you can play.

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Sylvia's

@meko

This spot has really good soul food. I really like it here.

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Sweet Mama's

@meko

This is one of my favorites. Sweet Mama's has some of the best soul food in Harlem. It's kind of like a grab and go place, not as much of a sit down spot. But the soul food is really good.

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Jacob's Pickles

@meko

This is another one of my favorite spots for soul food.

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Jazz Music & Drinks

Paris Blues

@meko

This is a classic spot for live music. They do poetry as well.

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Smoke Jazz & Supper Club

@meko

This is another great spot for live music and drinks.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meko Rooks

Motherhood With No Limits🤱🏽 🛫 Hi! I'm a lifestyle blogger and social influencer. Being a native New Yorker has given me the ability to transition from the fast-paced city life to balancing a family while continuing to travel & explore. I have a passion for trying new foods, discovering underwater life, learning new cultures, and exploring different countries. I'm born and raised in New York & have lived there for over 20 years now! I love traveling abroad with my kids (and without them), but when I'm home, I love exploring my City. My favorite things to do in NY are to look for new pop up activities. Depending on what season or holiday is happening, there's always a fun event going on. I also love rooftop bars & enjoying the city views. I'm a foodie at heart so that's the number one thing I get asked for recommendations. Food & nightlife in the City. I also love to find a lot of fun unique activities for the kids because I love getting my kids out of the house to explore parks & indoor activities. I've been featured in publications such as HuffPost, SkyScanner, Travel Noire, The Points Guy, & Seeker for my NYC & other travel expertise.

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