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Harlem Tavern, New York, NY

Harlem Tavern

3.8
3.8
237 Reviews
$30 and under
American
Top Tags:
New York City's Harlem Tavern is a neighborhood bar, restaurant, & beer garden situated on the corner of 116th St. Just blocks from the area's treasured Morningside and Central Parks, Harlem Tavern is an inviting American bistro-cuisine establishment. Not only does the savory menu offer exciting items like Crispy BBQ wings and Cedar Planked Salmon and a fun Kids Menu, but the extensive craft beer and wine lists have something for everyone. Whether you're looking to plan a corporate event, birthday party, reception, game watch, or get-together, Harlem Tavern has community tables, booths, and a bar area adorned with nostalgic design and 21st century amenities to suit your needs. The massive outdoor beer garden and patio lined with beautifully restored brick is the ideal setting to host any of your events, parties, and dining experiences. Our staff is ready to accommodate your group of up to 400.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 1 time today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–1:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Phone number
    (212) 866-4500
  • Website
    http://www.harlemtavern.com/
  • Payment options
    Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Location
    2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
  • Neighborhood
    Harlem
  • Cross street
    116th St
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Take the B or C Train to 116th street
  • Entertainment
    Live Music on Tuesday and Wednesdays. Jazz Brunch on Saturday and Sunday
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 237 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.8
3.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4Food
  • 4Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

237 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Needed seating for 10 and variety of dietary preferences, mission accomplished. Service was friendly but not great, one person’s order didn’t come out with the 9 others and we had to flag down a server because no one noticed. 9 meals that did come out were of varying temperatures. 10th meal came out as most everyone else was finishing, so not ideal. Oh well. Hadn’t been in a while and probably won’t be back unless we need a large group setting or just for drinks.

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  2. LeeLee

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    1.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    This was not an experience I was expecting. I thought since you were across the street from BK Bristo the experience would be almost the same. I was do wrong, the food was subpar and the drinks were watered down! I will not be back. And it was COLD! You really need to do better

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  3. SarahB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were there after running the marathon. When we walked in wearing our medals; we basically received a standing ovation started by staff; it was awesome! It was very busy, but the service was still speedy! Our server was organized, knowledgeable and friendly. The food was delicious and fairly priced. Great overall experience. Thank you!

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  4. Hanna

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The food and drinks were good. The menu seemed to be updated since the last time I was there. We had a good time and the music wasn't too loud, so we didn't have to yell to talk to one another.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Not a fan of the gentrified “jazz” band. How incredibly disrespectful to have not one black musician in a jazz band in Harlem of all places, a neighborhood essential to the development of the genre and renaissance of culture. The service was subpar. Our waiter took our order and brought our check. Not once did he come to ask us how we were, ask us if we needed anything or even look our way. The restaurant was not at capacity and there were several empty tables inside so there’s no excuse. I’m very disappointed in how gentrified this restaurant has become. I won’t force anyone to take my money so I won’t be returning.

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  6. ItsMe

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Waiter not attentive and somewhat dismissive to our table of 9.

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  7. Geemanikki

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was cold!!! From appetizers to main menu and they were out of Brownies.

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  8. KhayD

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ralph was our waiter. One of the best waiters we’ve ever had. We came for brunch and I had the cod po boy sandwich (amazing!), the others had lamb burgers (to die for!!) and a salmon burger. Let me tell you somethinggggg Ralph needs a raise ok?? He was sooo attentive and we stayed and talked for hours and he never rushed us, never made us feel like we were a bother to him for constantly refilling our glasses and he even started leaving pitcher at the table (lol) and he always had a smile. Thank you Ralph!!! This was truly the best dining experience I’ve had in New York City and we’ve lived and dined in the city our whole lives. As a New Yorker, I was very impressed and you know nothing never impressed us. Chefs kiss!

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Harlem tavern is always a hit. I enjoy brunch every time I go

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  10. LieselA

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great spot for a work team lunch. Attentive service and tasty food!

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  11. LennieHall

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 6, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    TERRIBLE food. Go for drinks and the atmosphere, not for a meal :)

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  12. ElnoraJ

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Large area needed more Waite staff particularly because graduates from Columbia university were beginning to arrive

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  13. T401

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Not a good experience. Food was cold. Service was slow Waiter was unknowledgeable. Seating was unclean. Music not good.

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  14. PeggyC

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Food is just okay. Salmon burger was from a frozen patty. Not very tasty.

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  15. Kmarie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The restaurant was busy. We sat at an empty table for awhile. The manager, Angel, came over to check on us. He got our orders started because the wait staff was busy. Much appreciated.

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  16. VictorL

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was great! Overall a great place. A bit loud for my taste, but nothing unbearable

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My dining experience was pretty good. Chose from the Brunch menu and my choice included a Bloody Mary, my old time favorite. I chose the Seafood Gumbo which was a perfect single serving with rice. It was tasty and just the right portion. Saturday’s and Sundays they have a live jazz band which made the ambiance more enjoyable. Overall, it was a nice Sunday brunch and I’ll probably return in the near future.

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  18. JBGNYC

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great jazz brunch! Food was excellent staff was friendly. Jazz was wonderful

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  19. VanessaS

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    This was a good time. The food was good service was ok could have been better. The server was not into his job. Seem to have an attitude at times. What made the night so much fun was the music that DJ was amazing. He played all my favorite old school songs. This place needs a dance floor. Enjoy!

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  20. AngieNJ

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My Bonus Son was visiting NYC for a college friend’s Birthday. It was great to have a delicious brunch and great drinks with him and my Husband. Our waitress Shaquana was wonderful…thanks for the great service.

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  21. AnnW

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Went for lunch on a cold Saturday. The place was not full, got seated right away. Waiter and other staff were very pleasant and attentive. Food was very good- fresh tasty salad and juicy hamburger. Would definitely go again.

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  22. ChiaraC

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A vero good experience, nice people, good food! Recommended!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Good restaurant.

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  24. FrankG

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I saw the World Cup at Harlem Tavern and it was a great atmosphere. Great service and yummy food.

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  25. KathyC

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious, and our waiter Santiago was awesome A+++++

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was great!

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  27. NYVisitor

    Fort Lauderdale

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Get in early before the games start. After that it becomes difficult to have conversations at a normal level.

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  28. UniqueS

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 11, 2022

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The staff are wonderful the food is slamming ! I’m going back for those mussels

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  29. Kenf

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2022

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    The restaurant was not crowded we got there. We placed our order. Waited 20 minutes for the weather to come back with coffee and drinks. It was 12 o’clock and it soon became a football crowd noise level was deafening. The way that was terrible.

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  30. JulieL

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2022

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    food was very good, nice place for a brunch, but very noisy

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I loved it y'all did that thanks for making my day special

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  32. RonHR

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2022

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Been meaning to come here for a while and so glad we did! Good drinks, okay wine, good beer selection. The fried chicken was near perfect as was the chicken and waffles. A few, though not many, options for vegetarians but the quinoa salad my friend had was excellent. I just went for the burger and was very happy. Sat outside (almost all covered) on a weeknight, wasn't too crowded and we sat there for almost three hours. So much nicer than crowding into one of the sidewalk or curbside shed. Lots of TV's showing sports if you're into that too. All in all, we'll be back.

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  33. Jann

    New York Area

    449 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    449 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2022

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Beer Garden setting crossed with sportsbar, this popular tavern was perfect for dinner before a Flamenco performance nearby. Daily specials of Salmon burger & Ribs were both very tasty. Party atmosphere with one male server doing dance moves with a fan…lots if fun.

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  34. RichardS

    Cleveland

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Our server was a disaster! It took forever just to get a water refill. My wife asked for a 2nd glass of wine but in his detached dance craze, he never responded. When prompted again he addressed her as “princess” and made an off hand comment about needing to serve others in the kingdom & told her to relax. He’s lucky he was tipped…

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  35. Brina

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The brunch menu was deceit. Good variety of foods for a reasonable price. Our Brunch party food consistent of chicken and waffles, salmon benedict and steak and eggs. Which were all party good. The waiter was attentive at correcting an order due to food allergies. Overall not a bad experience

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  36. MLA1

    Baltimore

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2022

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a 12:00 noon brunch reservation so was seated promptly. After receiving water we sat for 10-15 minutes waiting to be served. Finally one of the staff who was not a waiter realized we hadn’t been served and took our order. Our waitress did surface shortly after this and was very attentive. Our omelets were well cooked, but I found the tomato flavor in the potatoes a little jarring to the taste buds; needed ample salt and pepper to blunt the acidity. My wife thought they were fine though. Harlem Tavern still remains a favorite NYC spot for us.

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  37. ChrisJ

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My guests and myself enjoyed our visit! And the lamb burger was EVERYTHING!!!!!

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The atmosphere was hot and pumping. Our waitress was very polite and attentive. She was very friendly and really catered to us. The food was also very good. Prices are really great and there’s something on the menu for anyone. Overall a great evening dining. Definitely will be returning again.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Nice patio area and mellow vibe so there's potential, but the food is just meh. The truffle fries had no truffle flavor, the burgers and sliders were overdone, the hot wings still had feathers on them and the salmon in the salad was dry. The fish tacos were delicious and the chicken wrap was good as well. Service was attentive.

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  40. Charm78

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2022

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time visiting and we had a great time. The drinks were delish and the food was amazing. Only complaint was that the short ribs were a tad bit too salty and the sauce was over reduced. I did express it to the server. Other than that, I look forward to visiting again.

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FAQs

Harlem Tavern is rated 3.8 stars by 237 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 1 time today
Google Map for Harlem Tavern

2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026

Additional information

  • Cross street
    116th St
  • Neighborhood
    Harlem
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–1:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Take the B or C Train to 116th street
  • Payment options
    Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Live Music on Tuesday and Wednesdays. Jazz Brunch on Saturday and Sunday
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wine
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