Interested in an afterwork spot that can reinsert the soul into your New York City lifestyle after 10 hours of work has sucked the energy right out of you? Well, try anyone of these establishments, as they are sure to comfort your afterwork quest for relaxation and a peaceful mind before you have to get up and go back to work all over again!
Tillman’s – 165 W. 26th Street, New York, NY
How can someone go to Tillman’s and not like it? It’s one of the best experiences in all of New York City, and there is no doubt that it’s a place where anyone can fit in. The music selection is on point, with both new and old musical choices from the hip-hop, R&B and soul genres. They even have the occasional live performance at Tillman’s. Of course, the weekend DJs (such as Qool Marv) add some true class to the joint, with an onslaught of Neo soul, Afro-beat and underground hip-hop. Tillman’s is also a great place to just chill. With swinging barriers that give each patron or party a since of privacy, it’s wise to come with a partner or a group of people if you’re interested in stirring up conversation. As for the food, it’s first rate—what you might call—gourmet soul food. In fact, “The Mack” (macaroni and cheese), which is made with sage, peas, mascarpone, bacon and bread crumbs, is reason enough to come to Tillman’s.
Billie’s Black – 271 W. 119th Street, New York, NY
Another gourmet soul food spot, Billie’s Black is one of the more interesting hangouts in Harlem. With events that range from poetry readings to charity functions, this place has something different going on every single evening. It’s a quaint spot, and it’s rarely overloaded with patrons, so feel safe about bringing a date or a significant other to Billie’s Black without having to skate around a bunch of people. And even on the occasion that Billie’s Black is full, you can rest assure that his mildly older clientele is not made up of your average ruffscallion. Instead, it consists of a very refined and cultural customer base that goes right along with some of the more artistic events they have throughout the week. Billie’s Black is closed on Mondays, so don’t try starting the week here, but on every other day of the week you can find a poetry reading, comedian, lecture, live musical performance, or a great piece of catfish on the menu at this sexy little spot in the heart of Harlem.
Village Pourhouse – 982 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY
Sticking with the Upper West Side, Village Pourhouse—the Upper West Side edition—very much mirrors its original location in the East Village. Sure, on a night where there is a big game, you are definitely going to find many interested and enthusiastic parties parked in front of one of the 20 HDTVs in the building. However, on your average day, afterwork, this crowd of working class New Yorkers is all about sitting back and enjoying the relatively moderately priced food and drink that is typical of most UWS locations. That being said, there is a bit of a Columbia student contingent at this Village Pourhouse location, however, the students are gone for the summer, and they’re rarely there before 10p.m. And if you’re a “downtowner,” who doesn’t want to make the trip up the highway, come knowing that the bar will reimburse you with drinks! So as far as going here for a relaxing time afterwork, don’t let the students, nor the location, deter you from enjoying the private garden, great nachos, and Ladies Nights on Fridays.
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