Tillman's

When I was in my teens, I watched a lot of “Cheers” re-runs, and thus I always imagined going to a bar where everybody knew my name. Of course, living in New York City and finding a place like that in Manhattan makes that a little bit more difficult for a young, black professional. Naturally, there are plenty of spots for black people in Harlem, but many of those tend to cater to a much older crowd. But having been in New York for quite some time now, I have managed to comb through many a bar in Manhattan, and I have a few spots worthy of regular attendance.

Here is our list of the Best Bars for young, black professionals in New York City.

SOHA
Nectar Wine Bar – 2235 Frederick Douglass Boulevard
When it comes to a nice, serene, modern and friendly atmosphere, you really can’t beat this little spot in Soha. Located in the burgeoning section of Central Harlem, Nectar draws all sorts of people to its contemporary milieu; still, the predominant clientele is of a darker hue. However, this isn’t the place to get rowdy, belligerently drunk or have a loud, boisterous conversation. With its peaceful yet trendy environment, Nectar caters best to a fun, young couple or a small group of friends. Together, you can sample their cheeses, try a new wine or just sit back and enjoy partaking in the pleasures of being young, black and fabulous.

UPPER WEST SIDE
Sugar Bar – 254 West 72nd Street
At the Sugar Bar, you come for the drinks and you leave with a full belly. With specialty cocktails and a full menu that will make the most entrenched soul-food lover a new believer, Sugar Bar encompasses black, Caribbean and African culture like very few places in Manhattan. The Sugartinis will shockingly get you drink, and soul music will take advantage of your tipsy disposition. Seeing as how this place is kind of pricey, a slightly older clientele is to be expected, but numerous twenty-something buppies frequent this place during prime nightlife hours.

UPPER WEST SIDE
Shark Bar – 307 Amsterdam Avenue
Don’t underestimate the power of the shark to lure in loads of black people throughout the week. While Shark Bar tends to ward off some of the older patrons who remember the Shark Bar of yesteryear, the venue hasn’t declined to such a degree that young, black professionals have been scared away. The music is always great, and the drink concoctions never fail to disappoint. While the entrees and food service seem to have faded since Shark Bar’s heyday under Oprah Winfrey’s ownership, this is still a great place to bring friends, shoot the shit and enjoy being in the company of other black folks like yourself.

CHELSEA
Tillman’s Bar & Lounge – 165 West 26th Street
Tillman’s brings a touch of Harlem to the Fashion District, inviting area young, black professionals to the establishment, often during the afterwork party hours. Monday and Thursday nights are when you’re most likely to see a crowd of black people in the building, as Tillman’s offer open mics and live music on these days. If you come with a group of people, don’t be afraid to grab a table and try one of Tillman’s many specialty soul food entrees. Often it’s the Monte Cristo that gets the best reviews from the brothas and sistas we know.

SOHA
Moca Bar & Lounge – 2210 Frederick Douglass Boulevard
Moca is a surprising little watering hole in Central Harlem. Although rather mundane looking on the outside, inside, Moca is set up with a trendy and homey feel that is easy to enjoy. Moca has happy hours every day of the week, making this place a popular destination for young, black professionals in the area. Most nights, they have some kind of a drink-purchase minimum, so intend on coming and staying for a while just to get your money’s worth. If there’s something special on television, like a big game, a Presidential conference or another unilaterally, unfulfilling episode of Black in America, you can be sure it will be on the HDTV at Moca, where many a stimulating conversation fills the room up with a delightful chatter.

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Nectar Wine Bar

You can’t help but wonder where do all of the young, black professionals in New York City go for drinks and conversation without paying $20 covers, listening to overly loud music and or having to deal with expensive restaurant tabs.

And where’s our “Cheers?” Where can we go where everybody knows our name, no matter the time of day, or day of the week?

Basically, it comes down to, “Where does the young, black professional crowd go in NYC?”

Well, believe it or not, there are a few bars and watering holes that have a predominantly black clientele, so you don’t have to feel like the odd one out afterwork or late at night. We came up with a few places that maintain a simple atmosphere, a plentiful “bar food” menu, and plenty of alcoholic beverages for black professionals, singles, couples, visitors and regulars.

So without further adieu, here are the places where black people can drink, eat and be merry.

Mojo
185 Saint Nicholas Avenue, Harlem
There is no doubt that Mojo is one of the sexiest bars in town. Although Mojo is rarely crowded, the select clientele is habitually on point. Young, black professionals from all parts of the city flock here for the eclectic menu and unparalleled service. Admittedly, Mojo’s Mediterranean menu does not go over well with everyone, but the drink menu, with creative concoctions such as the Savoy and Harlem Mule, let’s everyone leave happy and satisfied.

Tillman’s Bar & Lounge
165 West 26th Street, Fashion District
Tillman’s is like a modern-day speakeasy with forward-thinking gourmet soul food. Quite a mix, huh? Although many know Tillman’s for its eclectic and delicious menu, it is the atmosphere that drives most of the acclaim Tillman’s receives from its patrons. With unique cocktail mixes, a discerning crowd and gracious service, Tillman’s will not disappoint your afterwork needs. Then again, the place does get a little overcrowded on weekends, making it a tough place to get a fair shake on Friday and Saturday nights. But if you leave your patronage to Monday through Thursday, we assure you that you will have a good time with other like-minded, black professionals.

Nectar Wine Bar
2235 Frederick Douglas Blvd, Harlem
The best thing about Nectar is that it’s a freaking wine bar! Sure, you could go for your usual cocktail at the midtown watering hole, or you could come to Nectar and try out an assortment of wines and champagnes that will surely help you sleep just a little bit easier. Located in the burgeoning section of Central Harlem, Nectar is near plenty of young, black professionals and graduate students living in the area. You can find all of them at Nectar on weeknights and even during the day on weekends. The scene is continually laid-back, soothing, with nothing but lively, yet moderate, conversations going on in the background—the perfect place to have a drink and just chill.

Shrine Bar
2271 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard
Shrine is one of the most frequented uptown bars, and for good reason. They have a happy hour every day from 4 to 8pm that consists of $4 draft beers, $6 orders of wings, and on Thursdays, ladies get 2-for-1 drinks. The vibe is always great, the music is always hip, and Shrine’s live bands are always phenomenal. There is rarely a cover, especially during the times you will want to be there. Best of all, Shrine is open into the wee-wee hours of the night—you know, just in case you need to drown your sorrows in alcohol after a long day.

Of course, there’s more where that came from. Check out our “Young, Black Professional Scene” page.

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Tillman's - 165 West 26th Street

Tillman’s Bar & Lounge
165 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-627-8320
tillmansnyc.com, @tillmansnyc
Categories: Afterwork, Music, Bar, Lounge, Nightlife

Unlike your typical soul food based venues, Tillman’s Bar & Lounge is more about the scene than the food. With a stone fireplace and classic jazz bumping on the speakers, the atmosphere at Tillman’s fills you up with more soul than any Southern entrée ever could.

Having said that, the menu at Tillman’s certainly has the ability to take you back to a better time when eating ribs was about comforting yourself instead of being your one diet-breaker meal of the week. Some of Tillman’s menu options include the Tilmano pork sandwich made with black forest ham, roasted marinated pork and melted taleggio, served with sweet pickles and plantain chips. They also make a great French Onion Soup and Louisiana Cajun Gumbo.

However, Tillman’s most notorious plate of food is humbling referred to as “The Mack.” It’s Tillman’s take on macaroni and cheese, made with apple smoked bacon, garden peas, sage, mascarapone cheese and bread crumbs. It’s definitely not your mother’s macaroni and cheese.

Getting past the food, Tillman’s makes for a great afterwork venue because of the sexy atmosphere, professional clientele and great live music on most evenings. They also have an array of specialized cocktails that any connoisseur of liquor would enjoy. You would be hard-pressed to find a single bad review of this place, (even the folks at NYMag.com like it) as it is one of the few havens for young, black professionals in this party of Manhattan.

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1. Afterwork Spots in Manhattan
2. Black Listed: Best Bars
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