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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Astor Center - 399 Lafayette Street, NYC

Don’t let the start of the work week be the end of your fun weekend. Keep the party going by checking out one of the many things going on in the Monday Nightlife Rundown for March 8, 2010.

New Flavor Monday’s – 10pm - Sapphire Lounge (249 Eldridge Street): Kiss FM’s DJ Chuck Chillout will be in the building this Monday spitting out the best hip-hop and R&B mashups you will hear all night. The turnout is expected to be full of young blacks expecting to turn the place out, release the stress of Monday’s and make some hey in getting even closer to the start of the next weekend. There is a $10 cover charge and there will be drink specials all night long.

Mary Poppins (Theatre) – 7pm
New Amsterdam Theatre (214 West 42nd Street): How about dinner and a show tonight? Well, it’s not too late to do just that. Tonight, at the New Amsterdam Theatre, an oldie-but-a-goody is taking stage as Mary Poppins comes back to life in this grand production. Tickets are still available for the Monday showing, so why not score some online or get some rush tickets and make a night out of this Monday. You can buy tickets at Ticketmaster.com.

Shelf Mondays – 6pm
Negril Village (70 West 3rd Street): The beginning of a new day is here. The Shelf Mondays is Negril’s latest afterwork party, one we hope embodies a lot of what their great Tuesday afterwork venue embodies. As per usual, the even is free and there will be drink specials to the fullest, including $5 cocktails! They also have a $5 menu for the night that includes mango barbeque wings, jerk chicken ribbettes and codfish fritters. On the 1’s and 2’s, they are playing hip-hop, reggae and R&B, exclusively. So stop by Greenwich Village to enjoy all Negril Village has to offer on a Monday.

Bottles Up Monday – 11pm
Suzie Wong’s (547 West 27th Street): Each and every Monday, Suzie Wong’s does it up right with one of the flyest weekday parties in New York City. The young, black professional turnout is almost unparalleled for a Monday night, and models, socialites and executives make their way out to this venue to take part in all of the hoopla. Come dressed sexy though, because the dress code is strict. You may even want to head home and make a change into something a little trendier than your typical 9-5 wear. But as long as you’re dressed to impress, admission is free, so there’s no need to rush your way out here. The party does get popping early on, so don’t come too late!

International Women’s Day Event – 6:30pm
Aster Center (399 Lafayette Street): I bet you didn’t know March 8th is International Women’s Day. Well, you do now! Compass Box Whisky is co-sponsoring a special event with the Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails that will raise money for Dress for Success (dressforsuccess.org). The event will toast to the accomplishments of women in New York City while getting a little throwed at the same time. Tickets are $30 and you can purchase them at astorecenternyc.com.

Savor: A Culinary Experience – 7pm
Gotham Hall (1356 Broadway): The best way to taste food from all over the world, without going all over the world, is to do it all in one place. Enter “Savor.” Some of the city’s best chefs will be in attendance and behind the stove, serving up specialties from some of the best restaurants in Manhattan, including Butter, Paladar and one of our personal favorites, Scarpetta. You can get tickets at gmhc.org.

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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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Fashion 40, 202 W. 40th Street, NYC

It’s FRIDAY!

Which means it’s time to forget about work, stop talking about the economy, and do whatever the heck you feel like doing! And should that just happen to include hitting up an afterwork happy hour, having dinner with your friends, hitting up the club and then a nightcap at your favorite pizza place—well, then so be it! To help you out with your agenda, as well as the agendas of those with slightly different nightlife goals, here is your Friday Nightlife Rundown for February 26, 2010.

(Many events were omitted due to the extreme weather conditions)

West Side Story – 9pm
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway): Who doesn’t love a good showing of West Side Story? A tale of love, rivalry and culture clashing coincides on the stage of the Palace Theater, bringing back musical scores of yesteryear, along with the great motifs of William Shakespeare. Up and coming young actors Matthew Hydzik and Josefina Scaglione play the leading roles of Tony and Maria. The show is on tonight and runs through at least March 10th. Check out Ticketmaster for tickets and more information.
Friday Night Party – 10pm
Room Service (144 Sullivan Street): Even with the snow on the ground, Room Service is expected to be open for business tonight as one of the best Friday night parties keeps it going. On the 1’s of 2’s is nothing but the best in hip-hop, reggae, R&B and Latin music. Gentlemen are free until 11pm and ladies are free until 1am. I will let you know if anything changes between now and tonight by updating this post before the event is scheduled to start.

Formula 40 – 5pm
Fashion 40 (202 West 40th Street): Once again, I will do my best to update every event in this post before it’s scheduled to happen. But as of now, Fashion 40 is slated to keep the party going tonight with nothing but the music you want to hear. As always, getting into Fashion 40 requires you have a flash of fashion. From 5pm to 10pm, you get 2-for-1 drinks, and there is a full food menu. This is the place to be afterwork. Of course, the snow may have something to say about that.

Four Year Anniversary – 6pm & 10pm
Butterfield 8 (5 East 38th Street): Well, when it comes to snow, you can always count on the bars staying open. Come celebrate the 4-year anniversary of Butterfield 8 NYC, which has been a staple for New York Socialites over the years. Tonight, from 6pm to 7pm, Butterfield 8 is having a free, full open bar along with passed hors d’oeuvres. Then they are going to do it all over again from 10pm to 11pm. Most importantly, it’s free!

Strictly the Best Fridays
BLVD (199 Bowery Street): I will let you know if BLVD is closing its doors tonight, but for now, we can dream, can’t we? Snow withstanding, and if everything goes according to plan, BLVD is one of the few places that’s playing nothing but hip-hop, R&B and reggae all night long! There is no cover before midnight if you let them know you’re on the Nitelife Entertainment list, so get there early…if you can.

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Nona Hendryx Live – 8pm - S.O.B.’s (204 Varick Street) – For you youngin’s out there who don’t know, Nona Hendryx is the reason why Beyonce can talk about being “Bootylicious” and a “Sexy Lil Thug.” Hendryx and her group members were some of the first black females to introduce songs dealing with sex and other secular issues that most young, black, female artists backed away from during her reign. She also led a very promising solo career, and was a decent actor. But tonight, at S.O.B.’s she’s screaming and shouting on the microphone, bringing back some of the R&B’s, Soul’s, Funk’s and New Age’s most original tunes.

High Life Thursdays – 6pm
Taj (48 West 21st Street): DJ Jon Quick is on the turntables spinning hip-hop, R&B, Reggae, Soca and Salsa music. The party is hosted by TENE, and they usually are on top of their game in terms of getting the young, black professional crowd to the club. The dress code is business casual, so there’s no need to head home before work. There is no cover before 8pm, and it is $20 thereafter. Also from 6-8, you can enjoy their 2-for-1 happy hour with any liquor of your choice.

Selfish Thursdays – 11pm
Suzie Wong’s (547 West 27th Street): Leave your sneakers at home and your t-shirts hanging on the door, this party is only for the best dressed, black socialites in New York City. Okay, it’s not a Presidential Ball or anything, but they are running a tight door at Suzie Wong’s on Thursday nights. That means you best show up dressed to impressed, or you’ll be headed home early. And this is not the party to miss. This weekly event boast DJ Self and DJ Boof, each of which will be on the 1’s and 2’s with nothing but hip-hop and R&B, so there’s no need to brace yourself for entire blocks of music you’re not interested in. And talk about burying the lead, there is a Grey Goose open bar until midnight, and gentlemen and ladies are free until 12, as well.

Afterwork Martinis – 6pm
Harlem Supper Club (454 W. 128th Street): At the Harlem Supper Club you know you are getting nothing but hip-hop and R&B on the dance floor. As for their afterwork happy hour, it’s quite the feat. Your alcoholic beverage options include, but are not limited to, 2-for-1 drinks from 6-9, 2-for-1 martinis, $4 Coronas, 2 for $300 Grey Goose bottles, and patron margarita specials all night long.

Thrillin’ Thursdays & Ladies Night – 5pm
1849 (183 Bleecker Street): I believe the “Ladies Night” portion of this special has been phased out slightly, but that’s technically good news, since the drink specials once open solely to women are now open to gentlemen, as well (but someone can correct me if I’m wrong). So what are those specials? Well, you can start with half-price beer and well drinks all night long. You can also buy 5-cent Draft beers with the purchase of any appetizer. And up until 6 o’clock, you can also make good on their 20-cent wing special. Now, that’s food for thought.

CD Drive – 7pm
Housing Works Bookstore Café (126 Crosby Street): Well, it’s official: you’re old! Remember how ancient vinyl records seemed when we were little? And remember how we couldn’t believe our parents were playing those things, or how angry they got when we messed around with them? Then of course, CDs came out, and we were all over those, laughing at our parents, most of whom were still trying to get their vinyl’s transferred to cassette tapes just so they could listen to them in their cars. Well, now CDs are ancient news too, and there is a CD Drive to prove it. Join the folks at the Housing Works Bookstore and donate your old CDs to Housing Works’ mission. The event is sponsored by Hype Machine with several live music performances.

Tillman’s Live – 8pm
Tillman’s Bar & Lounge (165 West 26th Street): Check out the reoccurring live performance from the Igmar Thomas Trio. The music gets going at 8pm and they play until they can’t play anymore. Between sets, you can listen to the soulful tunes of the house DJ and talk with your friends over some of the best soul food you’ll find south of Harlem. With platters that include French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese, the Monte Cristo (an incredible sandwich!) and the best Macaroni and cheese you have ever had that wasn’t made by someone you call Mom.

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Bottles Up Monday – 10:30pm - Suzie Wong’s (27th Street btw 10th & 11th Avenues): DJ Will and DJ Snap will take you through an array of music that includes nothing but the best of hip-hop, reggae and R&B music. There’s no cover for the entire night, but do come dressed correct, because they are guaranteeing that the door is going to be incredibly strict…and when there’s no cover, I tend to believe that.

Bubby’s Catering Open House – 6pm – 9pm –
Bubby’s Brooklyn (1 Main Street, Brooklyn): If you live in Brooklyn, or are willing to travel anywhere for food, then you might want to check out Bubby’s Brooklyn, where you can sample all kinds of great food and drink for the mere price of $25. You can use this tasting to get ready for your next event, or you can just come out and pig-out on exquisite hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and wines, all the while chatting away with some of the most eclectic collection of New York City foodies you will ever see.

Salsa Mondays – 5pm
Taj (48 West 21st Street): I know most of you aren’t down for this seductive dance, but some of you are, and the rest of you need to give it a try anyway. Besides, living in New York City and partaking in the nightlife practically requires that you know how to Salsa. Trying to make it in this city without ever giving it a shot puts you at a loss.

Ladies Night – 11pm
Marquee (289 10th Avenue): Marquee isn’t the typical destination of young, black professionals, but this Monday, every woman will enjoy Ladies Night at Marquee. This elite venue is definitely going to be extremely strict with the door, so make sure you come dressed correct. Naturally, ladies are free, but you must RSVP by calling 347-772-6275. Groups of five ladies or more get complementary drinks, so make sure you bring your girlfriends with you. As for the fellas, don’t come without a lady on your arm or in your group.

Jazz Jam – 9pm
Nuyorican (236 East 3rd Street): I got such a great response from this past weekend’s event at the Nuyorican that I thought I’d show some weekday love to the Nuyorican as well. For $10 you can check out one heck of a jazz set from MONK, along with a freestyle jazz section following the show. The “Jazz Jam,” as they are calling it, will consists of surprise guests, so if you want something suspenseful and different this Monday, this is the place to be.

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Leslie Uggams

Saturday has arrived and it looks like it is going to be a beautiful day. Thankfully, there are plenty of things to do in the City today, including a fresh look at the Knicks and a Mardi Gras-themed party. So get out there and have a fun time today, because come Tuesday, snow is back in the forecast.

American Songbook: Leslie Uggams: “Uptown Downtown” – 10:30pm - Lincoln Center: Check out this inspiring presentation from Leslie Uggams, a Tony Award winning performer. She is a magnificent black voice with a stunning Broadway background, and her presence on the stage will captivate even the youngest of audiences.

New York Knicks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – 7:30pm
Madison Square Garden: Come watch the newly realigned New York Knicks get their brains knocked in by Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Okay, so that’s not exactly the best promo for the New York Knicks, but at least if you show up, you might get to see Kevin Durant do something special on the court. That’s the great thing about the NBA; even when your team sucks, you still get to see 25-29 other superstars come to your arena every year.

Sexy Saturdays – 11pm
Retreat (27 West 17th Street): When it comes to clubbing and throwing parties in New York City there is a very simple rule to follow: K.I.S.S! Keep It Simple Stupid! Retreat is definitely doing that by offering no cover before midnight, a trendy dress code, and nothing but hip-hop, R&B and reggae music. After all that, what else do you need?

Socialite Saturdays – 10pm
D’Or (204 West 55th Street): D’Or, the popular midtown club, is going social this Saturday, and I’m not talking about Facebook and Twitter. Of course, there will be lots of interaction going on, especially since ladies are free until midnight on the Rob Diesel VIP list. And to help lubricate even more social interactivity, there is an open bar from 10pm to 11pm. So stuff your blackberries in your purse, and leave your tweetdecks alone for the night, because Socialite Saturday at D’Or is the only thing you need to stay in the loop this weekend.

Saturdays with Casbah – 11pm
Taj Mahal (1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ): Fire up your ride or rent out a limo bus, either way, Atlantic City is the place to be this weekend. Thousands are set to embark upon Taj Mahal this Saturday as DJ Jordan Williams takes the club over with his renown mash-ups and mixes on the 1’s and 2’s. Do come dressed correct, because you don’t get into a Donald Trump building without looking edgy and sexy—hair pieces are optional.

Circus Saturdays – 10pm
Webster Hall (125 E. 11th Street): This isn’t your older sister’s Webster Hall anymore! The newly renovated Webster Hall is for the clowns now…literally. With circus performers taking over a portion of the night’s activities in the grand ballroom, you’re sure to see something you won’t find at any other venue on your average Saturday night. Of course, if you’re just in it for the music, the men, the women and the alcohol, the lower floor room will take you away from the madness and allow you party the way you’re accustomed to at Webster Hall—with another kind of reckless abandonment.

Mardi Gras Party – 10pm
Club Roam (5 East 19th Street): Get here early or else the long line will surely leave you standing out in the cold. You don’t want to stand out in the cold when you’re half naked in a Mardi Gras outfit wearing a mask. And yes, festive attire is very welcomed at this party, because that’s what you do at Mardi Gras, ain’t it? Ladies are free before 11pm. Gentlemen, sorry, but you’re going to have to probably put up $20 to see ladies in Mardi Gras attire.

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