A friend over in West Harlem mentioned that the Harlem Public appears to be open so we dropped by the highly anticipated bar over at Broadway and 149th Street last night. This area of Broadway usually shuts down by early evening but at 8:00 PM, the new watering hole was bustling with locals that packed the place fully. Everyone from the neighborhood appears to have shown up for the arrival of the drinking establishment and the crowd was pleasantly diverse. Off-duty firemen, locals who grew up in the neighborhood, grad students from Columbia, and also a good amount of the gays from the area were represented.
The kitchen is not up and running yet but free popcorn was on hand to accompany the beers on tap which all were $5. As far as atmosphere goes, the interior is filled with warm wood, pendant lights, tile work and even has a 19th century hip element to it with a wall full of antique, framed pictures. Harlem Public appears to have the right look alongside the right pricing to appeal to all demographics in the neighborhood and could be a sign of better things to come over in Hamilton Heights.
This place and their neighbor Chipped Cup are game changers for this neighborhood. Attention to detail, not patronizing the people in this neighborhood with mediocre offerings and great service = a recipe for success.
ReplyDeleteSpot on guys. Spot On.
Forgot to congratulate Harlem Public for excellent service which was a hard thing to achieve on opening week with a new staff.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't there but just want to point out that there is a growing amount of gays in hamilton heights that is becoming very noticeable
ReplyDeleteI know! Isn't it wonderful!
DeleteCan't wait to try. Hamilton Heights needs more of these type of places. More services please!
ReplyDeleteThis location was once CARLS PLACE and those of us who lived in this community and the genration before has this as a jazz spot.. so this is not a new thing to the area... We also had two asiain resturant that had table cloths on the tables All of these spots were class acts for over 60 years. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteSybil, thank you for pointing out the history and glad to hear about it (no snark).
ReplyDeleteWhen did it close?
Harlem Public- you warm my heart! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteQuality businesses may have existed here in the past but they are certainly scarce today. Call it a renaissance, revival, resuscitation, revitalisation, whatever. I for one am elated to see the change. This kind of facelift has been long overdue here. Bring it on.
ReplyDelete@Sybil...
ReplyDeletePart of that space was also The Oak Tree from the late 70s throughout the 80s.
Went a couple of nights ago. Loved that I ran into several friends without even trying and even made some new ones. The beers were great, the music was great, the service was spectacular. Thank you, Jay! Had a blast and can't wait to go again tonight!
ReplyDeleteGreat info folks !! I can't wait to go by it when I return form traveling !! Even in Paris I check out this site to get the 411 !!
ReplyDeleteThe enthusiasm that has greeted this place, the success of Corner Social reinforce that we need more neighbourhood pubs and not wine bars or "destination" restaurants, Red Rooster notwithstanding.
ReplyDeleteWhat we DON"T need are ridiculous Champagne and caviar bars. I mean really. More coffee places and lunch places (no Subway) would be welcomed.
ReplyDeleteYes I totally agree with the post from October 1st.
ReplyDeleteThe last thing we need is more Ghettobouge (Ghetto-bourgeois) places with no soul and ultimately end up looking like a sad fake Louis Vuitton handbag in the light of day. Just keep it real, inviting and unpretentious.
Carl's Corner-THE place to go in the '50s and '60s, best for miles around. Lots of limo traffic at night. Owned by Carl and Cynthis Tomlinson.
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