REMEMBER: GAY BARS OF THE RECENT PAST

There have been a couple of stories on the old Silver Rail Bar just below 125th Street on 8th Avenue in the past but Bespoke readers are the ones who have revealed the forgotten LGBT history at some of Harlem's establishments in 70s, 80s or 90s.  This block would eventually be demolished for the big glassy Harlem USA complex but before that happened, 2321 8th Avenue became Andre's which appears to haves been the spot for the gay community to socialize.

Andre's filled-in where the Silver Rail left off and did very well. Another gay bar on 125th St. was known as Jay's and lets not forget the Big Apple. All three catered to a particular sub-set within the black gay culture of Harlem. The Big Apple catered to older, middle-aged gay black men while Andre's was known for its demimonde and Jays catered to everyone else including hustlers.  

We visited each site this week to see what they look like in 2016.  Anyone with more details on the actual dates they were open should comment accordingly or contact: harlembespoke@gmail.com

NEW THIS WEEKEND: UPTOWN TRIENNIAL 2023

Uptown Triennial 2023, on view June 23rd, 2023 through September 17th, 2023 at the Wallach gallery, 615 West 125th Street, west of Broadway, Wednesday-Sunday, 12:00PM-6:00PM.  Uptown Triennial 2023 is a visual arts tribute to the sonic world—in the realms of music, soundscapes, and spoken word—that resonates with the spirit of Harlem. The Triennial was originally conceived in 2017 as a survey of works by artists who live or practice north of 99th Street in Manhattan..

REMEMBER: THE LANGSTON HUGHES HOUSE CIRCA 1940

Harlem Bespoke: We have written a lot about the Langston Hughes House at at 20 East 127th Street over the years but never pulled up an archival photo.  The above historic images from the city files show the matching brownstones on the block between Fifth Avenue and Park a few year before the Harlem poet would reside within on the top floor as his workspace.  

LISTEN: AMATEUR NIGHT AT THE APOLLO

Harlem Bespoke:  The renowned Amateur Night at the Apollo returns in 2023 after almost almost a two years absence and tickets are now on sale for November.

LGBTQ MEETUP AT THE CLIFFS HARLEM

Harlem Bespoke: CRUX empowers members of the LGBTQ community to participate in rock climbing and outdoor recreation in New York.  CRUX will host meetup nights at The Cliffs at Harlem on the second Tuesday of every month.

LGBTQ MEETUP AT THE CLIFFS HARLEM

Harlem Bespoke: CRUX empowers members of the LGBTQ community to participate in rock climbing and outdoor recreation in New York.  CRUX will host meetup nights at The Cliffs at Harlem on the second Tuesday of every month.

BESPOKE: THE BEST WINGS IN HARLEM

Harlem Bespoke: Those thinking about a great place to celebrate all the dad's out there should consider Dinosaur Bar-B-Que on 125th Street by 12th Avenue.  Grilling is popular during the summer but the difference with Dino BBQ is that all of the meats are pit-smoked for 14 hours before finally finishing things off with a glaze on high heat.  Even with so many wing joints opening up in Harlem in 2015, nothing will probably be able to match the smokey flavor of one of the city's best BBQ spots located in Manhattanville.  We also especially love the brisket and ribs along with a side of fried green tomatoes.  There is usually a wait for a seat but this is one place that is definitely worth it.

HarlemBespoke.com 2023

AMATEUR NIGHT AT THE APOLLO MAY 2023

Harlem Bespoke:  The renowned Amateur Night at the Apollo returns in 2023 after almost almost a two years absence and tickets are now on sale for November.

LGBTQ MEETUP AT THE CLIFFS HARLEM

Harlem Bespoke: CRUX empowers members of the LGBTQ community to participate in rock climbing and outdoor recreation in New York.  CRUX will host meetup nights at The Cliffs at Harlem on the second Tuesday of every month.

AMATEUR NIGHT AT THE APOLLO MAY 2023

Harlem Bespoke:  The renowned Amateur Night at the Apollo returns in 2023 after almost almost a two years absence and tickets are now on sale for November.

UPDATE: THE BILLION OYSTER PROJECT IN MAY

Rescheduled: Saturday, May 27th, 12:00PM–2:00PM,  The Billion Oyster Project at The Baylander, West Harlem Piers on the Hudson at 125th Street.  Come see the Billion Oyster Project on the Baylander’s Jungle Deck. Learn about the project's latest effort to restore our harbor!

RESIDENCY: APPLICATIONS AT STUDIO MUSEUM 2023

Harlem Bespoke: Calling emerging artists of African and Latin American descent! Did you know that artist Kehinde Wiley started out in Harlem with a Studio Museum residency before taking the art world by storm?  The Studio Museum continues this legacy and is currently receiving applications for the 2023-24 Artist-in-Residence program. This eleven-month studio residency will be offered to three emerging artists working in any media and the application deadline is by May 22nd, 2023.  More details and online application can be found on the Studio Museum site: LINK

HarlemBespoke.com 2023

AMATEUR NIGHT AT THE APOLLO MAY 2023

Harlem Bespoke:  The renowned Amateur Night at the Apollo returns in 2023 after almost almost a two years absence and tickets are now on sale for November.

SEE: NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL AT MAYSLES

Harlem Bespoke:  The spring season will have more on the calendar for everyone and will feature local live events such as the 30th Annual African Film Festival at Maysles Cinema this weekend.  Keep it all in the neighborhood and help support uptown's small businesses!

BIPOC CLIMB NIGHT AT THE CLIFFS HARLEM

Harlem Bespoke: The Cliffs has a free first-time climb People of Color meet-up night on every third Thursday of the month for Harlem residents and is only $15 for the night or $10 for first timers with all rentals included.

REMEMBER: THE PALM CAFE REVISITED

Harlem Bespoke: We received a wonderful response to our original Palm Cafe post a few years ago and thought it would something the Bespoke audience could appreciate.  The above postcard is from around 1950:

Thanks for reviving old memories the the famous "Palm Cafe" where I worked as a waitress in the early sixties. Having said that, please be advised that the photographs do not reflect the dining room in its state of elegance. All tables were covered with white cloths and dressed with cloth dinner napkins. I have a photograph of the entire staff (including me) sitting at the rear of the dining room. One day, I will surprise you by sharing it. I remember waiting on Langston Hughes, Sidney Poitier and Sam Cook. In fact, almost everyone who appeared at the Apollo Theater visited the Palm Cafe. The owner was Ralph Bastone. His son Freddie Bastone, owned the famous "Top Club" at St. Nicholas and 125th Sts.

HarlemBespoke.com 2023

CHARLES PAN-FRIED CHICKEN DEBUTS ON 125TH STREET

Harlem Bespoke:  We were first to report that Charles Pan-Fried Chicken will be open a 125th Street location by Amsterdam Avenue back in November and now the storefront is officially open for business! This will officially be the fourth upper Manhattan location to open in recent years and we especially like the very Central Harlem location.  More on Charles can be found in our past post: LINK

HarlemBespoke.com 2023

AMATEUR NIGHT AT THE APOLLO MAY 2023

Harlem Bespoke:  The renowned Amateur Night at the Apollo returns in 2023 after almost almost a two years absence and tickets are now on sale for November.

HARLEM TRADER JOE’S SEPTEMBER 2023 OPENING?

Harlem Bespoke: Word of mouth has it that September is the first proposed debut date for the Harlem Trader Joe's location on 125th Street by Lenox Avenue.  With that said, things are always delayed a couple of months so may by December of this year will be a better bet.

AMATEUR NIGHT AT THE APOLLO MAY 2023

Harlem Bespoke:  The renowned Amateur Night at the Apollo returns in 2023 after almost almost a two years absence and tickets are now on sale for November.