Movin On Up...Best Harlem Bars

Downtown is so overdone. Mix up your drinking game with some uptown flavor and check out the city's next hot neighborhood-Harlem. The second renaissance is here, thank to an outragreous real estate market pushing developers north of Central Park. Crime is down and the rent's still cheap, so we suggest you find out how the spirited cultural center got its groove back before everyone else south of 110th Street catches on.


Nectar Wine Bar @ Harlem Vintage2241 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (120th & 121st Sts.)
Harlem 212-961-9622
When Harlem Vintage opened in 2004 as the neighborhoods first boutique wine store, it signaled a turn in Harlem's economy. The recent opening of the store owner's wine bar next door, Nectar further celebrates the cultural shift. A rotating menu of seasonal cheeses, characuterie, and chocolates selected by Martin Johnson of the Joy of Cheese will complement the vino, beer and sake offerings.

MoBay
17 W. 125TH St (5th & Lenox Aves.)
Harlem 212-876-9300
Caribbean soul food treats like herk chicken and oxtail stew are dished out here to alyoal clientele, and the offerings at the glowing red bar are just as tasty. Try the smoky Harlem mojito, subsituting cognac for rum. Feel transported to island time in this sand-colored space while reggae, jazz, and R&B bands provide the soundtrack to our imaginary vacation. You'll want to book your ticket to the real MoBay - Montego Bay, Jamaica - after unwinding here.

Dinosaur Bar-b-que
646 W. 131st St (Riverside Dr. & Broadway)
Upper West Side 212-694-1777
It's always packed at this country BBQ haven a block from the legendary Cotton Club, and for good reason - the sauces here alone make any hunk of meat worth devouring. Be sure to leave some room for one of Dinosaur's conctails or 50 beers to choose from because racks of ribs aren't the only things getting you sloppy here. If you want a quick trip to buzzed city, try the Dino Demise: Vodka, Rum, Tequila, 151 Triple Sec, and splashes of cranberry, orange and pineapple juice (sounds like the recipe to a heck of a night)

Hudson River Cafe
697 W. 133rd St. (@12th Ave.)
Harlem 212-491-9111
Come summertime ,the living is easy at this waterfront restaurant with a huge outdoor dining patio. A mix of locals and tourists flock here for the sweepingviews of the river, and or visitors, brunch here is a great way to begin a trek into the neighborhood. Wash down a selection from the raw bar with a Cucumber on the Hudson -Hendricks's Gin, White Cranberry Juice and English Cucumber.

Courtesy to Sheckys.com