American Legion Post 398 New York
Hot Harlem night
Geoffrey from New York
I have coupled many a Sunday night at the American Legion Post with a Sunday afternoon visit to Marjorie Eliot’s Parlour Jazz recital. I walk from her place --- it’s about a mile and a half, mostly downhill and mostly beneath old shade trees lining the embankment that edges Edgecombe Avenue. It's a ridge that creates Sugar Hill.
At the American Post I get to hear jazz played the old-fashioned way, --- the environment of Harlem in the '30s, '40s and '50s. In a row of brownstones on 132nd Street, down a few steps to the ground floor, is where musicians and jazzers from Harlem, and tourists from all over the world gather.
Dinner is available. All dishes are about $10, served on plastic plates with plastic ‘cutlery’. Vegetables include potato salad, collard greens, and rice; entrées are fried chicken, pork or whiting (fish).
I try to arrive around 6, so that I can sit at the bar, maybe have a piece of chicken.
You must sign in (because it is an American Legion Post) but admission is free. Donations accepted and a coffee can is passed around to accept them.
The nearest train station is 135 Street on the A or C Train (Blue).
The house band --- the Harlem Groove Band --- was created by Seleno Clarke, a legend on the Hammond B3.
He died just after Christmas 2017 at 88 years of age. His death is a saddening loss to the Harlem Jazz scene. I attended his memorial concert.
Rest in peace.
The club presses onward.
New York Spotter Geoffrey
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
1166 Sixth Avenue
Lichenstein & Otterness
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Nostalgia
Vintage subway train excursions
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Teranga
Senegalese food at the Africa Center
"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
S&P Lunch
1928 Lunch Counter
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dive 75
Quality trivia contests
"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Professional Baseball
April 4 opener 2025
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Paris Cinema
Last single screen cinema in NYC
"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Gray's Papaya
Traditional NY hot dogs
"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Revson Fountain
Lincoln center
"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Rubenstein Atrium
Lincoln Center free concerts
"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
La Casa Bella
Bay Ridge Italian
The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
