Yet another Harlem hot spot, Ginny’s is in the basement of the Red Rooster – its ‘sister’ joint – an avoidable ‘bridge and tunnel’ bar next to Sylvia’s restaurant, where tourists line up, and tourist buses double park.

Ginny’s is a bit of a sleeper, perhaps because it is not a pickup bar (as is Red Rooster) and features the kind of talent found only in cities like New York – talent to an extreme degree, in abundance, remarkably poised and expertly backed by in-demand musicians. I saw Ben Barson‘s Afro Yaqui Music Collective, with TWO baritone saxophones, one up front, and a vocal soloist who is an operatic soprano. Their show is a ‘dare-you-to-not-dance’ event.

One could double or triple up by going to Ginny’s, then moving on to Shrine or Paris Blues afterward, both very late-night scenes not far away. There’s good food at Ginny’s. Jane, Don and I ordered fried bird royale, ‘block party’ ribs, and blackened catfish from among roast turkey, crab cakes, jerk chicken, shrimp, and grits, etc, etc, etc offerings. Satisfaction gushed.

Check out Ginny’s website for upcoming acts. Admission is usually around $15 or $20, and dinner is about the same. Take the 2 or 3 train to 125th Street & Lenox; you’ll be a block away. Show times are 7 and 9 pm. Always check the website before going, and consider making reservations.

DOORS: 6:00 PM
SHOW: 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
$15.00 – $20.00