Harlem Dive Bars New York
Paris Blues
The question to ask is, “Should an authentic dive bar get zero stars or five stars?”
You can go to 'Dive Bar' on 75th at Columbus---the Disneyland version: safe, clean, looks like a real dive bar. Is that a New York dive bar experience? Well, it is in NYC, but I think not. More of an Orlando experience.
So, do a tour with friends.
First stop, The Duck, way up in East Harlem.
Second stop, A Touch of Dee, not far from The Duck.
Third stop: Paris Blues, not far away either. It’s crowded, famous, offers free food and Sam Hargress (pictured) is a well known Harlem personality. A legit joint to really carouse. Always a live band.
You’re not clearing brush here, these bars are already ‘discovered’, so there’s that. Visitors are unlikely to discover something more earthy/dangerous anyway. Consider hiring a car service to take you around.
Random Yelp reviews (The Duck): “It's cool because it's a mess/it sucks because it's a mess.” & “If I ever return it's because I've hit the lowest of the low”.
Of the three, I favour Paris Blues, sort of a more divey, unkempt version of Shrine, nearby. Totally legit and very popular. Loud. Around since 1969. Pack a handkerchief so you can wipe off the funk afterward.
The Duck: 2171 Second Ave (111th Street), (212) 831-3464, 12:00 - 04:00 daily
A Touch of Dee: 657 Malcom X Blvd (143rd Street), (212) 694-9530, 22:00 - 04:00 daily
Paris Blues: 2021 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. (121st Street), (917) 257-7831, 12:00 - 03:00 am.
Samuel Hargress Jr (owner, pictured) died 10 April, 2020 of Covid-19 complications.
About this spot
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Color World
Curb Side BBQ
Color World sets up on the corner of 116th and 2nd Avenue, rain or shine. There they serve beef, pork, goat, oxtail, and chicken for $10 a plate.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Don Alejo Coffee
Coffee, toasts and burritos
Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Icons' Homes
James, James & Dorothy
There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heckscher Field/Central Park
Broadway show league
"Heckscher Field" in Central Park, New York, is used for softball. Here you can see games played for the Broadway Show League. Celebrity stars may be seen.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
74St Café
American overlooking Beacon Theater
Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Verdi Square
People Watching
This sun soaked park bench is a destination neighborhood residents know, spending time there in observation. It’s one of the more fabulous NYC stages.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Monumental Women
Central Park Monument Representing Real Women
"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Der Krung
Best Thai spot in town
"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...
by
Christian
Neely
Apthorp Cleaners
Barbies, Barbies, Barbies
"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Taco Mix
Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Studio Museum in Harlem
Artists of color
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dinastia
Cuban - Chinese
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
304 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
✓ 304 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 Bars
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
