Harlem Dive Bars – Paris Blues

Harlem Dive Bars New York

Image by ghdunbar

Harlem Dive Bars – Paris Blues

Geoffrey Dunbar photo

Geoffrey from New York

Knowing and loving New York is having lived through many of its manifestations.....

Read all articles

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.

🗺️ Nearby spots & easy navigation? Download our iPhone / Android app!

Geoffrey from New York

Geoffrey Dunbar photo

Knowing and loving New York is having lived through many of its manifestations.....

Read all articles

Details about this spot

Categories

Address

2021 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. (7th Avenue), New York

Telephone number

+19172577831

Opening Times

12:00 - 03:00 daily

Price

Beer: US$ 4

Website

Check on Facebook

Last Changed Date: 2016-05-19 11:45:13 +0200 (Thu, 19 May 2016)