Geoffrey from New York

About me I travel to discover how people elsewhere live, how they manage living with low incomes in expensive cities, how they grapple with hard times and failing economies, how they deal with ageing or crumbling families and how they themselves age and adapt. Knowing and loving New York comes from having lived through many of its manifestations while witnessing its changes....

Oct 4, 2025

New Life Juice Bar & Lounge New York

Harlem bar and lounge

""New Life Juice Bar & Lounge" in New York City is a new bar where they don't serve alcohol but have still created a place to socialize & hang out..."

Strolling uptown on St. Nicholas toward 125th Street --- down-coated, warm despite the cool, breezy April night air, settling my Seasoned Vegan stuffed belly --- I'm wondering what I will find.

There. A tiny bar with big plate-glass windows, bright, full. Turns out to be a ‘juice bar and lounge’ named New Life. While reading the window menu, I'm beckoned inside by two patrons. We engage in conversation. Someone mentions drinks for sexual rejuvenation.

It turns out that this is a ‘new’ bar, for those who don’t want alcohol, but want to hang out, to socialize. Not sure yet about the rejuvenation.

My next conversation is with one of the owners, who tells me that they have just opened up a couple of months back, and intend to modify their offerings to suit their clientele if only they can determine who their clientele is, or might become.

All very interesting --- especially the sexual rejuvenation part --- and, I think, a place to go to meet local residents, to find out what’s up, up there, to get high on love potions and exotic additives like aloe, cayenne, chia seeds, acai, seaweeds and mosses.

Finally I reach 125th, check out The Apollo, chat with a ticket taker, ask ‘what’s up tonight?’---she gives me an unclaimed ticket, free, to the upper balcony and I catch the last number of Ledisi's tribute to Nina Simone. Three great backup singers, a pumped five-piece band and an enthusiastic full house.

My return trip led to further long, interesting conversations.

Bars

Coffee & tea

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

Saint Nicholas Avenue 67

Homemade soup:

US$

Website

6466923600

Social

Our New York City Guide

Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. 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

The Pythian Temple

R&R Shrine

"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...

Art & culture

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Oct 16, 2025

A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin

Subway art 13

"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...

Art & culture

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Oct 16, 2025

Rucker Park

NBA caliber street basketball

"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.

Art & culture

Relaxing

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Oct 16, 2025

Saiguette

Vietnamese counter/takeout

I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.

"Music Inn" in New York City is run by musician, instrument designer & inventor Jeff Slatnick. There are musical instruments just everywhere in the shop...

"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...

Art & culture