Shrine New York
Harlem world music venue
Shrine is a cartwheeling, head standing show-offy joint way up in Harlem whose hours invite late, late night carousing. It’s anarchic, chaotic. There were TEN ACTS on Friday and ten more on Saturday night, the weekend of June 1.
I saw a New Orleans band during the Honk NYC fest blast out their lean, anorexic sound of trumpets, trombones, tuba, and other weirdness, while I armed the far end of the bar beside a huge white man wearing white face, red lips and an LED encrusted tail coat. Go figure. People actually have conversations here that cannot be overheard because of the intense loudness of everything. It's their new age security system.
Reports are that the food is great, but when I've been there it's either not time for me, or the whole scene is just too frenetic to eat.
I once went to hear a poet---I've forgotten her name---read her calming work from a purple stage during one of Shrine's eclectic programming jaunts; a few friends and I, and tables of other curious people. That's what they do: they step into the unknown to bring in the most interesting, diverse stuff they can find. Well known, well reviewed, very well curated, it's a late night hot-spot, a must-see way to experience NYC's late nightlife and Harlem, sort of like the old days.
Shrine is at 134th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard (7th Avenue); there's a 2/3 train stop a block away at 135th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard (6th Avenue).
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
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
American Folk Art Museum
Free recitals
The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Loeb Boathouse
Central Park
"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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
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 Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
