Red Rooster Harlem — Restaurant in New York

We visited this black owned establishment on Saturday, August 13, 2022. I made a reservation prior to for 8 PM. Upon arrival we were greeted warmly by the staff. This included a staff member outside who took our picture right in front of the restaurant. The outdoor patio seating area looks quite nice. It also had a decent amount of patrons seated here in front of the restaurant. Upon entry inside, we were greeted and seated immediately after verification of our reservation. The restaurant itself was swanky, modern, and upscale with nice R&B music playing. I enjoyed the beautiful artwork and African patterns on all of the walls. They had portraits of notable figures such as Little Richard. Our waiter came over a few minutes after we were seated. He was direct and took our order straight away. We ordered the following menu items: Deviled eggs, Cornbread, Sweet Potato Coconut soup, Crispy Bird sandwich, Yardbird by the piece, Mac and Greens, Salted Caramel donuts, and Yes Chef cocktail drink. After we ordered, our menu items came out swiftly one after the other. The Yes Chef drink was refreshing and sweetly balanced. I could definitely taste the ginger beer in this drink, but it was not overwhelming. Our appetizers came out next and were quite delicious. The appetizers were the best part of the meal, but I can’t speak for the rest of the meal options we ordered. The Deviled Eggs were very creamy and seasoned so well. They also had a great presentation. The Pumpkin Coconut soup was nice and hot temperature wise. It also was seasoned quite well. The mushroom and biscuit crumble paired quite well and were such a compliment to the soup. The soup was more of a lightly sweet, creamy textured soup. It reminded me of a tomato soup just with pumpkin instead. The Cornbread was simply to die for. It was delicious and warm. It reminded me of a refined Jiffy cornbread with a beautiful crispy crust. Also the butter we were given to go with the cornbread was a great contrast, since it it had a bit more of a corn on the cob flavor. Our entrées came out about 20 minutes after our appetizers. I could tell right away that the Yard Bird chicken was very overcooked. The skin was so tough I had to tug and pull to get it off of the chicken. The chicken was seasoned well, but the skin was a dealbreaker. I was very disappointed that the chicken was this way! I had high hopes for this establishment. We have tried this establishment’s location in Miami and it was simply amazing. My boyfriend‘s chicken sandwich also had overcooked chicken as well. The cheese was fused into the burnt crispness of the skin. The Mac and Greens entrée was decent enough. I didn’t care for the cheese choice or the noodles they used. It was seasoned well however and we were able to eat some of this dish. We did take the remainder of our food home since we didn’t feel up to finishing it. This was definitely a step down from their Miami location in Overtown. I would not recommend their chicken because it is over cooked. It’s really a shame to say that since Red Rooster is the name of the establishment. My boyfriend did say however that the fries were crisp and seasoned well. He did enjoy those the most out of his entire entrée. The waiter was attentive enough and brought us items that we needed such as: extra silverware, to go plates, and the timing/presentation of the dessert was well planned. We received our Salted Caramel donuts last, which were terrible. The donuts were extremely doughy, soft, and almost soggy. They really were quite bland and didn’t have any type of flavor at all. I’m not sure if it was just an off night or if this is the usual way they cook their chicken, which is almost burnt to where it’s blackened. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting New York. If I return to New York, I will not be returning here. These entrees and food items are not cheap at this restaurant. I would advise you to go elsewhere in Harlem, since there are other restaurants with much better available...

Red Rooster in Harlem is an absolute gem that truly embodies the vibrant spirit and rich cultural tapestry of the neighborhood. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both cozy and lively.

The decor is a beautiful blend of modern elegance and historical charm, reflecting Harlem’s storied past and dynamic present. The ambiance is further enhanced by the live music performances that often grace the venue, creating an energetic and soulful vibe that perfectly complements the dining experience.

Now, let’s talk about the food – simply put, it’s exceptional. We started with the Crab Cake appetizer, which was a perfect balance of rich, flavorful crab and a zesty, tangy sauce that left our taste buds dancing.

For the main course, we indulged in a variety of dishes. The Mac and Cheese with Greens was a comforting delight, with the creamy, cheesy pasta perfectly complemented by the earthy, well-seasoned greens. The Salmon was cooked to perfection – tender, flaky, and accompanied by a savory glaze that enhanced its natural flavors. The Chicken and Waffles were an absolute standout – the chicken was crispy and juicy, while the waffles were light and fluffy, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory.

Dessert was a sublime end to our meal. The Tiramisu was a dream – light, creamy, and with just the right amount of coffee flavor. The Mango and Strawberries with roasted coconut was a refreshing and exotic treat, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and texture.

The cocktails at Red Rooster are another highlight. The creative concoctions are not only visually stunning but also perfectly balanced and incredibly refreshing. Whether you’re enjoying a classic Harlem Mule or one of their signature drinks, you’re in for a treat.

What truly sets Red Rooster apart, though, is the impeccable service. The staff is genuinely friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making you feel like a valued guest from start to finish. They are more than happy to share the stories behind the dishes and the inspiration from the local community that influences the menu.

In addition to the fantastic food and atmosphere, Red Rooster is deeply committed to supporting the Harlem community. This commitment is evident in everything they do, from sourcing ingredients locally to hosting community events.

Overall, Red Rooster is not just a restaurant – it’s an experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, dining here is an absolute must. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a happy heart, and a deeper appreciation for the rich culture and culinary excellence that Harlem...

For our trip to see Gypsy, I started thinking about what else we could do while in the city. With only 24 hours, options were limited. We had already locked in Melba’s for Saturday lunch, but Sunday before hitting the road? That was easy - Red Rooster. I’ve been a fan of Marcus Samuelsson for a while and had wanted to visit his restaurant, but since we rarely get to New York, it just never happened. This trip, though, it was on.

Still recovering from the energy of Gypsy and Times Square, we managed to get up and ready for our 11 a.m. brunch reservation. The drive didn’t take long at all - so quick, in fact, that we arrived about 40 minutes early. Parking was also a breeze (thank you, Sunday street rules).

From the outside, you’re welcomed by the glowing Red Rooster sign, Moulin Rouge style, with a cozy covered patio. Inside, we were greeted by a young man whose personality was as bright as the sign outside. The space itself was gorgeous, though I didn’t get to take it all in right away - we opted to sit outside since it was such a nice day.

From my seat, I caught glimpses of the interior: chandeliers trimmed with rooster feathers, eclectic décor with a punch of sophistication - very much Marcus Samuelsson’s vibe.

For food, I ordered the red velvet pancake with walnuts, bacon, and scrambled eggs, plus a side of creamy stone-ground grits. My mom went classic with the chicken and waffles. When the plates arrived, our first thought was, “We need a bigger table.” But we made it work, and honestly, I was full before I even took a bite - the plating was that good.

The only hiccup was my eggs being a little too salty, but that was quickly fixed with no fuss. My second plate was perfect. My mom, meanwhile, didn’t say a word - she just enjoyed her crispy chicken and soaked in the atmosphere.

Once again, way too much food, and once again, no complaints. Takeaway trays saved the day.

Before we hit the road, I slipped inside to visit the restroom and finally got a full look at the space. Absolutely stunning. Every corner of the design felt intentional, stylish, and alive. My favorite spot was the parlor - it had this vibe of community and creativity. You could imagine people sipping cocktails, maybe smoking cigars, closing deals, or just enjoying each other’s company.

I loved everything about Red Rooster and I’m so glad we finally...