In a city filled with countless watered-down cocktail lounges, Sugar Monk off of 123 Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd in Harlem is a pleasant surprise. Monkeys glare at you from the walls, the lights are low, the music is loud, couples cozy up together as conversations ramble on, and the libations are flowing.  You weave your way through small intimate tables until you reach your destination. With an extensive cocktail menu and a concise food menu, gourmets will be sure to find something to enjoy. Seasonal drinks get the job done, such as NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, a combination of Condesa Prickly Pear & Orange Blossom Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Strega, and Yellow Chartreuse, Dill, the mixologist glides as he shakes or stirs your desired artisanal cocktail. With a flick of the wrist, the mixologist finishes your drink, and then the attentive hostess swoops in to deliver the goods. Some drinks, such as THE GRATEFUL MATADOR, a mezcal drink, come with a fiery tableside show. A sharp contrast to the icy foam you encounter during your first slurp. The ambiance, music, and cocktail selection work in unison with one another.

In a small alcove, towards the back, is the cook’s corner. The smell of black truffles wafts through the air as the finishing touch to a towering bowl of piping hot popcorn. Recipes line the walls. The cook appears to be dancing as he has mastered the art of navigating such a tiny space. While you may not come here for the food, they are a decent accompaniment to your spectacular cocktails.

“With a seductive speakeasy vibe and a name nodding to Thelonious Monk, this plush lounge is a new addition to the Harlem nightlife scene."- The NYT

An excellent spot to break the ice in a seducing space. Artisanally constructed, a place that young and old can both enjoy. The service is specular, attentive, and friendly. It’s a place where you think you’ll only be there for happy hour but then end up spending hours in their plush, blue velvet seats. If you enjoy art, music, and tantalizing cocktails in a warm environment that you can’t wait to return to as a pleasant interruption from the bleak outside world, Sugar Monk is the place for you. It’s a perfect date night spot or just a place to unwind from a hectic workday. It’s an NYC must! 

"Sugar Monk Lounge, is one of those things that make life in New York worth living. It is a speakeasy bar inspired entirely by the Harlem Renaissance era, a place that adores art and where the alchemy of drinks is triumphant."-The National Herald