Profile

For some New Yorkers, the mental map of Fifth Avenue tapers off in the 90s, just after the last Museum Mile-marker. But for the diehard uptown crowd, the party really doesn't start until 125th. And by the time you're at 132nd St, where the crimson-and-brick DEN has been holding court in Harlem since 2003, well, there's no stopping it. This well-groomed spot (whose name stands for Dining, Entertainment and Nightlife) kicks off the weekend on Wednesday and Thursday, with a high-profile open mic night that packs the cozy brownstone space booty to booty. DJs on Fridays and Saturdays mean the only way of ensuring elbow room for conspicuous sipping of your Cuervo Gold Supa Fly (or one of the 30 specialty cocktails, with names like Wu Wu Tang or Uncle Tom Collins) is to reserve a table or return on a quieter night earlier in the week. With its down home flair, uptown flava, and attitude-free staff, DEN makes a welcoming lair for regulars and newcomers alike. — Mitchell Healey

Sun, noon-5pm

Trademark Drink
Sex in the Inner City (vodka, peach schnapps, Alize, and cranberry)

Related Stories

Featured In

• Bar Buzz: Harlem Bar Crawl (2/27/06)