Beet 2
344 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11215
Beet 2 Menu
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Diabetics at Applebee's
Diabetics must resist their temptations when dining at Applebee's. Most of the items on Applebee's menu is either stuffed with sodium or sugar. You must be extra careful and pick low-sugar and low-sodium diet at Applebee's if you are diabetic.
Foods to Avoid at Applebee's for Diabetics:
If you are starting your meal with appetizers then make sure you skip the Classic Buffalo sauce, Honey BBQ sauce, and sweet Asian Chile sauce on your wings order. It is highly recommended to skip the appetizers if you are dining alone and instead build your appetizer keeping nutrition in check. Among the steaks, you must stay away from the Applebee's Riblets platter as well as Bourbon Street Steak at all costs. Shrimp 'N Parmesan Sirloin is also not recommended. Skip the sandwiches, wraps, and tacos as well. Desserts may be tempting but it is recommended to avoid them at Applebee's for their high sugar content. All the beverages except Iced Teas must be avoided as well to control your sugar intake.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Applebee's
Boneless Wings (Appetizer Sampler)
Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 17g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3g), 800mg sodium, 25g carbs, 1g sugar, 2g fiber, 20g Protein
Caesar Salad (Sides)
Nutritional Facts: 220 calories, 18g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 380mg sodium, 11g carbs, 2g sugar, 2g fiber, 4g Protein
Portsmouth Clam Chowder
Nutritional Facts: 160 calories, 7g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 530mg sodium, 18g carbs, 4g sugar, 2g fiber, 5g Protein
Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Half Rack (side NOT included)
Nutritional Facts: 430 calories, 32g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 15g), 330mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 1g fiber, 35g Protein
Garlicky Green Beans Side
Nutritional Facts: 180 calories, 14g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 7g), 310mg sodium, 11g carbs, 2g sugar, 4g fiber, 3g Protein
Steamed Broccoli Side
Nutritional Facts: 100 calories, 8g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 210mg sodium, 6g carbs, 2g sugar, 2g fiber, 3g Protein
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Nutritional Facts: 130 calories, 6g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1g), 320mg sodium, 17g carbs, 2g sugar, 2g fiber, 2g Protein
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High Blood Pressure at Applebee's
Most of the foods served at Applebee's restaurants are high in sodium. Unless you are visiting the restaurant or dining here in the group, there are hardly any options from the main meals if you wish to keep your blood pressure in check. You can rely on a few salad options though. If lucky, you may find low-sodium ribs as well at the restaurant.
Foods to Avoid at Applebee's for High Blood Pressure
Avoid Green Goddess Wedge at Applebee's. Broccoli Cheese Soup and French Onion Soup contain over 1000mg sodium and hence must be skipped as well. Skip all the chicken dishes and seafood at Applebee's except Grilled Chicken Breast and Baked Haddock without sides respectively. You must also skip Brunch Burger, Quesadilla Burger, Triple Bacon Burger, and Whiskey Bacon Burger at Applebee's. High sodium intake can be lethal for a high blood pressure candidate. Avoid ordering foods that contain over 1000mg sodium at Applebee's, especially if you're dining alone.
Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at Applebee's
House Salad
Nutritional Facts: 120 calories, 6g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 200mg sodium, 12g carbs, 4g sugar, 2g fiber, 6g Protein
Caesar Salad (Sides)
Nutritional Facts: 220 calories, 18g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 380mg sodium, 11g carbs, 2g sugar, 2g fiber, 4g Protein
Mixed Green Salad
Nutritional Facts: 70 calories, 2g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 105mg sodium, 11g carbs, 4g sugar, 2g fiber, 2g Protein
Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Half Rack (side NOT included)
Nutritional Facts: 430 calories, 32g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 15g), 330mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 1g fiber, 35g Protein
Steamed Broccoli Side
Nutritional Facts: 100 calories, 8g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 210mg sodium, 6g carbs, 2g sugar, 2g fiber, 3g Protein
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High Cholesterol at Applebee's
Well, steaks and ribs go hand in hand with cholesterol. Being their signature dish, it will be a challenge to find low-calorie, healthy food for those concerned with their cholesterol levels. However, you can always opt for their salads and other light foods to keep the cholesterol in check.
Foods to Avoid at Applebee's for High Cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, then you must avoid eating sandwiches, wraps, and tacos at Applebee's. While the salads and soups sound healthy, you must skip the Fiesta Chopped Salad and Loaded Potato Soup at Applebee's. It is also advised to dodge the Three Cheese Chicken Penne and Chicken Fajita Rollup. Any main meal with over 100mg cholesterol is not idle for someone with high cholesterol. So, skip those items at Applebee's.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Applebee's
House Salad
Nutritional Facts: 120 calories, 6g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 200mg sodium, 12g carbs, 4g sugar, 2g fiber, 6g Protein
Mixed Green Salad
Nutritional Facts: 70 calories, 2g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 105mg sodium, 11g carbs, 4g sugar, 2g fiber, 2g Protein
Portsmouth Clam Chowder
Nutritional Facts: 160 calories, 7g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 530mg sodium, 18g carbs, 4g sugar, 2g fiber, 5g Protein
Fire-Grilled Veggies Side
Nutritional Facts: 150 calories, 12g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 410mg sodium, 9g carbs, 6g sugar, 3g fiber, 2g Protein
Garlicky Green Beans Side
Nutritional Facts: 180 calories, 14g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 7g), 310mg sodium, 11g carbs, 2g sugar, 4g fiber, 3g Protein
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Nutritional Facts: 130 calories, 6g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1g), 320mg sodium, 17g carbs, 2g sugar, 2g fiber, 2g Protein
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Q & A on Applebee's
What time does Applebee's half price appetizers start?
Applebee's restaurant has launched the late-night happy hour where some of the listed appetizers are sold at half price. The offer is available at most of the Applebee's locations where one can enjoy the offer after 9 pm on weekdays and after 10 pm on weekends.
What time is the happy hour at Applebee's?
Applebee's Happy Hour Monday starts from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Apples Late Night Happy Hour Monday starts from 9:00 PM until midnight.
What can a vegan and Vegetarian eat at Applebee's?
There are almost no vegan option and sparse vegetarian option at Applebee's. If you are a vegan ask for steamed vegetables, baked potato, salads, or fried vegetables without butter. There are certain vegan dressings you can try to make your salad tastier.
What are the opening and closing timing at Applebee's?
Applebee's Restaurant operational hours on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) and Sundays start from 11 am until midnight. While on Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant remains open until 1 am. The timing may vary as per the location.
Does Applebee's remain close on holidays?
Applebee's remain closed on many holidays, but it may vary as per the location of the restaurant. For holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, the restaurant remains closed throughout the USA.
How to find the nearest Applebee's Restaurant?
Today Applebee's is located on 135+ locations in the USA and growing. The restaurant is famous for its lip-smacking ribs and steaks, seafood and fried chicken wings. There are healthier salads and sides for people who are health conscious. If you want to find nearest Applebee's restaurant in your area, just go through the Restaurant Listing Directory to find one.
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About Applebee's
Applebee is an American full-service restaurant brand popularly known for its signature Riblets. Applebee was conceptualized in 1980 by Bill and TJ Palmer in Atlanta, Georgia. At first, the restaurant was named T.J. Applebee's RX for Edibles and Elixirs. After the concept was acquired by W.R. Grace and Company, the restaurant was renamed as Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar. Later the company and the Applebee's concept changed hands with Abe Gustin and John Hamra who started the first Applebee's franchise restaurant in Kansas City.
Later in 2007, IHOP Corp. now known as DineEquity, Inc. acquired Applebee's and began their journey together to make Applebee's the world's largest full-service restaurant chain. Today, Applebee's serves at more than 1,830 locations worldwide. The Applebee's menu ranges from Appetizers and Salads to heavy meals consisting of ribs and steak. Although the trademark dish Riblets is a hot favorite among regular Applebee's dwellers, the restaurant also serves some amazing burgers, sandwiches, pasta, and salads.
Healthy Food Options at Applebee's
When a restaurant serves ribs as their main dish, then you can assume the diet-friendliness of their menu. Well, Applebee's is no different. However, you can dig deeper into their menu and pick some good healthy food options for sure. You can try the salads, light sandwiches, appetizers to ensure you don't order heavy items, etc. If you are really diet conscious, then you got to be careful with their steaks & ribs as well as desserts section.
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Address :
344 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY, 11215 - Phone (718) 832-2338
- Website https://www.beet2.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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Specialities
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Jonathan B.
Food was great. Met awesome people unintentionally.
(4)Wen V.
Live, fun and loud atmosphere, brazen with it's Latin flare. Decent food and awesome cocktails. The best time to go is during the summer time. BTW I do not recommend the Blackened Catfish. Great spot to go with girlfriends.
(4)June B.
This place was amazing. The food and service was excellent!! My boyfriend had the fried chicken and it was amazing...nice and juicy. i had the bass and grits which was good. The Bass could've been seasoned just a bit more. The salmon and pork loin were delish. The cornbread was fantastic and so were the crab cakes. However, I love you Marcus but $21 for a crab cake appetizer is a bit much. This will definitely be on my list of places to visit again.
(4)Neeraj M.
I went to this restaurant with very high expectations, as both my wife and I are big fans of Marcus Samuelsson from his time on Top Chef and the next iron chef. Needless to say, this place did not live up to the high standards we expected. While the food was good, we were expecting a true 5 star experience, and this place fell short. Service was great, the decor was outstanding, but the food is average at best.
(3)Theresa W.
Love the ambiance and its the perfect people watching spot, drinks specials are delicious I have yet to eat here but i will in the future
(4)Duke F.
Right before I left NYC ; I went to this place in harlem. I enjoy the steak isso juicy and tasty. Drink is good. The staff make you fell welcome. it is busy in the weekend;) Overall nice place to relax and enjoy a nice dinner in harlem:)
(4)Nathalie D.
The food here is DIVINE and unique. It's the thing that keeps bringing me back here--I couldn't get these flavors anywhere else. The restaurant is that great mix of eclectic upscale. This place is a scene, so be prepared to dine amongst Harlem elite, foodies, and tourists. Just go with it and you will enjoy. It gets louder the later you are there, so toast with your friends, finish up your meal, and head downstairs for some after dinner drinks and dancing.
(5)Sue F.
My friends and I had been looking forward to eating here since last summer when we attended Chef Samuelsson's lovely book signing event at the Strand. Sadly, we were very disappointed by how we were treated at Red Rooster and did not even get to try the food. Many of the complaints here on Yelp seem to be about service, and our experience is yet another. We walked in around 3:30 on a Saturday. There were a few empty outside tables and a tall table near the bar. We walked up to the hostess who said we should sit at the tall table. As we followed her and our menus to the table, she asked us to wait until it was cleaned before we sat. So, we waited...and waited...and waited. There were quite a few staff members walking around, and taking to each other but no one cleaned our table. A bartender finally asked us if he could help us, we explained what was going on and he said "well, I'm sure someone will clean it." We waited some more...a second bartender asked us if if we needed help...at this point we were quite hungry and wished to sit as we had walked quite a bit. He went over to the hostess who went to find someone to clean our table. The bartender did apologize and asked us to be patient, someone was coming soon to clean the table for us. A few minutes later (we had been waiting for about 20 minutes at this point) a group of five people came in. A second hostess came up to us and said we should sit at a table near the bar that already had three other people sitting at it...they had been there eating the entire time and were not at all finished. We explained that we had been waiting for the other table to be cleared and she said the table were were waiting for was not our table, as it was clearly a table meant for more than just three people (there were four chairs at the table). We left. We will not be back. Chef Marcus, we wanted to try your food, you are a sweet, kind man; perhaps you should give some lessons in manners to your staff.
(1)James I.
Pretty solid joint we have here. NIcely tucked away in Harlem with an outside patio with plenty to watch during your meal. Great service and staff who knows the menu and drink options. I'm a sucker for soul food, and while this isn't necessarily a true replication, the menu offers a more quality version of Southern fare with larger portions. I had the fried yardbird... it wasn't I was expecting, kinda lacked flavor, but was nonetheless an interesting take on fried chicken. I'd recommend it to many, but it isn't your grandma's buttermilk fried chicken! All aside, the salads (Market Green ****), sides (Collards ****), and apps (Dirty Rice & Shrimp ****) really made the meal for me. This place just executes on a higher, yet subtle culinary level that surprised me. I'm definitely going back to try other items!
(4)stephanie b.
The food exceeded expectations, and the service was excellent. I ordered the bacon-pimento cheese-caramelised onion- medium burger with tomato and lettuce with parm fries. I am not a burger person, but this was the best burger I have had in my life. My husband got the fried chicken, and it was also great.
(4)Kate F.
Came here last weekend, with a 5:30 reservation. Got there a bit early, as I've had friends who got there at the time of their rez and waited half an hour. We were seated quickly, and it filled up rapidly after that, so I'm glad that we did arrive as early as we did. Started with the Yes Chef cocktail (mint-infused vodka, lemon and lime juices, ginger beer, and a bit of berbere spice), and it was delightful, though more summer than fall/winter. There was a prix fixe Sandy relief menu, which included a(nother) cocktail (which the boy drank), then I subbed gravlax for the shrimp (such that I wouldn't die from shellfish allergy), roasted duck (one of the more perfect ducks I've had recently) served with curried lentils and mustard greens, and a pecany cupcake with excellent ice cream. The boy had a white bean and asian pear soup, and coconut rice with curried peas. Our friend had the jerk bacon and egg (I had a bunch of it - pork belly, brown beans, sunny side up egg - nom), meatballs, and a slice of mud pie, and we all split an order of cornbread for the table. The meatballs were a bit on the lukewarm side, but flavorful enough. The cornbread and the jerk bacon and egg were definitely the highlights. The food was all good, the service was warm, but it still didn't quite reach my expectations for the price point.
(3)Zoe H.
Completely dissappointing food. Do not believe the hype. However, I absolutely love the bar scene here. The ambiance and panache of the gorgeous crowd is a winning combination. I cannot, however, rave about the food. In a word...UNIMAGINITIVE and either flavorless or flamingly spiced and served cold to boot! Wednesday night DJ gave a fine spin. Go next door to Chez Lucienne for the food and do the bar scene at the RR. Please note....drinks and food way over priced. Almost robbery category.
(2)M H.
I liked the setting, the live music, the atmosphere... but the food wasn't spectacular.
(2)Felix H.
We'll I don't get the reviews that don't rave about the food. We had two apps two dinners and two deserts and all were 5 stars - huge portions, huge flavor and a lot of creativity. Marcus came around to welcome us and added a thrill to the experience. Although the place was hopping our server had it all under control. The draft beer selection was varied and interesting but the wines "by the glass" selection a bit limited. I'm looping forward to trying Ginny's downstairs.
(5)Shanee S.
It is very hard for me to rate this place.... Let me start with saying that they probably have the best customer service in Harlem hands down. From the greeter, to the busboy, everyone was so nice and prepared to help. Pulling out chairs, refilling water, quick service...it was like being in customer service heaven. The place is so swanky....I love it...its is a gorgeous restaurant and very social and happening...(however the bathroom was like the Sahara Desert for some reason...but anyways) The food.....the food was ok. It wasn't that great to be honest. It was too gourmet for my taste....it was just the way they combined various food groups wasn't working... And I went for lunch and the price was $$$$$$$$$. And if I am going to pay $$$$$$$$$ then I want delicious gourmet food and it wasn;t worth the price. Food overrated, but I think it is fair to go here just for the experience...at least have a $16 drink at the bar :D
(3)Austin A.
An outstanding lunch I had an extremely enjoyable lunch starting with the crab cake that was crisp cooked on the outside and had the right amount of spice any restaurant would be proud to deliver but the menu is so very special you feel like you want to order the entire menu and take em all home. I ordered the jerk chicken with a side of mashed potatoes and my guest went for the fish and grits. Chicken was cooked to a beautiful taste and while i was pampered with gourmet food the decor and service should not go without a mention, Red Rooster in Harlem can go toe to toe with any of the top star places in New York to the coast of California. Happy with everything (even the bill) and the entire place is a throwback to why pay for quality. Don't think just go and when you go run!!!
(5)Nel A.
Food is good quality and tasty. Drinks are good too. I always have fun here. Staff is very friendly and nice.
(4)Marc C.
since its so hard to get last minute reservs at this place, i decided to try it out for brunch!!! very professional service, place smaller than expected, but liked the place, i felt i was in Harlem since we didn' go all out on food; french toasts and PoBoy. i can't give an overall review of the place, but we both liked what we had and it was satisfying enough that i would try to come back for a real expensive dinner!!
(4)Tanisha C.
2.5 stars at best. I wanted to love Red Rooster so badly. The food, however, was underwhelming. Pluses: The atmosphere is like frantic orderliness. I went to Red Rooster for Saturday brunch. The kitchen is open and you can see the chefs preparing the various entrees. And well over a dozen members of the waitstaff were buzzing throughout the restaurant. The decor is well executed. It sort of replicates a farm or cottage, but with a modern edge. Not a detail is missed in ensuring. We arrived without a reservation at 11am and were seated promptly. The rush came around 12:30, so I would strongly suggest arriving before noon if you don't have a reservation. They have coat check! Minuses: Boy, was my meal BLAND. I have the Wood Oven Roasted Eggs with the Mac & Greens. The consistency of the egg dish was somewhere between a poached and a hard boiled egg. Croutons are baked with the eggs. As for flavor, it was wholly absent. I could taste a little something where the croutons had been burnt. As for the Mac & Greens, the pasta shells and greens are baked together creating this soupy and tasteless ABOMINATION. Maybe if the dish had more cheese, the greens more flavorful and the casserole baked for longer it would have been more enjoyable. But I was deeply disappointed and asked for the salt. I still have hope for Red Rooster. Marcus Samuelsson was at the restuarant and appears to be very committed to the success of Red Rooster. When a guest (not with my party -- I was eavesdropping) sent his food back, Samuelsson approached the waiter to find out what the issue was and personally returned the dish to the kitchen and spoke with the chef who prepared the dish. I was personally impressed by this. I will at least give it one more go.
(3)M I.
Went here with my boyfriend and his mom who was visiting from out of town. I had no idea about the hype associated with this place, which was a nice way to walk into it, I think. We stayed at the bar upstairs for a few drinks before making our way downstairs. I didn't make the reservations, so I don't know if it was intentional that we were eating at the downstairs lounge. Although the music was pretty good, it was so loud. The food was decent. This review is a bit overdue so I can't remember what we ate. I do remember two things: the appetizer was served with foam, which we were excited for a la Top Chef (it was not as exciting as we'd hoped) and it was the first time I tried farro, which I really liked. I enjoyed the meal overall, but the service was very slow. This place gets insanely crowded and busy, not really my scene. Worth trying for sure, don't buy into the hype.
(3)Paige P.
Myself and my family were staying in Harlem for a week heard raving reviews about this place. Call it ignorance, but we're not really the Voss water and three forks kind of people, which is what this place is. I don't drink soda and tend to order water when we go out to eat...the waiter looked absolutely aghast that someone would actually WANT to drink tap water. The food was not what we expected either...both the chicken and the catfish were overloaded with tarragon and the mac & greens had an odd flavor we couldn't pin down. And then, if you want to feel like a toddler who's made a mess on the table and mommy had to come clean up after you, come to this place. While we were waiting for the bill not one, but two waiters came by and shuffled our phones and drinks around and wiped off the table while we were still sitting there. It was extremely awkward...we were not happy. We were especially not happy when my mother ordered an iced tea at the beginning of the meal and it was not received until the check came...and yes, we were charged for it. Overall, not worth the $120 is cost to feed 4 people.
(2)Giselle R.
I loved this place. Hubby and I decided to finally try it on one of our date nights. Same day reservation wasn't a problem but mostly because we had no problem eating at 5:30. The patrons were well heeled both at the bar which was jamming and at the restaurant. By 6pm the place was full. Our server, Natalie was awesome.Friendly, attentive and not only explained the menu but had thoughtful suggestions and recommendations. We went with the corn bread (fabulous tomato jam) and the tacos and tostados. These were bite size but soo flavorful. I had to have the yard bird and hubby went vegetarian with the garbanzos n veggies. We couldn't agree on dessert so we had the black and white and the sweet potato filled donuts. Crazy yummy. I had the Paradise cocktail which was fantastic and I would have had many more but the price was prohibitive. They had added something called the Harlem Chowder for two to the menu that looked phenomenal. A paella pan filled with seafood that I am going back for. Hubby felt the price was excesive for the portions but I will definitely go back to chill at the bar during happy hour and to have that seafood dish before the summer is over. They just started something called chicken and champagne and are participating in restaurant week for lunch.They also have The Nook, Sunday Gospel Brunch and jazz nights as well as a dj in the evenings. Yup, I will definitely be going back.Soon.
(5)Candice W.
Took my mother here for a special dinner since we do not get to see each other often (5/23)...My mother has a very basic palate and hates trying new foods. She wanted to eat at a 'soul food' restaurant and I was already groaning inwardly...I was raised in Harlem and grew up eating at a bunch of soul food places, and the food is dull, unimaginative and uninspired for the most part. Nothing that your grandmother can't do better, 100% of the time...plus I've been a vegetarian for 5 1/2 years, so soul food is usually a pass... However, I've heard of RR and felt like it could be an unspoken compromise with my mother, so off we went...as we went in, my mother whispered, 'I have heard it's hard to get a table here without a reservation...' We asked for a table for two and the host said she could only accommodate us at a bar high top...um not acceptable as my mom is nearly 60. Then she said, 'Well I can also accommodate you at a very small table in the corner over there...' This was her exact wording. Note to host staff, if you are offering guests a table, use wording that doesn't make the offering sound inferior, even if it is. Even though the table was in the corner, I've dined at restaurants in Manhattan with considerably smaller, more uncomfortable tables...it really wasn't that bad, but treatment left a bit of a bad taste. Server greeted us promptly and courteously. I know we didn't have a reservation and weren't dressed to the nines but I know my food and have dined in a lot of fine establishments, and I appreciate good service. Tried a tequila based cocktail, two different kinds of bitters were in the ingredients list and I was concerned because of the often heavy medicinal quality of bitters but it wasn't off putting. I also tried a glass of the pinot noir. We ordered: cornbread, fried green tomatoes, and wings as starters, mom had the steak for her main, I had the mac n greens with sides of the mushrooms and asparagus to share. Cornbread looked odd to me, but it tasted very good and the honey butter was delish. Fried green tomatoes were the best fried green tomatoes I've ever tasted. I ordered it with no bacon, of course, but the batter was very flavorful and the tomatoes were fresh and firm. My only critique was that the tomatoes were sliced a tad too thick. Obviously I didn't taste the wings but mom said they were very tasty, and although she claims she hates yogurt she found the yogurt dipping sauce equally tasty. Onto our mains...I was on the fence about ordering the mac to be honest, I was kinda disappointed that this was the only veg option as I like to eat vegetables and not a bowl of dairy. Also mac and cheese even when good can be a monotonous, heavy dish. Boy was I wrong about this one, there were herbs, greens, peppers, every bite was really intriguing...it even tasted great when I brought it home and ate it cold later. The side salad was a refreshing counterpoint as well. It was a béchamel based sort of mac and cheese which isn't traditional like your grandma's baked mac n cheese, but both can taste good if executed properly. The side of asparagus was very good and the mushrooms were EXCEPTIONAL. I really enjoyed the addition of fresh herbs. I must caution that all this food contained a generous amount of salt, so if you are salt averse I would be wary. I was just glad I didn't have to use my shaker, which just about never happens. Most importantly my mother who complains about everything was happy and satisfied. The manager Don stopped by our table and greeted us warmly. Happy that RR is in here, adding a bright spot to the bleakness that is 'soul food' in Harlem.
(5)Susie R.
Red Rooster certainly lived up to the hype. The service was great, we were welcomed immediately and given an accurate expectation when we would be seated. The five of us shared the yard bird, salmon, pork shoulder (special), pickles and a couple sides. All were perfectly cooked and flavoured. I loved the condiments especially the ethiopian spice shaker. Desserts were good too. The whisky fudge was excellent as was the sweet potato doughnuts. I didn't love the blueberry pie, there was a strange flavour to it, but they gave us a free dessert for no reason, a chocolate layered slice which was amazing. The wine list was extensive and reasonable. Atmosphere very cool (maybe too cool) but great.
(5)Scott L.
While coming here was an event on its own, I would not call it the place to go for an enjoyable evening. To begin: the reservationist told me not to worry about getting a reservation, that they would make sure to seat us. I figured with such a brave statement, they couldn't possibly leave me waiting in Harlem for long, right? WRONG! An hours worth of waiting was spent in the nearby Marshall's. Which I believe is where they bought all the random stuff that covered the walls in the Red Rooster. After finally sitting down, I found the chairs to be ridiculous. I was sat with two other couples on a small table, and these "chairs" would tilt forward and back, but not...you know....just be chairs. The first apps were the dirty rice and tacos. I believe they meant to say "mini" tacos but couldnt fit it on the menu. These tacos were maybe 2 inches wide, and the flavor was not memorable. The dirty rice was at least surprising, though a little toothsome. The macaroni and cheese uses NY cheddar, which is a mistake. The whole flavor the Mac and Cheese is kind of dull. The accompanying salad is pretty plain. I found even the desserts to be borderline awful. The beignet's were advertised as being "sweet potato" derived, but tasted "just normal". The whiskey fudge was more enjoyable. Ultimately, I was disappointed. Marcus is a truly amazing chef, and while this was a busy Friday night, I hoped that some of his brilliance would shine through. All in all, the place is more of a scene than a foodie haven.
(3)Chuck B.
I have never tried the food here (but I will) based on nightmare customer service stories from associates. Aside from dining the downstairs lounge/club area is what you look for in NYC. Its like a classy modern version of one of the venues in the movie Harlem Nights. "You done shot off my pinky toe"
(3)Echo W.
We were lucky to get here on a rainy Saturday morning and got a table without a wait. Our waitress was very attentive and made good recommendations (also up-sell). The fried yard bird was insanely good. It was pressured fried. It had a nice dark brown and crispy skin that went so very well with the hot sauce provided. We also had corn bread as appetizer. It was rich. In addition, we had the meatball with dill potato and mac and green which was also delicious. We have decided to do a take out of fried yard bird for a friend. The chef and waitress were helpful in teaching us how to warm it up so that our friend could also enjoy it. It was a wonderful experience!
(5)Jin S.
Fried green tomatoes are a must!
(4)Vina A.
We've eaten at some of the best places in NYC, including a few restaurants holding Michelin stars, and I would say this is one of the best all around upscale meals I've had. The place was packed on a Tuesday night. We had a reservation but had to wait for a while. However the staff was very gracious about it, and we were comped 2 drinks for our trouble. This was a really well appreciated gesture in a setting where really they were so packed that they didn't have to try and placate us. The cocktails, btw, were amazing. Not overly sweet, with complex composition. The ambience is also really fun and engaging. They had live music for most of the evening which was also fun. It was just loud enough where you could hear it well and dance but you did not have to shout to hear your friends speak. Now, the food was INCREDIBLE. We had the chicken and waffles and the fried oysters and wings. I'm not sure what kind of batter they used to fry those oysters but they were off the charts. The wings were great and they gave us hot towels afterwards. the chicken and waffles was also great. It's hard to describe these dishes well because they sound like items that are so commonplace and yet somehow spices and flavors were combined to make these ordinary sounding dishes taste really unique and special. The kimchi lobster roll was an unexpectedly light treat. Lobster wrapped up in a pickled cabbage with a kimchi type aioli. The triple double burger was huge and also amazing. Perfectly cooked patties with a flavorful sauce , cheese, and veggies. The fries were good but somewhat standard especially when considering how all these other items were transformed. For dessert we tried the Swedish cloud, a rhubarb based tart like base with a cream cheese/ice cream cloud on top. Served with what I think was a rhubarb sorbet. Perfect light ending to an all around excellent meal. As for the bill, yes it's somewhat pricey, bu t honestly compared to most nice places in NYC it's a great value for the money. Overall I will definitely be back. Marcus Samuelsonn has outdone himself.
(5)Antonio B.
Great ambience and good drinks.no problems just a bunch of beautiful people vibing would go back when I'm in town again
(4)Jayson M.
Beautiful place, great crowd, but TOO LOUD! We stood at the bar as we waited for our table outside, and had to shout to be heard. Then when we finally sat at our table, we found they were pumping the music OUTSIDE! Plus, every time the door opened, the music got even louder!! As for the food, I couldn't decide between the fish & grits and the jerk chicken, so I asked my waiter which he recommended. He said the chicken. Bad call: It was tough and heavy, and I certainly didn't taste the pineapple in the relish. All in all, I would go back if there were NO music, and I would order something else!
(2)Marissa P.
Only had brunch here, but it was awesome. Creative menu...Marcus Samuelsson is a really really talented chef! The whole vibre here is special and different. I love the mixing of different cuisines. Will be back for dinner!
(4)Tarra T.
**BRUNCH REVIEW** I really wanted Red Rooster to be a 5-starer...really, really, really wanted it to be because of Marcus Samuelson and it's in Harlem, my new neighborhood. However, it was three stars at best. I was here for brunch with three friends on New Year's Day without a reservation at noon. The staff was great, took our coats and sat us down at a table promptly. The restaurant itself is beautiful- open kitchen and I'd say it sits about 70-90 people. There is large bar area were I believe you can order food. There is also a downstairs area but it is not open as of yet. I agree with Steven S. the restaurant does have a folksy feel and Marcus, the owner and chef, was there greeting everyone and shaking hands. The managers were also fussing about checking on tables. After awhile, I was a little annoyed with the fussing because they just kept walking about with no purpose...but I got over it. Also, there was a random woman singing in the main dining area WHICH was a bit out of place since the the restaurant is going for a more classier feel. a little weird but okay. I passed on the $13 mimosa but our table ordered the Breakfast Basket, which was an assortment of muffins and pastries. Pretty good and there was enough to share among the four of us. For the main dish, I ordered the Nuggets and Toast which is fried chicken nuggets over french toast. The chicken was over cooked and dry and because the nuggets were on top of the toast vs. on the side, the mixture of the salt on the chicken and the syrup that they put on the toast was not the best mix of flavors. I would not order this plate again. On a brighter note, my friend had the steak and it was cooked well and flavorful! No worries Red Rooster, I will be back but for dinner this time and hopefully I can give you the 5 stars that I wanted to.
(3)Anne L.
Arrived on a Thursday with reservations. Sat at the bar for about 30 minutes until our table was available. The DJ onsite was excellent and the interior was really nice. The doorman was very friendly & attractive too :) The cocktails were tasty- we had the Savoy & the Yes, Chef. Once seated we waited just a bit too long for our waiter to approach the table. I'm not one to complain but I was wondering if we had been forgotten for a moment. We started with Chicken and Waffles, deviled eggs and cornbread. The appetizers were excellent! For dinner we had the Fish & Grits (salty and a bit small), Uptown Steak Frites ( center of meat was tender the edges were extremely chewy) and the oxtail pappardelle (really good! more pasta than oxtail but very tasty). For dessert we had the pineapple rum bread pudding big enough for 3 to split. Overall for Chef Samuelsson's restaurant It was great but not excellent- our waiter could have been more on point, friendly, and offer more descriptive suggestions/responses- appetizers were better than entrees. Would go back to get a look at the doorman, have some cocktails and appetizers
(4)Tommy U.
This place has great music and drinks. The food is pretty darn good as well a bit heavy at times but still really good. I'll be back when I get into the city again. Shrimp and Grits were awesome! And be careful of the Brownstoner
(4)Jinhwa J.
He was tall. Black coat and black muffler were matching with his skin color. He was enthusiastic when having conversations with diners next to me. He talked about males' participation and females' support (about something) and (that something) would get better so they should never stop. Powerful and sincere handshakes, then he went off to another table. Then another energetic conversation, then another table greeting... It seemed like he knew everyone at Red Rooster Harlem. It was almost like a civil right movement scene from 1960s. He was not Marcus Samuelsson, a chef at Red Rooster Harlem. Just a diner from Harlem. I think this summarizes the core value of Red Rooster Harlem. This one month old restaurant was taken by neighbors already. You can feel the ownership and pride of neighbors of this place very easily. It's not pretentious one, but joyfully genuine one. It was the first night of 2011 Winter NYC Restaurant week there. Monday, but packed, packed, packed. Surprisingly, I was not annoyed by this crowd, rather excited to feel that I have become a part of the neighborhood. Oh, the sweetness of accepted membership. Red Rooster Harlem has an open kitchen. Most of the staffs are African Americans except some Las Vegas looking White managers. Diners are mixed. We saw a sweet black family celebrating grandma's birthday, a dating black couple, a group of mixed colored youngsters enjoying their youth, middle aged white people checking out the place... While we were fascinated by lively vibe of Red Rooster Harlem, the menu arrived. For Restaurant Week, they have only one dinner menu. You don't have any option to choose. The Restaurant Week menu is pickled beets and hazelnuts (arugula, manchego), hearth baked lemon chicken (couscous, almond, pomegranate), peanut & chocolate (caramel ice cream). It's $35 as you already know. (For lunch, they have their own pre-fix menu which is $17 according to a receptionist) Fresh bread was accompanied with warm chickpea puree with aioli. Ethiopian spice was sprinkled on top which made it yum and comforting ; and that was the first and last time we heard the word 'Ethiopian'. We kinda expected to hear the word often because of Marcus Samuelsson, but that was it. Beets were little square bites with mayo and salads. Well seasoned, but beets could be cooked a little longer. It was too crunchy to bite. Overall, fine but nothing special. Baked lemon chicken sounded a little disappointing at first. Too common for Restaurant week menu, you know. However, tender, juicy meat was so delicious. Crispy outside, meaty inside, lemony taste were supporting each other. "Did they roast this?" husband asked. "I don't know, but whatever they did, it's yummy" I answered, sort of. Later a manager told us the chicken was prepared in the open flame oven. Hot, it is. About 900 F. That was the key to this juicy meat. Raisins were sweet, and couscous was crunchy, but we're not huge fans of those. This roasted barley ($16) was not on the Restaurant week menu. It was a homey, comforting vegetarian menu. We loved it. Roasted barley with roasted root veggies, brussels sprouts, pearl onions in a lemony, salty taste soup; it truly wowed us. Only complain would be peanuts. Do you know that smell of old peanuts? Yep, I smelled that. Other ingredients were fresh, though. If they caught that little detail, I would give this 5 stars. Dessert was peanut & chocolate with caramel ice cream with a slice of banana and nougat. As I kept digging it, I couldn't help thinking 'next spoon will give me a heart attack....' No wonder it was too sweet for husband. Marcus Samuelsson (wearing blue shirt) was busy working at the kitchen. He looked very focused. That was generally true for staffers. Our server seemed knowledgeable about menus; he was confident answering our questions. When our neighbor diner found a little plastic in her ice cream, a manager came and apologized and offered a new one. That was a formal part of it. Then a server visited her again asking about the favorite ice cream. They had a short, but giggly conversation about their childhood ice cream memories. Now THAT was an informal but more intimate part of apology which worked way- better than the formal one. Bar area was packed, too. Red Rooster Harlem divided the place into two sections, bar and dining, equally. Look at this crowd. Were they discussing the future of Harlem? Or just enjoying a cold winter night with drinks? Whatever that was, it was so energetically lifting. And the loudness seemed like inviting me saying "What's the hurry? Come, join us!" *Update : On nycgo.com , restaurant week menu is available. It's different from what we had, but FYI.
(4)Heather D.
While enjoying the beautiful weather on Mother's Day, we managed to make our way to Harlem. What has become more synonymous with Harlem than Red Rooster when you're thinking about a meal? We were super fortunate to be seated immediately at the chefs table. It was all tremendous from there. We had the lamb and hashbrown and the jerk bacon with eggs and beans. Two tremendously hearty and flavor filled meals. And with the live music and singer, it really was a special day. So much so that the following week I ended up returning with a co-worker. We had the Fried Yard Bird and Salmon. It was a real treat! Again flavorfull and the service was wonderful. Check it out whenever in the neighbourhood. You wouldn't be disappointed.
(4)F-D B.
Such a disappointment. this place is just overhype. The food was okay. The only good thing is the ambiance at the bar while you wait for your table. That's it.... won't go back until they put their act together.
(2)Stephanie M.
A friend of mine and I stopped by this place a few days ago---this place is simply an oasis and an escape from the busy street outside! We looked at the menu and although the food looked excellent, my friend and I didn't really have a taste for Caribbean/Soul Food fusion that day. We got up from our table to leave, and the host and hostess stopped us to ask if we were ok (we were fine by the way)--they promptly gave us a tour of the restaurant and the Ginny's nightclub downstairs as well as a brief history of the establishment---this was all without us even eating here! The staff is SUPER friendly, cordial, enthusiastic, respectful, and extremely accommodating---and as you can see are absolutely willing to go the extra mile to ensure you are happy and satisfied no matter what! (Very rare to find this in NYC, even in the most upscale restaurants). We didn't dine here, but we left with smiles on our faces! The quality of service is very high.
(5)Tina S.
Me and my partner were very disappointed by the food they served us. The fish salad had a bad taste and the watermelon on top was old and turned. The grits were too buttery and fatty and the portion of the fish was very small for a $30 plate. We are not going back.
(1)Douglas K.
After hearing about this place from the press and reviews, my friends and I decided to check this place out. We were excited to see what tasty soul food would be like, and in the middle of Harlem, we figured it would be legit. Overall, the food was decent. I had the yard bird, which was well prepared, over a good mashed potato and gravy combo. The jerk bacon and egg was also very good, definitely a fan of the pork belly. However, the dirty rice and shrimp was actually pretty poor, the shrimp was nothing special and the rice was actually not good texture wise. The dessert, the chocolate tart offered, was rich and delicious. The service was also very good, with waiters who were cordial and knowledgeable about the food. The BIGGEST drawback about this place is that it is expensive for what it is. I don't mind dropping a few extra dollars for a nice meal, but this was a bit too much for what it was. If it were around 10 dollars cheaper per entree, it'd be perfect, but as is, it just wasn't worth it. I probably won't be coming back unless it's paid for.
(3)Laura S.
This was a wonderful choice for a Sunday brunch! I'll own my tourist credentials up-front - I was in from Providence, RI for the day and thought that some soul food in Harlem would be a nice start to the morning. Some friends recommended Red Rooster, and although we were a little worried we'd be in for an impossible wait we decided to risk it. It was a great call! The place was busy but not ridiculously so - I sat at the bar enjoying a(n amazing) cocktail while waiting for a friend who had misjudged traffic, and by the time we arrived there was a table ready for us. The cocktail might have been the highlight of my meal. I asked the bartender for his recommendation and he suggested the Yes Chef - a mix of vodka, ginger beer, and pineapple with a hint of berebere to give it some kick. I loved how different it is from my usual drinks (I'm glad I went with something other than a Bloody Mary!) and it was wicked strong, to boot. We shared an order of cornbread with honey butter and tomato jam as an appetizer. If I were going to change anything about our meal I would have had us order 2 so that there would be more to go around! I still can't decide which topping was more delicious - the honey butter was rich and just the right amount of sweet, but the tomato jam was savory and had a really nice depth of flavor. I might have to go back and order some more before I make a fully informed decision. I went with the fried yard bird for my entree. My only disappointment was that I wasn't able to substitute grits instead of the mashed potatoes for a side. I would have been happy to accept an upcharge for this, but the server indicated that this wasn't a possibility. I wasn't hungry enough to order a side of grits in addition to the mashed potatoes, so no grits for me :( I've usually found that restaurants are quite accommodating of similar requests and still don't quite understand why I couldn't swap my carbs, but hey, chef's prerogative right? Anyway, the bird was tender and juicy and had some nice spice to it. Not the best fried chicken I've ever eaten, but definitely worth a try.
(4)Yvonne L.
Red Rooster makes a crucial mistake that many NYC eateries and restaurants do: They take food that at its core is fundamentally simple but delicious, and they try to make it bourgeois and overpriced. As my boss (who is from Alabama) said when we had lunch there, "$6 for two pieces of corn bread? Are they insane?" Sure, the corn bread came with butter and tomato jam, but surely the quality of the food isn't enough to warrant the prices they charge you.
(2)Ginny M.
Beware the communal table. We made our reservations for 2 a month ahead of time and were shown to the middle 2 seats of a communal table, which is adjacent to the open kitchen/pick up station. The expediter was yelling a lot and some of the diners were buffeted by food runners picking up food. Nope. After complaining to the floor manager, we were seated at a 4-top, as the other 2-tops were taken. Have to say, that started the meal out in a negative light. The restaurant is cute, smaller than I expected, and the food is homey and good. Make sure you look at the menu beforehand, as it is limited and there were no specials. The music alternated between some great jazz and some horrible and monotonous electronic stuff. Waitstaff is good, but be prepared to wait forever for your drinks. We had to fight out way out as the coat check is a closet on the entry aisle, and the bar was jammed when we left. Will try Sylvia's next time we go to the Apollo.....
(2)Jenn T.
only went for brunch, but at 1030 am with no reservations, we had our pick of seating. the ambiance is light and bright and modern and homey at the same time. jazzy and sexy and the perfect mix of chill yet cool. one of my dining friends commented it reminded her of 'cheesecake factory lighting' first gripe: cocktails. come on marcus....if you arent going to offer a comped breakfast cocktail with brunch, at least give us SOMETHING better than overpriced, small portioned options. parm fries were spot on. cornbread was too heavy (soggy?) :( bloody menu sounds awesome: they have 3 versions, including 'the uptown' - i would've loved to do this one but...$14 is just too much to pay for tomato puree and a shot of vodka, esp when, I can make a pitcher full for that price at home. the 'regular' (cheapest option) at $10 was really tasty but like, a baby bear amount. FOOD portions were great however: usually i am annoyed but the limits of 'brunch only' menus- esp since i'm not a 'let's overload on sugar for breakfast!', brunchy kind of girl. i was pleased with their savory options. Me and dining companions shared: Shrimp po boy was lovely, crisp but not greasy, with a delectable aoli. Market greens were so much more than that: radish, asparagus....an amazing vinaigrette... ill come back to try their dinner menu.
(3)jill w.
I loved the atmosphere of this place and the wait staff was beyond attentive. I tasted everything that my table ordered - so here's my review: Cornbread, which came with honey butter and a tomato spread - cornbread was coated with butter, it was good but definitely did not need to be coated with butter before being served. Both spreads were good. Salad with goat pate and pecans and some other stuff - excellent! Dressing was great. Pulled pork sandwich with blue cheese slaw - excellent meatballs with mash potatoes - the meatballs were great. Came with some cabbage, and some red (pomegranate sauce) which was also good. Mashed potatoes were pretty standard. Chicken sandwich in Cajun mayo, which came on a biscuit - Biscuit was good and it was a very creative way to service chicken salad. The chicken salad however was awful. There were huge pieces of bones in it and very little chicken - all mayo. It was inedible. The whole thing sat in front of me uneaten. Management must have noticed b/c the manager (I assume she was) came over and asked as to why I wasn't eating it. She offered to bring me something else (which I declined at that point b/c I had shared with everyone else and was not longer hungry) and she took the item off my bill. I have never had anyone notice when I didn't eat the food at a restaurant like that and offer to take it off my bill - so while I would have preferred that the dish was actually good, I at least appreciated that. Red velvet cupcake with ice cream - this was the dessert for the price fixed meal (it was restaurant week). The serving itself was tiny. The ice cream was good, and it had some cookie crumble on it. The cupcake however was stale. The prices were really expensive for what it was. In sum, some good, some bad - great service. Despite my awful sandwich I might try this place again and hope my meal the next time is much better.
(3)Andrea A.
Had dinner at the Red Rooster tonight. Started with the white peach sangria and cornbread. I had the pork chops, and my friend had the steak frites. We finished by splitting the sweet potato doughnuts. Everything was outstanding!! Maybe the best meal I've ever eaten...definitely top 3. Please don't take that lightly. Food, in all it's aspects, is my passion and only real hobby.
(5)Evan M.
I'm always skeptical of places that try to class up comfort foods by putting an eclectic spin on them to try to make it more upscale. Fancy soul food is something that I'm not used to but I figured I would give this restaurant a try after seeing the many "reviews of the day" that Red Rooster got. After dining here, I can see why the reviews are a mixed bag. It was a very pleasant vibe of ebony and ivory trendies when we walked in here around 5pm on a Sunday. That's the time that dinner started, however they were not ready to serve it and we all had to wait a bit. Reservations were for 5:30p because that was the only time I could get when I made the reservation four days in advance. We didn't seem to mind the wait because it gave us time to take in the cool set up of the place. The whole look of the establishment had sort of a modern bucolic theme where a rooster walking around on the streets of Harlem might go unnoticed. What didn't go unnoticed was the amount of time we had to wait just to put in our order. I understand that dinner started at 5pm so I can cut them some slack if they weren't ready on time. However, they sat us around 5:30pm. We then preceded to wait for a crazy 20 minutes before flagging the water server down to notify our unidentified waiter. Recognizing the service issue we decided to put our entire order in. Lord knows we had more than enough time to look at the menu. We ordered two drinks: Rooster Punch and Small's Paradise, which were both pretty good. Heard the Yard Bird was the thing to get here so we ordered that for one of our entrees as well as the Pork Loin and the Mac and Greens. It was kind of strange that cornbread did not come with any meals so I figured we would suck it up and just pay the extra $6.00 for it. Can't have southern food without cornbread, right? The cornbread was very good but I thought it would have been more of a basket rather than just two pieces, especially since it wasn't complimentary. The fried Yard Bird was very tasty but it was just a thigh and a drum. Could have used some more parts in there. I never really order "fancy" fried chicken because somehow you always end up getting short-changed. The Pork Loin, on the other hand, was huge but not very flavorful. Either it was too thick a cut of meat or it just wasn't cooked right. It wasn't bad by any means, but it just did not seem tender enough. Pork Loin done right should melt like butter. This did not. The Mac and Greens had a good tasty cheese but it was a little too soupy. Not a thick sauce. Few times have I ever been impressed from a Mac and Cheese that is offered only as an entree rather than a side. I respect what this place is trying to do by taking old recipes and trying to add a little more quality to them. Giving people another reason to take a trip up to Harlem is a good thing. Unfortunately, the experience here won't be giving me a good reason to come back to this particular establishment.
(3)Frank F.
Not quite as awesome as the hype, but still awfully stinking good. The vibe in there at brunch is awesome - live music before noon on a Sunday. Right next door to Sylvia's which makes it possibly the coolest block in New York north of 14th Street. They don't serve booze before noon on Sunday - damn blue laws....
(4)Leslie K.
Back in the 80s I lived in New York for several years and no one I knew visited Harlem. We would go to the Columbia campus which borders Harlem but none of us collegiates ventured out of the school's parameter. So, has Harlem changed or is it society? I bet it's more society. In any case it was a thrill to walk around and feel grateful that the world's changed a lot. I've read a few articles lately about the owner/chef and had been to Aquavit several years ago. The ambiance is very upbeat, service was quite good, and the food was enjoyable. Being a vegetarian, though, I was limited to side dishes. I enjoyed the mashed potatoes and collard greens. There may have been a mac & cheese entree but that's a bit too hearty for me. My partner enjoyed her salmon and I feasted on her dessert offering of a cupcake. Who can resist a cupcake? If I could I'd give this place 3.5 stars. ;-)
(3)Nuna C.
Red Rooster -Harlem, NY (review) A spot in Harlem that you have to make reservations for months in advance to get into unless you don't mind riding a mechanical bull of a bar stool. Ok so it's only a little wobbly. This place is aesthetically exhilarating, from the vintage barn design to the beautiful people who line the bar and those that keep the restaurant running. Lets just say they know how to pick their hosts. The food is two notches away from greatness. The establishment itself is somewhere you will want to experience. Trust! Rating: Two (out of 4) breath-on-the-back-of-the-neck hard nipples. Everything felt right but didn't end perfect. I'd give the Rooster a second date. *avoiding MANY rooster jokes here. Ordered: Oysters, crab cakes, red grits, fried yard bird, chickpea dumplings. The crab cakes were eaten like we were two fat kids grubbing on fried twinkies behind the McD's. It took moments and they were GONE. Moist crab meat pieces, not overwhelmed with bread crumbs, lightly seared on each side, sitting in a little avocado spread and pieces of prickly pears. No time for a photo. Oysters, ya they were raw and paired with a mango + grand mariner shot (very "top chef" of the chef) but they were nothing to write home about. And wouldn't order again with that price. Fried bird was juicy but the crust was lackluster, as was the overall taste. You're in Harlem! Step up the game on the fried chicken. Just sayin'. Chickpea dumplings, I see where they were going with this, but they never arrived at the destination. Dry, no no, very dry dumpling pieces. Red Grits! Um Yes, please and thank you. Pieces of shrimp, cheese, a couple pieces of chorizo, tomato puree added the 'red'. This was TASTY! Woooweee! Order that twice! resource: noshawarmano.tumblr.com
(3)James Z.
I Love this place!!! Go for the for early brunch - otherwise you need to wait 2 hours! Corn bread to die for, and great salmon.
(5)Antoinette P.
The food was really good and I loved the atmosphere. The DJ played some really good music. There were like 2-3 servers working our table though. The only thing I wished was better were the disert choices. Other than that I really like it.
(4)Julia Y.
I'll admit that my damn curiosity is what brought me to Red Rooster. Having heard about Marcus Samuelsson's culinary prowess for some years, I wanted to see for myself whether his new establishment focusing on comfort food would live up to those heightened expectations. We walked into Red Rooster on a Saturday night around 6:30pm knowing full well that we would have to wait it out, since we didn't have reservations. The crowd of enthusiastic patrons sitting at the bar and standing near the entrance confirmed it for me. That, and the hostess warned us that the wait would be well over an hour! The first hour was okay, as we huddled near the impressive curving bar that took up maybe half of the restaurant space. The bar itself appeared to be staffed by helpful bartenders. I later noticed that they all had mohawk-inspired hairstyles, which was incredibly fitting given the restaurant's name! The second hour, however, was a bit more painful, as the hostess continued to be a little vague about how much longer the wait would be. We later learned that some VIPs (maybe critics?) had entered the restaurant, which probably bumped our names further down the list. Having invested nearly two hours into waiting for a table, we decided to stick it out anyway. We met Marcus, as he made his rounds throughout the bar area. He was definitely gracious, warm, and personable. Well, we were finally seated at 8:30pm. We shared a table near the bar/front of the restaurant with another party of 3, which was fine with us. It actually reminded me a little of the way you have to share tables in Chinatown dim sum restaurants, but the similarities end there. We started with some corn bread and spiced duck liver pudding. Now I'm not a fan of butter at all, but my friend claimed that this butter was melt-in-your-mouth good. I tried a little on my piece of corn bread, and I'd have to agree. The duck liver was also very tasty, but I'd imagine not everyone would enjoy it. For entrees, we ordered the baked mac and greens, fried yard bird, and helga's meatballs. We also had sides of collard greens and yams/sweet potato puree. The yard bird came with this shaker of special seasonings that we couldn't quite identify. If I had to choose between the three entrees, I'd go with the meatballs. Our waitress was sweet and made useful suggestions here and there. She sold us on the peanut and chocolate dessert. The centerpiece was this peanut/chocolate candy bar. It came with a scoop of ice cream, a dab of peanut butter, and some slices of bananas. The dessert was a nice way to end the evening. Ultimately though, nothing really blew me away. Given the amount of time we waited, I was hoping to have an outstanding meal. I guess the corn bread was perhaps the best part - I could've had three orders of just that! I do want to give Red Rooster another go though, so perhaps next time I'll make reservations ahead of time to avoid the mind-numbing wait.
(3)Sarah W.
This is a wonderful restaurant. We loved our Prix Fix lunches. My mac and greens was very yummy. The service was impeccable but not stuffy. We sat close to the kitchen and really enjoyed the hubbub. But, it is particularly special if you are Marcus Samuelssen fans who really enjoyed his book Yes Chef. It made our pitcher of Yes Chef cocktail that much more special and gave meaning to Helga's meatballs!
(4)Douglas K.
Food is good, service is exceptional. Atmosphere is good. Downside, only 2 unisex restrooms near the kitchen. The line was so long it went out into the dining area next to tables where customers were eating, not too happy about that.
(3)Theresa L.
Ever since I'd heard of Marcus Samuelsson's new place in Harlem, my mouth has been watering anticipating the delicious flavor of the yardbird. Apparently anticipation is all that I would have. The yardbird was spicy without being flavorful and that hurt my tongue, my heart and my dreams...I wish I could say something better about the chicken but it was bland beyond all hope. The hearth baked mac and greens were low on tastiness though the idea of them, gouda, pasta, greens baked together, seemed yummy. The warm apple pie dessert was a win for the taste buds. Though it wasn't earth-shattering , it provided a dependably pleasant end to a meal I really could have done without. I will have to come again and try other entrees or just check out the bar. The decor is incredible and they eye candy is quite nice. I got to see Donnell Rawlings aka "Ashy Larry" and Cicely Tyson throughout the evening. I will definitely give it another go or 2 as it settles in beyond its newness.
(2)Sabra R.
Because I love Marcus Samuelsson, I was super geeked to check this place out. From the moment we walked in, it was clear that it was the "it" spot. Which was fine, I guess. But there was a great deal of preening and posturing going on---it felt more like a lounge than a restaurant. We were finally seated (it took some time despite the fact that we had reservations). The roasted corn bisque appetizers we had were great, but my fish entree was uninspired and a definite letdown after such a delicious start. But my partner had roasted bone marrow with crabmeat (a special) and she absolutely swooned with every bite she took. So I'd say it was ok. And I noticed that the menu has changed since we went so maybe we'll give it another shot the next time we're in NY. Hopefully, the "see and be seen" vibe will be a bit more toned down the next go round.
(3)Dave E.
The food is poor and overpriced. They aspire to be a trendy yuppy type upscale restaurant but it's a mixed crowd and it's loud inside. It's also in the middle of a really bad neighborhood in Harlem so if you eat on the sidewalk out front you will definitely be hit up for money by the homeless people that congregate outside to panhandle - best case scenario, or robbed or stabbed by one of the roving bands of locals on the prowl - worst case scenario.
(1)Meghan M.
Visited here for lunch while on vacay with too high of expectations. We were seated earlier than our reservation, which was surprising. The corn bread definitely lived up to everyone else's rave reviews. I liked it best with just butter, but the tomato jam was interesting and different. I ordered the burger. Very rich and wasn't cooked medium well as ordered. It was more medium rare to medium. Fries were cold. He ordered the yard bird, which again, lived up to the rave reviews. I was lucky enough to snag a bite or two and it was delish! Server was alright, but the remaining staff was very attentive. The lady at next table needed reading glasses and the GM brought over his own pair for her to use. I was very impressed. Would recommend hitting this up if you are in the area, but not sure I would make the special trip.
(3)Marissa M.
Damn. What is better than sucking down the most delicious oysters I've ever had, drinking one of the best bourbon drinks I've ever had AND being surrounded by affluent, intelligent, and GORGEOUS Black people? If you have an answer to that, please do not hesitate to inform me. That is all. Okay, really though, I also had the Bass &Grits, which I couldn't keep my sister's fork away from, and she had the Yard Bird, though she isn't the biggest fan of dark meat, and she really enjoyed it {as did I; I'm partial to dark meat...} All servers are excellent, though I imagine it would be hard to be less than sweet to two very happy, pretty, and friendly young ladies. The bartenders are the bomb {shout out to Tiff} {& the gent with the Mohawk whose name I always forget... Starts with an "M"...?} Anyways, despite some drunk "somebody" who the staff couldn't give the boot to for being a rude weirdo to us because he was "a somebody" {even though I, too, am somebody. Aren't we all?} and falling asleep at the damn bar, I had an amazing night that particular night and the nights before, and look forward to more.
(5)Stephen Z.
Unique entrees, classy atmosphere with very professional service staff. Great vibe at the bar with mix of tourists, people from around the block and all about the five boroughs! Sit down in the medium sized dining room for signature Marcus S. dinner or brunch. Can be a bit of a wait but that's why I tend to go on a weekday. Red Rooster's quickly become an anchor at 125th!
(5)joni a.
You broke my heart. After all the great write ups. Oh how you broke my heart. They had me at hello after the corn bread and toppings . Then a sad and downward spiral. Fair salad. Followed by meatballs that tasted canned. Salmon that tasted fair and chicken that had great crunch, maybe they picked it up from the kfc near by? . Perhaps, as good as my local Chinese restaurant. But no, the wings at Wok 88 are clearly better. But why all of the hype and crowd?? Perhaps like Vincent Van Gough, I will never know. Neither did the rest of my party of ten.
(2)Steve K.
4.5. My girlfriend and I had dinner here today. Everything was great: the service was quick and attentive and the food was delicious. We had deviled eggs, oysters Rockefeller, cornbread, jerk chicken and shrimp and grits. Everything apart from the cornbread was fantastic. Cornbread was ok, but nothing special. Also, the beer selection is great and makes a great pairing with the food. My girlfriend who normally doesn't even like grits, loved shrimp and grits. Great experience.
(4)Septima W.
So the chef has changed! And the food is amazing! Now! I love going here! It's the epitome of a neighborhood gem! The signature hot wings are a favorite! And I hope the soft shell crab sandwich, returns in the spring!
(4)NycQueenofTravel T.
Enjoyed the meal. Our waitress though had an emergency and was MIA until we asked what happened since we had no service at all. Burger was huge, juicy and delish, my daughter had chicken, also juicy and delish, but gravy was cold... Boo. Would have had for stars if had nailed service, 5 if food was perfect... Will not keep me from trying again... Just bad day...
(3)Nurys I.
Amazing experience!!! Had been trying to dine at Red Rooster every time I went to NY (from Miami) and was never able to make reservations. Was finally able to get a table Jan 2nd. The place was packed despite snowstorm Hercules coming down quick! The vibe was incredible! Had a couple of very good drinks at the bar. Ordered half the menu and loved everything we ordered! We even had the chance to meet Chef Samuelsson and Chef Ludo, who happened to be there previewing their new show, Taste! Chef Samuelsson is the nicest guy. Very down to earth and seemed genuinely interested in making sure we were enjoying ourselves. He surrounds himself with an equally amazing team! From the hostess that greeted us, to Don, Tynae and Selim - these people are all a class act! Can't wait to go back and check out the supper club downstairs!!!!!!! Make reservations in advance. Oh, and the 1,2 or 3 trains drop you off steps away from the restaurant. Very easy to get to. Enjoy!
(5)Blake N.
Awesome comfort food and resonably priced. I went for lunch with a bunch of friends and of course we had to try almost everything on the menu. Highlights for me was the jerk bacon dish, Shrimp and dirty rice, and of course the fried chicken. The hot sauce they serve with the chicken is incredible. Too full for dessert although there were a couple of things that caught my eye. If your in the area you should definitely check it out. Its very easy to get to.
(4)Christopher R.
This is a gem. Marcus Samuelson and his restaurant truly deliver a great restaurant experience. As you enter the restaurant, you can feel that it's alive and vibrant. The staff was friendly, and interested in talking with us about our questions. Attention to detail is the most outstanding part of the experience. We tasted the infused bourbon, which was delightful, and beautiful. The absolute high point was the appetizer, jerk pork and eggs. Its one of those dishes that I will remember, and long for, long after my visit to the Red Rooster. .It embodied the restaurant for me; attending to flavor, being comfortable and intricate at the same time. Distinct flavors and textures popping in one simple dish of pork belly, beans, eggs, and cabbage. It is worth the visit simply for this appetizer! Everything else was of a very high quality, the kind of thing I always find when in a restaurant headed by a talented successful chef. I ended with sweet potato doughnuts, which I cannot adequately describe; suffice it to say that I felt that each element of that dish was perfectly executed. Take the time to go to the Red Rooster!
(4)Daniel C.
The Lord has risen indeed!! The energy Is great! The fried chicken is moist and crispy and flavorful. The prices are what they are and realize you're paying premium for quality and swankiness. Went here for their Easter brunch which featured a gospel band and it was a unique fun experience.
(4)Judy C.
A missed opportunity to go to Aquavit recently and seeing Marcus Samuelsson win Top Chef Masters urged me to give Red Rooster a try. I like the decor and ambience of this place--vibrant, posh yet comfortable. I can easily go here just for drinks (read further for disclaimer though). With a reservation, we were seated in the main dining area within 10 minutes. The menu is a foreigner's take on American comfort food with the exception of "Helga's Meatballs," but hey, no complaints if the food is good. We got the oysters with ginger mignonette to start, and it came with a lemon vodka shot that went exquisitely well with the oysters. The plating was quite deceiving as the oysters were plated on top of "edible sand?" It had the look of sand, and being curious if it was edible since it was on a plate, I took a dab to try--it was edible but just bland (like super fine unsalted bread crumbs). Be warned: not everything on the plate at Red Rooster is edible. Regardless, it was a good and fun dish. For entrees, I got the dirty rice & shrimp, and oh maaaan!, that was pretty darn good. Curry-flavored rice and jumbo shrimp, I wanted more. Also got a side of black vinegar cauliflower with sesame, sumac, and pine nuts, and they were incredibly easy to eat with lots of flavors and crunchy cauliflowers (that might be a personal preference). Bf got the barley entree with sunchokes, salsify, and soy broth, and he was quite taken away by it. To end our meal, we shared the spiced pudding with apricot and blackcurrant (MY FAV!!!!) sorbets. It was a great end to our meal... Sigh, onto the not-so-good parts, the service and the drinks. We had mediocre service even though it appeared that there were many servers and busboys around this not-so-big dining area. Our water glasses stayed empty for the most part, the food took a tad longer than usual to come, the waiter forgot our drink orders until we were done with our entrees, and the bar ran out of some of the drinks and made some burn-your-throat-as-you-drink cocktails. I got the "Bourbon Negroni," and man, it was incredibly hard to drink with so much alcohol that just didn't taste good. Bf got the "Brownstoner," and while it was slightly easier to drink, it was bitter and potent. Thank goodness for the spiced pudding to lessen the blows of those drinks. Perhaps the bad service and drinks were an one-time incident. The good food there is enough to lure me back for more adventures (hopefully for the better).
(4)Belinda T.
This is an OK place with OK service and OK ambiance and is absolutely overpriced because of this OK category I think and feel this restaurant belongs in. Red Rooster is definitely hyped up. What makes them OK and not horrible is that the waiters are warm and friendly & the appetizers and drinks are decent. It may be your cup of tea so give it try, but be prepared to SPEND. I personally feel like "Soul Food" shouldn't be so expensive. The yard chicken is JUST fried chicken...so sue me because I won't drink the kool aid...again.
(3)Terence T.
I've been to this restaurant a few times, and I really want to like it - a superstar chef, close to my apartment, hip spot - it has all the qualities that normally would make me biased towards liking it more than I should. However, I have to say the food is mediocre at best, this last visit I had the collard greens and fried chicken salad. The collard greens were too bland, and the salad had too much dressing and none of the chicken tasted fried. Even the diet coke was flat. The service is not great, there is NO service with a smile here. I felt the entire time, from the hostess to the server, to the buser, everyone was doing me a favor. Actually, the buser was great.
(2)G C.
Five stars for sure. I loved everything about Red Rooster. I love the fact that you can come here at any time of the day and order anything off the menu- brunch, lunch, dinner. The staff was friendly, young, and energetic. The food was superb, plentiful, and fairly priced for the most part. And the atmosphere is very cool, laid back, and casual. I came here for lunch on a day off and made the trek out to Harlem from where I live much further downtown. Red Rooster definitely is a wonderful addition to Harlem, which is slowly but surely becoming nicer and more gentrified. I was seated right by the open kitchen, over looking the chefs hard at work. I was amazed at how they were running the operation like a well oiled machine. The head chef was there (not Marcus Samuellson) making sure every dish was plated to perfection. Here was the order, and yes it was ALOT of food. But it was my only meal of the day so I decided to splurge. Starters Cornbread with honey butter and tomato jam- Holy crap!!! Absolutely the most buttery, best, delicious cornbread I have ever eaten. At $4, this may be the best bite in the city pound for pound. 2 thick slabs of what is essentially cornbread in pound cake form, studded with whole corn kernels and a perfect balance of sweet n salty. Slather that baby with honey butter and just close your eyes as you are taken to heaven. I didn't think I would like the tomato jam, but it actually worked well. But trust me. The honey butter is where its at. A MUST order. Caution: You don't realize how rich and buttery it is until you scarf down the first slice and you start to immediately feel kinda full. Top 10 plate of 2013 so far. Fried green tomatoes over iceberg lettuce, bacon pieces, blue cheese dressing. This was something I was curious about as I hadn't had fried green tomatoes many times in my life. Three large tomatoes were nicely battered, fried well, and dusted with a cajun spice. They tomatoes themselves were good, but the lettuce they sat on was bereft of dressing. Need some more blue cheese for this dish. Overall, good but I would have passed on this to save more stomach space in the future. Main course was the reason I have wanted to come here for years. The fried yard bird and white mace gravy, with buttermilk mashed potatoes, pickles, chili dipping sauce. OMG! I don't know what kind of chickens they are using here but they are on some serious steroids. I got the largest chicken thigh and leg I have ever seen in my life!!! They were huge and the 2 pieces they give you equate to 4 pieces anywhere else. Seriously. The batter on these was how I like. Rather thick, exceptionally crispy, and contained some different spices- definitely cumin, maybe cinnamon, and some chile powder. I have to say though, the gravy was a bit overpowering for me. Thankfully, they didnt put too much on, but the spice they put in there is strong. Honey is a better topping. They also give you a spice can on the size to add more. The meat itself was so juicy, piping hot, perfectly cooked and I loved every bite of it. The mashed potatoes were good, but a sprinkle of the spices they gave me made them even better. The sauce they give you on the side is very spicy, and in my opinion unneeded. Some of the best fried chicken I've ever had though here definitely. And to add more calories- A side of mac and greens. It was orecchiette pasta loaded with many cheeses and some collard greens were mixed in. Superb, superb, superb. Rich as hell but awesome. The meal was incredible. But please do yourself a favor before coming here. Go on a juice cleanse, come hungry, and know that you will have to wheel yourself outta that baby! The only negative is that for those of us who live downtown its so far away. But maybe thats a good thing for my waist and cholesterol!
(5)Ro W.
Red Rooster gets an extra star for having the balls to do it. Do what you ask? They redefined the dining experience in Harlem and hopefully new establishments will follow suit. I will preface this with - you don't come to Rooster for the food, you come for the people. The food is fine, but it's not the reason I return. I've been to Red Rooster for brunch and dinner, but the best dish I've had was an appetizer on a random Tuesday night at the bar. They had a cajun seafood and grits dish that was absolutely perfect. I don't think I left a single morsel on the plate. The fact that I was at Red Rooster on a Tuesday night, however, is more important than the appetizer. They had a live latin band nestled in the front of the bar and I got to salsa dance...in my own neighborhood! This is something I at least have to go to the UWS to do...and usually even further down than that. There's always something happening at Red Rooster - from a neighbor's birthday party, to an Obama fundraiser, to the downstairs party, to Marcus Samuelson standing outside chopping it up (talking with) locals. This is new Harlem.
(4)Chelsea K.
I am sad to be writing this negative review - I've lived in the neighborhood for years and have been going to Red Rooster since it opened. The last two times I've gone, however, have been increasingly unpleasant. I'll share my experience tonight below in more detail, but in short, the appetizers and mains are generally still solid (e.g. mac and cheese with greens has always been and continues to be amazing), while the dessert is hit or miss (the rhubarb dessert is good, the carrot cake is bleck, and the sorbets are generally unidentifiable - they just taste like frozen sugar, not a real fruit). Cocktails are 4-5 stars, depending on what you order. Wine list is 1 star - see below for more info. Service is 2-3 stars. Okay, so about tonight: we were seated 25-30 minutes after our reservation time. That would have been excusable - stuff happens and it's a small dining space - but the manager offered another small group (who had arrived at the same time and was waiting for a reservation at the same time) a complimentary prosecco while ignoring my husband and me. We were standing right next to the other people, so it was awkward and started off the night on a sour note. Determined to put it past us, we ordered our food and a red wine, but when the server brought out the bottle, it was a very young vintage - they said they had run out of the vintage listed in the menu, so were substituting the younger wine (while still charging the same price as if it were a more expensive vintage). We then ordered a different red wine, and the same thing happened. We assumed this was a profit-making pattern whereby Red Rooster hoped its wine drinking customers wouldn't pay attention, so we finally gave up and my husband just got a cocktail and I (finally!) got my glass of prosecco. While the wine fiasco was happening, the manager (the same one who didn't offer us champagne) came over and said she was going to have to move us, but could she offer a free dessert to make up for it? We said OK and moved, and my husband went on to order a dessert. When the bill came, they had charged full price for dessert. They didn't charge for our drinks, on account of the wine fiasco, but they were unapologetic about the long wait, having to move us, etc. While the food is still generally good at this place, the bad service makes this not a worthwhile place to spend your evening. This is even more true now that Harlem has so many great restaurants, many of which have great service, creative and high-quality food, and better prices than Red Rooster.
(2)Lynn T.
Yum-o!!! So was in the area visiting a friend and both of us decided on Red Rooster. My reasons centering more around the possibility of seeing Marcus Samuelsson. Based on other reviews, I decided to stick to apps because they portion-heavy. I got the fried chicken and waffles (one boneless breast with collard greens, one waffle, bourbon infused maple syrup, and a weird fruity butter) while my friend went with the yardbird entree (two pieces of dark meat with mashed potatoes). We split the fried green tomato app (three medium slices) and the cornbread "snack" (two small slices). Everything was delicious! The chicken was perfectly crispy and seasoned well. The meat wasn't dry despite mine being boneless and white. My only complaint would probably be the cornbread as I tend to like mine with a crunchy crust and soft interior. The slices we were served were almost pound cake-like and had no crust to speak of. I did appreciate the whole corn kernels throughout the bread but it could've been better. Overall, even without a reservation, we were immediately seated. Although it was outside which, we didn't mind, we did miss out on the hip ambience of inside which was super trendy and felt almost supper club meets casual southern diner for me. I was very happy with the food and the attentive staff and would definitely return to sample something else on the menu!
(4)Syd J.
Went to Red Rooster on a date. The service was good and attentive, the food was terrible. The cornbread was sliced and full of butter, nothing special about it. I have made better tasting cornbread from scratch! I was not that hungry so I got the dirty rice and shrimp as my meal. The shrimp were over cooked and the rice was bland and served cold as if the dish was microwaved for someone else. Normally I would have sent it back but was on a date and on my best behavior :). I don't see the hype about this restaurant. Definitely want restaurants in Harlem to succeed but won't be back here.
(2)Ron F.
Lets see where should I start.... For a soul food restaurant the entire main course menu is unappealing. Nothing stands out as a " oh I got to try this". I ordered the jerk chicken, and lets me just say this...it was not jerk chicken in any way. It was more like bake chicken. For a appetizer I ordered the shrimp and dirty rice. And ill say the shrimp was great....but the rice was bland, and hard. I've tasted more flavor from liptons box rice. Now for the service... My waiter was pretty attentive when his ass wasn't in my face when he spoke to the people at the table next to me.. like come on dude. This place was a one shot deal for me
(2)Lindsay F.
What a fun, come as you are, restaurant vibe. Red Rooster doesn't take itself too seriously, but does take it's food seriously. We started with the fried green tomatoes and "The Goat". Both were amazing. With the flavors and spices used in "The Goat", you had no idea what meat you were eating, only that it was delicious.We tried the jerk chicken and Helga's meatballs. Both were flavorful. We had the dark chocolate pudding and pear crisp for dessert. The pear crisp had a cheddar cheese crust and was paired with peanut ice cream. It was so flavorful and balanced and not overly sweet. The service was amazing and servers attentive. We came on an evening with a live band. The bar area was full of people out to have a relaxed good time. I went from midtown to Harlem for dinner and I would definitely do it again!
(5)Robert E.
3 stars for the food and 5 stars for the service. But the food was not good enough to give the overall rating 4 stars. I was treated to dinner here last night. I'm glad I wasn't the one paying for it. It was very good but not worth the $130 tab (that includes the tip that was left for the waiter). So what if it is by the much lauded chef Marcus Samuelsson and President Obama has eaten there on a number of occasions? For me, in the end, it is about the food and the service. The food was tasty but not great. Cornbread with a choice excellent honey butter and a tasty tomato jam. The market salad we had was under dressed but I liked the ingredients. My roasted chicken was too salty. The desert, a chocolate tart with a dollop of red velvet ice cream and a couple bits of peanut brittle was the highlight of the meal. Our waiter, Malik, was very friendly, informative, not pushy at all but attentive. At the end of the meal he took the time to escort us downstairs to the new impressively decorated dining area that has not yet opened. I loved the ambiance and way the place is decorated. There was a wonderfully eclectic mix of diners. I would go back again and try something different. Anybody want to take me?
(3)Randolph C.
Went there while visiting and staying in Harlem. I had the fried delta catfish and my wife had the lunch special...wicked good food. Had reservations so had a drink while our table was readied...great staff, super friendly...could easily see myself going back to the Red Rooster.
(5)Bubble T.
it's more like a 3.5/5 the reviews i have read are either good or bad my experience was a good one yes- i had the fried chicken appetizer and main course BOTH great - the hot sauce w the yard bird (SOMEONE GET ME THE RECIPE) I wanna bottle that and drink it- it's a good competition to sriracha the fish & grits = fish was perfectly cooked, the grits - great, cheesy, creamy..mmmm, snacks/apps: get the chicken & waffle, soy glazed wings, polenta bread...green tomatoes...mmm = meh..... the ramen soup is okay.... ah! for the yard bird fried chicken ask for the gravy to be on the side the only con is that noise level... the acoustics is not sorted out but then again it lends itself to the atmosphere it's got an energetic, enthusiastic, happy vibe
(4)Liz R.
The two stars are for the service. The people couldn't have been nicer and the service couldn't have been better. The energy was great and it is a fun and happy place. Now for the food...........There was no one home in the kitchen. Everything we had was disappointing except dessert. Mr. Samuelsson needs to get back to that kitchen.
(2)Veronica D.
Nice amount of outdoor seating. Nice club area downstairs with a pleasant crowd. Live music on Tuesday Wednesday and Sunday upstairs and downstairs.The service was quiet slow and inattentive. The food was just ok; it wasn't fabulous and it wasn't bad. Pricey for what we were served though. The were out of the what I first requested. My husband had the catfish. It was a little bland. I had the Mac and greens. The spinach salad served with it was dry. The mac mixed with collards was different but really was not zesty and flavorful. I would return for the atmosphere and the club but the food was not all that.
(3)Alexis M.
Here's what I sent to Ted Rooster after my experience there: --- Dear Red Rooster team, I usually vent my culinary disappointments or share great experiences on Yelp but I believe this warrants a more personal and direct approach. I apologize in advance for the length of this email. The tl;dr version is: the food was really not up to par. To put everything into context, my fiancée and I are getting married on October 27 and decided to treat ourself with special dinners at places we have never been in the city every 27 of the month until the wedding date. We had heard, read, seen many great things about Red Rooster Harlem and knowing the reputation of Mr. Samuelson as chef made us really look forward to the evening. We had a reservation for 5:30PM as there was no other choice on Open Table. I am still not sure why as two thirds of the seatings were empty until 6:30PM. But it did not matter; we were very excited about our meal. We even studied the menu online. If you don't mind, I'd like to start with the positive points of the evening. The service was amazingly attentive and friendly and the cocktails were well executed. The downfall of the night came from the food, which is never good at a restaurant. It started when we discovered that the country ham and cured duck breast on the online menu is not in the actual menu anymore. Instead we decided to go with the Mac & Greens. Being huge Mac & Cheese fans, we couldn't wait to taste the deliciousness of Gouda, Cheddar and Comté. Instead we had some overcooked pasta and a few greens swimming in a curdled cream broth that was not cheesy or stringy. The salad accompanying it was okay, not really great. I then chose the Fried yard bird. The meat was tough, overcooked, dry and yet not crispy as the gravy had been poured over the skin. The mash potatoes were nice. My fiancée, decided to go with the Maya shrimp over the steak. That was the final blow of the night: - The shrimp were over-seasoned, overcooked, dry and tough. - The plantains were literally inedible (dry to the point they couldn't be chewed) - The oyster cream sauce did not make it to the plate. It seemed as if the plate stayed under the heating lamp for a long while, which is surprising as we were the 3rd diners of the night. At that point, we just wanted to pay and leave so we skipped the dessert. I can't imagine going through another disappointment with the sweet potato doughnuts. Once again I want to apologize for the length of this email and wanted to know if, after so many of our friends had some of their best meals at your restaurant, we came during an off-night. It is hard to express how disappointed we were with the food, especially after paying a substantial check. I appreciate you reading this and hope you will take my comments to heart. --- They didn't care to reply to it so it's going on Yelp.
(1)Joanie K.
I'm a little disappointed by the hype of Red Rooster. I think if it had opened anywhere else besides Harlem, it wouldn't have been as buzz worthy. The food was tasty but not enough to travel for as there are other great Southern restaurants that are less sceney. I will admit the bourbon drink I had was delicious. And got me super drunk. I had corn bread and the Lemon Thyme chicken. It was tasty but the white meat portion was overly dry. That piece is currently sitting in my fridge to be shredded for a salad.
(3)Alison C.
I was lucky enough to attend the Friends and Family event at Red Rooster Harlem, which occurred just prior to the grand opening and allowed me to sample a variety of menu items. Initially, I began the evening with cocktails, enjoying the Savoy with its vodka, lemon, muddled grapes, and agave, but particularly falling in love with the heavier Brownstoner. Its unique nutmeg-infused bourbon was blended with tart Cherry Heering and aromatic St. Germain. After a few of these mixed drinks, we were able to transition to a table in the bar area to enjoy the cuisine. The Corn Bread "Snack" was thankfully more on the bread-side than resembling a sweet pastry. However, it maintained the perfect amount of moisture and was not overly dry. The cornbread was accompanied by a sweet honey butter and a tangy tomato jam. The earthy spreads were composed of the freshest ingredients and truly enhanced the nutty flavor of the bread. Continuing our passion for this Southern yellow crop, we opted for the crisp Corn Tacos & Tostadas, which were stuffed with a refreshing ceviche made from fresh yellowtail, salmon, and avocado. As the meal progressed, I finished my most recent cocktail and decided to order a glass of the 2009 Italian Ca' Donini Pinot Grigio, which was fragrant and well-balanced. We continued our tasting with a plate of Helga's Meatballs. The tender beef possessed the perfect exterior sear and was served atop a bed of buttery, smooth mashed potatoes. A Swedish lingonberry sauce was drizzled over the meatballs, inviting us into Chef Samuelsson's heritage. A side order of Yam and Sweet Potato Puree sounded too enticing to pass up, as they were infused with the bold flavors of bacon and horseradish. We then proceeded to dessert, where we feasted on the Warm Apple Pie with its flaky crust made from sharp cheddar cheese. The apple filling was tender, yet firm, unlike the gooey gelatinous mess often found within. The apples gave off a powerful aroma, as if they were freshly peeled. A homemade vanilla whipped cream was a creative winter alternative to ice cream. The Whiskey Fudge dessert might have come as a smaller portion, but the dense chocolate and chunky macadamia nuts made it an even more decadent treat. There is also no way for me to forego the chance to praise our sweet server. While the staff was clearly still learning the ropes, she made every effort to entice our palates and keep us engaged in the experience. Her energetic demeanor and helpful suggestions were greatly appreciated. As a satisfied visitor during the Friends and Family event, I am sadden to see the mixed reviews for this stylish space. I found Marcus Samuelsson's home-style cuisine innovative, yet steeped in tradition.
(4)Mackenzie S.
Service and the atmosphere for brunch on Sunday, Mother's Day Sunday was great!!!However just moving to this part of Harlem and excited to try this place out I was really let down on the food. It was just okay. I feel the brunch entrees were very blah. And spending $100 for brunch I want to be leaving saying I want to come back and try more of the food and that wasn't the case at all. Drinks were fab tho. Much better brunch options just a few subway stops away.
(3)Pam M.
Restaurant week worked on me, because I will definitely be back to try the regular menu, now that they reeled me in. Plus: decor. It's very sophisticated but casual, classy but not pretentious. Con: Their service was good but unfortunately, somewhat misleading. They offered cornbread and stupidly enough, we said yes without asking if it was complimentary (and just assuming that because this was red rooster) it would be. Wrong. I overheard another server asking a table next to us in the same misleading way. Are they taught to mislead!? Of course, the restaurant week yardbird was significantly smaller than the regular yardbird, as my friend ordered the normal entree while I stuck to r.w. results? still good but I woulda liked the extra meat. Their peanut soup was too rich for my taste but would be a good dip for bread. Take a look at the menu before bringing any finicky eaters. Fiancé is kinda picky and he was not interested in going here. I would come back though!
(4)Fredrique G.
I came here once for the club downstairs, which was nice. I'm 22, so the crowd there was a bit older than me. But this review is for the restaurant. Came here last night and asked the guy at the podium for a table for two. He asked if I had a reservation, and I told him I didn't, but he said that was okay. After waiting for a few minutes, he apologized for the wait and thanked me for being patient. I really appreciated that since I really hadn't even been waiting that long and I understood given it seemed packed and I had no reservation. About 5 minutes, we were seated by a really sweet hostess, and greeted by a nice waiter who admittedly seemed overwhelmed. Now given the initial trajectory of the evening, I might have given this place three stars, but they managed to turn it around. We ordered tacos and buffalo wings and a drink. Very simple dishes that seem easily prepared. It took forever and a day to come, especially the drink (why? The bar was right there!) When the people next to us who had been seated after us got served before us, I decided to speak up. I couldn't hear what the guy said but when he left, I said "in 10 minutes, if we don't get anything, we're leaving." A few minutes later a waitress came over with a glass of champagne and cornbread. In response to my confused expression, she told me it was on the house. Awesome! A few minutes later, our meals finally came. And when my date ordered his second batch of buffalo wings (which were great and came with a nice, sweet sauce), they came out SUPER fast along with an extra entree for me - also on the house! For this, I give this place four stars. The service was great from beginning to end, and I appreciate them understanding my concern about the wait, and doing something extra. I would be back again for the midnight brunch.
(4)Ash C.
What an awesome space! The bar is such a great spot as well - the type of place that facilitates people watching AND drinking! This is a well known spot in Harlem, and definitely worth the trip if you are coming from another part of NY. There is a historic and cozy yet modern and classy vibe, and the food is down home comfort food. Personally, I would go for the bar - i didn't try the food unfortunately.
(4)YJ A.
Love the ambience of the restaurant, so fun and hip! Although we had to wait a while for our table, we still had a great time being there and the food was really delicious too. We actually ended up ordering too much food because everything on the menu sounded delicious. But that made for tasty leftovers!
(5)Kareyn S.
I arrived at Red Rooster Harlem half an hour before our booking time on a Monday, so went to wait at the bar while my husband was parking the car. I requested a chocolate martini - not on the menu - and was told that it was "No problem!" And clearly it wasn't. The chocolate martini that arrived was tasty, well balanced, nicely chilled and definitely generous. I ordered some 'Red Rooster Nuts' and received a *very* generous bowl of warm, spiced nuts, interspersed with dried cranberries and cracker wafers. The bowl was large enough to take to the table when we reached our reservation time, and we continued to nibble them throughout the evening. I started with a very nice caesar salad - crisp with just the right amount of dressing - with corn bread croutons. The croutons, while nicely toasted on the outside were a tad sweet for me, but the salad itself was so nice, it made no difference to the overall standard. My husband had braised goat tostadas, which were a perfect serving size. The goat, in my opinion, could have been a tad tastier, but my husband had no issue with them and enjoyed them thoroughly. For my main course I had the 'Mac and Cheese with Lobster'. I admit - I buckled and ordered a second serving of lobster which, as it turned out, wasn't necessary, but was enjoyable none the less! The mac and cheese was perfectly cooked, the sauce creamy and rich without being gluggy, and the lobster was very nicely cooked. My husband had 'Helga's Meatballs', which were delicious. We had the buttermilk mashed potatoes and cow peas for sides and loved the potatoes, without being wild about the cow peas. In retrospect, we wish we'd tried the collard greens. For dessert I had the doughnuts with sweet potato filling, served with clotted cream which I spread on each bite and was generous enough to last to the last doughnut (my main gripe about ice cream and cream is that its often too meagre in its serving size to make it to the end of a dessert). The sweet potato filling didn't seem necessary to me, tho the creamy center was unexpected and made the doughnuts even more moist than they already were. A lovely dessert, all told, though my one suggestion here would be for the doughnuts to be served with a knife, so the cream can be spread more easily. As it was, I used my spoon - effective despite being a little clumsy. My husband had the pear crisp with the cheddar crust. This comes with peanut butter ice cream and he requested vanilla instead. When the original peanut butter arrived, he mentioned it to our waitress, and it was swapped out with no issue. The pear flavor was very pleasant, and the cheddar crust gave it a nice bite. We finished with the brandied dark chocolate truffles, which we couldn't justify, but had anyway. The wines were excellent (we tried the riesling and the malbec by the glass), and the nuts from the bar were enough to last as a nibble to the end of the meal. There was no question, however, that the star of the meal was the service. From the female bartender, to Jamie, our lovely waitress, to Don, the maitre d', our welcome was warm and attentive, without ever being over bearing. When our desserts came out of synch (mine somewhat before my partner's), and then with the peanut butter ice cream rather than the vanilla, all the desserts - including the truffles - were taken off the bill. We didn't expect that, but were impressed by it, as it indicates a genuine commitment to service. The gentleman who held the door for us to show patrons in and out was a nice touch. I would definitely go again. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. I enjoyed the food and the entire experience was relaxed and easy. And if you go - ask for a chocolate martini!
(4)KG P.
A review for brunch ___ This review is brought to you by the letter O O for overrated. After months of excitement my b/f and I and finally got around to dining at Red Rooster. The ambiance was great and the decor was just right. We felt so good standing at the bar listening to the stylized gospel music. We knew this was going to be EPIC. It was an epic fail. In all fairness, our server was attentive, the hostesses were lovely, and again the restaurant looks good but the food oh dear god the food was so bland. The drinks tasted watered down and when I drink I don't want to second-guess if there is actually alcohol in my glass. My companion ended his meal, food pushed around his plate, with the following question - "do you think there's a wait at Sylvia's?" I will gladly go back to Red Rooster for brunch if they increase the variety of options along with the flavor in the food. They say that there is someone out there for everybody and I guess it's the same deal for restaurants. Not my cup of tea but based on the long waiting list to score reservations my yelp review won't hurt RR's profit margin or quell the enthusiasm of the person who wants to see what the hype is all about. My advice - if/when you go, read the yelp reviews for dishes that people like and/or order something that sounds like it has a lot of seasoning. I do hope you'll have a better gastronomic experience than we did.
(2)Chey H.
I had high hopes for Red Rooster, despite the negative reviews, and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed! My boy and I went for lunch on a weekday--we had to wait maybe 15 minutes for a table but the hostess was friendly. He ordered the restaurant week menu and I had the mac and greens with a side of cornbread. I was surprised by the size of the mac and greens, and it comes with a side salad. The cornbread was on the money and I enjoyed both the honey butter and tomato jam. He had the infamous yard bird and ate every last bit (I managed to get a few bites and found it pretty tasty). We were very happy with our meal and the service. I see Red Rooster as a place to take my family when they come visit. I'll be back for more cornbread!
(5)Lisa B.
Food was good, service was not so great. We got there fairly early for brunch and so got a table right away, but then we were promptly forgotten for quite some time. Our waitress apologized, but I think for the price of the place they should have given us a free appetizer or drink. Anyway, I thought the food was very good, but I'd rather go to less trendy place and pay less.
(3)Sarah X.
Super atmosphere, impeccable service. The vibe is very relaxed but upscaled. Beautiful and cool people. We had the corn bread with tomato jam to start. oh my gosh, I never though I would adore a vegetable jam, but its perfection. Bf had the yard bird, I had the red snapper w/ rice. I thought the food was great, although the yard bird was a $20+ fried chicken dish. We had a couple of cocktails, they were good but nothing memorable. Verdict, love the vibe, great food. but some dishes are def overpriced.
(4)Jenny L.
My hubby took me for my birthday dinner, since I'd just finished Chef Samuelsson's autobiography, Yes, Chef, and was completely enchanted by his amazing life story. I was in love with the place from the minute we drove by looking for a spot - the outside facade and glance in to the hoppin' bar area were so inviting - especially on a flurrying, freezing night. Walking in confirmed my initial "like" with fantastic, warm colors, a live Jazz band (Sunday night!) and a warm, friendly hostess (is this NYC or not!!??). We sat for a bit looking around at the rest of the patrons - everyone was just so attractive and not-too-trendy, and the waitstaff all the same, it was a pleasure. I can't say enough about at atmosphere - I didn't stop smiling over it the whole time. Unfortunately, our seats were moved after a few minutes to push tables together for a table that ended up not being used, but the staff was nice enough to remedy that with a free order of the scrumptions, chewy-with-crunchy-outside, steaming-warm cornbread. We skipped the overpriced drink menu, and dove into the food, starting with the dirty rice and shrimp appetizer. I adored the unique mix of spices, crunch, sweet raisins, and cool yogurt. It was unlike any flavors I've had, so very hard to describe. The one sour note was that my husband got some kind of pepper or something massively hot, and was gulping water and eating the rest of the cornbread to recover (and he can do hot). Something must've been left in after cooking. For entrees, he had the salmon with citrus sauce and long beans, which he loved, and he isn't always thrilled with salmon, so that was nice. I found the peanuts+citrus a bit unusual for me to reconcile. I had his grandmother Helga's swedish meatballs, and they were perfect - so homey and rich, with wonderfully sweet, tangy lingonberries, refreshing pickles, and a side of immediate-transport-to-sweden (I imagine) potatoes with cream and dill. I was very happy, and he loved mine, as well. As a side we had the roasted squash with fried sage. It was, for some reason, just okay. Nothing special, we didn't even eat that much of it. The best part was the pureed pumpkin with pumpkin seeds. For dessert I voted for the rice pudding, which was a very interesting take, with cold, thick rice pudding, heavenly pineapple in rum, and crumbled macaroons (that part I didn't love). Really enjoyed overall, and a nice lightly-sweet finish to the evening. It didn't hurt to set the scene that Bill & Hillary Clinton were dining at a nearby table with a bunch of folks, and we were sitting even closer to a table of Secret Service, chowing down! Overall, it is a little overpriced, but I loved the complete package and would go back.
(4)Mark H.
Really liked this place, but can't help but feel it's not the real Harlem experience. Sylvia's is the real deal for food though this was pretty tasty. For trendy bar food and cocktails just a quick hop from the Apollo you can't go wrong though.
(4)Micha J.
Everything from the service to the food exceeded our expectations! Our reservation was for four, however we arrived with six and they accommodated us without hesitation. The food was everything you'd expect from a Top Chef Master! Each of us ordered a different dish, allowing us to sample a variety of food & nothing disappointed - you could taste the amalgamation of cultures in every bite of each dish. The icing on the cake occurred as we attempted to leave the restaurant only to discover a downpour of rain - the staff provided us with umbrellas!
(5)Brett P.
Last October I had potentially the best brunch of my life to date at Red Rooster. It was pretty packed early on a Sunday afternoon. That freak snowstorm had hit the city, but that didn't do much to thin the crowd. We were luckily able to grab a couple of bar stools for the four of us. The bar staff was friendly, efficient and helpful making suggestions with their house cocktail menu. There were lots of unique flavor combinations on offer. The Dillio with peanut infused bourbon and the spicy and shrimp garnished Bloody Mary were stand-outs. After sampling a couple of cocktails we were seated near the kitchen. The scents emerging were fantastic. Everything brought to the table was amazing. Two in our party got the Yard Bird (some of the most succulent chicken I've ever had). The Steak Frites was prepared a perfect medium rare and the combination of onion marmalade and truffle bearnaise was a little piece of heaven. Their take on biscuits on gravy was savory and rich. We left floating... granted we had three drinks a piece. Service wasn't fast as it was busy as hell, but we were there to sit for a couple of hours, get sauced and have a fantastic meal. Red Rooster was a perfect venue for that. I sometimes think of getting a cheap ticket to NYC just to get that steak frites again.
(5)Anita A.
Came here on a Sunday night with a friend who wanted to explore the restaurants of Harlem. She had heard some good things about the restaurant and were both in the mood for some down home southern cooking. We walked in and it was super packed and so there was only seating at the bar or a few tables outside (for a warmer night it would be a great option though not much of a view). We opted for the bar and were greeted promptly by our waitress. She was super friendly and great some good suggestions on the drinks (the brew their own bourbon... a must try). While the meal was decent, I don't know if the cost was justified for what my friend and I ordered (-1 star). The second is that although our waitress was really friendly and helpful, I did feel a bit rushed when it came time to order and pay the bill, but kind of neglected in between except when the busboys kept coming to take our plates when we were not even finished... I had to eventually give up on telling them I was still working on my plate and let them have it... I am not the worlds slowest eater, but by the time we got our meal the restaurant had died down a bit so there wasn't a real need for us to hurry ourselves along (-1 star). With so many restaurants in that area I might venture to explore other places when it comes to food, but if you need a great bourbon drink, Red Rooster is your spot.
(3)Hilary M.
Loved it! Try the New American cocktail at happy hour. Best. Grits. Ever.
(5)Amanda M.
The menu is a bit too eclectic for my taste... The recipes just don't make much sense. HOWEVER, the drinks are great and it's just such a nice atmosphere. I cannot wait to visit their new underground Lounge.
(3)Christian L.
had a great time! the bartender david was a angel. met 2 cool russian guys and got drunk all by myself. I had the savoy , the brownstoner, and a dirty martini and was right where i needed to be . the feel of red rooster is like no other. if your in harlem red rooster is a must go! will be returning again to try more things on the menu, I had the fried chicken ceasar salad which was too die for! my only issue was the sunny side up egg they threw on the top! ewwwww!! i hate runny eggs !!!!! after throwing away the eggy portion of the salad i threw down . finished off with the sweet potatoe donuts, just think munckins filled with sweet potatoe!! YUMMMY To top it off, i left and forgot my purse, when i returned they already had it safely put away in the closet. . Thanks for a great first time and thanks david! your drinks rocked
(5)Moneek M.
Came here yesterday for lunch and had a great experience. The restaurant is beautiful itself, decorated in a very spacious and inviting sense. The front half of the restaurant has a nice bar with some seating and the back is all tables with a cut out view of the kitchen, which I always find nice. The staff were all great. Upon arriving we were asked if we would like coat check and our reservation was brought up right away. The food was fantastic! We had the corn bread for starters which I highly suggest, both the honey butter and tomato jam served with it are amazing. Some of our party had soups, peanut and pumpkin, which they all enjoyed. As an entree I had the yard bird and it was great, not oily and seasoned very well. Others in our party were pleased with their meatballs. Between the excellent ambiance and food, this is definitely a place to check out.
(4)Tarrence L.
My girlfriend and I Went to Red Rooster this weekend. We had the Dirty Rice and Shrimp for appetizer and I wanted to lick the plate clean. Next time I'm just going to order a double portion for a meal. She ordered the Shrimp & Grits. As soon as you take a fork full you immediately get hit in the head with flavor. It had the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and cheese. I would definitely order it again. I ordered the Yard Bird (Which is Fried Chicken) and I was pretty underwhelmed especially for $29. You can tell that the oil had not been changed in awhile. And for $29 I expected more then Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. All in all the food was great and I would definitely go back again.
(4)Cathy G.
I went to the lounge because we thought the restaurant was closed BUT got incorrect info - anyway - NICE PLACE! I can't vouch for the food by my drinks were great and the music was too!!! It seemed as if the AC was NOT working upstairs but it was mighty fine downstairs in the lounge. I'll definitely go back and soon and I'll try the food since the drinks were so great - creative, great variety and well made.
(4)Christopher C.
Finally Came Here and was very Happy with everything from the Service to the Food. All the dishes were amazing and I will be back here for round 2 ASAP
(4)Ayesha E.
LOVE! My brother and I painted Harlem red! We had an awesome time here! We had our drinks outside in the patio area. Everyone here was so nice and professional. Our bartender Reggie was awesome and his Obama-tini's were delicious and the host Victor was terrific as well. I will definitely be back, I love this place!.
(5)Karen T.
I've been looking for an excuse to go here. Then, my wife finished a novel, our roommate had an anniversary, and we had a few extra dollars we could spend. So we call some friends, and had them meet us there. We waited for a table in the bar, which was very busy without feeling crammed. The environment was friendly, and we ended up in a number of casual and friendly conversations with others at the bar. I admit that I was mesmerized by the drinks the bartenders were building. They were imaginative, and delicious. One of the members of our party doesn't drink, and the bartender cheerfully built a ginger beer-based cocktail with fig-infused, muddled grapes which was marvelous and refreshing. We were seated in the front, near the bar. We shared the snack nuts, which were infused with sour cherry and had little bits of injera. Nice munchies! The service was regular and attentive. And the food? WELL!! First, the Mac and Greens. Amazingly rich and smooth, the pasta just perfect. The greens were not what we expected, but that isn't to say they weren't good. Expecting a classic collard greens, what arrived instead was a salad of collards, mustard greens and kale. It was a great complement to the dish. Helga's Meatballs were delightful. Arriving in a small iron skillet, they had a nice sauce, and the ligonberries were fruity and sharp without being overly sweet. The bed of cabbage captured the juice. The little side bowl of dill-stewed potatoes was wonderful. As others here have mentioned, the Yard Bird is spectacular. The skin was to die for. Unfortunately, the order was a bit too rare near the bone. However, when we called attention to that concern, there was no argument or issue: the waiter whisked it away, and returned shortly with a fresh, complete order that was cooked perfectly. The steak frites was amazing. My wife and I are big fans of a classic steak frites and this one was beautifully seasoned, with a nice layer of peppercorn. The bone marrow was astonishingly good, and the crumble of crab cake to hold the richness was a great medium. Besides - who can resist the pleasure of getting a nice big cracked bone sizzling with fatty richness on the plate? Well, after such an astonishingly wonderful dinner, how could we not have dessert? We chose the three non-alcoholic desserts. We were encouraged by friends to try the sweet potato donuts, which were light, dusted with sinnamon sugar, and disappeared all too quickly. The rooster cheesecake was also light, and the citrus yogurt sherbet was tasty. And the chocolate tart? Crumbly, with a buttery red velvet ice cream. Definitely worth sharing! The place was hopping on Saturday afternoon, and remained that way as long as we were there. We had excellent service, and were never rushed out. But once our orders were taken, they were filled quickly. And the one "problem" dish was taken care of quickly and without fuss. Finally, I cannot say enough about the music mix. Eclectic and enjoyable. The best way to describe it would be to say it was truly a celebration of Harlem. I think we heard hip hop, jazz, soul, funk, disco, salsa, boogie, and classics. Definitely noticeable, but not so loud as to demand that we all raise our voices in order to be heard. Red Rooster will definitely be on my list for future celebrations. Plus, we found out that we can call ahead to find out when Chef Marcus Samuelson will be in the kitchen, which is definitely an added plus for the foodies!
(5)Lainie F.
If you're looking for authentic, amazing Soul Food don't go here. You're better off going next door to Sylvia's OR going down to 114th Street to Melba's. My experience at Red Rooster was EXTREMELY disappointing. This place can't decide if it's a club or a restaurant. The music was so loud, I couldn't even hear the person sitting right next to me -- and I'm 26 so it's not like I'm losing my hearing. On the Saturday night when I went it was for a friend's birthday. The friend happens to be a Senior Producer for a well-known show that often has celebrity chefs, and while I wasn't expecting special treatment, I at least thought this would mean we'd see Red Rooster at its best. But, instead, the experience was lackluster mainly due to service and salty overpriced food and cocktails. To start -- our server offered cornbread as though it were complimentary, but it's not. And he hardly ever came to the table to see if we'd like more wine or cocktails. There were seven of us at the table and he (along with the restaurant) could have made a TON more money off of us if he had simply asked us if we'd like more drinks. When the cornbread was brought to our table, along with the deviled egg appetizer (which has a sauce underneath the eggs that is way too salty!), there were no individual plates given to us so we could actually eat the appetizers. When my boyfriend asked for small plates for the table, the server only brought two (again, there were seven of us). After apps, we had the market green salad which was a delight. It's bright and not overdressed with salad dressing. Afterwards, our main courses came out. I had ordered the Mac N Greens with lobster. The dish was cold in the middle as though they're either making them the day before and putting them in the freezer/refrigerator and NOT assembling it to order. I realllllly didn't want to be THAT person who sent food back, but I really wanted my food to be at least warm. The server took it back to the kitchen and in the meantime I ate a few of the sides that had been ordered for the table to share. One of the sides that was ordered was the Roasted Root Vegetables. Not sure what happened here, but they were sorry excuses for a root vegetable plate. They were diced up so tiny it looked like baby food and surprisingly I kept coming across bites of overcooked AND undercooked vegetables -- kind of ironic considering Marcus Samuelsson gives people a hard time about that on the Food Network's show Chopped. So I moved on to the grits -- another side ordered for the table. They were probably the highlight of the meal (other than the salad) although they were a bit too salty, too. But at least they had an earthy flavor to them from whatever cheese was used in them. Again, ironic that so many dishes were too salty since Chef Samuelsson reprimands contestants on Chopped for doing that. When my dish finally returned, everyone else had already finished their meals (and during this time the server didn't come by once to update me on how much longer it might be). Also the dish was an entirely new mac n cheese, an effort I appreciated but all I really wanted was the one I had to be heated up in the oven for just a few minutes. Sadly, the mac n cheese they brought me wasn't the right one, either. I had ordered the lobster version, and they brought me the maple bacon version with three pieces of lobster claw meat right on top. I didn't want to be THAT person to send it back again so I just kept the plate this time. But I couldn't get through more than a few bites because the bacon was TOO salty which is why I never originally ordered bacon in my mac n cheese. The waiter never came back again to see if the dish's temperature was to my liking -- something servers even at an Applebee's would know to do. One of the other people at the table ordered the steak, and when asked what she thought of her dish (it also came with fries), she said the fries were better than the steak. Again, disappointing. Desserts were ordered for the table, and they were also sad. The doughnuts with sweet potatoes in them were ice cold. The chocolate cake was dry. And the apple oat dish tasted more like over sweetened oatmeal. BUT the Guatemala coffee was good! (Definitely get that if you're looking for some espresso at the end of the night!). TAKEAWAYS: The service is downright disappointing. The food is, for the most part, too salty. And for what you get, this place is WAY overpriced. I'm the kind of person who loves everything from hole-in-the-wall places to nicer restaurants and I can say that I have had better service at a roadside mom & pop place than I did here. I don't mind paying more for something fabulous, but this was anything but fabulous. If you're looking to go to a restaurant from one of the Food Network chefs in NYC, you're better off going to Alex Guarnaschelli's restaurant Butter. With service and food like this, I'd be surprised if this restaurant sticks around..
(1)Sue S.
I took myself out to dinner at 10 PM on a Friday night. The front of the restaurant was pretty packed with bar-goers, but there was plenty of seating available for the dinner service. As others have mentioned, seating is at long communal tables - I ended up squeezed in next to a couple on a date, which was luckily not as awkward as I feared. The whole place was super loud (the DJ was really blasting the music). Service was a bit hit or miss - they were very nice and responsive to questions when they came around, but often went missing for long periods of time. I ordered Helga's Meatballs, on the advice of my server. The meatballs themselves have great flavor; the cream sauce is exactly what you would want to accompany them - warm, rich, and just a bit tangy. The lingonberry sauce was also great, and went very well with the mashed potatoes. The red cabbage was braised till tender, with plenty of fatty pork pieces throughout. The entree also comes with crisp cucumber pickle slices, for a much needed contrast with the soft/fatty texture of the rest of the dish. Well worth the price, overall. Drink-wise, I ordered the Earl of Harlem (whiskey, earl grey, spiced coriander syrup) - it had a mildly spicy finish, but didn't overwhelm the palate. It's definitely spendy at $15 (and probably should be $4-5 cheaper), but has a great combination of flavors. Overall, fantastic food/drink. There's some pretty good people watching in the bar area, though I can see how the noise and cramped quarters would be frustrating for a party of 2 or more.
(4)Eve W.
Came here for brunch. Food was good, but nothing spectacular. Service, however, was terrible. The server took forever with our drinks, and when they finally came, one person in our party didn't get theirs, without an explanation. After flagging down the waitress (which in itself took quite awhile) she told us it was "downstairs," then she came back and told us they didn't have a main component of the drink, and he ordered something else. I wouldn't go back, especially with such high prices. Doesn't seem like a good value.
(2)Alicia W.
I have mixed feelings about this place. Can we first discuss how cool it is to have a Southern Comfort food restaurant with a gourmet twist in the middle of Harlem? When it comes to the food, I would happily give five stars. The mac and greens was perfectly decadent with Gouda, Cheddar, and Comte. The greens complimented by adding bitterness to balance out the heavy creaminess of the pasta. Other items we tried were the crab cakes, the yard bird, the whipped sweet potatoes, and some sort of pumpkin dessert. I was definitely satisfied with the food and walked out having eaten way more than I intended. A major let down of the night was service. Our waiter acted more as an order taker than as an active participant in the service. He seemed irked when I asked him for recommendations and there were a few times when my dinner companion and I wondered if he had forgotten about us. Another downside is the drink menu. No doubt, the mixologist gets points for creativity and selection... lots of house infused liquors and handmade cocktail syrups. Unfortunately, they didn't quite pull off the execution. I tried the Dillio, made with Peanut infused Bourbon, Canton, muddled dill, and fresh lime. It's not that the cocktail wasn't good, because it was drinkable but it just didn't wow my tastebuds like the description makes you think it would. I'd recommend trying this place on a weeknight when the servers may be a little less distracted, the food is worth it!
(3)Hels C.
IF IT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON... IT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME (we saw them at dinner and I almost peed my pants). AMBIANCE: excellent, we went on a sunday evening where there was live jazz and the place was abuzz with excitement for the Clintons. COCKTAILS: delicious. very strong, very tasty. I had the sangria like punch drink (very sweet concoction). I forgot the bf's drink... oh well. FOOD: This is where I would give it five stars. FIVE. Yes, there are mixed reviews out there about the food, but the 3 stars isn't for the food, it was for the service (sorrry, womp womp). -cornbread with honey and tomato sauce, both were tasty (though we preferred the honey butter) -crab cakes (super tasty, small portions) -the fried yard chicken: crunchy tasty exterior with a juicy inside, amazing mashed potatoes as well -PORK LOIN. THIS WAS FANTASTIC. I DREAM ABOUT THIS. It had a sweet apple sauce drizzle on top and was juicey and fulfilling. I would say order this. ORDER THIS. This was a delight. -apple pie ice cream dessert was also a high, crunchy and delicious. SERVICE: hi guys, sorry we're not the Clintons, but you forgot us over in the corner. Our appetizers went to the table next to us and we saw and heard them say "We didn't order this." Then the waiter responds "compliments of the chef!" Uhm. We had been waiting 25 minutes between cornbread and appetizer..... when we finally got the food it was delicious, so we forgave them for that little mix-up. However, it took another 30 minutes for us to get the dessert menu after our dinner. Really???? We're literally just staring and trying to find our waiter to get some help. After dinner was over, they gave us the wrong bill!!!! COME ON! Three strikes in one night and not one "compliments of the chef" or apology to boot. Not cool. Good food, but you expect better service for what you're paying for.
(3)Jennifer B.
Located in the heart of Harlem, the place serves comfort food celebrating the roots of American cuisine and the diverse culinary traditions of the neighborhood. Named in honor of the legendary Harlem speakeasy, chef Marcus Samuelsson brings his passion for food in the neighborhood he calls home.
(4)Ted C.
I needed a place to meet with a former student in Harlem. My wife suggested Red Rooster. She's a foodie, I'm not, so I tend to pay attention. I had already planned to go to another spot, but after looking up the menu I wanted something I wasn't going to find in SoCal. Boy, am I glad I went. The food was terrific. I savored each bite of the "bass & grits" I had ordered, and practically inhaled it off the plate. Although it was larger than what I would normally eat at lunch or dinner. This meal was a good as it gets.
(5)Nina S.
Red Rooster was abuzz last night! I naively thought Wednesday would be a slow night! It was packed and the service was pretty decent although I've had hit and miss experiences from my last few visits. I'll come again and again, I'm a Marcus S. fan! I had the red caesar salad, smoked salmon and enjoyed the taco ceviche snack (delicious!). Great wine! Great ambiance! Great food! Keep it up! Simone
(4)Anthony R.
I was excited to try this place out after watching Marcus Samuelsson numerous times on TV. I went with some friends on a Sunday for brunch and without a reservation we were seated relatively quickly after being able to sit for drinks at the bar. I'll give this place star points for the setting and ambiance: it's pretty trendy (bougie) compared to many of the classic Harlem and soul-food inspired restaurants in the immediate neighborhood. I tried the red-eye gravy and biscuits, and my friend ordered the fried yard bird (this restaurant's pièce de résistance). Both were pretty good: the red eye gravy was salty and spicy with cubed bits of crispy pork that went well atop the warm biscuits. The yard bird included well fried chicken and a huge helping of mashed potatoes. We shared a side of cornbread, which was also pretty appetizing (but if any restaurant ever screwed up cornbread it'd have to be the end of it). I doubt I'll ever go again, but I might recommend it to someone visiting the area. The restaurant is also close to the Studio Museum - Harlem, which is free on Sundays and can make for a nice afternoon in Harlem.
(3)Edgar B.
I doubt that Yelp reviews will sway too many people one way or the other about going here because it's got Marcus Samuelssen's reputation attached to it, but after two visits I'm still not convinced that the very tasty and innovative dishes are worth the agonizingly bad service we experienced both times we went. Seriously, I felt like banging my head on the table in frustration trying to get attention from our waiters on both visits. I even went up to the bar to try to get my own drink and couldn't get the bartender's attention. Maybe I'll go back in a couple of years when it's not the trendiest place in the neighborhood anymore and they'll have ironed out the service issues. It's also ear-splittingly loud. In spite of all that, the food is excellent--make no mistake. If that's what you're going there for and are willing to potentially endure a lack of attention, you'll likely be very happy.
(3)Frank W.
3 Stars Yelp? Really? Loved the house cocktails, beer selection, shrimp and grits, friendly vibe at the bar. Everything was perfect. I wonder if people are caught up in the expectations game with this place, and I gather from other reviews maybe the service isn't always a perfect as it was for me. I am bummed the shrimp and grits doesn't seem to be on the menu anymore, but lots of exciting other stuff has been added. Believe all those three star people and stay away so I can always get a seat at the bar and reservations for my birthday.
(5)Dana A.
One of the best restaurants in Harlem. Monday nights is definitely the night to visit. Live band that is top notch. Several horn players, a couple of vocalists and a real live drummer! The drinks and food are top notch. The bar can be a little difficult to order a drink when the place is packed but the waitresses and staff were very friendly and did a great job of serving drinks despite the crowd. Highlight of the night was seeing Chef Marcus walk through the restaurant, casually greeting patrons and fans alike. Must go if you visit New York and love good food and good music.
(4)Gamal H.
Red Rooster reminds me a lot of Coffee Shop in Union Square, with less attitude and better music. I went there during the week for a business meeting. The place was full when I got there at 7 and the hostess was telling people there was a 45 mintue wait, but without the disdain that is typical downtown. The main bar up front is bright, lively and offers a front row seat to the live bands that play on a regular basis. The rear dining room seems to have the tables too close togther, but I didn't sit up there so I don't know for sure. When I parked myself at the downstairs bar, the staff was friendly, informative and cool. As I said, RR has live bands playing upstairs, a good DJ playing classic soul, funk and hip hop dowstairs. I didn't get a chance to sample the food, but I plan to since the vibe and the music are enough to draw me back uptown. Have fun. G
(4)Tayson H.
Red Rooster is good, not great. And because I was expecting great, especially from a Top Chef Master, let's say I was a little disappointed. I was really excited to try out Marcus Samuelsson's Red Rooster when I moved to New York because I was a big fan of Chef Marcus from his stints on Top Chef Masters and The Next Iron Chef. So, on a whim and with a craving for some delicious Harlem fried chicken in our bellies, my friend and I ventured north via bus, farther north than either of us had ever traveled before in Manhattan. Red Rooster, as a physical restaurant, truly is a gem in the heart of Harlem. They've really done a great job with the space--modern but not in a cold, detached sort of way. It kind of reminded me of what a fancy parlor in the South would look like. We were seated at the communal tables next to the gigantic book shelf filled with cookbooks, knick knacks, toy roosters, and even some sneakers. This definitely added to the homey feel of eating in someone's personal kitchen. While waiting for the food, I perused the cookbooks on the shelf--and this was probably my favorite part of the meal! Books from Eleven Madison Park, Avec Eric (Ripert), Rao's and a photo book from Annie Leibovitz made the time pass quickly. When the food arrived (we started with the corn bread, each ordered the Yard Bird, got a side of chicken sausage and truffle fries): *Corn bread was dry. Best part was the honey butter. *Yard Bird was good. I've had better southern-style fried chicken in NY at Peaches in BK. *My friend said his chicken sausage was good *Truffle fries were ok simply because it had truffles. But the fries themselves were dry (seemed like they were frozen) and they used truffle oil instead of real truffles. Overall, I wouldn't say that Red Rooster is "BAD" by any stretch. However, it certainly isn't all that great either, considering it's pretty pricey for a restaurant in Harlem. I say that sadly because I was really hoping Chef Marcus would wow me with the type of dishes he cooked on the tv shows. Maybe he wasn't cooking that day in the restaurant or maybe my expectations were just too high. That said, I probably won't be coming back here anytime soon. Maybe I would in any other city, but there's just too many great options in NY to go back to an "OK" restaurant a second time. I certainly hope Chef Marcus opens another restaurant that can highlight his great talent more than Red Rooster does.
(3)J B.
Great atmosphere, this place is always bumping! Of course this is much of the appeal/fun of the Red Rooster, but the food is good too. My suggestions: Starters -- Their corn bread gets taken to the next level with a side of sweetened butter and spiced tomato chutney. The fried green tomatoes are good enough. Sides -- The mac and cheese is delicious. The collard greens are amazing. The menu option that combines both into one dish, however, is not that good. Main Course -- The fried chicken (or yard bird) is a solid choice. But don't bother with the steak... seriously, just don't (it's tasteless and overpriced, even if they do serve it with a tasty hollandaise sauce... and don't get me started on the pitiful, cardboard-esque, formerly-frozen french fries they serve with the steak... an embarrassment to bistros everywhere). Dessert -- I've only tried their sweet potato doughnuts, which are good, but nothing special and not worth the extra money or calories (but of course this didn't keep us from eating them all). Drinks -- Great wines, good beers, and lots of cocktails, as you would expect. All in all a good choice for a night out.
(4)Shanah C.
I don't watch cooking shows, but Marcus Samuelsson (Top Chef) is the owner of this amazing establishment!! Reservations are a MUST since this place is packed nightly!! You can see the President in here, Beyonce... you name it!! This is the place to be seen! Harlem is where it's at! Atmosphere is a buzz with sexy, well dressed people. Waiter was a little inattentive, but I think he was just too busy! Dinner was great! Our table had a filet, salmon and swedish meatballs. We ordered two desserts (rhubarb pie and mud pie) both delicious! Outdoor patio for people watching and after dinner, step downstairs to "Ginnys supperclub" for live Jazz!!
(4)L J.
Went for Sunday brunch. Pros: -Ambience: Nice decor. We sat upstairs at the communal table in front of the kitchen. There was a lively crowd and a fantastic live singer by the bar. -Steps from the train. Very convenient. -Cheese grits were my fave. Cons: -Chorizo tasted like polish sausage. Not spicy at all and a different texture than normal. -Oddly enough, when I went downstairs to the bathroom, the patrons seemed more quiet and static. Glad we didn't choose the gospel brunch.
(4)Barney C.
Classy joint in Harlem. Live music and eclectic crowd. Hipster-ish even. Great decor. The wait staff are nice and friendly. Pretty decent food, portions are a little eh though. Good for a date night.
(4)Evelyn A.
Heard really great things about this place. Went in on a Tuesday night and it was packed. In the ten minutes I stood waiting for a drink the bartenders didn't serve a single customer. One ate candy while the other was busy on their smart phone. Was not impressed. My friends and I promptly left and went to the Corner Social where we were actually served.
(1)S B.
"Yay! I'm a fan" is damn right. Definitely worth the trek uptown, be it for date night, group dinner, drinks, or just a change of scene. I look forward to creating an excuse to return in the very near future. Our group of six went on a Tuesday night, boldly without a reservation, and only waited about 15 minutes to be seated. Risky business and I wouldn't tempt fate again because the place stayed consistently packed all night long. On a Tuesday. Food: Since we were a group we made the judicious decision to order entrees and apps for the table. Cohesive teamwork and problem solving at its finest. How else to enjoy everything? *Jerk chicken was my personal favorite, and guessing everyone else's favorite since it was polished off first. Generous chicken breast, very juicy and tender, flavorful, sweet, and tangy jerk sauce. Not understated, not overstated. *Helga's meatballs were also delicious and would've made for a prime entree for one, but in a group setting they were more plate dressing. When I return I think this would be my entree of choice. At least coin flip with the Jerk Chicken. *I'm not much of pork person, unless it's pulled and in sandwich form, but this pork loin was particularly soft and succulent. And what loins on this pig! Very thick and went around the table for a few extra servings. Nice apple glaze to it because what is a pork loin without an apple garnishing of some kind? Actually, maybe, possibly could have used some more glaze. Really surprised with how tender this cut was. *Fried chicken was a generous serving. Two legs per plate. Like the jerk chicken, the meat was especially tender, practically dripping from the bone. The skin was fried to hell, in a good way, at first. Really had that overpowering fry/salty/sodium overload by the end. For apps: *My choice was the parmesan fries and they weren't anything special. Standard shoestring fries, tossed in parmesan cheese. I'd hit reset on that order if I could. *Crab cakes were quite tasty with generous portions. And I don't even like crab cakes. *I stayed away from the shrimp salad and deviled eggs only because I was saving room and I'm not an egg fan. Presentation was nice. Shrimp were of the popcorn variety. *The corn bread was also good, but tough to not have good cornbread. Honey Butter, mmm. It was also kind of foisted upon us. Drinks: *A pretty diverse cocktail menu. The Uptown Sour was a bit heavy on the sour mix. *The Obama-tini was the hit of the night. Some interesting flavors and some serious kick courtesy of the pepper flakes. I could see Barry and Michelle enjoying these on a night free of the kids, the dog, and Cantor. *Beers looked grossly overpriced... Dessert: *Maybe you didn't see the damage we did in the first few courses. Next time, sweet potato beignets, next time! I swear it. Service: *Attentive and friendly. Very welcoming. *Bussers were also great, clearing dishes and wiping things down at the exact moment they needed it. Appointment: *Not much else to be said about the atmosphere that hasn't already been state by other Yelpers. Very unique, inviting, and soulful place. Despite it being crowded, it was never loud. *I really enjoyed checking out the 3D mural on the wall to the left. Lots to look at it and a copy of Dave Eggers' "What is the What," too! Loved that book. *There was a Latin jazz group revving in the bar area. Nice complement to the night, but I'm sure it would've been a bit much if I were seated in that part of the restaurant. *Can't wait to post up on that patio come spring. *Marcus himself visited the table. Sharp dresser. One of the better meals in recent memory and all-around fun night. Thanks, Red Rooster!
(4)Samantha C.
I've been here twice now. The first time being A-mazing (Summer, 2011), the second time (Winter, 2012) is the rating scheme that I'm using for the review I'm currently writing. I LOVED this place the first time, could not have been better. I felt transported into a new world, a true Harlem renaissance. The second time, not so much, and I'm afraid that this is the restaurant that this place has turned in to. From the moment we stepped into the place it was as if my friend and I were on a high speed conveyor belt. This place is popular, perhaps too popular to give the common folks decent service. We were in and out in under 1 hour. Not that a Saturday night provides fertile ground for audible conversation anyways. The din was a few decibels short of human pain threshold (okay, that's an exaggeration, but DON'T go on a Saturday, even if it's the only night you have off, if that's the case, well...there's always ear plugs...) I don't mean to sound grumpy, I just had such high expectations, and the space is really fabulous, albeit not the most acoustically robust. Anyways, on to the food. The market salad was WAY overdressed. I'm not even sure if there were greens down below all of that dressing. Dirty rice and shrimp were actually quite nice. Deliciously spiced, lovely texture with the basmati and almond. For entrees (which were served immediately after our appetizers had been picked up) were pretty "Meh." I quite liked the blackened catfish which was tender and well spiced, but the fried yard bird was quite literally COLD IN THE CENTER! Someone's didn't attend their microwave 101 class in culinary school, or something. Okay, I understand that the kitchen must have been over-stressed on a Saturday night. It was VERY busy, but 24 dollar fried chicken needs to be heaven on a plate. PERIOD. Anyways, it was my friend's birthday so we went with their famous sweet potato doughnuts for dessert. Sadly these too were cold on the inside where the creamy filling needs to be warm and oozing with pleasure. These are doughnuts for crying out loud! As my experience in the Summer of 2011 was quite the opposite (pre-yelp membership, so sorry about the lack of review) I sincerely do hope that this restaurant has cycled back to their previous glory, but I do fear that with this kind of popularity comes an unexpectedly cold center.
(2)Megan C.
I really really love this place. The food. The cocktails. The atmosphere. Everything! A spicy lady. Some mac and cheese and coconut rice. Sharing your table with a great couple of locals. A night free of worry. I could go here everyday (if I had the money, that is.... top notch Harlem doesn't come cheap...). Overall, a must try.
(5)Yoona K.
I'm surprised at the bad reviews for this place -- it was an amazing dining experience for me and my party. I found the decor, ambiance, food, drinks and the service all impeccable. The bar area is big and beautifully presented, albeit super duper crowded (we went on a friday night). There are an array of sides, apps and entrees and we opted for family style which really worked for us. Their yard bird, chicken wings and blackened fish and grits were amazing. Make reservations -- standard wait time is 45 mins to an hour on most evenings, I am told.
(5)Chris J.
The foodie in me loves when friends refer me to places they deem top notch. Last night while on my born day food crawl my friend had us venture to Red Rooster in Harlem, headed by Top Chef Master Marcus Samuelsson. I'll be the first to say I'm not a big fan of comfort soul food, but the dishes we tasted this night were quite delish. The night began with their version of a 'Gin & Juice'. The West Coast side of me was like man whatever' when I saw it on the menu, but after one sip 3 more were ordered. As my friend pointed out, them seem to get better each time (personally I think that's with any Gin based cocktail). Apps ordered consisted of: Oysters with Ginger Mignonette, Lump Blue Crab Cakes (pic above), and Jerk Bacon & Egg. I will say the Oysters needed a dash of salt to really pull you into the sea, they were stripped a little too bare for my palate. All in all, the apps were tasty and not too heavy. For our shared entree we had the Blackened Cat Fish & Black Eyed Peas, it wasn't the best catfish I've had but it was good. All around it was a great experience, and for a Tuesday night the spot was alive. Tuesdays are Latin Tuesdays at Red Rooster they celebrate the Latin flavors of Spanish Harlem. I mos def recommend you at least check the spot out, the energy pulls you right in. I see you Harlem!!
(4)Jennifer O.
The BF and I went here for lunch right before we left NYC, and I'm glad we made it out there. The restaurant is very cute, it has a lot of natural light, which I like very much. The food was absolutely delicious. We shared three things: The cornbread, the butternut squash soup, and the yard bird. The cornbread was dense and delicious with bits of real corn in it. It came with a tasty sweet butter and an interestingly spiced tomato jam. I preferred the butter, but the jam was good too. The soup was also delicious. It was smooth and creamy with the perfect amount of spice. Lastly, the yard bird was also amazingly good. It is dark meat chicken that is soaked in buttermilk for 3 days. Now, I don't like dark meat...usually....but this was the exception. The meat didn't have that gamy flavor that most dark meat has. The breading and fry was perfect. The outside was crispy and the inside was juicy. They serve it with some seasoning in a silver shaker. This stuff is soooo good! I have no idea what it is, but it was the perfect spice to put on the chicken. The mashed potatoes that came with the chicken were creamy and complimented the chicken well. The hot sauce that came with the chicken was alright, but, I must say, the seasoning was enough and the hot sauce was unnecessary. We were very full at the end of the meal. I definitely would recommend going for lunch to save some money and still get the experience of this place. I would definitely go back!
(4)Mr F.
Overhyped, overrated, disappointing. RR is an example of a neighborhood trying desperately to promote itself, and failing. "We're Harlem - we're upscale". No. There is much better soul food at other nearby establishments, and some of the people here don't know how to act; their behavior would be embarrassing if it wasn't so obnoxious. You can go if you want to say you've been to a celebrity chef restaurant, but then again you can have a more pleasant experience downtown.
(1)Don F.
I really wanted to check this place out on our recent trip to NYC since my wife and I are fans of Chef Samuelsson. We hit the Sunday brunch time service and waited almost an hour for a seat. This looks like the place in Harlem that People come to hang out in for a while. There were alot of folks sitting at the bar just reading the paper and such, as if this was a starbucks with no line of customers waiting to get a seat. Seems like a place people want to be seen (on a Sunday morning??). Oh well. There were a number of employees working who didn't seem to have real defined roles here. There was a very unpleasant hostess taking names on a list, who acted like she didn't care if you ate here or not. Fortunately there was another, more senior hostess, floating around that seemed to actually like her job and care about customers. She got us seated at bar table without too much delay, and was nice in doing it. I'm not sure that we would have bothered if it hadn't been for her. Then we waited while the busboy and waiter took about 6 trips to clear the table from the previous diners, and reset for us. We were in no hurry, but it was almost painful to watch. I wanted to help myself just so it could get done. There was also some guy floating around like he worked there, but I never saw him do anything, and quite frankly he was kind of creepy. I know Marcus Samuelsson is doing some great things in the community. It appears that maybe he's hired a group of people who haven't held a real job in their life before, and trying to give them a new start. If that's the case then I hope it's successful. If that's not the case then I hope he replaces half his staff with efficient people before I go back again. All that said, we enjoyed the food. It's southern soul food with a more refined twist. Our table had shrimp n grits w/egg, a version of chicken n waffles, a burger, and the cornbread and tomato relish. All of it was very good as I hoped. The live gospel singer and musician was a nice touch also. I think this is probably a really cool place to hang out with friends. The circular bar and overall decor makes for a trendy restaurant, with alot of meaningful old school things thrown in. Not sure that I will go back again next time we're in NYC. I've eaten at a lot of places in Manhattan with fast service and good food that aren't near this expensive. I hope it works, and helps the community, but I'm afraid that I'd rather donate my money to places that do what a restaurant is supposed to do - serve good food fast and friendly.
(2)Nate S.
Came here on a Tuesday night right before closing so I was only able to have one drink. Tuesday nights apparently are "Latin nights" so the music reflected it. It was a cool vibe altogether, attentive bartenders, drinks were just OK (I had the gin and cucumber drink--to be honest I don't know why thats even a cocktail). After showing a little dismay to the bartender he fixed it up and it tasted a little better. I have to give this place another chance since everyone has been hyping this place up as a Harlem gem. The only gem here is the price tag for drinks. I will re-review after eating, drinking and exploring.
(3)Bobby A.
Delicious food and a stunning interior with beautiful photographs themed after '50s Harlem.
(5)Mary Alexandra R.
The atmosphere is downtown, great decor. We arrived with no reservation. Since this is the new hotness of restaurants it takes a good two to four weeks to get a reservation at a decent time on Saturday night. So we arrived at 6pm. We sat at the bar for cocktails with the promise of a table in 45 min. The drinks were weird concoctions so I picked blindly and was happily surprised -- something with vodka ginger & mint. As promised we were called to our table in less time than we could finish our drinks. We had time to review the menu at the bar -- they give you the opportunity to eat at the bar if you don't want to wait --so when we sat at the table, we knew what we wanted: for appetizers we had dirty rice with shrimp & crab cakes, for entree we chose the white striped bass with okra. Once at the table, they offer regular bread or corn bread. We chose corn bread because they said it came with a spicy sweet tomato jam. Strike one. The so called jam was not sweet nor spicy nor jammy. Tasted like plain old tomato sauce. And to make it worse, when we got our bill, we saw a charge for the cornbread!! A little disappointed we waited for the appetizers. These are great portions. Can be considered entrees. The crab cakes were served with arugula, grapefruit, pomegranate seeds and a spicy creamy sauce. The mixture of all those favors were def a party in your mouth! Yum! Score! The dirty rice and shrimp? Strike #2. The rice had a tomato base making it red rather than dirty and the flavor was edible but not memorable. Wouldn't choose that again. The entrees fish was perfectly cooked and the okra was in the traditional dirty rice rue but the rice was not. Again the rice in this dish failed. For dessert the bourbon ice cream pecan pie sounded fantastic. I also got a latte. The latte is in the top coffees I've ever had in my life. The pecan pie's crust was soft, flaky and the filling was just perfectly sweet. I questioned the waiter about the ice cream. Bourbon flavor was non existent. Strike #3. As we were leaving, the bar was busting at the seams and a line of people negotiated with the hostess for a table. So there's something to this place, can't just be solely the celebrity chef's tv personality that makes this place the recent hotness!
(2)D S.
So sad to have to give this place 2 starts. It wasnt very good at all and for what it was was very much overpriced. My husband made a request that we come here for his birthday dinner so I'm even more disappointed it wasnt delish. Vibe and staff were great- very friendly. Energy there was fun- great to hang out at the bar. After we were seated they brought around "small plates" for $7 which they make nightly that are not on the menu. I thought for sure since this was so fresh it would be good. It was terrible. We choose the arancini which was cold and flavorless. I only took one bite. Nobody had bothered to ask if I didnt like it and then the bus boy cleared our table. My fault for not speaking up I guess. I got the meatballs- cream sauce was good but honestly I think they're better at Ikea. My husband got the jerk chicken which he liked but didnt love. Best things we ordered were the apps: the crab cakes, gravlax, and corn bread. $160 later-left the restaurant feeling like i got swindled.
(2)Leslie M.
Terrible food, terrible service. If you want to spend $200 just to say you ate in Harlem, fine, but I've had better fried chicken at Popeye's.
(1)Monica B.
A few of us met up here for brunch over the weekend. First, I would not say that this is meant to be soul food, it's more like a riff on soul food with some Scandinavian traditions thrown in the mix. If it's soul food you want, nobody can do it better than your grandmother, so save yourself some money and skip this place. Now, I was here once last October, but the brunch line was out the door and it was getting ridiculous. But in the dead of winter, there were open tables when we entered, just a handful of people were dining. As it came closer to noon, the place became louder and much more crowded. We had the cornbread, which was yummy, and the crab cocktail which was served in a mini-mason jar. That was yummy too. My uptown bloody mary was just eh. The grilled shrimp and grits were great. There was no room in my tummy for dessert. The decor has a vintage feel with photographs and art throughout, even in the bathroom. The staff were attentive and I adored their ensembles. I didn't like paying $5/bottle for plain old water. Really... All in all, we enjoyed ourselves and finally crossed this place off our list.
(4)Laura L.
Such a fun dining experience! But expect a major food coma afterward....but you can dance that off downstairs. The food was incredible - started with the tacos and tostadas which were a perfect light appetizer. Caesar salad was okay, but the entrees made up for it. The Yard Bird, although a bit intimidating, was absolutely amazing. Crispy tasty skin outside and perfectly tender inside. The Mac and Greens was one of the best mac and cheeses I've had in the city, and I'm a connoisseur. I thought I was going to be totally full with all the heavy food, but we had room for dessert - the sweet potato donuts were perfectly fluffy and quite tasty. The service was fantastic, our waiter was personable, everything arrived in a timely manner (except for one beer), and we felt very well taken care of. After dinner, make your way down to the jazz club in the basement for some live music. On a Tuesday there was a latin band, and such a lively, fun vibe. Everyone was all smiles, and people were dancing up a storm. The best part of the evening....Marcus Samuelson came up to our table, shook our hands and thanked us for coming. Very impressed with this place, and will definitely be back.
(5)Christopher L.
Looking for Soul Food? This is the place to go. This place is always pack and its so worth the wait. Everything on the menu has full of flavors and always makes people smile. Corn Bread is killer. The Fried Green Tomato App is Fantastic. The restaurant looks great and have some cool decor. Staff is very good. Just beware that the restaurant is always busy and really loud in the dining room. But once you take a bite of your food, you will know why I love this place.
(4)Ira M.
This place was an average for me brunch wise but I loved the location and the atmosphere. It's very lively with the live band and the crowd. Just enjoyable, the weather helped too. Staff was accommodating but the service was a little slow for us. Food wasn't spectacular but it was decent. The watermelon heirloom tomato salad sounded interesting and I tried it, but was just OK for me. If the watermelon was chilled, it would've probably tasted better. The cornbread was very good. I do really like the atmosphere. I would definitely go back probably one more time to try something different.
(2)Vit C.
after once being told that there was a 3 hour wait for a table... after once meeting Marcus Samuelsson at a random market up the street... after reading countless neighborhood blog entries about how wonderful it is... RR is one of the most overrated establishments in harlem. I had the fish and grits. while the fish was tender and moist and seasoned well, the grits were awful - loaded with anonymous cheese and barely any grits! The random 'salad' placed on top had no flavor. My BF had the jerk chicken which was surprisingly sweet and contained a spice my palate has never encountered. Being west indian, from Brooklyn, I know what a real jerk chicken tastes like and that was NOT it. We also had the punch, which the BF described as "kool aid with vodka" - fitting description. Pricing is a little bit off, with an average of $25 per entree, which wouldn't be so bad if the food actually tasted like it was crafted/made by an award winning chef! all hype and no action. The saving grace? a trip to Ginny's, right downstairs -- the party was JUMPING and just about made up for the awfully yucky experience at dinner.
(1)Malcolm G.
I was super excited about eating here being an aspiring chef and long time admirer of chef Marcus. It was a Sunday afternoon and the place was bustling. We were seated in the back row and got to see chef Mike orchestrate the opera. First off the plates were flying out of there like it was nobodies business. My girlfriend ordered the jerk bacon and I the yard bird. Now I also need to mention the service was friendly and warm. The biscuits were dreamy !! The food was picturesque and beautifully plated and bland. The yard bird desperately needed salt and I was none to impressed with the can of paprika I was served with it as seasoning The jerk bacon also beautifully presented and was more of a success flavor wise than my bird the picklin was a good accompaniment to the brown beans and pork belly. Drinks are solid Sadly it seems very touristy and trendy " I want to be seen at a hip place in Harlem" but he has the best food in the neighborhood, I am not sure what that means however. I am going back again I have a friend that loves the bar so I hope the food will be tasty as it is beautiful on my plate
(3)Larry L.
I rarely write reviews despite being a person who eats out most of my meals. Tonight I was compelled too. Frankly I was disappointed with my entree but did not voice my concerns. Our waiter picked up on this and provided a free glass of wine which was a nice gesture and appreciated. This was followed up by a visit from the Manager (we assume) who asked "if we like things that are sweet?" we said yes but were unsure why he was asking a few moments later we were provided with an assortment of desserts and dessert wines all of which were excellent. We were absolutely impressed by this generosity and the overall level of service provided The staff of this restaurant are without question some of the best in New York. The end result we will return and try diner again which we would not have done otherwise. And we would recommend you try them as well
(4)Sonny G.
I will never go here again. This place is SO overrated. I heard Obama came here...BIG WOOP IT STILL SUCKS!! Where shall i begin... It all started with some corn bread, yes that's right, good ol' cornbread and honey butter-- 2pieces. So me and my best friend had our cornbread and honey butter. I don't like cornbread but I ate it because I was starving. Before that we had arrived to red rooster around 3pm. We walk in and nothing. Literally nothing happens. There were people at the oversized bar having cocktails. No body said a word to us as we stood there. Finally some guy, who clearly takes his sexuality to the max (I don't care who you sleep with), comes over to us and stares. A woman accompanying him asked what we were there for. What the eff do you think were there for? I told her we wanted to be seated and she said we'd have to come back at 5 when dinner was being served. Fine. So me and my best friend walked around Harlem starving. We had saved our appetite all day with the intentions of having lunch. So we get back at 4:50. We walk in, stand there again and no one says anything to us. 4:55 rolls around....still nothing. 4:57...4:59...5:02. now people start walking in. They fly right around us. I walk up to the hostess stand and let her know were back _as if she didn't see us) and that we'd like to be seated. This DUMB BITCH asks me and my friend if we have a reservation!! I thought boy this lady must be high. The next thing were told by the sexually frustrated hostess guy is that he can only seat us on the side tables because if he put us in the restaurant part we'll have to leave by 6pm to fulfill peoples reservations. This could have been prevented earlier. Clearly we didn't have a reservation if we were there with the expectation to be seated at 3. If the asshole hostess told us we would need a reservation, or at least let us know how they operate at Red Rooster, it would have made the overall experience a tad bit better because it only gets worse from here. Now we finally sit. AND back to the cornbread. Our waitress Sabrina (before we could even look at menu) asked us if we wanted to start with a drink and some cornbread. We said we'd just take some water and yes to the cornbread. We ordered our appetizer: the dirty Creole rice. Small portion but it tasted real good. It was jasmine rice with shrimp. Next we got our entrees. From The 6 meals they offered we could only have two since neither of us eats meat. My bestie got the salmon and I got the catfish. The entrée portions they serve aren't even the size of a normal appetizer at any other restaurant. Our pieces of fish were soooooo small. That's all they give you; a piece of what ever type of protein you order and some other crap that's not even edible, really...the chef told us. The whole time we were there we kept getting these looks like we just weren't good enough to be eating in Red Rooster. Hello?!?! We're in effin Harlem, home of the clap. My money is just as green as the next guys. They left the from door right open, parallel to the stupid side table we had to sit at, and closing the door was a big problem. Ok...time to go. No thank you Sabrina, I would not like to waste any money on dessert, we'll take the check. Check comes (here's where it got ugly). First I see a $5 charge for cornbread. Now at this point I'm ready to get all full blown gangsta because I'm angry. We didn't even want the cornbread. She asked if we wanted some cornbread to start like the shit was free, so obviously were gonna take it. I know its only $5, but it's deceiving and we hadn't even received menus yet. What got me most angry is that my friend put in cash and I put in my debit card. She charged the whole thing to my debit card and then wouldn't bring back the cash. Instead she wanted to refund the whole amount and recharge me for original price. Seriously I don't know what the fuck goes on here. I've never been to a place that was more unorganized with such a rude staff. Our 80 something dollar bill was such a complete waste of money. We could have easily eaten a whole other meal after that (which is what let us to Applebee's shortly after). We left Sabrina ZERO tip. I will never bring business back to Red Rooster again, nor will I give them a good word!
(1)Jeremy O.
Prix fixe is the bomb
(5)Gary O.
So my one month reservation finally came up and I was really excited to try this place for myself after reading both good and bad reviews. Well I have to side with the bad reviews unfortunately. First of all I arrived at 5:55 for our 6:00 pm reservation. The hostess was rude and could not find my reservation. She finally finds it and tells me she will seat me shortly. After 20 minutes I go back and ask if there was a table yet and she asked me if I had checked in with her previously. Seriously? I read that this nonsense has happened to many other Yelpers so I was not completely shocked it happened to me but you would think they cold get their shit together and get their reservations right. Come on. Yes you are beyond popular now so act like it. After we were finally seated I was not impressed with the food. The portions are really small and overall the food is not that great. I will admit the corn bread was tops as well as the dirty rice and shrimp. Again though I felt like I got a bite of each and it was gone. Unfortunately the entrees were not great. My pork loin was way overcooked. It was dry and barely edible. The others at the table had the striped sea bass, and two orders of the meatballs. All of the food ordered was uninspiring. It is amazing what buzz a celebrity chef can get after the President decides to have a fundraiser at your restaurant. Granted there was already a buzz about this restaurant but unfortunately they just don't seem to deliver on that buzz. It is a chaotic mess and I will not be back.
(2)Hermany N.
The decor of this place is amazing, very soulful and it looks dramatic. The waitors are very friendly, they recommend very nice dishes since we don't know what to order. But I'm just not so sure that it's sour food I mean, it's bit of upper class, delicate and elegant. The roasted chicken tastes crispy and delicious, but there's another main dish, i forgot the name, tastes the same way as salad, and it's so not worth the money.
(4)Benoit D.
I went there with a friend on a thursday night. The inside is nice, but was super crowded. I usually dont go to restaurants uptown. Service was very good. $6 for a homemade sparkling water ? wow. I had the bass. Honestly, I didn't like it. 2 pieces of fish on top of each other. The fish was very fat the way it was cooked. The whole dish looked like cat food. big big desapointement.
(2)Sam W.
"Dined"---if you could call it that---on a Sunday night with friends. Food was like from a bad catered meal in chafing dishes served for thousands of people; service was indifferent; crowded, hot (adjoining tables to close that people leaned their chairs onto our table; overpriced. Waited 45 minutes after we were done with appetizers to receive entrees. Music was quite good though. Never again. Fraud.
(1)Misty T.
This was my first time at the Red Rooster in Harlem. My family and I was extremely disappointed with the lack luster SERVICE! The waitresses are young, unmotivated and lack training in customer service and catering. As the flavors of the food are creative, colorful and unique. The horrible service made my entire experience bland. Why are you hiring incompetent youth who don't care about the business?.. Get it together.
(1)Neline S.
I have to say Red Rooster can be a little bit more inspiring. Marcus Sameulson has dabbled in several failed restaurants since Aquavit and I'm hoping year 2, Red Rooster will come together. My friends made reservations a month in advance for my birthday and you would think making reservations would guarantee a seat at the time you requested and confirmed. Unfortunately, when our party arrived, there were no tables available. I understand it's Friday night in a hip restaurant but the wait shouldn't last more than 1 hour. Our hostess, pleasant and professional, tried her best to appease my friend who was a little upset about the run around on the wait time. "Just another 15 minutes." or "We're still waiting for a table of four." Waiting at the bar was a nightmare since you get a mish mash of clientele. A group of women after I asked them politely if they can let me in so I can grab my drinks refused to move. Another gentleman (if you can call him that) bumped me as he squeezed his large frame to place his drinks instead of asking me to move aside. My friend had to talk to him as I gave him the death look. You can't blame the restaurant much for the shitty clientele that night however, I was not impressed with much of the menu that was offered that night. I ordered the Grilled Pork Loin and although the serving size was immaculate, there's not much to write about it. Is this Southern comfort food where you would at least have some inspiration to infuse some spices in it. I felt l was eating a bland meal. My friend, who offered to share part of her blackened catfish, definitely had more flavor in it and wished I ordered it. She's always spot on with ordering the best dishes so next time we go out, she'll just order all of mine. However, drinks were pretty good yet you can't go wrong with Bourbon. I had a couple of Browntoners: which were nutmeg infused bourbon with Cherry heering and St. Germaine. I think the others had East of Harlem, which consisted of bulliet bourbon, earl grey tea, and spiced coriander syrup, and the Rooster Punch which was the red wine, navan liquer, pear brandy, and mango puree. We ended the night with Whisky Fudge, which I thought was the most inspiring dish of all but again, you can't go wrong with Whisky and Fudge! Would, I come back? I would give it a few months and see the menu in the Spring/Summer since supposedly they have suckling pig.
(3)Sean T.
I think its a nice place but let me say if you pay 28.00 for a quarter of chicken it better have a side dish to come with it!!! I had the jerk chicken and it only had a tablespoon of puree mash...no beans and rice and no real plantains. It was tasty but for the prices please have a side dish to accompany your meat.
(3)Brianna F.
Went here on a Wednesday night to celebrate my birthday and graduation from NYU. It was packed!! Thank goodness we had reservations. We shared cornbread and the kale salad. I had the Mac & Greens as my entree, but my family members had the pork chop and fish dishes. For dessert we shared the rum cake and the green apple dessert(?). The food was amazing!!!!!!!!! Also, the waitress gave me a free tin of the owner's brand name tea as a bday/grad gift!
(5)Greg R.
I went to Red Rooster with my girlfriend through the Mastercard promotion, and we had an amazing experience. For some reason Yelp had mixed reviews, but I always wanted to try Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant, and very glad that I did. We ordered the crab cake appetizer and Mastercard added jerk bacon and egg as well as cornbread and tacos & tostadas. So we had a large sampling of the app selection. Everything was quite good. Jerk egg was a personal favorite. For dinner I had the blackened catfish and my gf had the Sweedish holiday plate. The holiday plate was unbelievable. People at the table next to us got the Harlem chowder for two, and that just looked ridiculous. Massive amounts of all kinds of seafood. Definitely trying that next time. Mastercard also hooked up a desert, which was some sort of chocolate panna cotta, which did not disappoint. Overall amazing meal, great ambiance, and quite affordable for a celebrity chef restaurant. In addition Marcus Samuelsson was walking around the dining room and shaking hands with the guests!
(5)Loida V.
Please note that my earlier review was for RR's opening night. Since opening night I have been to the Rooster a few times: brunch, dinner, drinks...once I even hit RR for lunch on a snow day for a burger. The drinks at the bar are delicious, and the bartenders are quite nice. There aren't many bar chairs so be prepared to stand on a busy night (ladies with high heels you are forewarned!) and rub shoulders with strangers. I don't recall what it is called, but I highly recommend the drink with muddled grapes and agave. Dinner: You will need to plan and make reservations. If you drop in for dinner or brunch they will try to seat you, but it can be a very long wait. The food is not served in huge portions if that's what you are looking for. The crab cakes, dirty rice, meatballs are all good. The mac and cheese is excellent! If you love fried chicken, the Yard Bird Chicken is also tasty. I also like the burgers - they will serve a proper rare burger if you ask. Brunch: The eats are all great. There is is a gospel group that performs on the weekends. The scene: Downstairs there is dancing (I think on Friday and Saturday), but I haven't been... even though I live in the neighborhood! I should really check that out, but I heard it's lots of fun. I really like the bar because you can easily people watch and chat with your companions. This past summer I heard there was latin music played during the week, so that's something I plan to check out this year.
(4)Micheal M.
I expected a lot more from this place. So hyped, I think that it was average and that the soul of this restaurant that was meant to revitalize Harlem is lack luster. This is my vision of what I would build if I wanted to get other ethnicity's uptown and put on a show of "Harlem". Living here I find this a little offensive. Thought the bartenders were messy and need to realize that everyone can see what you are doing at all times. So if you stick your hand down your pants to tuck your shirt in you should at least wash them. They we also eating and drinking in the middle of there shift. One of them actually poured her green tea from a Starbucks cup into a rocks glass, then over the ice bin filled it with ice and it overflowed into the ice bin for customers. She seemed unconcerned about the episode.
(2)Christine H.
Just had a fabulous night at Red Rooster. Not only was the food amazing (we got the corn bread, crab cakes, mac & greens, dirty rice & shrimp, meatballs, red snapper, and yams) but the service was wonderful. My friend's meatballs came a little cold in the center. When she told the waitress, they were immediately whisked away with apologies. So normally when that happens in a restaurant the most you can expect is just a replacement of your dish, right? Well Red Rooster went above and beyond. They comped all of our drinks AND gave us the sweet potato doughnuts on the house in addition to replacing her dish. Such amazing service. Plus my friend and I couldn't stop people watching--everyone there seemed cool and/or interesting-looking. And the DJ did an amazing job with the tunes, keeping it upbeat but not so loud we couldn't hear each other. Would definitely recommend going here! I'll be going back for sure.
(5)Victoria S.
Overall, this place is impressive. It is not 5 stars because the service was less than expected. We arrived 15 minutes before our reservation, checked in and happily got a drink at the bar. However, when our reservation time arrived, there was a huge line of people waiting for their tables at the same time, and there were three clueless women hovering over a computer but not doing much else. Once we were seated, it took a while before our orders were taken but the waiter seemed honestly apologetic. Anyway, the experience went way up from there. I had advised the restaurant of my food allergies when I made the reservation. The waiter was not only aware before I said anything, but had already consulted the chef and said he would double check after I ordered. That NEVER happens at other restaurants. The food was amazing. We ordered the corn bread and jerk bacon & egg for appetizer, and I had the meatballs for dinner. Everything was delicious and very filling. Overall I highly recommend. Just have some patience at the beginning.
(4)Kathryn R.
Hands-down the best meal I have ever had in my life. Do yourself a favor - order the Yard Bird. It's amazing. The sweet potato beignets were great for dessert, and we had great service. The girl at the coat check was just the sweetest girl, and it was pretty awesome to run into Marcus Samuelsson, too. Seriously. Come here. You will not regret it.
(5)Brian M.
The wife and I were very excited to eat here. The hostess was friendly and accommodating. Our waiter was pretty poor. We had to ask for items a few times before he brought them over. The cornbread is yummy, get it. I had the yard bird and would eat it again. My wife had the burger. She could only eat half of it because it was so rich. The Parmesan fries were cold. For being so well known and out of the way. There's some work to do here if they are going to keep people coming back
(3)Dana L.
I went to visit my friend in NYC and she suggested we eat lunch at Red Rooster. I didn't know who Marcus Samuelsson is, but now I sure do!!! Service was great- attentive, but not TOO attentive. I ordered the Yard Bird and it was DELICIOUSS~ I was really full after too! I liked the side sauce- even though I had no idea what was in it. My friend ordered the meatballs but I didn't think they were that special. The peanut soup looked ok (if you like peanuts)...I don't like peanuts much so ehh. I would definitely go back for another meal. Great place to catch up with friends! Oh and WE SAW MARCUS SAMUELSSON!! :]
(4)tiffanie n.
Really 3.5 stars but can't seem to up it to 4 stars b/c I wasn't blown away by the place. I came here on Valentine's day and this place was so packed. The bar area is gorgeous and there was live jazz singing. The prixe fixe was $55~! what a steal for such a popular restaurant. So i'm happy that they didn't try to rip off their customers. Great staff here! For starters we had corn bread (good), jerk bacon and egg (too salty for my liking but eating it with the beans made it less salty) and crab cakes were decent. Hearth baked squash - i liked it. Entrees : Fried Yard Bird - delicious and moist. I like the skin but wish they wouldn't put it on top of the gravy b/c it makes the skin soggy. Steak frites - I like this dish more than the fried yard bird. Dessert: Panna cotta - good.
(3)Barbara R.
Food, service and ambiance were all stellar, upon leaving we were so taken with the tunes in the bar we just settled in for the evening.
(5)Iva A.
The crab cakes are to die for...
(4)Wing W.
Devil led eggs, corn bread, Mac n greens, crab cakes TDF!!!
(5)Maria M.
Had lunch and dinner here. The cornbread starter is phenomenal. I had helga's meatballs, and I loved everything on the plate except the meatballs themselves. They weren't bad, I just wasn't a fan of the flavor or texture, but the other sides on the plate still made it a tasty meal. The yard bird was really flavorful, well seasoned. The dirty rice and shrimp is definitely my favorite, I loved the crunchy curry leaves in it. This dish is why I give it a high rating. Their red snapper is supposed to be really good, so I will go back to try that at some point. The decor is really cool, but the chairs are rather uncomfortable to sit in, at least for me, because you can't lean back in them. I like the restaurant quite a bit, but I don't see myself going here often because 1. it's really out of the way 2. the food is super-rich. If you're calorie conscious at all, you can't make a habit of eating here regularly. They only take limited reservations, and leave most tables open for walk ins. So if there are no reservations online, that doesn't really mean they have a packed house. You're better off just walking in.
(4)Rebecca K.
To make a long story short, a great experience with very good food, friendly but slow service in a nice atmosphere. It was worth a try considering the hype, and I would return if asked to, but personally I will not be going out of my way to head back. I split appetizers and a side with my friend, since we both wanted to try as much on the menu as possible. 4/5 were a hit; the heirloom tomato salad was absolutely unbelievable (I would go out of my way just to get that salad again), but the corn chowder was flavorless (a complete disaster, considering it was a $12 bowl of soup). The dirty rice and shrimp, crab cakes, and collard greens were all excellent. All of the dishes, with the exception of the corn chowder, were full of flavor and spice. By the end, we were both desperate for water. If you're not a fan of spicy foods, you will not be a fan of Red Rooster. It is also extremely pricey.
(3)Michael K.
Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhh, this place is not bad. If 3 stars meant "okay," then I'd give it three, but I reserve "A-ok" for places I really like. *changing this to 3 because it deserves a better rating than miss lily's.* This place was alright, but I would not trek up to one two five and Lenox again just to go to Red Rooster. Luckily for them, they probably don't need my business because it's downright impossible to make a reservation online for anything other than 5pm. So they're doing well, and I can write this less than enthusiastic review with a clear conscience. Got there at 445 or so on Thursday for a 5PM reservation, sat at the bar and had a Brooklyn Lager. Bartender was nice, the space is really pretty nice, open, outdoor seating area, really pretty pleasant. Now, I haven't read all 200+ reviews to see if anyone else noticed this, but Red Rooster is a lot nicer than everything else in the neighborhood. And despite the diversity I've seen a few people mention, I didn't see much of it when I was there. It's an expensive restaurant, and the people who go to expensive restaurants are not really that diverse of a crowd. Started with some taco things, which were great, and ... crabcakes also very good. Both quite small, but for appetizers, I was not caught off guard. Then I had meatballs, and I can't remember what my dining partner had, but I will confirm that if you do not eat meat, your options here are seriously limited. The poor people next to us had clearly had a reservation for weeks (like us) and been excited to try the place out and then realized that they could order the cornbread and maybe one thing off the entree menu. Oh well. Not because they didn't eat meat but because they were poor. The service was friendly and the place filled up quickly and the atmosphere was alright, but it was a little weird. It didn't really feel that comfortable. It felt like everyone around us was there for the first time with such high hopes, and I don't know if Red Rooster could possibly live up to the hype, to their (our) expectations. The meatballs were good, but the portion was quite small. I also didnt really know what the other things on the plate were, and they didn't taste very good, but the main thing, the meatballs, were good. Now, I don't know how you can call this "southern comfort food." For one, there is absolutely nothing comfortable about $100+ bill for dinner for 2 including 1 drink each and such small portions! I also don't really get any relation to the southern United States except maybe the cornbread. There are also some grits on the menu, so maybe that's a connection too, but besides that I don't think you'd find anything resembling what's on the menu here on a menu at a nice restaurant in Georgia or the Carolinas .. maybe some of the shrimp things in Louisiana, but does that even count as "southern?" I think it's a category all by itself. Basically, the food was good but expensive and the portions were small. The place was full, and it was a pain to make a 5pm reservation on a weeknight. Even though it was crowded, there was good spacing between the tables, and I didn't feel like I was on top of the people next to me. The service was friendly. If I were up here and had the extra money and was too hungry to ride the subway to a different part of town and could somehow get food without making a reservation 2 weeks in advance, I would eat here again. Also, the bar is nice, and I could see it being pretty fun to hang out here early in the evening before it gets too packed, but I didn't try it, so I don't know.
(3)Elizabeth K.
I came here on Christmas Eve bc my mother was in town from Oklahoma. I thought the food would be somewhat familiar, and that it would be festive. It WAS festive and lively, and the servers and bartender were really great. My problem is primarily the food. My mom and partner had the yard bird, which seemed great--they loved it. I had come in to have the Swedish meatballs. No luck. So much for it being a signature dish. For some odd reason, that wasn't being served that night EXCEPT as part of a multi-course pre-fixe that I didn't want (this was NOT the $25 Swedish Holiday Plate that I now see on the web site, which would've been fine). Sadly, I chose Steak Frites instead. This was shamefully sub-standard, particularly for $35. I mean, seriously. It was like having a frozen Stauffer's Salisbury Steak. Finally, there are a variety of fancified cocktails with infused liquors of various sorts that in the hands of someone else may well be fantastic. Not here. These cocktails, mostly $12-$13, are mostly just sweet bombs. This isn't cool for this level of a place. If they had a few classics perhaps, to fill out the menu a bit, that might be a step in the right direction. But the bartenders need to LEARN and TASTE their drinks. This area (cocktails) could use some real improvement. And seriously--they've got to STOP serving that shameful steak and the pitiful 3 potatoes that pass for "frites." Otherwise, again, RR is a festive place, and I'd go here again to hang out at the bar, or perhaps for breakfast if they ever start that. Great to have a nice place in the neighborhood. But overall, our Christmas Eve dinner was a sorry disappointment.
(2)Yu S.
Having been reviewed by the Times and sporting a curious name, this is definitely one of the more hip places in town. My friend thinks that he's 10 times cooler for just having eaten here. A weekend brunch is probably not the best time to try out the place, as the brunch selections are not exactly diverse and clearly pale in comparison to its regular lunch/dinner menu. I got the biscuits with red gravy (and pork). The waitress told us the portions would be big, and she wasn't kidding. I couldn't even finish despite liking the food quite a bit. The decor is not what I expected, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's a very open, high ceiling, cosmopolitan place, almost like a coffee shop. We sat next to the DJ, so it was slightly on the loud side, but not loud enough to interfere with my conversation.
(4)Guilio Ñ.
After the unimpressive wait time last Sunday (for coffee and donuts!), I returned for lunch today to see if Red Rooster could redeem itself on me. And it did :) Service was fast and friendly and the Yard Bird was delicious. Until my next return!
(4)Amelia D.
Lives up to the reputation.
(4)Mary H.
I was visiting from California and this restaurant was on my list. Am I glad it was. Food was interesting and fun - smallish plates, but great for sharing. We tried a lot - the corn bread, the meatballs, the dirty shrimp, the fish special, the mac and cheese - all great, but believe it or not I can't say enough about the cornbread. To top it all off, the maitre d' was amazinzingly friendly and gave us a tour of the downstairs of the restaurant(mind you this was Saturday night at 7:15)which houses Ginny's Supper Club - another find. So - for all you out of towners - take a visit uptown to this great restaurant and see the good things that are happening on 125th.
(5)T H.
I went here with my bro on a Saturday evening. I received an email about its opening when it opened and decided the next time I was in NYC to stop by. I was absolutely impressed with the decor. It's such a classy place and the crowd is very diverse. Unfortunately my bro and I didn't have reservations so we were told by the hostess that the wait was (are you ready?) two hours!! I was NOT about wait that long, but wasn't too salty since it WAS a Saturday night in NYC and IS a new spot. Alas, the hostess informed us there was a lounge downstairs we can go to to wait on a table and that bar food was only being served down there. We accepted it and went downstairs. Down, down the stairs....We get there and it is a modestly beautiful setting with another dining area in one room and the lounge in another room. There is a DJ who was on point - playing 80s and 90s music. The lounge is perfect if you're on a date and want to relax with good music and good diverse company. We ended up ordering wine (Chardonnay and Cana) and some apps. I had the taco ceviches and my bro had the mac and greens. The food was good, however, the portions were very small - they only gave two tacos! And I love ceviche so was very disappointed. What was even more disappointing was how overcrowded the tables were in the lounge. Since the hostess was sending the reservation overflow downstairs, the seating started getting limited. And we sat on couches with two couples and we didn't have enough space for our food. The server gave us a chair (yes, chair!) to accommodate our order. I was appalled. Why have a chair!?!?!? And not have small end tables just in case this happens? All in all we had a good time and will return to dine in the restaurant.
(3)Toni W.
I've been here 3 times and out of those times, I had dinner twice and was disappointed and once for lunch and the burger and fries were pretty good. I refuse to go for dinner again for obvious reasons, but I went today for drinks, since I was disappointed at the drink menu at the new place across the street and was led downstairs to "Ginny's Supper Club". It felt like I wasn't even at the Rooster. Music, great. Drink? Well, I had the muddled ginger "Harlem Mule" and it was a little watery, but still pretty damn good. The menu is different from that "stuff" upstairs and it was pretty good. The Rooster will never see me again, unless I'm there for drinks, but Ginny's won't be able to get rid of me.
(3)Kenny H.
Went to Red Rooster on the way to a Yankees game, and it pretty much knocked it out the park. The bar area is really cool to just to sit and eat and listen to the chattering of the well heeled and uber cool Harlemites. I'm sure I even overheard a hushed conversation about a meeting with some guy called Barak. Had the yardbird which was nice, not overloaded with extras. Just well cooked chicken with a damn tasty crust. The sweet potato doughnuts oozing with cream filling however were incredible. I could eat three or four servings and then happily head off to meet my maker. Really nice service. Cool interior. Hip crowd. What's not to like! It certainly made the long walk uptown well worth the trip. But just make sure you order the donuts!!
(4)philip r.
At least a half dozen lunches, 2 birthday dinners and a celebratory dinner with my family on the occasion of my boyfriend's gallery show. Next up--our Wedding brunch.
(5)Joline P.
Good food but pricy for what you get
(4)Amy J.
I wanted to love Red Rooster and plan on going back to hopefully have an amazing experience, but for my first visit I have to give it 2 stars (that's being generous). This review is based on a dinner sitting in the lower level which I'm attributing to the terrible experience. My brother lives in the neighborhood and was excited for our parents (visiting from MN) to try Red Rooster. We were celebrating early birthdays and this was our "special" dinner of their trip. We arrived early to a bustling restaurant and bar, we found 2 seats and started with a few great cockails- I had "The Earl of Harlem" and we were loving the scene, the bar and dining room are gorgeous. The hostess led us downstairs to be seated in what looked like a banquet hall, it had none of the warm atmosphere and cozy bistro-like design of the upstairs. It was dark, low ceilings, no decor really, the tables are the kind you would rent for a wedding with cloths over them- very unimpressive. We mentioned this was odd as we sat down and the hostess told us "it's for restaurant overflow" funny since we made the reservation about 6+ weeks ago. We decided to get over in hopes that amazing food and service would follow. 45 minutes after ordering our drinks (this is not an exageration) they arrived, we ordered several "snacks" which arrived and disapeared before the drinks- the tuna tacos and the pickles (which were pickled vegetables not pickles regardless they were good). Finally the server acknowledges the unacceptable delay and sends a manager over who apologizes for the service. Next we ordered the "ham" which was really a delicious grilled cheese with gruyere and thin ham on the side with mustard and onion jam and the shrimp with rice. Fast forward to TWO HOURS after we were seated (this is not because we were leisurely enjoying multiple courses or drinks) our entrees arrived. We had tickets to a jazz club after and were late. Everyone enjoyed the entrees but they were completely overshadowed by the poor service. Again the manager came over and she offered to have us back for drinks and assured us this was not typical service and they were just trying this lower level out, nice gesture but not a good excuse. When the bill came were were charged for 2 dishes we didn't even order- which turns out the manager had tried to send over as a complimentary appetizer, however when the runner brought them he didn't say so and we said we didn't order it. So not only did we never receive the free dishes, we were charged for them! I will give it another try but urge anyone to make SURE when making a reservation that you will be seated in the main floor dining room. Hopefully they realize the lower level is not up to par to consider it an extension of Red Rooster. Yikes!
(2)Marc P.
Love the ambience. The jerk bacon and egg was a winner and the Yard Bird was solid, but nothing to write home about. The bar has quite an impressive list of bourbons. Overall, the prices seemed a bit high but I guess that's just the Big Apple. I'm looking forward to giving this place another go on my next trip.
(4)Melanie D.
Met some friends at Red Rooster on a Thursday night for birthday drinks and a few small plates. I had been wanting to dine here for a while, so expectations were perhaps unreasonably high. Overall, the food was delicious. No major complaints there. Most of the snacks and small plates we chose were reasonably priced for what they were, however you will spend a small fortune at this place if you decide to order entrees and cocktails. Two items on the food menu were most shocking as they were $68 (a chowder for two) and $79 (a pot roast for 2...maybe 3). I don't know, I come from the South and could probably whip up most of these dishes for a fraction of the price. Service was fine, but it was quite obvious our table was being "watched" and monitored. I found the service to be a tad on the pushy side to get us to order more and more and when we didn't, we were kind of ignored and snickered about. Anyway, I always appreciate a flawless meal and maybe the mistake was mine for trying this place for the first time with a drinks and appetizers crowd. I found it to be a tad overrated, pretentious, and a little out of touch with the community in which they operate in. The place was completely packed, so it's obvious they are running a successful operation. Just not sure it's the kind of restaurant I can fall in love with.
(3)Catherine B.
Wasn't worth it. It was ok. For the price it should be between good and amazing. The salmon was boring, fried chicken was mediocre, corn bread was dry, fried green tomatoes were cold and hard-the sauce was good but was hidden or on the over-sized pieces of iceberg lettuce. There were only 3 medium slices of the tomatoes. The meatballs were ok. Not very filling. Not enough sauce. Bottom line is the idea is here but it isn't executed well at all. It took a while to get waters re-filled and waiter could have been a bit more cheerful.
(2)Donna Y.
First time ever I have walked out of a restaurant. I was dining alone (attempting to) on a wednesday, they weren't super crowded. I first waited for the hostess to notice me after being walked past by multiple staff. No one made any attempt at eye contact. Once I found her she asked if I had a seating preference. At first I said no but then opted to be seated anywhere inside. She sits me off in a corner where I sat for an uncomfortably long time with again...no attempt at anyone to even make eye contact and say my server would be right with me. I hate to give bad reviews but when I am choosing a place to eat I would like to feel welcome. Went down the street to Mannas and they were very friendly.
(1)A K.
Went here with a friend for brunch today and was able to get a seat right away at 11:00 on a Saturday. This place is more upscale than the places I usually frequent. I had the poached eggs with shrimp and red grits, plus cornbread. He had the baked egg with tomato and mozzarella. Both were pretty great. Mine was very rich. My café au lait was so-so. I thought the service was great and the whole place had a very well-managed, on-top-of-it vibe. I'll probably come back even though it's a little out of my price range. My one complaint about the "poached eggs" was that there was only one egg. Weird, considering how cheap eggs are. Maybe it was a mistake.
(4)Natalia M.
I haven't tried the food at Red Rooster, so this review is ONLY about my experience at the bar. I've been wanting to try Red Rooster for a while but haven't made it in yet. But yesterday afternoon, my boyfriend and I decided to stop in for a quick drink. The bar was pretty crowded for a Saturday at 5 p.m., which is kind of an odd hour. The only seats left were at the very edge of the bar where the waiters and runners were picking up drinks. It was a very busy space and probably shouldn't be open to guests. There were dirty cups and plates of half eaten food sitting right in front of me, which was totally grossing me out.It took about 15 minutes before they were cleared. It also seemed like they weren't really well prepared, missing a lot of ingredients and scrambling to find them. The bartenders also seemed a little overwhelmed. I was stressed out just watching them. The drinks, however, were pretty good. I ordered the the Dillio, which is peanut infused bourbon with ginger liqueur, dill and lime. It had a really unique flavor- almost as if I was eating a savory Asian dish. The more I drank it, the more I liked it. My boyfriend ordered the Cat's Meow which is gin, cointreau, lillet and citrus. It was refreshing and delicious. It was a little pricey- about $12-13 per drink - but overall, we had a good time. Wouldn't mind going back to see what the food is all about.
(3)Anna Y.
Fun and energetic atmosphere, though perhaps a tad too noisy for anyone who enjoys a close conversation over dinner. Red Rooster definitely boasts a staff thoroughly-experienced in providing quality service...shaking hands with the chef was also a nice touch. Sadly, I must confess I found the food a little overpowering for my liking. Delicious the first few bites, weighty and over-saturated for the remainder. From the collard greens and corn bread to the main dishes of lobster-shrimp grits and fried yard bird, my dinner reminded me of a sort of culinary blitzkrieg: initially, it feels as though your tastebuds are getting punched in the face, but in the end all that's left is an odd sensation of unsophisticated heaviness on the palate as well as the stomach. I'm not even criticizing the inherent greasy nature of Red Rooster's comfort-food inspired menu, and had an idea of what to expect in that regard. Rather than collectively presenting itself as one seamless dining experience comprised of complimentary ingredients and seasonings, all the flavors encountered in each dish seemed to be in coarse competition with each other. My boyfriend and I wondered if this was simply an artifact of Chef Samuelsson's Top Chef days, in which you only had a one-bite opportunity to wow someone. Regardless, I can't support the hype despite how genuinely I was hoping to. Still a lovely restaurant, but not a five-star.
(3)Breena C.
I was very disappointed. It was , IMHO, over-rated. Overpriced, touristy and over- heated. The fried chicken was very disappointing. It's trendy, but a restaurant is supposed to be about the food.
(2)Jacqueline J.
Clarification: the food here is great. Really, really great. I live a few blocks away, and ever since I moved to Harlem a few months ago I've been excited about Marcus Samuelsson's restaraunt. No joke, the food in Harlem is not of the variety/quality I enjoyed when I lived downtown. So I've been to Red Rooster four or five times since the opening, and two things remain consistent: excellent food, abysmal service. The first time I went, I sat at the bar. Actually, this was probably my best overall experience. My friend and I ordered cornbread and the lox & lax. Both items were really good-- the tomato jam is a great complement to the cornbread, and the mustard-fennel-lox flavor combination is really excellent. He ordered a beer but I tried the Cat's Meow, which is a gin drink with lillet that's really nice, if a little sweet. The second time I came I went for the whole shebang. My friend traveled up from the East Village in the driving snow for our 10:00 reservation. At 9:55 the host calls my phone twice (?) to make sure we're coming. We arrive at 10 on the dot, and are seated immediately. Then the service mishaps begin. I've worked as a waitress in NY restaurants, so I'm relaxed and understanding and not usually fazed by small or even not-so-small service issues. But no one gave us menus for 10 full minutes, when I finally made eye contact with the 5-6 servers milling about and asked for the menu. My friend and I love sparkling wine, so we ordered a bottle. The waitress seemed totally confused by my order, having me point to the bottle twice and then going to ask the bartender for about 5-10 minutes to make sure he had the bottle. He confirms that they do, she takes our order, and everything seems cool. Except she forgot about the bottle. Our appetizers arrive some ten minutes later and we still don't have our drinks. The food itself was reallllllly great. We got the lump blue crab cakes and the cornbread (again). The cakes were light and flaky but also substantial. We're just about done our appetizers when the bottle finally arrives. Oops. The entrees came out as soon as the appetizer plates were whisked away. My friend ordered the oxtail, which was sublime. The meat was so fatty and tender. The only problem would be that it was almost too rich, she couldn't bring herself to eat the whole serving. I obliged to help her out. i ordered the shrimp and red grits, which was also delicious. Its a pool of creamy red grits with 3-4 shrimp on top and chunks of spicy sausage. I'm a sucker for grits, but these were excellent. By the end of our entrees the waitress had been MIA for awhile and our glasses were in need of a refill from our bottle, which was nowhere to be found. We asked another server to help us out. He looked around nervously and said he'd find our waitress. Eventually, she returned and filled our glasses. We placed a dessert order for the sweet potato donuts, which are in and of themselves worth the trek from the outermost reaches of any of the boroughs. So moist, so delicious, so perfect. The experience would have been perfect if it weren't for the server's inattentiveness. The most frustrating part was that the restaurant was emptying out, its not like we came at prime rush hour. We like eating later, since 10:00 reservations are easy to get anywhere at the last minute. I've been back twice since that dinner and tried a number of other things on the menu. The lemon-roasted chicken with the excellent cous cous is a great choice. The service has been slightly better these other times. As in, someone occasionally popped in to check on us. My roommate went there with her boyfriend for brunch and likewise had a terrible service experience. She's allergic to wheat. She asked the server to help her choose something that would adhere to her gluten-free diet. This is probably not all that uncommon of a request, since everyone seems to be allergic these days. The waitress suggested she try a certain egg dish (not sure which one), and when it arrived at the table it had chunks of bread baked in to the dish. Oops. Definitely worth the trip to Harlem. The food, the ambience, and the crowds are A+. Hopefully the servers can start pulling their weight, too.
(3)Matt M.
This place was hopping on a Monday night. Immediately upon entering we were greeted by an employee who ushered us over to the hostess stand. We were informed the wait would be well over an hour for our party of two but considering how long it took us to get up to Harlem we decided to stick it out. The bar is very large and getting a drink was easy. When two people jumped up from the bar, we were delighted to find out we could just eat at the bar and not have to wait to sit down. We had egg foam martinis (both with spiced rum and the standard house gin). Ask for this with rum! It tastes so much better, compliments to Sway from MTV for ordering this special concoction before us. The cocktails were outstanding. Before I dive into the food I have to compliment Marcus Samuelsson on the awesome job he has done! He was so nice and friendly in the restaurant you would never, ever believe he was an Iron Chef or Top Chef Master. He literally walked around the restaurant all night shaking peoples hands and saying hello and asking if everything was up to par. Seriously!?! Where else do you get service from a celebrity chef like that. Tell me cause I want to know. We ordered the fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, crab cakes, ceviche tostadas, and some sorbet. The cornbread comes with some sort of marmalade that really hit the spot when combined with a thickly buttered piece of bread. The collard greens were nice but I have to say the ceviche tostadas fell short. The ceviche itself was good albeit small and the tortilla tostada crunch didn't mesh well with me. I would rather have had a larger portion of two different ceviches in a martini glass, etc. But maybe that's just me. The fried chicken was very good. Better than Blue Ribbon good! I really gotta hand it to him, the crispy skin and leg meat were incredible. The best dish of the night was hands down the crab cakes. I knew this right away when I noticed my girlfriend was not talking and instead just inhaling the crab cakes. They were outstanding. The spicy sauce, lightly fried crab combo really did it and the portion was very generous for an appetizer. The crowd at this restaurant was out of control. I have never seen so many celebrity sightings and avant-garde homogenizing going on in one restaurant ever , no less in Harlem! Samuelsson really has something special going here. All in all this was a great meal and will 100% be coming out of my way to come back here. The bill for 3 drinks and all the food above was right under $100.00 with tip.
(4)Emily D.
Food was great, decor was really neat. Great service, creative food...awesome!
(5)Jen B.
Food and service are outstanding. Cocktails are not to be missed. We always try to go here when we have guests visiting from out of town and have never had a bad experience. Kevin has coincidentally been our server every time (pretty sure that's his name) - love him! He's definitely part of the reason why we keep coming back.
(5)Monique M.
You pay for the name. The food is ok. Very loud and crowded. Not a place I would frequent. I am not into loud places whether the celebrities dine there or not.
(3)Kris C.
Where to begin... The A/C was broken, and it was 90 degrees outside. We sat on the sidewalk because it was unbearable inside. An unfortunate circumstance, but it was a harbinger of the experience to follow. Our server came to take our drink orders, and my fiancée and I thought we might have a cold draft beer to beat the heat. The server said that were out of a couple beers. Cool, it happens. So she went to check on which ones, comes back and says every tap is down. Again, it's unfortunate but maybe they're having a bad day. We decide not to drink alcohol, and our server becomes visibly frustrated. She takes our order, brings our drinks, then disappears. Now to their credit, the bus staff were very attentive. They kept our waters full and our plates clear. But I digress... We ordered the Yard Bird and the Catfish. Much to our surprise, the catfish was not fried. Interesting concept, because every delicious catfish dish I've ever eaten is fried. As expected, it was bland and devoid of texture. The mashed potatoes were subpar. The fried chicken was an abnormally large leg quarter. Too large. $25 for fried chicken and they couldn't give me a little bit of white meat? Throw a wing in or something. The breading was ok, it was spicy and salty but not much else. The best thing we ate was the tiny ramekin of pickles that came with the chicken. Oh and I nearly forgot, the cornbread was SIX DOLLARS!! For ONE PIECE!! So we finished and we were just sitting there, now for a total time of over one hour. Our server was still MIA, so we called a manager over. She apologized and comped our iced tea and cornbread, which normally would have been nothing but it saved us almost $15. Absolutely absurd. The worst part?! How could it get any worse?!?! We both got sick! This was our last big meal in New York before we moved, and it was a complete and utter DISASTER!! And to rub salt in the wound, if you call to complain, they won't even let you speak to a manager! You have to EMAIL them!! This was the worst dining experience we've ever had, and I will only be satisfied when the Red Rooster closes for good.
(1)Nicole P.
Gets packed quickly. Really good food here. I had to keep reminding myself to put down the cornbread. Music plays in the background but it's not overbearing - just enough for you to be able to enjoy it while having a conversation with a friend. Kind, fast service from the bartender and server. Would come back as there were so many items on the menu I wanted to try!
(5)Katie M.
Another amazing meal at Red Rooster! We came by to celebrate my birthday, and were not disappointed. This time, we ate in the dining room after making advance reservations, and got the full Red Rooster experience. Our server was fantastic, and allowed us to enjoy a relaxed, decadent meal. We ordered the sea bites (good flavor, but wish it hadn't been fried), warm beef tartar (SO well spiced and delicious - loved this), steak (my date loved this), and the mac & greens. This may sound dramatic, but that was the best damn mac n'cheese I have EVER eaten. I was in pure heaven. I was beyond stuffed after dinner, but we managed to try the chocolate & almond tart for dessert. It reminded me of a warm brownie sundae - very good, but kind of wish it had just been a brownie instead! Next time we'll try the sundae for two. Thank you for a fabulous bday meal!
(4)Kristen L.
From down the block, we could hear the energy of the live jazz band, which surprised us not only by how good it was but more so because of the crowd it drew on a Monday night. As expected, the place was packed with a vivacious and diverse crowd that was no less animated than the restaurant itself. Paying homage to Harlem's rich history and culture, the interior is colorful and contemporary, decorated with art symbolic of the community and conveying a casual atmosphere that puts all guests at ease. The menu was also eccentric, with influences of American, Ethiopian and Swedish cuisines as well as traces of Indian. Many of the dishes included unfamiliar ingredients, but they all sounded equally tasty and intriguing, including a good selection of seafood entrees. After some deliberation, we decided on the corn bread to start, which of course was fantastic with a homemade honey butter and jam, followed by dutch bass over grits for me and Red Rooster's infamous fried yard bird (fried chicken) for the bf. If I say I was pleasantly surprised by my dish that would be an understatement, as I was blown away by the tender fish on the mound of the creamiest, cheesiest and dreamiest grits I've ever tried. Note, that's a big thing for me to admit considering I hate all cereal and porridge-related things. The kicker for mine was the accompaniment of chorizo, salsa verde and capers, which gave the dish a tangy, spicy kick that I adored. The yard bird was also deliciously juicy and crispy atop luscious mashed potatoes, but like all things on the menu, it strayed from the traditional fried chicken by incorporating hints of cinnamon and other Eastern spices. As full as we were (amen again to big portions!) we couldn't resist the warm, gooey sweet potato donuts served with fresh whipped cream to close out the evening. Read more at: nycnovice.wordpress.com
(5)Loren A.
I went last night to Red Rooster. As soon as we got there, we were enveloped in the lively, eclectic and trendy atmosphere; it was electric. Of course at 9:45pm on a Friday night it was PACKED to the brim. We put our names down and were told it would be an hour. I expected as much without reservations for a Top Chef spot. While waiting to be seated, we ordered from their impressive cocktail menu, starting with the Rooster Punch which is way stronger than your Aunt Consuelo's sangria (you could really tasted the wine and it was delicious). My date had the Bird, which had hibiscus tea in it and I had something with muddled grapes and vodka, quite yummy. An hour later as promised, we were seated. We ordered the Jerk Bacon and Eggs, which was spicy and comfortingly delicious. We also had Shrimp and dirty rice which was much more Indian in flavor than I was expecting, but it was tasty. For our entrees we ordered the Fried Yard Bird, and the Mac and Greens. The yard bird was juicy and spiced nicely with curry and a kick from the spice shaker on the side. But the mac and cheese was divine. It had one of my fave cheeses, gouda (SO GOUD!), with arugula on the side, the orrechieti were the perfect vehicle for its cheesy unctuousness. We ended the meal with the fried sweet potato doughnuts, which were soft and sweet. I feel like they were filled with spiced apple butter and there was a vanilla whipped cream on the side. The food was great and somewhat unexpected, and the environment was lovely too. The only reason I knocked off a star, was for the long wait.
(4)Betty N.
My friends and I were so excited to try Red Rooster and heard about all the hype but when it came down to the food, it was mediocre at best. We ordered the chicken and waffles with bourbon syrup and deviled eggs for our appetizers and I must say the syrup was disgusting. It seriously tasted like they poured bourbon on my waffles. The fried chicken was alright but quite tasteless. The deviled eggs were nothing special. We also ordered 2 plates of the Fried Yard Bird, one plate of shrimp and grits and the Blackened catfish for our entrees. Let's start off with the yard bird; the chicken was still yet again tasteless but it was too late to change the order. The mashed potatoes with gravy were decent but the sauce that came with the chicken tasted like watered down buffalo sauce. For ~$30 a plate, i expected much better tasting fried chicken. The Shrimp and grits was the best out of all 3 entrees and was decently flavored with plenty of shrimp and the grits were smooth. The blackened catfish was a tad spicy but way overcooked and dry. The mexican corn side dish was DISGUSTING! It was so overpowered with lime that it was pretty much inedible. For $8, you get one piece of corn drenched in lime juice and a large container of lime flavored butter (YUCK!). We were so unimpressed by our meals that we didn't even order dessert. That is pretty sad considering we always order dessert when we go out. All in all, we will never be back. For being a Chef Samuelsson restaurant, we were quite disappointed and can't believe this is up to his standards.
(2)Dee J.
I'm not sure who is rating this restaurant so highly. This place is all ambiance, that's it. It is definitely not quality soul food for the prices. The service is definitely poor and the hostesses do not seem to know how to manage a wait. I ordered the yard bird. It was tasteless. The season covering the chicken after it was fried and topped with a white gravy. My friends had the oxtails and the crab cakes. In addition, we ordered the yams, greens, and cornbread. Crab cakes: best of everything we ordered. Quality appetizer. Oxtails: tender meat however, they had no taste. yams, greens, cornbread: average. nothing special however, they were pricey for soul food side dishes. I cannot imagine returning to this restaurant. I am sure I could find quality crab cakes in a variety of places throughout Manhattan. If you go to Harlem don't go here if you want quality food. I expected better from a television chef.
(1)Jessica L.
"A-OK", Yelp's 3 star rating linguistic equivalent is absolutely accurate for Red Rooster. This was place was a-okay and only a-okay. I live and work in the area and went there yesterday for lunch. Ambience? Fun and bubbling for a business day. Food? I ordered cornbread and fried yard bird, courtesy of a recommendation from Sifton's two-star Times review of the place. Cornbread? It was okay. Moist but a bit too tasting of baking soda. Charles's Southern, even Wells' was better. Compote that came with? Tasted like canned tomatoes. Fried chicken? Good spices but overall came burnt, far too crispy to be good. Gravy? Okay NOW we're talking. The gravy was out of the world. But for $30 for lunch and all the hype? I expected way more other-worldiness. Sorry, Samuelsson. And a note to Sifton: two stars?? I miss Bruni.
(3)Andrew M.
I have lived in the neighborhood since before Red Rooster opened and actually live around the corner from Marcus Samuelsson. Despite these things, I regrettably have to say that I just went to the restaurant for the first time last night. We go out a lot, but with so many great new restaurants in Harlem it somehow took us this long to get to the one everyone talks about because my parents and cousins and friends have all had lunch and brunch at the restaurant and said it was over-hyped and over priced. Being a fine dining GM and a chef for years, I didn't want to be disappointed, but my friend made a reservation last night and asked us to go. It was AMAZING! The service was incredible, which is a huge rarity in Harlem other than at Chez Lucienne next door. Usually servers in Harlem are lazy, untrained, and unforgiving (Il Cafe Latte and native being the worst) but from the hostess to the bussers, everyone was friendly and knowledgeable. Our server made great suggestions and was funny, too. We got the fried green tomatoes and cornbread to start. Both were great, but neither were the best I've had. For our main courses we got the Fried Yardbird and Greta's Meatballs. I will say that the yardbird is the best fried chicken I have ever had, and I have been all over the south so that says a lot. The meatballs were so moist and had such a great flavor profile (lingonberries) it made me completely rethink Swedish meatballs. The decor of the place is awesome, too. Even the bathrooms are inviting. I have not heard great things about brunch, but I am going to try it because if it is half as good as my dinner was, it will be better than anything else in the neighborhood.
(5)Hiwote G.
Harlemites are full of style and swag... Red rooster is a direct reflection of that. I have been here a few times before but today, I really wanted to take note of my entire experience. I went for dinner with a friend and we were both incredibly happy with our experience. The food: We shared a Red Ceasar Salad with Yardbird (Rooster talk for chicken) the Blackened Catfish. I would rate the Salad a 9/10 and the Catfish a 6/10. The chicken is fried so that obviously swagged out the salad and yet nothing was greasy and the dressing was light and perfect. The only reason I don't rate it a 10/10 is because I'd like to save that for something that blows me all the way away. The catfish was really good but I have had better catfish so its nothing i would tell my friends to go try. On a totally different occasion, I had the burger here and I really liked it because it was hearty and the bread was toasted...mmmm..mm. I'd rate that a 7/10 only because I recently had an UMAMI burger and my palate now requires ridiculous things out of a burger. The ambiance: It is gorgeous!!!! The pictures are beautiful, the lighting, the colors...everything is comfortable, cohesive and tells a story. The service: The staff is not only nice but super helpful and friendly. We didn't know what porkbelly was and one of the waiters (who wasn't even serving our table) stopped to explain exactly what it was and how it tasted. My water glass was always full and our waitress was attentive but super relaxed. Is it worth the price? Hell yea! PS: ALWAYS get the cornbread when you come here
(4)Will C.
The anticipated grand opening of Marcus Samuelsson's new Harlem eatery, Red Rooster, is officially open and has delivered in more ways than one. After close to being three months of a delayed opening, Red Rooster which is located on 310 Lenox Ave in Harlem, NYC, lived to surpass my expectations. Before leaving my pad I went online to see if anyone else on the foodie web was going to dine at the restaurant tonight as well. Then it came to my attention on Eater.com that Red Rooster and chef Samuelsson were getting bashed on by guests leaving comments on the opening night. Someone even said "He won't be in the restaurant unless there's a photo shoot. THis place will bomb, just like almost everything else he says he's going o do. What a hack, what a poseur." Haha, well guess what Guest #9? Marcus Samuelsson was in the hizouse, and cooking, and visiting tables, and even had time to take a picture with yours truly. =) So, get this...I arrive to the restaurant around 5:30pm and the bar is practically full. As soon as me and my friend walk in we were greeted by none other than Marcus himself. I must say that the hostesses were very kind and helpful. Our coats were checked in then we grabbed a couple of seats at the bar, ordered a couple of drinks, and just absorbed the ambiance and decor. I have to give it to them on the design! The entire restaurant has is filled with style and vibrant colors. The bar is the shape of an "8" and copper topped. The display shelf behind it is filled with levels of classic antique statues, liquor bottles, plants, jars, and copper wares. My eye even caught an old-school film camera sitting on one of the top shelves (neat!). The beverage list is short and sweet. We indulged ourselves with orders of their fig & pear infused bourbon concoctions. A few minutes passed by and then we were kindly guided to our seats in the dining room. Right away I was are struck with the cool black & white wallpaper design they have on the wall facing the open kitchen. The ceiling lights, along with decorative items around the walls and by the pantry door way area, were of a shiny copper finish. The window size of the open kitchen is great. You can see all the cooks preparing your meal and even a cool open flame grill sat in the middle of the kitchen that gave the dining room audience more added eye candy. Our server was super kind and pleasant and set the mood nicely (Rocking pastel orange & blue bistro aprons btw!). We ordered snacks, apps, salad, sides, entrees, dessert, oh my! The Beef Patty with Salsa Verde was tasty. You get two pieces of mini puff pastry and ground meat inside which was nicely seasoned. The Salsa Verde gave it a nice acidic kick to it and complimented it well. The Yellow Corn Fish Tacos that came with Yellowtail Tuna marinated with lime (ceviche style) and avocado had a refreshing taste and crisp crunch to it, but could have used a better presentation. The Gravlax with Purple Mustard was awesome! Cured correctly, presented nicely, and the purple mustard was -ugh!- wonderFUL. The Red Caesar salad with grated Bottarga and smoked vinaigrette was executed great. It was not overly dressed like most Caesar are; this one had an awesome flavor profile. The Fried Yard Bird that came with white mace gravy, hot sauce, and collard greens was delicioso! My friend actually couldn't do the knife and fork thing anymore, so he just grabbed his piece of the bird with his bare hands and started tearing it up! (That's how a true bird is eaten!) My 10 oz Prime NY Strip steak cooked to medium was, well, cooked perfectly. The truffled frites were over salted. The mouth-sized pieces of pickled seasonal vegetables were out of this world. And I'm not exaggerating. When you come here and get to the desserts, please try the Black & White Mud with Wafer Crust...you'll thank me later. I might be sounding like I just ate a three Michelin star place, but the bare truth is ... that I didn't have to. Nonetheless, tonight was an awesome experience. Reason being? Maybe it's the fact that I sat next to great people who love food and got to talk to them or maybe it was our server who was pleasant throughout our dinner. Maybe it was the kitchen staff doing a great job and our food arriving on time or just maybe it was shaking hands with one of the owners and exchanging a few words with him. Regardless of all the hype, rumors of chef Samuelsson not showing up, delayed openings, etc, etc...my expectations of this new Harlem eatery was well surpassed. Harlem needs more places like Red Rooster, or maybe Red Rooster needs more places like Harlem. Either way, you can't go wrong if you want to celebrate the roots of American cuisine. Will Chu "Real Food, Real Wine in The Real World!"
(3)Edward B.
I can't really review the food, because of the 4 times I've been here, we've only been seated for dinner once. This last time, my GF and I stopped in early on a Tuesday, asking what the chances of getting seated were. We were told if we came back in about an hour, we could probably be seated in 20-40 minutes. I should have paid more attention to the word 'probably'. After the usual cooling of heels at the bar, checking with the host, cooling heels more, re-checking with the host, he then promises me that the next two-top has my name on it. I bully my way to the dining room and see that there are only 3 two-tops in the place. (WTF? Shouldn't a restaurant have at least a third of its tables dueces?) Anyway, one of the 3 has a bill on it and the couple looks like they may be leaving in the next 10 minutes. Back to cooling my heels at the bar again. Since no one from the restaurant is making any advances to us about the table I know is mine, I fight my way back to the dining room where I spot another couple being seated there. 2-1/2 hours after I first spoke to him, I go back and ask the host, "what happened to the table that had my name it?" He tells me that although the table was indeed mine, he gave it to Commissioner Kelly who had suddenly come in without a reservation. I understand that this is a no-win situation for me and the house absolutely did the right thing--give the table to the A-listers. But the annoying thing is that this type of service (or not as the case may be) appears to be the norm at Red Rooster. And I will not be putting myself in the position of receiving that abuse again. Having said all that, I still really want Red Rooster to be a success because it's good for the neighbourhood. My suggestion to them is to get your reservations/front end customer service act together (see virtually every other post here). And please, don't treat your customers (or potential customers) like dirt.
(1)Brett K.
Red Rooster didn't live up to our lofty expectations -- and in fact would probably not have lived up to modest ones either. We were seated 15 minutes after our reservation (and even then only an outside table was available). The Savoy cocktail was excellent, but we ordered the mac and greens entree as an appetizer, and it was only so-so. The mac half was creamy but a bit bland, and the greens weren't the greens we expected: a raw salad completely overwhelmed with salt. We couldn't figure out the concept of the dish, whether the halves were supposed to be eaten separately or apart. Both ways, the dish wasn't anything great. The yard bird, which we had seen recommended, was mediocre; I consider myself to have a decent palate, but it just had a strange combination of tastes. As for the steak frites, I wouldn't order that for half the $37 price. Billed as a T-bone, it came out looking more like a sirloin (it seemed like a diner-quality cut of steak) and was tough and overcooked to boot. It was drenched in this succotash that was entirely unappetizing, even nauseating. I tried two bites, and then my girlfriend sent it back (I don't have the fortitude for that). To their credit, they replaced it with the smoked salmon, which was fairly good, but by that point we had completely soured on the restaurant. The live music was great, and the ambiance in general was nice. But the service was poor (our server was nowhere to be found -- it was a server for an adjacent table that came to ask about the food and dealt with the steak, and our server didn't even follow up to see how the salmon was), and the place was so crowded that I don't think I'd even consider going back just for drinks and live music. It seemed like everyone in the bar area -- packed in just about literally shoulder to shoulder -- couldn't get a bartender's attention. For a $110 check (including tax and tip), there are plenty of other places I'd rather go.
(2)Tasha B.
I really, really, really wanted to like this place. I have been talking about going here for months now and finally, on a last minute invitation, stepped in on an otherwise dull Tuesday with friends. Though I can't say enough good stuff about the atmosphere (beautiful decor; even the bathroom is replete with character!), I find myself having little [good] to say about the food. I first heard about Red Rooster many months back when I was reading an article on it in the American Airlines in-flight magazine (lol). I was impressed not only did Rooster make it into the mag, but Samuelsson served up the Obama administration's first White House meal! How could the food suck, right?! Well, while I wouldn't say that my actual experience with the food sucked, I wouldn't say that is was worth the money or hype. We started with the corn bread, which was nothing short of SUMPTUOUS. I'll give them a hand for that--that has got to have been the best corn bread I've ever stuffed my face with. 5 stars there, save the tiny portion. I thought I would have been remiss not to order their special, the fried yard bird (aka fried chicken), but as it turns out, I think I should have stuck with my initial instinct to try the blackened catfish. The chicken was good, but not great. I expected magic here after all I had heard about this place!! Instead I got a healthy serving of much-appreciated dark meat with barely-above-average seasoning on it. really, I'd say that the colonel's recipe is tastier, though Rooster's is definitely less greasy and I didn't exactly walk out wanting to commit suicide for my gluttony. But still, I expected more from Harlem. We also got the mac n' greens. With mouth-watering words like "NY cheddar," I did not think I could possibly go wrong with this one. Alas, like some of my fellow yelpers' comments, I found the mac to be runny, almost soggy. Flavor was good, but it didn't have anything particularly special about it either. No crunch. No special spice. Just some oroccheitte swimming in a sea of liquid cheese and an occasional vegetable here and there. Again, not terrible, but not White House worthy. Dessert: We got the black and white mud (love that name!), which was supposedly like a chocolate+cheesecake moose. Eh. I should probably have stuck with my first inclination to get the sweet potato doughnuts, though I can't vouch for them at this point: As I have noticed, this place tries to create gourmet versions of simple junk food, yet fails to quite hit the note that distinguishes it from just plain, run of the mill junk food to high falutin' junk food. I'd say that the bar was the best part. Great live music, fun diverse crowd, good drinks. I think I'd go back for there for drinks, but as far as fried chicken and mac n' cheese is concerned, I'm stickin' to KFC and Green Table, respectively! ;)
(3)Emily R.
Are you white? If so, don't come here. I hate to say that but unfortunately it's true. I came here on a Sunday with three other friends and put my name in for a table. An hour later we still had not gotten a table but noticed several parties of the same size who had walked in long after us get seated before us. And I have to say, they were not white people. I finally went up to the hostess and told her we were leaving and she casually said, "Oh. We have a table available if you want to stay." We opted to leave and went to Amy Ruth's instead. If you want real soul food skip this place altogether and go to Amy Ruth's. Really nice people, really good food.
(1)Maryam K.
Great decor. Fab vibe and music. Stellar service. Delicious food. Especially liked the pork belly and egg ap and the mac and cheese with greens. Will definitely be back!
(4)Sarah W.
So far Red Rooster is like that perfect-on-paper guy/gal that you keep dating, just hoping that this time there will be fireworks. You know, the one who's well-educated, well-read, attractive, polite, charming, and totally into you, but who you can't seem to fall for. First, the perfect: The decor and people watching are fabulous - everything that is wonderful about our crazy, gentrifying neighborhood. 1. I could spend an hour in the bathroom alone, admiring the old photos on the walls & just chilling in the quiet spacious space. 2. The staff is attentive, friendly, accommodating, and plentiful. 3. Marcus Samuelsson came over to say hi on my second visit. Now, the sad part: The food I've had so far is just ok. 1. The Baked Eggs are awfully dry and the chorizo tasted like kielbasa (too sweet & not at all spicy - and really isn't that always the problem with those perfect-on-paper types?). 2. The Fried Chicken Caesar Salad had tiny scraps of dry, leftover chicken in a pile of bitter greens (although I was excited by the poached egg on top). 3. It's pricey. Here are my caveats: I've only been to Red Rooster for brunch and have a feeling I didn't order what this place may be great for - steak, burgers, grits etc. So I'll give it another shot for dinner, but otherwise will stick to coming for cocktails and people watching at the curvaceous copper bar and quiet time in the beautiful chandeliered bathrooms. I'm not ready to give up on our relationship just yet!
(3)Nnekababe M.
There is a lot of hype about Red Rooster, but the food is just OK at best. Atmosphere is a lot of fun though and the drinks are good (but pricey).
(3)D M.
Yes it is alllll the way uptown (for some folks) but it literally is right there when you get out of the train so it is pretty convenient! Went for Sunday brunch with my pop..trendy ambiance for sure, they had a nice little set up with a singer and a keyboardist too. I was digging the wall decor with those random recipes up..open kitchen was cool to see too. Menu is pretty much a quarter Swedish stuff, the rest "soul food"-y items. Decided to opt for the soul food inspired options. Had sweet potato mash, while my dad tried the wood oven baked egg with chorizo or something or other. Both were very tasty but I was a little surprised at how greasy my hash was ( I realize hash is traditionally greasy but thought Marcus S would make it a less..Sylvia-ish?). Wish it was a litttle less oily but maybe that's why it was good! Will come here again, but am looking forward to trying other items. Smorgasbord looked good! Mr Marcus became well known through Aquavit after all...
(4)raquel c.
Figured I would try for lunch because sometimes it's hard to get in for dinner. What a disappointment!!! My husband got the yard bird it was not great very hard fried with a thick crust. I had the blackend catfish with shrimp grits and this wine sauce. It was alright, don't have to do back. If you want to die for chicken try peaches hot house fried chicken and then you will understand our disappointment.
(2)Suzi G.
excellent ambience with warm light, smiles all around and amazing art on clean simple walls; crowded dining room with tight tables and chairs where you have to try hard to avoid hitting/ touching someone at a nearby table (or spilling your glass of wine on them, or smacking them with your monster bag as you're trying to sit down). very attentive staff. amazing rice dish with indian inspired spicy sauce and feathery arugula whispers of dirt and pleasantly bright bursts of strategically placed pomegranate kisses of sunshine with the perfect balance of sweet, tart, spicy, hearty and healthy (pretty serious coming from a meatlover who craves at the very least essence of fat most days). mac-n-cheese is standard, corn bread well done, but not amazing (somehow the corn kernels found a way to annoy me rather than excite me), catfish with grits appeared amazingly fast, but the grits were a tasteless starchy puddle sprinkled with grease, the catfish was perfectly cooked (although the two juicy slices of citrus didn't help the blandness somehow...) the capers were deliciously briney (but separated) and the green tomatoes had a texture conflict with everything else. the birthday girl ordered the yard bird which seemed like a healthy portion, however she barely took two bites of the meat... highly suspect. but would definitely go back for another try because i love the chef :D
(3)Rudy M.
Red Rooster is a great addition to the dining out options in Harlem. Chef Samuelsson happened to be there on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 when I went with two friends to celebrate my birthday. The vibe and ambiance there are warn, nice and immediately upon entering the restaurant the aromas engulf you. Curry and cinnamon stand out in my memory. But also the greeting from the hostess and coat check attendant made me feel immediately welcome and ready for our 45-minute wait (which ended up being only a 30-minute wait). The wait was worthwhile because Chef Samuelsson was making rounds in the bar area and we got to meet him; always a nice addition. If you can, sit at the chef's table where we were lucky enough to score. From here you see all the kitchen action which ran surprisingly smooth considering how packed the place got in the 30 minutes we had been there. FOOD Appetizers: the tacos and tostados with yellowtail were divine as was the dirty rice with shrimp. We also had crab cakes but I have to admit they were delicious but didn't send me over the moon, but none ever have. Entree: I had the blackened catfish which had just debuted on the menu the day before. It was delicious with capers and black eyed peas and cabbage/slaw topping. What I love about the food here is the perspective taken on the concept of these traditional dishes. Dessert: How could you not love sweet potato doughnuts? These were more like doughnut holes with a sweet potato creme filling with whipped cream and lemon sorbet. DIVINE. We also had a chocolaty delight of a cheesecake, mango and blackberry sorbet. I can't wait to go back and definitely recommend everyone to visit at least once for yourself because some of the reviews are quite harsh. Just go knowing the dining experience won't sent you to the moon but you'll glad you visited 310 Lenox Avenue.
(4)Nico M.
I had an amazing meal here with a friend. We came in late at night (make reservations! It gets really busy, even on normal week days) and had the chance to be there during a jam session. The food was super, we both had vegetarian plates and they were extraordinarily layered in tastes. It was so good I had to go back the following day for lunch. I'm definitely going to go back as soon as I'm in New York again.
(5)J K.
I'm being forced to start this review with a disclaimer. See, my boyfriend is a backseat Yelper who would rather interfere with my reviews than just write some of his own. And he emphatically feels that Red Rooster deserves five stars. According to him, the Yard Bird is "perfect" and his meal, as a whole, was "surprising and exceptional." But I wouldn't go that far. We came in a group of four (and weren't footing the bill ourselves, score!) so we gave into our gluttonous inner-selves and ordered plenty of food: corn bread with tomato jam and honey butter, crab cakes, Yard Bird, chicken Brunswick, mac n' greens, yams and sweet potato puree, and sweet potato donuts. And wine. Lots and lots of wine. (I actually wanted to try one of the infused-bourbon cocktails, but the man who was footing the bill ordered bottles of wine and I was soooo not going to complain.) I didn't try the crab cakes or the sweet potato puree (which has bacon), but I thought everything else was good. There wasn't anything that I'm going to wake up in the middle of the night craving, but it was all very satisfying. The highlight of the meal, to my surprise, was actually the little salad with pieces of okra (I think the okra was pickled?) that came with the mac n' greens. It was refreshing, tangy, and absolutely necessary to lighten up the cream-and-cheese laden pasta. I also loved the cornbread with tomato jam, but I do recognize that the price was high for the serving size. To be honest, I might have given Red Rooster three stars for the food alone. But the friendly and attentive service, the great atmosphere, and that yummy little salad kicked it up to a four. Hopefully I'll come back someday for the bourbon, but when I'm in the area I'd actually rather eat down the street at Mobay.
(4)Sheila N.
I recently moved to Harlem and decided to check this place out. It was great being a to sip on great wine outside and spend some quality time with my bf. Our server was nice and attentive. The food, that's another story. I did enjoy the jerk bacon and egg but wasn't worth the price. The yard bird was dry and underwhelming. This place is way too overpriced for the quality of food. I would return for drinks at the bar but never again for dinner.
(2)Astrid G.
Marcus Samuelson hits it out of the park with this, one of his latest eateries in Central Harlem. This somewhat pricey dining spot is definitely affordable during happy hour. I've had a delicious "fish taco" (deconstructed with ceviche, salmon, fluke & avocado) appetizer and fresh pickles shared with a friend, we each had a bourbon-based cocktail and the whole bill came to $23 plus tip. Not bad! The wait and bar staff were friendly and attentive, and when Samuielson walked in the door, the place turned into a big party. It's clear, Samuelson treats his staff well, and they are happy to be there. That, in my book, is worth a lot.
(5)Kia M.
If I can give a review of just Marcus Samuelsson I would just give him 5 Stars because he is Yummy.. However, I must rate the overall establishment. Loved the decor and ambiance and again Marcus (he actually walked around and greeted guests). I wasn't aware of "The Hype" of the Restaurant and was just in Harlem looking for authentic Soul Food. Unfortunately, I didn't find it here. The food is good but it wasn't Finger Licking Harlem Soul. I ordered Jerk Chicken w/ yams and Plantains. However, what I received was 1/4 Jerk Chicken which was nice and juicy but someone stole my Yams and Plantains. I actually was going to put an MSR (Missing Side Report) but my friends located the Yams under the chicken (spoonful) and Plantain Chip on the side of the plate, WTH!! Again, the food is good it's just not Authentic "I'm Full and Warm Inside" Soul Food. It's Soul w/ a gourmet spin which is nice unless you're hungry.
(3)Esinam B.
I could talk about Marcus Samuelsson's stellar reputation. Or the ambiance of the restaurant. Or the length of the wait, or even the politics of gentrification vs. revival of the neighborhood. But why go into any of that when there's such a glaring issue that ruined this place for me. The real issue is that the food wasn't very memorable. The yard bird wasn't very flavorful, and some parts of it even tasted burned. The truffle mac n' cheese was decent, but I've had better for a more reasonable price. The bloody mary was hot yet somehow also bland--not a very complex taste, and not strong enough (and I'm really a lightweight). My favorite part was the cornbread, which was warm and buttery and enhanced really nicely by the honey butter and tomato jam. I've gone back in a large group and sampled the food of my tablemates, and nothing really stuck with me. It's just...okay. The first time I went, I thought, okay, maybe I just choose incorrectly, but 1) the yard bird is supposed to be one of their specialties and 2) having gone back again to sample many different dishes, I'm convinced that the food isn't as impressive as I'd like it to be. (For brunch. Maybe the dinner or lunch would be different, but the menus seem to change only slightly.) So if you're really just looking for food that blows you away, in my opinion, this isn't really it. (Now, the ambiance, the celeb chef, the politics...that's all another story, and for some people, that might bump this place up a star or two. But for me, the food was so mehh that all those other aspects of the restaurant just didn't matter.)
(2)suzanne T.
The decor is great, very fun it is a nice place. The food is ok. Nothing special. One of the waiter spill a glass of water on our table and on me and did not even say sorry... it was rude...
(2)Nicolas R.
The place is very nice, good atmosphere and vibe but a bit too much oriented for tourists maybe. The food was good, but seems really overpriced to me : those are very simple ingredients (eggs, bread, potatoes...) that don't justify the "upscale" bill to me.
(3)Shaviece H.
Dined at Red Rooster on a busy Saturday night. We had a reservation and we were seated immediately. The bar area was packed & very live. The area for dining was rather small. We were inches from our "neighbors" on either side. The service was great. The waiter was prompt & helpful. We both had the Rooster Punch. Pretty much a sangria if you will. I didn't get the punch until the second glass. We had the corn bread & crab cakes to start. The corn bread is really as good as everyone is saying. If you are going to the Red Rooster, defin get some. The crab cakes were yummy. For dinner we ordered the mac and greens, dirty shrimp and grilled sea bass. My honey said the sea bass was just ok. I enjoyed the Mac and cheese. However, because I don't pay attention, I didn't realize that the greens were salad greens and not collard greens. Greens to me means collards. lol I didn't really care for the dirty rice with shrimp. I would have prefered to get another serving of cornbread. Overall, a nice spot.
(4)Dan K.
Save your money, and more importantly, your time going all the way uptown. I think the place is definitely cute, but if this place wasn't in Harlem, no one would be paying any attention to it. Service was horrible as many people have said here.
(2)Maria C.
Now this is a restaurant to go to and go back to over and over. Oh Man, what a pleasure and such a delightful experience. The staff were like good neighbors coming over with a warm apple pie. The food was exceptionally perfect. A bit noisy but tolerable. The layout and decor, nice. Go and expect only manna from heaven.
(5)Alain D.
Average food at best and very pricey. Terrible service. Do not recommend a lot of hype for what it is. Avoid at all cost, VERY $$$ for CHEAP FOOD. If you like to highjacked, you are welcome. Don't ask for much. Sorry not a fan!!! I'm a local.
(1)sarah y.
Came here alone because I felt the need to take myself out on a date. Anywho, I sat at the bar and decided to order the fried chicken Cesar salad. When I say this salad is almost slap your mama good, it really is! All the ingredients mixed together make it a great meal. I also had two glasses of pinot just because I can lol. They also had some spiced wine brewing if that is your poison. On a prior visit I had the macaroni and cheese which was pretty good as well. My godmother had the shrimp dish (I can't remember the name for the life of me) and that was really good. I will definitely return here with a group of my friends and try some other yummy dishes and some of their great drinks.
(4)Leeds L.
Good drinks! Nice vibe, but the food wasn't as good as I expected. Overcooked chicken and too much of it. Worth going though and order the: a negroni to drink the corn bread collard greens fried chix and sweet potato doughnuts and peek downstairs at Ginny's while youre at it...
(4)Monda W.
Can you say "yum"? The only reason this establishment doesn't get 5 stars is because of the wait, and the uh, smaller portions. LOVE LOVE LOVE the atmosphere, live jazz band during Sunday brunch and the Chicken and Waffles. Hallelujah. The shrimp & grits is delish as well. My business partner ordered twice - she couldn't get enough. Great concept. Great food. Great addition to the neighborhood.
(4)Liz K.
It's an uncommon thing to see a restaurant serve solid food and drinks across the board for drinks, appetizers, entrees, etc, and last night Red Rooster hit the mark for each and every thing we tried. The cocktail menu is not overlooked -- there is a good variety of unique drinks and flavors, including my favorite, The Spicy Lady, which includes jalapeño/rosemary syrup and tastes like jalapeño soda. For appetizers, we tried the cornbread with butter and tomato jam, and although the tomato jam was not my thing, the butter and cornbread were warm, soft, and delicious. My friend and I shared our entrees for dinner -- we tried the Fried Yard Bird and the Mac & Greens. The bird was great with the sauces provided, and I enjoyed how the mac tasted distinctly cheesy, but not overwhelmingly so. If our stomachs weren't so full post-entrees we would have gone for the sweet potato donuts, as we've heard good things about them from others who have been to Red Rooster, but we decided to save that for another time. The only downside to this place was that it was super crowded and our reservation was late by over 30 minutes, even on a Tuesday night. Granted, this was the day of the Giants parade, so that may have been a factor, but it did not excuse the glare we got from the women up front when we asked about the status of our reservation. The extra round of drinks on the house while we were waiting did make things better though, and we appreciated that they noticed our extra long wait and did something about it. All in all, I really enjoyed this place and have already made reservations to come back!
(4)Daniel J.
A pretentious, hipster-ish "interpretation" of Southern cuisine (read: not authentic Southern cuisine). Mixing the collards in with the macaroni (instead of a "meat 'n three" variation with separate side dishes) does not justify a $15 price tag. I ordered "yard bird" (fried chicken). The chicken was good. Good. But what justifies the $18 price tag? The hipster-ish, faux-Southern, pseudo-chic decor? The celebrity name chef? The obnoxious, uber-cool clientele sitting at your elbow, standing behind you, in front of you, at the bar, in the booths, waiting in the foyer, hanging from the ceiling? Yuck. Find me a good hole-in-the-wall any day.
(2)Louise V.
Having read Yes Chef, I was looking forward to try the Red Rooster on a trip to NYC. While waiting for our table, I ordered a Coke from the bar and it was so diluted, it was mostly carbonated water. I told the bartender, she tried it and gave me another drink that was also diluted. She said something to the effect that she would ask someone to look into it but did not offer to give my money back. Half an hour past our reservation, we were seated. The corn bread was very delicious, fried yard bird was crisp on the outside and moist on the inside but tasted a bit bland, and I can make better meatballs than Helga's.They were very dry.I wasn't able to find more than 2 pieces of shrimps (chopped up, teeny) in the shrimp grits. I enjoyed the mashed potatoes best. I was going there for the food, not to brag that I was at Marcus Samuelson's restaurant and I was disappointed. People whom I polled while standing in line for the bathroom (not up to standard) agree that there was nothing unusual about the food and one girl who was from Harlem said she only came for the ambiance at the bar. Music was good as long as you are not concerned about being heard in conversation. Service was good.
(3)J.A. C.
I have wanted to go to Red Rooster for a while and finally had a chance to go yesterday. It was a great experience. The bar area was lively and had a really cool Latin/Caribbean band playing. We had reservations and were seated promptly. My boyfriend and I shared the crab cakes and the cornbread, both of which were delicious. I ordered the yard bird, which I think was phenomenol. We shared the shrimp grits, which were the best grits that I've ever had. My boyfriend had the meatballs, which were also very good. We ordered the doughnuts for dessert, but barely touched them because we were so full. A highlight of the night is that Chef Samuelson stopped by our table to say hello!
(5)Karla V.
I've been wanting to go to Red Rooster for a while, I finally did it yesterday. The place is lovely, overly decorated but still lovely, I just think about how do they keep the place clean bc there are so many things! My friend was extremely late but the hostess were really nice and I sat at the bar, the bartenders are cute and cool. The service was awesome. The food did not amaze me, I was expecting so much more. I started with the cheddar grits and these were awesome!!!! I followed with the burger which was good, my disappointment was the truffle fries.....I ordered the burger just for the fries and If I got hints of truffle flavor it was a miracle. The corn bread well...it just has hints of heat. My experience was good, I would go back but not for the food. I will prob sit at the bar for drinks and app's.
(4)Beatrice W.
Perfect, took us 5 minutes to be seated outside for Brunch on a very chilly Sunday after Gospel service, but the food was good and everything I expected. It is a long trip from Tribeca, but I would love to go back to try dinner.
(4)InBeirut I.
Biscuits and gravy! Delicious comfort food. Massive calorie bomb. The only reason I am giving it 3 stars is because it was quite an effort to get the bartenders attention. This may have been due to the large crowd on a Saturday at peak brunch time.
(3)Ray W.
The service here is really nice and the waiters are very attentive, but my sandwich was awful...it was more like a pita or tartine than a sandwich.
(2)Sam C.
For the price that we paid for our dinner, this place was not worth it. The food is decent. We started with wild wild wings which were delicious, and chicken & waffles. (The chicken liver butter is AMAZING). Our entrees included the catfish, the yardbird, and the coconut grilled chicken. Unfortunately the catfish fell short and was a bit flavorless over a bed of watery cow peas. Our coconut grilled chicken was pink and undercooked, which was promptly replaced by the manager on duty. The yardbird is what most other yelpers had suggested, and was probably the strongest dish of the night. All in all, the meal was good, but not good enough to come back anytime soon.
(3)Erik J.
Chef and proprietor Marcus Samuelsson is by far the most famous chef outside of his homecountry (which happens to be the same as mine) Sweden. He became famous with his Aquavit restaurant in downtown NY before he sold it and moved up north to Harlem where he started Red Rooster, and has quickly become a neighborhood favorite and serves up traditional american cuisine with a scandinavian twist in modern and contemporary surroundings. Does it work? Yes, absolutely....the place is packed pretty much every night. However, as a swedish person living in the US who knows both American cuisine and swedish cuisine very well I can say that the food is a somewhat confusing mix of both and doesn't reach top quality level. My "gravlax" was good....but in sweden it would be considered mediocre. My partners meatballs where the same. I had a seemingly interesting concoction of Noodles, prawns and porkside which ended up being a muddy mix of all. The winelist was very good with great choice both from the old world and US, most of all the prices were reasonable. Service was nice, honest and professional, despite a couple of hiccups. I like Red Rooster and I like what they have going on....that's why I give them 4 out of 5. But the food has to be better next time.
(4)jah m.
i have read alot of reviews about this spot and decided i should go and experience it for myself. i had the best crab cakes i have ever had at a restaurant!! also enjoyed the dirty rice and shrimp that were cooked perfectly. the cornbread was also good. i really liked the mac and greens the mac was a little soupy. we sat down to a plate of blackend fish and grits and also salmon delicious! oh and i have to say tray the brownstoner i had 2 and loved everydrop.
(4)'k o.
good vibes, great drinks ... wish it were bigger ... but i guess the wait is part of its charm. For some reason, I always get hit on by glamorous and intelligent women anytime I go there ... Food is good but not as excellent as I'd hoped. Great work SM for this piece of real estate in Harlem ... we need more of this ...
(4)Jane B.
It's a gorgeous dining room, very flash in it's presentation. Staff - esp the host have delusions of adequacy which is tedious. The food is really over rated, very small portions and silly expensive (it's not truffles and foie gras! but jumped up soul food). It's a cool spot for a drink but don't intend to deal with the attitude staff or the overpriced dining room again.
(2)Jimmy P.
You want this restaurant to be great and it's not. The decor is wonderful, as are the wait-staff. The food attempts to be unusual and tasty, but it falls short. The Yard Bird is basically $27. for very average fried chicken. The Caribbean Bacon and Egg is very tasty. The "Yes Chef" vodka drink is excellent, but way too much ice. The only truly gourmet dish was the Rooster Mud Pie. I wanted to love the restaurant, but it's really $50 a person for an average meal with nice ambiance.
(3)Mariam A.
Oh Red Rooster. Go rarely and ready to spend your hard earned money. Unless of course you have money to toss, in which case go often. Food is delicious. I've tried the burger ( I dream about it...a lot), the steak ( So amazing), Jerk Chicken ( Couldn't get enough) and the Salmon ( loved it.) They lost the star because of the price of these entrees.... Quality is impeccable. Service. It depends on where you are. If you are at a table be prepared for amazing waitress's and waiters. They are attentive even when the place is packed. They are on top of it if your glass of wine is finished, or you appetizer is done. They have very good management and everyone works together. Now the bar on the other end- Unless you can snag a chair it's annoying. The bartenders are incredibly inattentive. On multiple occasion I've seen them chatting with other staff, or simply doing busy work, or worse not doing anything while you have been standing there for 15 minute WAITING for a drink. It's a tiny bar with TWO slow bartenders...Very disappointing. But hey try the Reisling...Its delicious. Go...It's worth the experience, just avoid the bar. Oh, and get the burger.
(4)Dee B.
Disclaimer: this review is only for the bar experience. The happy hour special is top notch! I wouldn't consider going anywhere else in Harlem for happy hour if you can go to Red Rooster. They have a selection of specialty cocktails that are all reasonably priced from 4-6 PM. This is great for teachers and 9-5ers who work in the area. The drinks are not just good (to quote a great American Icon) they're GREAT!!! I have been hesitant to try the restaurant side. I've heard lots of mixed reviews about both the service and the food. The yard bird is the house specialty dish, but $17 for a leg and thigh in Harlem is (to quote another great American icon) ludicrous! I think I will sample the foods with a large group where we can mix and match the dishes to get a good idea of what works and what doesn't. In the meantime, I will find myself at the bar partaking in their wonderful happy hour specials!
(3)Michael J.
Well I must say the all the hype about this restaurant was all it was sadly. My cousin came from Maryland to visit and she wanted to try it out, I had been here previously for brunch and the brunch was good. So myself and my two cousins decided we would have dinner, first for starters I had the crab cakes although well made with plenty of crab meat they were a bit salty, for my drink I had a glass of wine which wasn't even filled to the level it should have been. I decided to have the Berbere roasted chicken,nay cousin had the Hearth Roasted Whole fish, and my other cousin had the Fried Yard Bird. Once I received my plate I was ready for my taste buds to be dazzled however the chicken was bland I even had my cousin taste it, so I sent the order back not to mention the vegetables were cold. I then decided to go with the Blackened Catfish once again disappointed the catfish was flavorless and over cooked the collard greens with chorizo had no flavor. Marcus Samuelson Needs to come and visit his restaurant and get things back to a five star rating. My cousins fried yard bird once again no flavor my other cousin had the best meal with the fish. From my experience of over priced tasteless food I will not be visiting this restaurant anytime soon. Server was great ambiance great food bad
(2)L H.
Wonderful jazz on a Sunday night, delicious fried chicken, and a waiter that handled a large, gabbing group of us. The cocktails were also pretty fantastic, and I - who normally hate grits - thought the shrimp n' grits to be the best thing on this side of the Mason-Dixon line. And I don't even know where that line is - I just felt like referencing it in this review. Caveat: I heard from other members at the table that the steak was too tough and not tasty. I couldn't really pay attention to them over my own chowing down on the various parts of chicken that were on my plate. Seriously good fried chicken, seriously. I would go there again any Sunday night...or any night of the week. But the jazz made it an especially great atmosphere. Especially when entertaining a group of out-of-towners. Or a group of New Yorkers that don't know anything about Harlem. Our table had both.
(5)Patty C.
I was crazy to go here. My friend had made a reservation and we were both very excited. All I can say in brief is that the food is great, but the staff is a mess! 1. The staff lies, argues, confesses, then insults and lies again. 2. The wait staff brings the wrong drinks, twice 3. We are offered a free app which we didnt order, then charged for it when the bill comes. Then our bill was charged incorrectly twice more. I felt like we were on candid camera it was all so bad! So we arrive about 10 minutes early for our reservation. No one was ahead of us we were informed by our hostess, and our table had just paid so we should only be a moment. Jump ahead 15 minutes. No a few more reservations have arrived. 3 of them the same size of our party (2) and all 3 seated. We wait, politely another 10 minutes - then approach the hostess. She states:" I didnt seat anyone ahead of you" I point them out. She says, 'well, maybe but you are dressed so nicely I thought you should wait for a better table" - seriously!! So you lie, deny it, admit it, then insult us? She then proceeds to offer us a hsared table at the bar - or nothing. We ask for the manager and keep waiting. We see a table come available, and ask the manager for it. She gives us that table and says : " I apologize for the wait. I will take care of you." As soon as we are seated 2 hors d'eouvres come out and are stated to be "compliments of the chef. Thanks for your patience." Okay - so mistakes happen. the hostess is a bitch. But the manager wants to fix. I appreciate that. Our server seems nice, takes our drink order - then comes back 10 minutes later and says he forgot what we wanted. So now it is 7:30 - and we have no drinks - nothing. Our server comes back with our drinks - but not the wine I ordered. I politely explain I ordered the Syrah rose. He said "oh, yeah" and left - immediately brought the right wine. We order: The jerk bacon & eggs, and the pickles as apps - then my friend orders the yard bird, I want to order the catfish & grits - but ask if there is any cheese in it - or any way to have it without cheese. I am told there is cheese and it is already prepared. I say okay - I cant have dairy - so I will have the roast berber chicken. So our food arrives. The Apps are AWESOME. I think the jerk bacon and eggs is the best thing on the menu and enough for a real meal. The yard bird was good - the sides are strange - and unnecessary, Now - my berber chicken is sitting in a milk bath!!! I waive over another waiter - and ask what is this: pointing to the liquid in the bowl - he says "milk' and walks away. Okay, at this point its after 8 - and everything else had gone wrong I knew there was no point in sending it back. So I ate a few bites from the top and left it at that. The waiter asks if we would like a refill of drinks - we do - again the wrong wine comes out. He brings our drinks, clears our plates and suggests dessert - he of course suggest every dish with cream in it. Enough already. So the bill comes - and there are the charges for all the hors d'oeuvres (including the free ones) and the wrong drinks plus our drinks. So we call the waiter over (now its 9pm) and point out the bill problems. He apologizes, syas he will take care of it and rings us back a bill with the 2 free hds off and all the drinks removed from the bill. We pointed this out and thanked him for taking care of us so we dont leave feeling bad. Well guess what - my friend's card comes back and they have run the bill with all the drinks back on - now that is actually called FRAUD!!!!!! WTF?? Luckily we had reservations downstairs for the jazz show - and that was awesome. Samuelson walked in - and I tried to speak with him but he was not interested. Too bad. I am a chef. I know things go wrong. We tried to correct everything via staff, via the manager and then with the owner - no one was interested. I always think Yelp reviews are the last ditch effort! BUT SHAME ON YOU RED ROOSTER - all of you!!!!! Lying, insulting customers, pushing allergens, fraud (outright fraud)! SHAME ON YOU! Ginny's on the other hand is awesome and I would go there anytime! I hope they never pull any staff from upstairs - because downstairs staff are stars!
(1)Shalin A.
On a recent trip to NY, I decided to hit up Red Rooster. I saw Marcus Samuelson on Top Chef Masters and lived for Harlem in 6 years, so I was excited to try out his flavors as well as see what the spot was doing to my old hood. The 3.5 stars that this place has got at the moment pretty much hits the nail on the head. I came on a Wednesday afternoon and sat outside and took in the wonderful, bustling ambience of 125th street in Harlem. No joke, some dude robbed the store next door to us, ran off, and came back 10 minutes later handcuffed by undercover cops. Current Harlem and all it's idosyncracies, gotta love it. Back to the food . . . I started off my meal with a bowl of watercress soup with chilled crab and a cocktail called the brownstoner. F---ing amazing. The cocktail had nutmeg infused bourbon, cherry heering, St. Germain. Get this drink, cause it's awesome. The soup was phenomenal as well. They always say you can tell how good a chef is by the way he prepares a soup, and this soup was fantastic. My next course I ordered the lamb and sweet potato hash. Now, I will segway at this point to talk about service, which was a very weak point. While my server was earnest, the service was just bad. The couple next to me had finished their yard bird by the time my food came. I finished my food, and still no one had come to bus their plates. I had to stop a bus boy and order a glass of wine halfway into my entree, because my server hadn't been over in 10 minutes. My server came over, I ordered a glass of rose (assuming he'd get me the $7 house rose, but when I saw my bill, he charged me for the $14 glass of rose) That aside, my lamb and sweet potato hash was better conceptually than in its delivery. Solid dish, but nothing memorable. For the dessert, I ordered coffee and doughnuts and they were fantastic. Soft pillowy doughnuts, filled with a deliicous coffee cream. When the bill came, I brought up the issue of the rose with my waiter, and he quickly changed the bill to the $7 glass of Rose. That aside, the $14 glass he gave me was awesome, and if you like rose, it is well worth it. The restaurant is trying to be like downtown/ midtown NY spots and it well has the potential too, but it's service needs to get more sophisticated. It's 3.5 star rating is pretty accurate, but I'm giving it 3 stars because i want to see them take it to the next level. This place has the potential to be the premier Harlem spot. Some of their dishes had flashes of excellence, but it falls short in other aspects. Mr. Samuelson, I believe in you. It's all there, just take it to the next level!
(3)Tee B.
For the life of me I can't understand why I can't get a good meal, with great flavor and consistency in Harlem. As a uptown resident who lives and works in the same neighborhood, sometimes you just wanna stay local and have a great time with your people....Red Rooster is a sad attempt at something, just don't know what it is. After a 2hr wait for a table on a friday night, and a $80 tab at the bar, the food was WACK. Anybody who's raving is just a fan of Marcus Samualsson. We all ordered something different, so we could taste each other's food. I had the salmon, my friends had the oxtails, and I forgot the other dish but it was fish. All lackluster! And that mac/cheese greens dish!? C'mon son....stop that! Sad, Sad, Sad....Come to people watch and have some of the signature drinks then go to ur mom's house for a good meal!!!!
(2)Dan S.
The food here is as loud as the vibe! Service is always slow but the meals have been really solid each time we've been here. Chef Samuelsson certainly is doing something right as there is always a wait for a table, even if you have a reservation. Definitely not your traditional soulfood, but you have plenty of other options for that around here. This place definitely has a pulse and you can't help but enjoy the great music and some tasty beverages as you wait for your dinner... which can be a while, seriously, but it's worth it.
(4)Andrew M.
Made a reservation 30 days out and was sort of disappointed that our table was 45 minutes late, but the manager did comp a round of drinks and an app for us while we waited which was really nice. The place has great atmosphere, sort of NOLA meets chic NYC. The crab cakes were amazing, and then we shared the meatballs and the shrimp. The meatballs were good, but the shrimp was fantastic! Fun drink list too, would definitely make the hike up to Harlem again.
(4)Jonathan B.
Solid bunch with great service at a reasonable price. There was even a live Jazz Band at 10AM on a sunday morning. All in all, highly recommended.
(4)T M.
My husband and I tried this restaurant for the first time on a Monday evening. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was good, not unique enough for me but definitely worth trying. As we were exiting the restuarant Chef Samuelson was entering; we nearly bumped into each other. Thought it was strange that he didn't say hello, smile or anyway acknowledge he was happy we visited his place of business.
(3)Alysha R.
It pains me in my heart to give Red Rooster a 2 star review....(really 2.5 Stars) - but let me explain. First off - 5 stars for ambiance...decor....and service.... I have never encountered a more pleasant...pleasing....& genuinely kind staff at an establishment - more than I have experienced here at Red Rooster. - And 5 stars for being able to meet Chef Samuelsson- as he greeted each table and it was an ABSOLUTE treat...as I've admired him for over 15 years. For the main attraction - the food - is where my review falls a little short....My fellow diners are a tough crowd (Veteran females chefs and restaurant owner)...At the end of the evening - their responses were "Pleasant service but sluggish". ( our mains took over 30 minutes)......."flat flavours"..."under seasoned"..."exceptional cocktails".... Enjoyed by all were - Oysters, Crabcakes, Nuts with Sour Cherries/Injera, Cornbread, Fried Yard Bird, Hearth Baked Mac & Green, Oxtail, Grilled Snapper - Desserts - Sweet Potato Doughnuts, Black/White Mud & Coconut Flan .... - I found the crabcake to be lightly seasoned....but enjoyable.....The cornbread was delicious - so good.....we had 2 orders....the tomato jam is really delicate and the sweet cream butter is delightful......My friend was disappointed with her oysters - said they were tasteless.... The nuts/cherries were indeed spicy..warm...and we did enjoy!!......My snapper was delicious - as the sour tomato broth and barley pearls were very light....actually too light in my opinion....I thoroughly enjoyed my main - and everyone agreed that it was the best main on the table.... Oxtail was bland for my friend....I tasted the broth from her dish - and it was lacking punch....and quite simply...Salt...a little bit would have brought it up.....although her meat was very tender... For the Yard bird.....again...tender...but lacking flavour - even with the accompanied shaker of seasonings.... would she order it again? not sure...... For the Hearth Baked Mac & Green.... I found it to be delcious....for its simplicity.....I caught some subtle notes of cinnamon/nutmeg in there....but again....lacking in flavour for the others... However, they did find the carrot/greens paired with the pasta to be well seasoned and delicious.... Our servers assured us that we had made very fine selections...to really get a feel of the menu...but at the end....nothing wowed us...nothing grabbed us ....nothing truly sparked us to say "hmm.....I need to come back for this!"...... Although I will say that the Sweet Potato Doughnuts were divine.....and my cocktail - the "Gin n Juice"....was amazing......strong, citrusy and bright!... Coming from Brooklyn up to Harlem with high expectations....only to be let down with flat flavours is not what we expected - BUT we made sure to pass our thoughts on to the comment cards - as the staff mentioned Chef Samuelsson reads each one personally.... I begged him to bring more of his Ethiopian spices to the plates....and to not hold back... we want it.... we need it....and we crave it.....
(2)Jennifer C.
Loved it!! My table shared the Whole Fried Chicken, Mac n Greens and Waffles. I then also ordered a side of parmesean fries...Yes a CARB FEST!! It was oh so good. That chicken, not sure how they got it to be so juicy on the inside with the right amount of crispy on the outside. Who would have ever thought that Mac n Greens would go together, I sure didn't, but I loved them. The waffles were great and so were the fries. Our server, J, was the absolute best. She was sooo patient with us and went over the whole menu in detail. I left her a glowing review on the comment card. I'm a fan of visiting restaurants of Top Chefs and this one did not disappoint.
(5)Adrienne M.
Red Rooster is a refreshing addition to Harlem's burgeoning night life. I've been there several times for drinks and dinner, and each experience has been delightful. Although the dinner menu is limited, there are some tasty options to choose from. I've had the blackened catfish, the salmon, the crabcakes, the mac & cheese, and the shrimp w/dirty rice. All dishes were perfectly seasoned and very pleasing to my palate. Order the ceviche tacos as an appetizer --- SO GOOD! Just don't try to share them. You only get four mini tacos which is just barely enough for ONE person. Personally, I could eat a plateful of 'em! My only one complaint about the food is that they are a little stingy with it. Don't go there expecting to get your "grub on." It's definitely not that type of venue - but for the money we spend, they could be a little more generous with the portions (just a little). I hope Marcus (owner) is reading this! Their bar scene is very lively and the cocktails are not your typical fare (which I find refreshing). It's nice to go to a bar where the bartenders are very knowledgeable about wines & spirits. I've tried the Smalls Paradise, the Savoy, and the Sangria. All cocktails were expertly prepared. The drinks are pricey, but they do have a Happy Hour, Mon. - Thurs. Occasionally, celebrity chef/owner Marcus Samuelson makes an appearance, and he greets patrons with his 1000 watt smile and a few kind words. This place attracts a diverse mix of people - young, old, black, white, Asian, Hispanic, eclectic, conservative... you name it, it's in there and most of the people I've met there were friendly. I usually don't like to go out alone, but Red Rooster is one of the few places where I can go to by myself and not feel strange or uncomfortable. There's always someone interesting to talk to there!
(4)Mimi G.
I was very disappointed with my experience at Red Rooster. The host was horrible and extremely rude. Reason #1 why not to go back. The whole time he acted like he was doing us a favor by talking to us. I went on a Sunday afternoon with high expectations - esp to travel from Brooklyn. When I arrived, I was told it would be a 1/2 hour wait for a table. So we stood around the bar hoping to get a seat. After waiting about 15 mins, we finally got a seat at the bar and ordered drinks. A little while later, the host tells us our table is ready but it is outside in the sweltering heat. He said that our only option was to sit outside in the hot sun or wait an additional 30 minutes for a table inside. I told him that I wish he had told us that 30 mins ago!!! By this point, w e were starving so we reluctantly went outside. The food was alright, nothing special, and the portions were extremely small.We arrived hungry and left hungry.
(2)Veronica W.
stinks expensive for cold and tasteless food people sitting on top of each other, what a surprise never expected this i thoght it s high class, I see people only come here to be looked at, Cause it aint fir the food. They need a new chef , Had better food at a diner.
(5)Grace B.
Guys, you scotched an excellent dish. Dirty rice and shrimp used to be something special...now it tastes just like Miss Mamie's sautéed jumbo shrimp in a too-sweet ketchup-y sauce, but it's smaller and it costs a whole lot more. Why?? A new app, Grandpa's Gravlax, was bland (according to my partner). That said, the portions seem to have increased in size, the caesar salad is still the best in town, and the service (though slow) was gracious and accommodating. A visit a year or two ago revealed the Rooster still on its game: Yep. Yard Bird, Bunny Chow (with crazy warm and fuzzy Ethiopian spices!), and Jerk Bacon app (a meal unto itself)--were all outstanding. Happy to have gone back!
(3)Alexa C.
Rock out with your cock out. To usher in another year, I had to bring a group to experience the magic of the Rooster. A much different set-up than my first visit, my 6-top Monday night reservation proved just as successful. This time a live jazz band held court in the front bar, and while still jumping, the space was far less crowded and more relaxed than my previous Saturday night stop-in. The staff was just as friendly, the food just as bangin' and a fab time was had by all. Quite possibly my favorite dining experience in NYC.
(5)chris l.
Been here 3 times over the last 6 months but this last time was the best. Had the seafood extravaganza for 2 (very fairly priced at $75). Large portions of lobster, clams, scallops, mussels, corn on the cob, new potatoes. But most importantly, the broth...unbelievable. I couldn't stop dipping the crusty fresh baked bread. Cocktails are strong as the should be. The bourbon negroni made perfectly. And the cornbread appetizer melted in our mouths. No hesitation in recommending RR. BTW - the live DJ created just the right vibe.
(5)Sarah C.
Ethiopian + Swedish is a dynamo combination for me. I saw someone eating the cornbread when we walked to our seats and decided we had to have that. So we had that. It was great. Extensive, reasonably priced beer list. My Earl of Harlem cocktail was disappointing, though; it's hard to make a bourbon cocktail where you can taste anything but the bourbon, and that was the case here. I ordered the Bunny Chow and it was delicious--a great combination of things I like to eat: poached egg, ricotta cheese, spiced lamb (great spices, lots of Ethiopian flavors), toasted bread, tiny onions, and purple and orange heirloom carrots. Kana E. had the Swedish meatball dish which was delicious to. Better than Ikea! And Jeff M. had the yard bird--I tasted and it was really good. Better than KFC! Cute decorations in this place too.
(4)Irene S.
When the New York Times reviewed the newly opened Red Rooster in March, 2011, Sam Sifton praised it as a melting pot. "It is that rarest of cultural enterprises, one that supports not just the idea or promise of diversity, but diversity itself." He called the food "good." Sadly, both qualities have declined over time in inverse proportion to chef/owner Marcus Samuelsson's fame. His successful autobiography, "Yes, Chef" has served as a magnet for visitors, and perhaps distracted him from quality control. Certainly, the front of house is in trouble, from the surly and disorganized hostesses to the near-incompetent serving staff. Only the bartenders seem immune to the negative spirit evidenced by everyone else visible to customers. I've eaten at the Red Rooster numerous times and the standards seem to slip with every visit. From the most glorious Thanksgiving dinner I ever had to barely edible is a long fall in less than two years. On my most recent visit, the dishes veered from over spiced and salted (the fried chicken appetizer) to flavorless (the ginger peach cobbler). The pimento cheeseburger was fine, but I kept gazing longingly at the Harlem Shake down the street, where a whole meal costs as much as a single dish at the Red Rooster. Once Harlem residents were core patrons, but now the Red Rooster is crowded with tourists, perhaps seeking the lost diversity or a glimpse of Marcus. There's no excuse to treat them - and us - with impatience and sometimes incompetence. Just getting seated is a ordeal. Is the patio reservable, or first come, first served? Depends on who you ask. And if you dutifully reserve, then others are seated in your stead. The other night we received the wrong food and the wrong bill. We were refused refills on iced tea. Water glasses remained empty and a runner wandered around with our dessert trying to find its rightful destination. Marcus may have a license to print money, but it sure isn't fun to be sucked into it and spit out the other end.
(2)Cyn N.
The only redeeming quality about my experience here was how apologetic one of the waitresses was. I came here with high expectations and left highly unsatisfied. To make a long story short (2 hour long wait even with a reservation) the staff, especially the manager, were beyond rude, unaccommodating (my grandmother walks with a cane), and slow. As much as it pains me to say the customer and general service here completely fucking suck.
(1)Sara G.
I am of the opinion that you don't win Top Chef for nothing. This restaurant would seem to prove me right. At brunch at 1:00 p.m. on a Saturday the restaurant had plenty of people but wasn't full, so our part of two sat right down. We sat at a community table with two other parties of two. Seated in the middle, it seemed strange at first, but we got used to it. The brunch dishes themselves were good, but perhaps not the absolute best. The scrambled eggs were just that. The red eye gravy had a nice saltiness to it. But the biscuits, the corn bread and the parmesan fries were what really won me over. The biscuits were nice and crisp on the top and soft and flaky throughout with a wonderful buttery flavor. The corn bread was more the texture of a moist corn cake rather than bread. The fries are skinny and a bit crispy with just the right amount of parmesan. They seem to be known for their bloody marys, but my mimosa might have been the best one I've ever had. Can't wait to come back and try dinner, where I think the food will really shine.
(4)Brenda M.
Came to Chef Samuel's famous harlem eatery for Restaurant Week and was not disappointed! Lived up to the hype. One of the best restaurants I have been to for restaurant week! Started with the watermelon, heirloom tomato, goat cheese salad and it was delicious and savory. It hit every taste bud- salty, sweet, savory= DELICIOUS. I was only disappointed in that my salad only came with ONE lonely tomato which is sad for a salad called a Heirloom Tomato Salad. The boyfriend ordered the creamed roasted corn soup and it was complex and really brought the roasted corn flavor. For the entree, I ordered the salmon and it was cooked to perfection- medium well. It was soft, tender, juicy with a pink center and came with a perfect side of tangerine, fennel slaw. Dessert was a baked peach on a tart and ice cream. Yumm, yummm. One of the best desserts I have had, especially for one that only likes chocolate desserts. Delicious from start to finish! Definitely a great deal for RW!! Otherwise the menu is pricey but the food is worth it! Will try the yard bird next time ;P
(5)Holly C.
Really wanted to like the place. I had read about the creative chef and convinced the family to go. We won't go back. The music was way too loud. We were in the back room and could only hear throbbing base. It was hot. Maybe no air conditioning? But the service was awful. We waited to order our drinks. We waited for them to "find the wine" we waited to order our meals then we waited for the meal to come. My daughter ordered a separate drink and that too took a long time to arrive. The waiter was amateurish. We were seated for 55 minutes before there was any food on the table Salads were good as were the devilled eggs. Then came our meals. We were seated where we could see the food coming out from the kitchen and it sat for a very long time under warming lights before being served. My daughter and I had blackened catfish but for both of us the curried beans were cold. Not Luke warm. My husband had yardbird and his mashed potatoes were cold. We ordered drinks and desserts and the drinks were forgotten and then remembered when we asked for the check. They were delivered along with the check.
(2)Daniel D.
Went here on Sunday night, got a rezzie a little late in the game, but I guess communal tables aren't very popular, because those spots are easy to come by. The food was varying levels of delicious. The chili cucumbers were refreshing and tasty, but not quite as much kick as I was hoping for. The highlight was, for sure, the deviled eggs. I don't know what the hell chicken skin mayonnaise is, but it is a fugginthunderboltmiracle. Entrees were the meatballs (very good braised cabbage and mashed potatoes, I'm not really a meatball fan, generally, but these were a good example) and the jerk chicken (the jerk flavors weren't as popping as what you'd get in Flatbush, but the meat was moist and delicious). Then we had the ginger peach cobbler for dessert, which was a fine, noble dessert. Service was friendly and knowledgeable, all in all it was a damn fine meal. HOWEVER. And this is a big goddamn however. Their service was *fast*. As in *rushed*. Reservation was at 7. We had appetizers by 7:10 and entrees before 7:30. We took our time eating, trying to enjoy ourselves or whatnot, but by 8:00 we were finishing dessert and wrapping up. I got up to use the restroom at 8:10 or so, and by the time I got back to the table, the staff was MOVING MY WIFE to a tiny table in a corner because they needed our table for incoming customers. Literally all they had to do was wait for me to take a whiz and we would have asked for the check. In fact, when I got back to the weird dunce table they stuck us in, the only thing I did was flag down our waiter and ask for the check. For realz. If they needed to get a party in to our spot, if it was so important that they had to move customers that were sitting in front of empty plates, that means they were running that party late. Which means they'd booked them for 8. After booking us at 7. Now, I don't know what kind of economic pressures this place is under, but I'm pretty goddamn sure that if you're the type of place that's charging nearly 30 dollars a plate, you shouldn't also be the type of place that's flipping tables every hour.
(2)Fawn M.
Had a great lunch here recently and am still thinking about the crispy skin on the fried yardbird. The cornbread was good but fairly standard. The portions of the fried yardbird were HUGE. I feel like it was an entire bird, plus sides. The collard greens were especially delicious. The skin was so crispy, the seasoning so spot on -- this is possibly the best fried chicken I have ever tasted. The service was effective and not noteworthy. It took a while to get seated even though we had a reservation. However the food came out very quickly and our water glasses were always full. Not the friendliest service but no complaints.
(4)Ashley M.
Corn bread was as hard as a rock and served cold. The coconut-cauliflower soup tasted like old sour milk, it was inedible. The butter lettuce salad was white lettuce and brown on the end aka old produce! Seriously? For the prices they charge, everything should be fresh and edible. I'm so disappointed. Boo Red Rooster!
(1)Young R.
Really loved the ambiance of the place -- from the jazzy music to the original art on the wall. Great menu of Southern-inspired food with a few of Marcus Samuelsson's Swedish roots popping up here and there -- lingonberries with meatballs, anyone? Our genteel servers were attentive and service proceeded at just the appropriate speed -- not too slow and not too rushed. We decided to share two entrees: the yard bird and the mac and greens, dirty rice appetizer, and cornbread as side family-style between three of us which worked out really well. It would have been a bit too much chicken and a bit too much mac 'n cheese to eat all by myself. Chicken was flavorful and juicy. I didn't need the extra Shake 'n Bake provided, but my friends liked the extra kick. I really loved the cornbread -- served warm with honey butter and studded with whole kernels of corn and possibly red pepper? Aha, marcussamuelsson.com/rec… says it's Aleppo flakes! I didn't like the dirty rice with shrimp. Finally, the dessert menu was seasonal and creative. We had the Vermont maple cheesecake with concord grape marshmallows and smoked butter pecan ice cream. Yes, it was just as delicious at it sounds. I'll be back again as soon as I can. Reservations are a little scarce with the only openings at either 5pm or 10pm. We had to go at 5pm on a Sunday. It was totally packed by 6pm with a lot of people at the bar ordering food, but they manage to keep things enjoyable and civilized.
(5)Lucas B.
I heard great things about this place from some other friends of mine that have visited this hip Harlem spot in the past. I made resos a few weeks prior, and showed up right on time, just to wait for a half hour to get my table. No biggie really, we got a drink and hung around the bar until our spot was ready. The menu is small, but definitely interesting. Bottom line, the food was pretty weak. I had lamb tostadas, and if I didn't know it was lamb, I wouldn't have been able to tell you whether it was beef, pork, or lamb - way, way over-seasoned. Entree was more of the same. Salt, salt and more salt. Although, the lingonberry sauce (served with the saltiest meatballs ever) was pretty damn good. Overall, could have been an off night, but for me, not worth a second trip.
(2)Vivian L.
Long overdue review. First of all, if you're coming here to eat, you MUST order the fried yard bird. That dish was the highlight of our night, so deliciously tender with juicily succulent meat that was extremely flavorful and fried to a perfect texture. Only issue we had with that dish is that we wish they gave us more mashed potatoes (only came with a tiny portion on the side). Some of the other items we ordered were the dirty rice w/ shrimp (a bit bland, could have definitely used more seasoning), mac n greens (tasty but not exceptional). We also ordered a side of cornbread (which if you are a fan of cornbread, is a must-order!). It came out piping hot and so good, only thing was it didn't come w/ the tomato jam so we didn't get to try that =(. Apparently they had run out already boo. The amount we ordered was perfect for 3 people sharing (although if you are a group of guys not girls you may want to order more =P). Make sure you save room for dessert too, the vermont maple cheesecake is delectable! would love to come back =)
(4)Cindy I.
Great service, the wait staffs were knowledgeable and preppy. I ordered the Mac & Greens with Bacon and they forgot the bacon, but it was corrected promptly. I am giving 2 star because the food was ~meh. It was really salty. The pickled veggie that came with it was too salty to swallow. I was hungry but I couldn't finish them. I took the mac and cheese home to mix it with some plain pasta and then it was OK. Maybe the flavor was just too strong for my liking. My friend ordered the Fried Yard Bird and it was good, but I don't think it is worth the price. I also tried my other friend's steak and eggs, it was OK, I have had better though. Overall I was disappointed and don't think the wait and pricey food was worth it.
(2)J Y.
Red Rooster for lunch was good, but not great. The waitress was very friendly and helpful suggestions both our drink and food items. Not a place to go if you are on a timeline- it took quite a long time for the food to come out. We ordered a sample flight of draught beer that was luke warm. We had the Caribbean Bacon (excellent) Mexiopian and the Blackened Catfish (both were good). All-in-all it was a good meal, but not great enough to go up to Harlem and spend $100 on lunch.
(3)Letitia L.
Where to even begin on how great this place is. I went to Red Rooster over the weekend with 2 of my girlfriends and we had such a blast. Drinks were tasty and unique concoctions. The restaurant is really fun and lively- it's got great ambiance and atmosphere. The waitstaff was so nice and friendly and super helpful in explaining dishes to us. As for the food, it was out of this world- we ordered corn bread and the chicken and waffles appetizer to start off. They melted in your mouth. The cornbread was so tasty, and the chicken liver pate that came with the chicken and waffles was super tasty. I had the blackened cod which was delicious. One friend ordered the jerk pork chop and the other ordered the mac and greens, both of them really enjoyed their meals. My friend went as far as to say it was the best pork chop she's ever eaten in her life. For dessert we shared the smore bar. The marshmallow ice cream over chocolate bits will leave you wanting more. All in all, great meal that we didn't want to end. Can't wait to go back and check out the Supper Club downstairs.
(5)Jenna K.
I had the best time here!! I'd been dying to try Red Rooster forever, and I'm so glad I finally did. I came for brunch with girlfriends a few weekends ago, and we left stuffed and satisfied. Highlights include the Hearth Baked Mac & Greens (I literally couldn't stop eating my friend's meal... she might've been angry at me...), the Corn Bread, and the Cheddar Grits. Clearly I wasn't in a healthy mood when I got here, ha! Another highlight was the live music - a singer walked around the restaurant serenading tables, which was slightly awkward for us but a lot of fun. I'm dying to come back for dinner & the late night music downstairs now... someday!
(4)Kate B.
Food was great. Particularly fried green tomato salad and fried yardbird. People complain about prices but the cost is in line with a fine dining establishment offering a great ambiance with a fresh take on all that makes Harlem so cool (scene, fashion, jazz...) Service was average -- waiter seemed bothered to serve us. My cocktail was not to my liking (way too sweet) so I ordered another and was charged for both. No smiles or pleasantries or attentiveness. A real turn-off. It's loud and vibrant inside, music both in the bar and downstairs in the jazz club. Fun but if you're in the mood for a quiet romantic spot, this is not the place. I'll be back because I want to try other dishes -- but it's not going to be a regular spot for us (like the place next door has become -- Cafe Lucienne).
(3)Wendy G.
One of My top fav restaurant's in NYC. Simply delish meals, frÃendly crew and beyond amazing ambience!! Just love it! Once in The jungle of concrete Its a given to stop by. Been coming here for over 3 mts weekly and brings me for more.
(5)Siri C.
4 stars for the food but 5 stars for the service so...4.5 stars? Our waiter was very chipper and happy (which I found quite refreshing since we had just come from down the street where employees and people on the street did not look so happy) and eager to help. We ordered the yard bird, cornbread, mac & greens and dirty rice & shrimp. The cornbread came first and the menu said it was supposed to come with tomato jam and we didn't see anything red on the plate! We asked the waiter who apologized and said he had just learned they were out...minor service flaw on their part for not telling us, but not the end of the world. The chicken was delicious and comes with hot sauce and some cajun spice to add on top if you want. It was a little hard getting the meat off the bone with fork and knife, but it was good. Next best was the mac & cheese...classic. The greens were just arugula which was ok, and the dirty rice & shrimp wasn't as tasty. Kind of bland. We also shared the cheesecake for dessert which was delightful (comes with grape marshmallows - very cool!) though I wish it had more crust since that was my favorite part! Service was really good though. Waiters were attentive but not intrusive. At one point my jacket fell off my chair and a different waitress (not the one serving us) picked it up and let me know it fell. My water glass was never empty and they were quick to clear the empty plates (but not rush us when we said we were still working on it). I would definitely recommend this place and the yard bird!
(4)Alex C.
The fried yard bird was a hit, the "ramen" was a miss. Our cocktail pitcher was watered down. Live jazz in the bar was cool.
(3)Neil H.
Visiting from Denver. Had picked out a couple of different restaurants to try while in NYC. Red Rooster was definetely the highlight. Food was excellent and service was spot on and friendly.We can't wait to go back...
(5)Jennie A.
My husband & I were big supporters of Marcus Samuelsson when he was on The Next Iron Chef & he is one of our favorite judges on Chopped. We went to the NYPL when he spoke about & read from "Yes, Chef" where he signed my copy. My husband enjoyed his griddled salmon & gazpacho & I enjoyed my taste of it. We also enjoyed the mashed potatoes (my husband is from Dublin & he is hardcore about how potatoes should be cooked). However, I'm sad to say that my food was pretty disappointing. We sat near the kitchen & were able to see what food was ready to go. We shared the red caesar & knew that ours had been sitting at the counter for awhile. I guess the romaine was soggy because it had been grilled & sat for awhile. We found the bottom piece of a romaine heart which was supposed to be discarded in our salad. The crab cakes were like the salad; they were nothing special. Their texture wasn't right & they were a bit too bready & not crabby enough which I find the issue with most crab cakes. They were slightly dry so we had to ask for lemon to make the crab cakes a bit better. The Rooster Noodles were good in theory, but not executed well. First, my dish was sitting for awhile so it didn't come hot. I think ramen should come hot. I saw three bowls of Rooster Noodles being served right away & they looked piping hot. I was a little jealous of that. The noodles are described as "pork belly, crab, head on shrimp, teff ramen." The head on shrimp were delicious. There was one very tiny piece of pork in it and no crab at all. There were pork chicharon in the dish that were partially burnt (totally black & ashy at the top center of them). Is that supposed to be the pork belly? Either the broth seemed to be missing flavor or I came with expectations that were too high? Probably both. The table was also very sticky. We sat at a communal table & I touched the parts of the table next to where we were sitting & the table was sticky at that portion as well. Although our food didn't come out right away, the staff was very friendly. The bartenders were very cool & we enjoyed the "Yes, Chef" cocktail. The cocktail could use a little more Wodka though. If we ever decide to venture up to Harlem again, I am not sure we would go. If we do, I should probably try the chicken & waffle or the yard bird because the kitchen seemed to lashing out a lot of orders of these. In the end, we still like Marcus Samuelsson, but we're not sure about Red Rooster.
(2)Jojo R.
Good food, good service. Portions aren't huge but more than enough. Eclectic menu as well.
(4)William G.
We had a great time on New Years Eve...!!!!
(5)Thea C.
I heard a lot about Red Rooster before actually making it there. The food was amazing. There are burgers everywhere, so to me having a really great burger that stands out is a mark of a really restaurant. I also had the mac and greens - also really great. The service was a little slow even though it was not crowded as yet when I got there and there was a mistake on the bill that the waiter was more than happen to fix. All in all it was a great dinner.
(4)Eric B.
Was there on a Tuesday night in January and the Red Rooster was full of energy. The food was fantastic! This place is one of a kind.
(5)Julia S.
We had an awful experience in the new jazz club. 1 star may be too generous. We ordered two drinks and two entrees at around 7:30 p.m. Our drinks came 15 minutes later. Our entrees came a full 50 minutes later. Both of our fish dishes were cold. Mine (the mackerel) was inedible. I'm no food snob; I've never sent my fish back in my life. But I swear, that fish cut like chicken. It was essentially raw. I sent it back. Two minutes later, the waiter brings out the exact same plate; the chef had just put the fish back on the fire for a minute. It was still completely and bizarrely tough. So tough that my knife couldn't cut it. It more like shredded the fish in a disgustingly fleshy way. No fish should do that. When I complained to the manager, he said "That's just what mackerel is like." That's just a lie. Luckily, they didn't make us pay for my entree but we split the other one. Altogether we paid SIXTY DOLLARS FOR an entree and two drinks. I do not recommend returning.
(1)Eric L.
If you pay attention to food and/or Harlem blogs, it's impossible to avoid the volume of marketing done on behalf of Samuelsson and his restaurant on 126th street. My wife and I attempted to eat there this past Saturday. I sat at a busy but not overcrowded bar waiting for my wife to join me for our 7pm reservation. Seating in the restaurant is odd and poorly laid out (too much space is given to the bar at the front of the house and bar dining); it was also loud, very warm, and too brightly lit for dinner. Our three week reservation netted us communal seating in-front of and in the flow of kitchen traffic. to compound things, I am recovering from a shoulder surgery and wasn't in any condition to have staff shuffling around behind me all night long. The host allowed us to seat side by side which seemed to fix things. We ordered. Seemingly fine. Five minutes later, somebody came over and coldly told us that we weren't allowed to sit there and that the communal table was "only for sitting across from each other". Further we were told that we could finish our drinks but that they were going to move us. [note: train your wait staff on not creating problems.] We got up and left. Life is too short for terrible dining experiences and rude staff. Fortunately, Chez Lucienne is next door. I'd been wanting to try Chez Lucienne for some time. We had a great meal and a vastly better wait staff experience. My wife had a delicious steak fritte and me a nice poulet roulade. Topped off with a sane Paulliac. So, the lesson to be learned is if you aren't vibing the hyper-publicized, vainglorious swing of Red Rooster then know that dining sanity is just next door. As a Harlemite, I no longer have need for careless upscale restaurants. I can get my taste of "downtown" over on FDBlvd. -1 Red Rooster.
(1)Dionne G.
I was so excited to visit this restaurant from the moment they open, but I could never get a reservation. So when I finally was able to I was excited to finaaly visit this restaurant with the celebrity chef. That excitement soon turned into disappointment. The decor and atmosphere was great, but the food was not what I expected. I had the famous yard bird and it was bland. There was too much meat and not enough sides. My other party had the jerk chicken and being from the Caribbean we expected it to be full of flavor and spicy as that is how we know jerk to be. It was neither. Then after 8pm they had a band that was noisy you could not have a decent conversation. That place is too small to have a band. Let's say I will not be going back and I will not be recommending this restaurant to anyone.
(2)Kate F.
Until things are more organized, well stocked and fully staffed with attentive people, my original review of the Red Rooster is being downgraded to a 2 star. Since my original visits as a bar customer I've tried to go for brunch and was very, very underwhelmed by the experience. The 1.5 hour wait was expected so we went planning to get a drink and possibly eat at the bar. The duo of singers performing in the dining room were off key and whiny. Jazz brunch to me means a nice standing base or a piano, whiny overwrought vocals do not relax me into a lovely Sunday. One bartender is no where near enough for this busy bar on a Sunday brunch. But if he'd been moving fast and paying attention he would have been able to make it work. Instead, head down and ignoring almost all his customers at any given time, our bartender waited 10 minutes before asking if we wanted a drink. When my friend said he didn't want the champagne they listed, the bartender suggested prosecco. When our drinks came, the bartender plopped down a wine glass and announced that they were out of prosecco so here's the champagne" Never asked if he wanted something else, and just put it on the bar (and the bill.) My bloody mary was dressed with a tasty shrimp and juicy olive, but when I tried the drink itself it went down sour and without any kind of depth of flavor. In a restaurant known for it's spice combination this was a major bummer. We didn't get water, or place settings, or napkins, and he never checked in on us again. We didn't finish. We paid and left and went to brunch at Native, where we were welcomed with open arms, fantastic food and great drinks. No thanks Red Rooster, I'll stick to your (still expensive but worth it) bourbon martinis at 5 on weekdays.
(2)Zan D.
I love this place, the atmosphere is fantastic & the food is good. I was there on a Thursday night for drinks & saw Woody Allen having dinner with his wife. It attracts a very eclectic clientele which is great for Harlem. Its a wonderful addition to the Harlem neighborhood.
(4)Rachel G.
I went back to Red Rooster to give it another shot, this time for brunch. It wasn't too crowded, and we only had to wait a minute or two to be seated. We ended up at one of the communal tables near the kitchen, which I wouldn't recommend because it's hot and crowded, with lots of people rushing by. The booths and regular tables are better. Anyway, the service has VASTLY improved - I'm guessing they took the hint from Yelp. The hosts were nicer, and our server was incredibly friendly, speedy, and helpful. The food though? Not fabulous. I had the waffles, which were too dry (there was some chocolate sauce, but no syrup, and I wasn't a fan), and I tried the chicken and French toast. Just ok - nothing out of this world. Also, compared to some of the other brunch menus in the area, I was surprised that it was relatively limited. The desserts looked really good though, so maybe that's a reason to go back.
(3)Dawn G.
I've stopped by for cocktails previously and finally made it in for a meal. I ordered the Fried Yardbird and had the amazing cornbread while we waited. Our server was very attentive and made helpful suggestions regarding drinks and food to my indecisive friend. Cornbread with the honey butter is a must have, moist warm and just perfect. Fried Yardbird with the sides was delicious. I'm not a big fan of collard geens but the spicy sauce really made it. All in all a delicious meal and amazing service.
(5)Dhyia T.
Meh...OpenTable reservations worked flawless. Hostess was great, the crowd was lively, the space is trendy and funky, our waitress is was helpful and attentive. Now the food. The watermelon salad, was obviously stated- I had a different expectation from the menu than was delivered. There were literally slices of watermelon and nothing unique or special about the salad. Not bad, but not worthy of $16 for a salad. My entree was the meatballs and buttermilk mashed potatoes. The potatoes came out slightly cool, but the waitress, within 3 minutes, swapped out my potatoes for a hotter plate. The food wasn't horrible, but it was not special. I didn't walk away dissatisfied, but I was not impressed. Happy to support this business and enjoy the experience!
(3)jennifer t.
I am going to bullet point this - just the FACTS of what happened: 1) so loud can not hear ANYTHING in the place 2) so dark can not read the menus 3) the host attempted to sell my daughter glass frames ? (swap meet much) 4) table ws never set 5) had to ASK FOR SILVER WARE TWICE (removed and never replaced) 6) had to ask for napkins -TWICE Food was average over priced and not worth the subway ride from mid-town. Someone needs to get his IRON behind back to his spot and take a look at what is happening...... Epic Failure
(1)Jason G.
I know that I'm being a bit critical of Red Rooster because I had really high expectations before going here given their notoriety and because it's Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant. So, in the absolute the rating might be more like three stars but that's about the highest I could go, though I would still try them again. The cornbread was a bit dry and heavy and I saw them plate it from a sheet cake of cornbread that was sitting by the oven, thus probably drying out. The chicken and waffle was just soaked and the flavor was off-putting, mainly because the waffle was so soggy. For the shrimp and grits, the shrimp was cooked well and had good flavor but the grits completely lacked flavor and were too running in texture. The Fried Yard bird chicken dinner was pretty good but again the flavor was just okay. The doughnuts were okay, though the sweet potato filling made them not that sweet.
(3)Jamie G.
A night at the Apollo called for a little snack before. I am going to have to agree with their current rating of 3.5 stars. We walked in to a line at a hostess stand with no hostess. So, no initial greeting. Once she arrived she was able to seat us quickly without a reservation. $7 Lagunitas IPA and Brooklyn Lager. For noms, we definitely went for the chicken+waffles ($16), deviled eggs ($8), and the el pollito ($9, mini tostadas with shredded chicken). For the prices y'all, the portion size is laughable. And tell me what happens to the 4th half of two eggs? Why do you only get 3 halves? The biggest gripe of our chosen snacks was that the chicken+waffles came with 2 pieces of chicken, but only one quarter of waffle. Huh? Why? Shystie. The chicken however was prepared really well. As for the space itself -- love it! Love all the tchotchkes, the bar, the dining chairs and the open kitchen. Service was good. Not likely a place I'd return.
(3)Yahya S.
I had higher hopes for this spot. It was recommended by a good friend. I have dietary restrictions(halal only) so I couldn't have their famous chicken and wings, but i did have the mac & greens and the cornbread. The mac & greens was forgettable and didn't have any complexity to it: the cheeses were average--no interesting flavor, the macaroni was large, the portion wasn't large, and the lack of crunch in the mac & cheese was underwhelming. The cornbread sort of made up for the Mac & Cheese but I still wasn't impressed. I've had better cornbread. It was moist, soft, and hot. The taste was kind of spicy, which I enjoyed the most, but it didn't have the sort of taste I expect from corn bread. The service was great, we didn't wait too long, the place was PACKED. I will definitely come back here to get a better feel of this spot, but not before I try other places in Harlem first.
(3)Steve L.
Hey calorie-counters, EAT THE STINKIN' SKIN! Stop 2 of the NYC foodie tour with the sister, we were lucky to get a Friday evening dinner reservation. A microcosm of the social forces shaping Harlem, Red Rooster itself was notably separated along racial lines; while the bar/front of the building was packed with well-dressed Black patrons enjoying a spirited happy hour, behind the divider in the restaurant proper sat a majority Upper East Side white and touristy population sampling soul/Swede fusion. That distribution persisted throughout the course of the night. No shame in sitting at the communal table - all the better to see the lovely dishes leave the kitchen. Winners include the Yardbird - deep fried chicken thigh and drumstick, as well as the cornbread. Interestingly, the peanut chicken was breasts and wings, allowing the procurer to buy whole chickens! Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce were above average, but there's not much that can be done to sexy up Swedish meatballs. Shared the table with European tourists, who ordered the Yardbird after seeing our delight. To our horror, they attacked the chicken with forks, peeling back the skin to access the flesh. Plain, they reported. No kidding! Accept the hypertension and eat the skin, bro! Surprisingly poor beer menu. Maybe one winner out of 6? Guess they're pushing the cocktails.
(3)Alyssa B.
This place was a full dining experience. Try do not mess around, their portions are huge we wanted to try so many things and ended up taking a majority of our entrees home. The service is friendly but slow. The place is big so it seemed to get backed up easily. But chef sent out fried chicken while people were waiting. I had great sangria, the water melon said was great. So was he beef kitfo. Our favorites were the fried chicken and the deviled eggs though. The menu options are pretty unique - so it's for adventurous eaters who like a lot of flavor. I love the decor and vibe. We went on Tuesday which was Latin night and the live band was awesome. People were up dancing!! There is a cool jazz club downstairs but only certain nights.
(4)Adam K.
Im dreaming of cornbread! If you dream of cornbread too, all your dreams come true at Red Rooster. First off a great shoutout to our amazing waiter Fernando. Fernando's approach is more tour guide then your standard waiter approach. He made it easy to choose from this large menu with recommendations, explanations and a little nudge in the right direction. And I must say, all his recommendations were spot on. Atmosphere- great vibe with music pumping throughout the restaurant but not in an obnoxious can't hear each other way. Bar scene was upbeat and the pours were plentiful. Dinner- Appetizers: CORNBREAD flipping amazing with maple butter and fried green tomato spread. Mac n cheese with greens were awesome. Chicken n Waffles were off the hook with wonderful flavor such as cardamom and Ethiopian spices. Main courses included: shrimp n grits (creamy grits, shrimp and bacony stuff that I can't describe but made it great). Wild bird fried chicken that tasted amazingly fresh like there's a barnyard in the kitchen and served with mash n collard greens. Lastly we had a pork dish in a coffee infused bbq sauce with pork cracklings on top- good on its own but frankly I was so full that I really paid it no attention. To finish off, sweet potato doughnuts served in a frying basket- yummy sweet and memorable. In summary: Cornbread heaven with a side of fried chicken, nuff said! Can't say enough great things about this restaurant and will most definitely be back soon.
(5)T Yvette H.
I was told that I'd be delighted with any selection made at the Red Rooster, and I was all but delighted; disappointed is more accurate. As a appetizer we selected the baby back crispers. Having fried ribs was not an issue, the sauce left much to be desired. For an entrée, my companion ordered the Fried Yard Bird, while I had the Shrimp, Hog and Grits. The shrimp were well seasoned and I appreciated the spinach but the grits were bland..the Fried Yard Bird was...crisp and the flavor was minimal. Don't make the mistake of adding the hot sauce, it's red but not remotely the traditional flavor of hot sauce. Our bill was $119, and I couldn't imagine what I'd eaten that was so pricey especially since it wasn't good. I will not return on my next trip to Harlem. Honorable mention to the cornbread and my glass of wine. Lbvvs
(2)N W.
Came with the Young Adult Ministry of my church for brunch. We had a great experience. We were lucky enough to have a short wait for our table. We had the cornbread and deviled eggs for appetizers. They were as delicious as everyone has already said. Seriously, "all your cornbread dreams will come true". I had The Bird and The Egg dish which is their version of chicken&waffles. It's served with a fried egg and gravy. I'm not a huge gravy fan so I passed on that but I politely requested some hot sauce as I often do for my fried chicken. I was pleasantly surprised to have what tasted like a halal sauce infused with Indian spices. It really added a kick to my chicken. Hoping to come back one evening to see what the supper club vibe is like.
(4)LMT T.
Ate here for lunch. Had the Banh Roo sandwich which was FANTASTIC. And a Yes, chef cocktail. Food is great. Atmosphere wonderful. Bar beautiful. There are tons of artifacts, antiques, and parts of Harlem culture surrounding bar. Never been to Harlem but I will make sure to stop by again. Great little find Bartenders are knowledgable of drinks and techniques. Plus they are very friendly. It's not often bartenders take note of your name. :)!
(5)Eric V.
Visited Harlem the other day to check out the legendary Sylvia's and was quite disappointed with the dry BBQ ribs and the ultra-dry fried chicken. Had heard about Red Rooster, crossed the side street to check it out (it's only about a hundred feet from Sylvia's on the next block), liked the way it looked, and decided to come back today for a bite and THANK GOD I DID!! Holy smokes is this place good! Went in for lunch and ordered off their prix fixe menu ($25 for an app, entree, and dessert). I also wanted to try the cornbread and deviled eggs because I read some nice comments about them. Cornbread = 5 ---Perfect flavor. I actually asked them to box up the final half of the second piece of it. Deviled Eggs = 3.5 ---Dominated by a taste of mustard. I'm not a huge fan of mustard so, for mustard lovers, this might be much higher. Watermelon Salad = 1.5 ---This was just . . . bad. Some stringy greens that weren't even really edible. Difficult to eat and a bad taste. Some heirloom tomatoes under the pile of greens and a couple of watermelon wedges. I bit off a couple pieces of tomatoes, finished the small watermelon wedges (which took all of two bites total), and pushed it aside. Mac & Greens = 5 ---This is perhaps the greatest mac n' cheese creation I've ever tasted. Mickey Mantle's steakhouse in Oklahoma City surprisingly makes a phenomenal jalapeño mac n' cheese but this dish here at Red Rooster might even be better. It's the kind of thing you eat where, the moment it hits your mouth, you roll your eyes, shake your head, and have a food orgasm. Brilliant dish. Red Rooster Doughnuts = 4 ---Tasty little things. Only received a few of em but, damn, they were pretty good.
(5)Carolina S.
I have been wanting to go to red Rooster forever!! So when one of my closest friend asked me to join her in celebrating her birthday, it was a definite HELL YEAH! She had made a reservation for four. We grabbed a drink not too far from there. And then it felt like it was MY birthday. We got an intimate table in the back room. The whole place looked beautiful and it was buzzing with energy. I could barely sit still. I couldn't believe I had finally made it. We ordered some cornbread for the table to share and some deviled eggs. Both things that I know are naughty but I can't help but love. It was easily the best cornbread I've ever had. And the tomato jam and the soft butter just nailed it! I could not have been happier. I am pescatarian but I had the deviled and they were incredible. I later found out there was some duck. Whoops! But still so decadent and delicious! The entrée was the true Southern dish that stole my heart. I knew I had to get the catfish with the curried cow peas. Mustard greens and pickled mango. I could have bathed in those cow peas. There was so much flavor! This is why they call it soul food. I was in a food heaven coma. I really wanted to get dessert but I had to jet out for my concert, Stiff Little Fingers. I loved every bite and can't wait for my next visit to Red Rooster! Exceeded expectations!
(5)Nivea M.
After many years I finally found my way to Red Rooster for a meal. Taking advantage of the frenzied bbq preparations on the 4th of July, my mom and I stopped by Red Rooster for brunch, and just as expected, it was fairly empty. I've heard that there's often a wait so I was lucky to be immediately seated. The decor was hip yet welcoming, and during our wait my mom and I busied ourselves looking at the cute diagrams and recipes on the walls. I loved the view of the kitchen; I appreciate that level of transparency in a restaurant, it's comforting. As far as the food goes, I was quite pleased. The cornbread starter was moist and the accompanying tomato jam was a great addition. I ordered the grilled jerk pork with eggs while my mom had the chicken & waffles. The pork was great, but being Jamaican I was somewhat disappointed that the jerk flavor was almost nonexistent. It came with an apple slaw and potatoes, both of which were good, but not mind-blowing. However, I did fall in love with my mom's chicken & waffle dish. The chicken was perfect, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The pork gravy that it came with was the clincher, though. The combination of flavors was awesome and if I ever go back for brunch I know exactly what I'm having. Service was on point, and it probably helped that the restaurant was fairly empty at the moment. I'd love to go back to check out the dinner scene as there wasn't really anything else on the brunch menu that caught my eye. I'm definitely interested in trying more of the chicken dishes as this seems to be a specialty here. Overall, I enjoyed my Red Rooster experience and I can't wait to go back!
(4)Ada W.
Couldn't make a reservation for brunch, but we barely have to wait on a Sunday at 11ish. And live music by the bar was amazing. I had the bird and the egg, the breading of the chicken was SOOOOO good. I never taste anything like that before. And the gravy just went very well with the chicken. We ordered a side of bacon, it's pretty thick, not the average cheap thin slices you usually got from other places. We would prefer it to be more crispy. But who cares, bacon is bacon :)
(5)Rigo G.
Great BBQ pork chop. Not usually the first choice for many, but for the "other white meat" eaters out there, great pork offering... Hot wings are great, different, but in a good way. Great service and atmosphere.
(4)Mario A.
The ambience in this place was great and the music very cool. I particularly like the interior decor in total I went there with colleagues for dinner I have to say dinner and drinks was delicious. I had Blackened fish my drink was Negroni. This place definitely deserves a second visit.
(4)Matthew M.
So I have to admit. ... after seeing Marcus Samuelsson on "The Taste" I was super excited to try his food. I was very underwhelmed. I ordered the yard bird (fried chicken) and substituted the smashed potatoes for the silky corn bread. I was kinda disappointed. The bird was cooked well but there was nothing special here. The resturant ambiance and hipster style was cool.... Cocktails were delicious. ... food was above average. ... and service was slow and unattentive. But I agree that this resturant is hyped up to much.
(4)Alison F.
I m a big MARCUS SAMUELSSON fan and have wanted to come here for some time deeply disappointing is the only way to describe the experience. I shared the FRIED BIRD ROYALE for two its a whole fried chicken, mac and cheese, greens, and waffles with liver butter. The chicken was way too salty. The mac and cheese didn't have a crust and after a few bites I decided it didn't taste good enough to warrant the calories. The liver butter was really good and waffles are hard to get wrong. This did not make up for 80 % of the ROYALE being terrible. On a positive note dessert was amazing we got the RED ROOSTER DONUTS. Little pillows of heaven are the best description. They are benya style donuts served with sweet potato cream and cinnamon sugar, truly finger licking good. My friends who got mix drinks where also happy. My advice go for drinks and dessert skip the full dinner. Although, be warned the bar area gets really packed and loud on weekend evenings.
(2)Ashley G.
Lol... in the words of someone @ the table, "28 bucks for some chicken?!" The menu is interesting to say the least. Walking in, we couldn't stop taking in the decor- a colorful mix of eclectic pieces creating a homey yet hip atmosphere. Marcus and his staff was nice and friendly and they were so kind to my auntie who owned the original red rooster decades ago. Table cornbread was plentiful and hot, however not really to my taste. I've never had cornbread with the kernels and chili flakes(?). To start, I had the chicken wings and they were finger lickin good! Just the right amount of spice. My brother had the chicken & waffles- definitely a winner. My sis had the sangria and it strangely tasted like vodka. I also tasted the gazpacho which had such a vinegar taste to it I'm glad I didn't order it. We all shared the mac n' greens which was quite disappointing. I personally don't care for soupy ziti noodle mac, but this menu is certainly a far cry from the comfort food of chitlins & biscuits of yesteryear. Dessert was an assortment of cookies, pickled peach cobbler (tasty), chocolate & coconut truffles, and carrot cake with chocolate ganache and salted caramel icing. After everything we had coffee and they poured champagne-the coffee is beyond delicious! Good and strong-a great way to end our visit. That being said, with the prices I wonder if there are many regulars, but I'm sure it's a hit with the tourists. 2 stars for food and one for showing my auntie a great time :)
(3)Sa G.
1 drink + 1 dish+ 1 dessert = 60$ for dinner Nice atmosphere to enjoy with friends. Cornbread is Awesome !!!
(4)Jacqui P.
I simply Loved this Restaurant...I will first start with the ambiance. It had a very ecclectik style with a warm and cozy feeling that made u feel right at home. Our waitress Jody was wonderful..she knew the menu in and out. Our table finally settled on the Fried Bird Royale which consisted of a whole fried chicken that was delicious. Fried perfectly on the outside and very tender and flavorful throughout...The sides were mac and greens mixed together..yumm and waffles w liver butter..we also had a side of gravy. This meal was Perfect! The entire dish worked so well together. Next time I visit I will come after 7 so I can listen to the live band!
(5)Niki K.
So I went to hang out with my girls last night and the lounge was actually cool. The music was hip hop and r&b with reggae and old school. There is a cover charge of $10 to get into the lounge. Lounge opens up at 11pm and I arrived at 1145pm and it was crowded. They move the tables and open up the other section about 1 hour later. Unfortunately the bar was not open on the other of the room so it made getting drinks take much longer than usual. The crowd is definitely over 30 and a good amount of older men , which was fine but not if u single and ready to mingle. The bad part about this lounge is how hot it is was down there. You start dancing and then u start sweating . Can't look cute and sweat!! The drinks were ok u will pay a about $11-12 for drinks. It was $38 for shot of don Julio, Malibu bay breeze and coco loco...by the way they don't make apple martinis!!! You can buy bottles but they were over priced. Overall it's a cool spot to chill with friends and dance. They didn't get 5 stars due to the hot environment (felt like a dessert).
(4)Andrea M.
I must say that my visit to Red Rooster made a bad trip to my happy place (NYC) much better. I tend to be picky when it comes to mixing different foods but that Mac and cheese and greens was to DIE FOR! Not to mention the over all ambiance was tres classe! This New Orleans Lady was impressed!
(4)Deborah J.
I went there with my mom for dinner. I ordered from the appetizer menu, which I didn't realize until my order came to the table. I got the pastrami sandwich and mommy ordered the chicken and waffles. The pastrami was extremely salty. I don't know what they did to it but it didn't taste like the real thing. Mommies order was half of a waffle ($17) , and another extremely salty piece of chicken. Cmon red rooster, you can't serve a whole waffle? I just heard that NYC is going to require restaurants to include the salt content of their meals; this restaurant will have to change their menu. Sorry red rooster! Be prepared to spend $$$ .
(2)John L.
This place may be overhyped, overpriced, and overcrowded, but it had pretty damn good food and a truly awesome atmosphere. I really loved the look and the homage the entire restaurant pays to its home in Harlem. I had the Mac n Cheese, a dish that everyone loves but I rarely order myself. Sure, $18 is a LIIIITLE steep for my taste for noodles and cheese, but it's NY, and we're all used to this by now. At least the portion was monstrous and it doubled as dinner and next day's lunch, so I had the added pleasure of feeling on the verge of an impeding heart attack two days in a row! Heat attack worries aside, it was delicious, as was my girlfriend's much lighter salmon. I've heard people bash on this place, and I can honestly see why (price, crowd, post-meal cholesterol levels), but I will not be one of those people! Neigh, I recommend it whole heartedly! Oh, and they take reservations, so shut up, plan ahead, and enjoy.
(4)Felisa F.
First and foremost, do yourself a favor and secure a reservation before you trek up to Harlem. Otherwise, you'll be waiting [at the rather nice] bar for a decent amount of time. Unfortunately, this happened to me. Luckily, my friend and I found two spots at the bar. The drinks are expensive, but they're tasty. I had the Obamatini [$13], yes, that's really what it's called. I loved it, the black pepper flakes made it spicy, but it was also slightly sweet as it's made with vodka, pineapple and grapefruit. Perfect combination. What you really should know: Red Rooster falls somewhere between a restaurant and a club, or at least a lounge. The front of the restaurant, otherwise known as the 'bar/waiting area,' is extremely LOUD. The DJ booth is situated right next to the standing tables reserved for walk-ins. I, literally, felt every beat of music surge through my body. I had to scream in order to talk to my dining companion. It definitely detracted from the excellent food we had. Food: Wild Wild Wings [$11]: We saw these pass under our nose a few times, people order food at the bar with abandon. I loved the inventive spin on hot wings. The pickled vegetables are amazing and the sauce on the wings are delectable. It's less hot and more tangy. The first bite, however, did taste like bile right after you throw up [sorry]. Corn Bread [$4]: There were two pieces of corn bread, they were both rather large. You definitely want to use the butter, otherwise the corn bread can be a little dry. The butter is sweet which complements the bread very well. You can leave the tomato jam on the side, it tasted like stewed tomatoes and just didn't work. Mac & Greens [$18]: De-lic-ious. This dish was a cheese explosion, every mouthful was a cheese party. The rigatoni are large and serves as a vessel for the molten goodness. There were pieces of bacon, I kid you not. There was a salad on the side to cut the heaviness, which it is, of the mac and cheese. Good call. Dessert: Doughnuts [$12]: The doughnuts may have been the highlight of the meal. They are served warm and dusted with sugar. The inside is made with a sweet potato filling which keeps this dessert from being a step away from a cavity. Service was fair, it was quick at the beginning and slowly declined as the restaurant filled up. The bill was very reasonable at about $80 for two people with a decent amount of food. I was sufficiently stuffed. I would come back in a heartbeat.
(4)Ashley F.
Good food, but horrible service. They were really cheap with two of my friend's wine. And they left us hanging, didn't offer dessert, and did not come back to check on us.
(2)Asif F.
Being a "foodie" and watching the Food Network I am familiar with Marcus Samuelsson and the talent he has. One of my friends at work told me about NYC Restaurant Week so I booked a table for dinner (luckily) at Red Rooster...now when I got to the restaurant, my waiter knew I was confused and when I mentioned Restaurant Week she said there was a mix up on the website and that was only for "lunch time reservations." No worries...I wasn't going to pass up on an amazing opportunity...so she gave me recommendations on what was popular (cornbread, Yard Bird, Chicken and Waffles, etc.) and I ended up ordering cornbread and mac and greens. The cornbread was awesome! I thought the jelly complimented it well and it was sweet/spicy. The mac and greens was a very interesting dish with vegetarian collards. They say "eat your veggies" and this is one way to do so! In my mind this dish tasted very similar to "spinach and artichoke" dip. A plus to this restaurant was that it was close to where I was staying (in Harlem).
(4)Vivian C.
I wanted to come here for brunch on Sunday but couldn't find a reservation so settled for a super early dinner (5PM). Got here and it wasn't that busy at all, so I checked in with the hostess and asked if we could sit outside and she said there was a 15-20 minute wait, which was super odd as there were plenty of seats outside. We went to the bar to wait for our table and I have to say, the bar staff was completely oblivious. For the 20 minutes we sat there, not one single bar staff addressed us until I asked for a menu. We were ready to order a drink but no one (including the bartender who handed me a menu) came to take our order, so we decided to just order drinks at the table. After that, we were hoping that the service would be better at the table and it was! Our waiter was super friendly and accommodating. I ordered a Bloody Mary and my boyfriend ordered the Yes Chef cocktail. His was extremely refreshing and the Bloody was OK. We ordered wayyy too much food because we have zero self-control: - Chicken & Waffle: the chicken was delicious - extremely juicy and flavorful and the chicken liver butter that came with it was sooo yummy - Helga's Meatballs: these were mediocre but the mashed potatoes that came with them were quite good (especially with the fried onions on the top!) - Mac & Greens: mac was good, greens was unnecessary (tiny arugula salad) - Corn Bread: really good - loved the honey butter and tomato jam! Overall, the food and table service was pretty good. The bar service could definitely be improved. I would come back for more of that delicious chicken though!
(4)Vanessa Z.
Very disappointed in the food and service received! ! Staff needs retraining on what service really is..it is not stopping by the table 100 times asking is everything okay without taking dirty plates or bringing out what's needed..server with short hair needs to be more friendly. .she felt she was handling the whole place but with attitude. .we had the meatballs that tasted store bought, and the watermelon salad was horrible. .did someone taste this first before putting on menu? We also ordered the Mac-cheese and greens was more cheese very little greens. .the sweet potato donuts had no filling in them ..needless to say by mid afternoon we had a stomach ache..Hate to put this review out here but the tourist bus and the taxi drivers all recommended this location. .they are getting tourist to come into their location but not ready for the volume of traffic with staffing or taste of menu items that bring you back..we wanted a memorable occasion but turn out to be a bad memory. Wish I spent my afternoon elsewhere when you consider time spent getting to this location from the city.
(1)Ward S.
I had dinner here on a Monday evening in April 2015. I thought the service was excellent. My server was very attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. I had the blackened catfish which was really good. The cornbread that I ordered as a side was very moist and warm and the apple butter and tomato spread that came with it was superb. I grew up in Mississippi, so I'm a catfish snob and the blackened catfish here at the Red Rooster definitely passed the test. The atmosphere was very enjoyable and lively. A live band was going to be performing inside next to the bar. I highly recommend this place. Be sure to make reservations.
(4)Geraldine G.
As a Canadian, the first time I heard this Red Rooster Harlem had Chef Marcus Samuelson at the helm - I was shocked. Generally, I think of the popular chain across Canada. I can assure you, my Canadian peeps - this one stands clearly apart from that. Like, not even close. Fine point about this place. You actually can have a reservation here and be seated when you made it for. Shocker, right? It's one of those things that I have learnt about this city. Reservations just mean you are on the list. On Thursday and Saturday nights this place, after hours becomes a kicking space to collect your friends to chill and enjoy an evening out. Music is killer. I am rather curious about its SUnday Gospel Brunch. So, let's talk about the food and customer service. Both spot on. I have read otherwise. but our experience was happily the opposite of those. We started with some hot cornbread served with tomato jam and butter. Followed by blackened catfish with curried black eyed peas, red chili cauliflower, pear-spinach chutney. Oh my god! This was so good. No bones, my friends! And it had this nice hickory smoked layer of flavour. I highly recommend this dish. That's a big deal for me because I'm not a fish fan. The second dish, which I was too full to finish, was the Fried Yard-Bird with dark meat, white mace gravy, mashed potatoes, bread and butter pickles. Damn fine bird. Crispy and tender. The atmosphere is loud and bustling so definitely go here for a good time!
(4)Thomas W.
Came here for dinner after my GF had previously been here for a work event. The restaurant has an interesting character from the loud electronic music and how crowded it is. While I was tired of the "wub wub wub" about 10 minutes in, I just blocked it out. The food was outstanding, from the pollitos, to the chicken and waffles, to the grits. It was all well composed and interesting. I would, however, skip dessert as while good they weren't as interesting as the main courses. Service was acceptable, though it took 15+ mins for our first drink to arrive. The appetizer courses actually beat it even though we ordered them significantly later. Which is a good mark for the kitchen staff and a bad mark for the bar staff. It ended up being ~$75 each after tip & tax for one drink and two courses, which was acceptable. It's not somewhere I'll be back immediately, but definitely somewhere I will go for special occasions.
(4)Rhoda B.
I feel so sad to write this review. A part of me feels terrible but then a part of me wants to stay truthful to you yelpers. Plainly the food sucks. Everything was mediocre. Came here during lunch time with a friend. We both felt the hostess was so "dry" and clearly didn't want us there. We opted to sit at the bar. The bartender was sweet. We wanted to love the place but we just couldn't. The wild wild wings were the closest to "good".
(2)Karen M.
I have to say, I struggled with the menu last night. I had the Baja fish tacos- nothing special. They were ok - but not great. Then I had the mac and greens. No, just no. Flavorless and with 3 pieces of lobster, literally. The donuts were good as always as was the cornbread - very very good cornbread. The menu may be too "southern" for me- not into fried meat or sweetbreads. Don't think I'll be running back unless the crabcakes and softshell crab return. Not worth the calories or the $$$
(2)Lauren R.
We came here for an early Saturday brunch- hooooly cow. Amazing. The service was absolutely wonderful- efficient and incredibly friendly. The decor was like a cross between soul food, diner, and ritzy Harlem. Let's start with the cornbread... dear god... the cornbread... order it immediately and slather it in that honey butter. And then get more honey butter. We also had the deviled eggs. They were definitely good and much better than your average deviled egg, but not the standout of the meal. We split the El Jefe first. If you aren't having lamb for brunch, you're doing it wrong. It was an elegant twist on a scramble. The lamb was perfectly tender and was so amazing with the egg and potatoes on top. Give it a chance! The real star of the day though was the french toast. If you order nothing else, order the french toast. First of all, it's HUGE. Like... picture 3 bricks of french toast, perfectly crispy on the outside and perfectly cakey on the inside. But most importantly... nutella and whipped cream. Ugh. It was so amazing I couldn't stand it. TL;DR - Get the cornbread and french toast if nothing else, and the El Jefe is a close second!
(5)D A.
Arrived around 3:35pm on a Saturday afternoon for a to-go order. Was told that the kitchen was closed until 4pm. Sorry but this whole mid day closed kitchen business is something I've never experienced or even heard or before. Will try Red Rooster some other time. Hopefully, the kitchen will be open and I can upgrade my review.
(1)Bianka M.
Food sucked Point Blank Period.. Now if you want to talk VIBE than I'll give the bar area with the Live music a 5 stars TRUE Harlem feel from all you would think the vibe would be in Harlem. Back to the food, I'm embarrassed to say the least as I had such high expectations for the food because this is Marcus Samuelson restaurant and I personally met him back home in Chicago at a Uptown and Buick event where he cooked all the passed appetizers. I got a copy of his book and he signed it and we were on UpTown magazine together. NY is like a second home so when a friend who had never been ask me to meet her there to show her around I was all in and made my agenda and included this spot because it had newly opened. We orders the shrimp and grits, a salmon dish fried green tomatoes and some sangria. Let's just say the sangria was the best tasting thing on our table besides the corn bread that comes out. We ended up paying and leaving the food and going to the bar and listening to the band and drinking more sangria to curb our appetites and danced the night away.... Yes to the vibe NO to the food
(1)Sabrina J.
If you like sitting around some pretentious people then this is a place for you. Food is pretty good but I wouldn't get the appetizers since they seem too overpriced (16$ for a tiny appetizer). Mac and greens were very good though.
(3)Ilze G.
Ordered an $18 salad Great chicken salad BUT 70% of the meal was leaves that WAS NOT FRESH! I showed the waitress and she said sorry. I was alone and out of all he open tables, I got seated below a leaking AC But I was sweating to find out no AC in 90 deg weather Come on Mr Samuelsson! Did NOT expect this from here! A place of this stature should not have these issues!! VERY disappointed. So much for the lunch date of treating myself after a 3hr workout!! Oi
(2)Luarnie B.
I feel like Red Rooster is one of those restaurants with a mental diagnosis, in a good way. Like possibly schizophrenia. There's just so much going on... There is definitely something for everyone here. The place is located down the block from Sylvia's in Harlem the brain child of Chef/Restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson venue. His menu boasts of home-cooked favorites from Stockholm (like... Swedish meatballs) and Harlem (traditional.....mac and cheese, fried chicken, oxtail stew). You definitely get a warm and cozy feeling when you enter and dine here. A plenteous "gospel" brunch is served on Sundays---but be aware, there are no reservations for Sunday brunch---it's first come first serve. This will pose some difficulty for parties of 2 or more, especially since at about 12 pmish, the wait can go for as long as 2 hours. Not sure how you all may feel about that. At any rate, should you want some music and libations, Red Rooster has an after-hours nightclub down stairs. This place is definitely a one stop shop kinda venue. While I prefer to migrate to other locations in Harlem, for some added adventure, it is nice to know in the back of my mind that I can always come here for brunch, dinner, and libations.....
(4)Alex S.
I have no clue what the detractors are talking about - this place is great and we can't wait to go back. There was no live music while we dined, but the convivial ambiance and the lively atmosphere were fantastic without it. Red Rooster's decor also bears mentioning: it walks the fine line between classic and unique, homey and classy. In this way it was one of the most memorable dining experiences I've had in the city. For dinner my partner and I had the cornbread (very tasty), the meatballs, and the shrimp and grits. We also enjoyed a pitcher the Rooster sangria but will probably just opt for a bottle of wine next time as the pitcher was a bit heavy on the ice. In summary, this is a very special place serving delicious food and we are already planning our return!
(5)Rin N.
We came here for brunch for a party of 8 at around 11.30am on Saturday and there was no wait! We were seated as soon as our whole party was here and we ordered a bunch of items to share. We started off with the corn bread and deviled eggs. Both very good. For our mains we got the fried yard bird, el jefe, pork & eggs, and the bird and the egg. My favorite was the fried yard bird and pork & egg. The chicken was perfectly crispy and seasoned. The mash potatoes that it came with was also so creamy and delicious. The pork was so tender and tasted great.
(4)Christine M.
This place gives off an awesome vibe. Came here with a friend, we made a reservation for 6:30, and found the place to be pretty empty. Once 7, 7:30 rolled around you saw a big crowd walk in though. The food here is really good. I shared a Lobster Mac and Greens and the BBQ Pork Chop with my friend and also shared the Wild Wild Wings. Everything was great, I have no complaints whatsoever. Even the dj did a great job. Would definitely come back here to eat!
(4)Gabi M.
Our Sunday brunch at Red Rooster was by far the most memorable, best meal of our trip to NY... but before that happened, I'll back up and give a bit of history: We had the honor of meeting Chef Marcus Samuelsson once before... It was summer 2011 and he was in Arizona doing a cooking demo and dinner at The Sanctuary. He made such an impression with both my husband and I, that we had "a meal at Red Rooster" on our bucket list ever since. I'm happy to say we can cross it off, but at the same time, I do hope we will be able to return and do it again during future visits to NYC. So now back to our meal: From the moment we entered RR, we saw happy people and felt amazing energy all around... both from the staff and from other guests. The service from the hostesses, bartenders, servers and runners was all stellar. Every person we interacted with was incredibly friendly and attentive. Thank you Marisa (who happened to wait on us that day) and staff. The live music was fabulous. The woman singing on the main level literally walked around the dining room and brought so much joy to everyone, it was remarkable! She was awesome (as were the musicians in the band). I didn't see first hand, but my husband walked downstairs to see live gospel music as well. I guess there is not a bad seat in the house! I don't believe you can go wrong with anything on the menu... I had the Migas and loved it, Jared had the Yard Bird (fried chicken) and said it was the best he's ever had, and we had a side (which was huge by the way) of chicken apple sausage. That sausage is not to be missed... I'm not even a huge sausage person, but I loved it! We ended up trading some of our sausage to the table next to us and got some cornbread in return. It was also delicious! Jared's dish came with some collards, which I ended up eating, and I loved those too. We were full from all of the above, but since it was our last meal of the trip, we figured we should end with a bang (and something sweet), so we ordered not one, but two desserts: the cheesecake and the butter cake. Both were good! It's worth noting that RR does not serve alcohol on Sundays until noon. (I'm assuming that is the law). So if you're a bloody mary or mimosa type, plan accordingly. Even without alcohol, you cannot go wrong with Sunday brunch at RR. Do it. You will not regret it! Five fabulous stars!
(5)Arielle D.
Omg the Brownstoner cocktail was awesome and the Wild Wild wings are the best wings I've had to date! Can't wait to try the dinner menu.
(4)Tim B.
Had the yard bird and mac & greens here. Concept of soul food with a refined culinary twist is understood, but a big miss during our dinner. Both dishes weren't memorable, however the atmosphere was. The mac & cheese was good, but didn't pair so well with the collard greens. The yard bird was good. Like others on here, it is probably the most popular dish on the menu. I do recommend trying to see, however there are other stuff on the menu that I'd probably try first next time. I appreciate the concept, Marcus!
(3)Kishory M.
I will start off saying the food is good. The service could have been WAY better for how hyped the resturant is. After waiting 20 minutes for our drinks (which happen to be 5 minutes before our food actually came out) I was looking around for our waiter (who was no where to be found) and another man helped us (his name was Richard). Richard went straight to the bar and got us our drinks, no wait at all. After the first round of drinks we ordered a second, my boyfriend's drink was not what he ordered at all. Richard over heard us talking to the waiter about it and came by and stepped in and personally made the drink for us (which was way better than the first time). He did a waaaay better job than our waiter did! He even wrapped our food up. He deserves a promotion if you ask me! I think with out Richard I would be raisin this place 2 stars. BUT on another note. This place is extremely hyped up. Price are extreme. Food is good (mac and cheese and greens are mind blowing ). The drinks are expensive and small with not much liquor in them. Did I mention everything is hella expensive ?! Service is eh okay (Richard helped make it okay rather than eh). It is also wicked crowded.. always! Over hyped. We came on a Friday. Ooooh, and we sat at a table for 6 with two other random couples (really awkward and not delightful). Expected a lot more from this place. I will probably go again, just for the Mac though!
(3)Michael K.
After years of saying we should go to Red Rooster we finally did. The ambiance is great. Great music, but not noisy. Hip place. Opened the night with a bourbon negroni made with pear infused bourbon. It was the best cocktail I have had in quite some time. My better half had the rooster punch, which was excellent, and it seemed that everyone in the restaurant was drinking it. The black kale salad was very good, but was a little light on the advertised bottarga. Fried yardbird was incredible. Succulent, not greasy. The collared greens were delicious, and great potatoes. Helga's meatballs were really really good. The cabbage and lingonberry was an excellent flavor, and again, really good potatoes. Desserts left nothing to be desired, and they even had Calvados on the drink list. The only complaint is that there is something disjointed about the service. A lot of time spent with empty drinks wondering where the refills were. Like really long waits. We ordered another round when the food came and the second came while they were clearing the dishes, and we ate slowly to wait for our drinks. If the service was more efficient it would be 5 stars, it is a bit annoying to eat with no drinks and really lessened the experience. Having to ask three or four times over a half hour to 45 minutes or so isn't really acceptable.
(3)Tiffany W.
Red Rooster is a go-to place for anyone visiting NYC for the first time. It's got a great ambiance and there's always a good crowd. However, I do feel like their menu could be much better. With the legendary and affordable Sylvia's right next door, you'd think that RR would step up their game a bit. For one, there weren't very many vegetarian options on the menu. Secondly, the food that we did end up ordering was just ok. For the price that one pays at this lovely establishment, you want to rave about it. My sister and I went to the jazz lounge downstairs which was nice, however the drink service was slow. Again, RR is a solid stop in your list of NYC things to do, but just don't have super high expectations.
(3)Cortney W.
My friend and I arrived at Red Rooster a little before 9 PM. Our reservation was at 9. The restaurant was packed and lively. There's a large bar towards the front of the restaurant that you see once you first walk in. The hostess told us it would be a few minutes until our table was ready and encouraged us to have a drink at the bar. I ordered a white sangria (was missing the fruit) and my friend a Ketel One and ginger ale. We waited and chatted. Everyone at the bar appeared to be enjoying themselves. The service could have been a tad quicker. We attempted to check out Ginny's Supper Club downstairs but that area was packed as well. There was a live band playing which we want to go back and see play. The table was ready around 9:30 PM. It was a bit of a wait which we found a little annoying. But Red Rooster quickly made up for it. Once we were seated the first thing we noticed was the warmth in the restaurant. It wasn't particularly hot outside. However with so many patrons it was definitely warmer than it should have been. We were asked to place our orders rather quickly. Luckily we had both scouted out the menu before hand and knew exactly what we wanted! We both ordered: -the Yardbird (crispy fried chicken with a side of mashed potatoes, and greens) - a cornbread to share - the grilled Mexican sweet corn -complimentary deviled eggs (on the house because of the wait) Everything was delicious and hot when it came out. We were both impressed at how quickly the food arrived to the table which was great because we were both starving once we arrived. We ordered another round of drinks and a manager came to check on us which was very thoughtful. The only drawbacks were the size of the tables (very small and felt a little cramped sitting so close to other patrons), the wait (which was made up for with the free appetizer), and the temperature in the restaurant. That definitely needs to be worked on. I look forward to my next Red Rooster experience!
(4)Ama L.
Lovely atmosphere . The music is an amazing mixture of all things black and brown in culture .My bartender was friendly and made an amazing brownstone signature cocktail . The cornbread was excellent !
(5)Your P.
We really wanted to like it... Well, "...your table will be ready in about 20 minutes" materialized in over one hour of waiting. Okay, now the food must blow your boot out of the water. All these people, the hefty price tags, the good reviews - they cannot be wrong. So, we ordered and ... what a disappointment! It turned out to be just another overhyped, overpriced New York place with under-average food. Cornbread... not exceptional - very fatty, and I was missing this special crust, this light sweetness, if you know what I mean. $20 salad - complete lack of taste and "sprinkled" with a ton of very dry bacon. The $19 burger - no aroma, unseasoned patties, instead of some secret sauce, just ketchup. The French Fries were okay, but covered in a crust of salt.
(2)Courtney F.
I'd wanted to try Red Rooster for a LONG time and I was actually really disappointed by the fact that the food was just not great at all. The staff was pleasant and the wait was reasonable for a summer Saturday night, but the food was so blah. I had a shrimp pasta dish, which literally had two shrimp and was flavorless. Overall, it just seems overhyped. I was expecting so much more.
(1)Janice L.
I came here to celebrate a birthday and wow, was it good. The wings appetizer were the best buffalo wings I have ever had. I also had the mac and cheese skillet (darn forgot to ask for the lobster) - so good! It was the best mac and cheese I've had in my life. For drinks, I got the corpse reviver with absinthe - amazing. The staff was super friendly and polite. They were on top of their game. The prices you would think would be much higher. It's not! It's so affordable and reasonable especially with how great Marcus Samuelsson is. Definitely would go back!
(5)Arti N.
Brought a party of 6 yesterday for lunch. I had been looking forward to trying Red Rooster for a while, ever since I read Marcus Samuelsson's autobiography a year ago and became a big fan! In our party were 4 adults, an extremely picky 5yo (mine), and my 5yo niece who has a long list of allergies. I called a number of times to ensure that my niece was going to get an option that she would enjoy, and the head chef (Chef Kingsley) specifically tailored a meal for her. She loved her roast chicken, carrots, and potatoes very much and the chef came out to our table to check on her... he mentioned that he had a son with numerous allergies as well, and so we knew immediately that he was in a good position to know what a kid would enjoy eating. I asked after Chef Marcus, but our server mentioned he was in Africa. Decor-wise, the place was very inviting and clean. Lots of interesting photographs and artifacts lined the walls. If I lived local, the round curved front bar looked like a fun place to grab a drink after work or on a weekend night. Food-wise, we stuck to the menu mainstays and were quite happy! ~ cornbread w/ honey butter and tomato jam ~ blackened catfish and grits w/ fennel-raisin chutney, smoked ham, and grilled lime ~ fried yardbird w/ dark meat, white mace gravy, mashed potatoes, and bread and butter pickles ~ helga's meatballs w/ lingonberries, braised green cabbage, and buttermilk mashed potatoes The only thing I didn't wholly enjoy was the catfish but hubby disagreed, licking the plate clean ;) The mashed potatoes require special note- creamy with crunchy onions and chopped green onion on top. The yardbird was smoky crunchy-crispy perfection! My glass of grillo was a refreshing combo to all the fried food and hubby and nephew liked their lagunitas IPA. We got a chocolate cupcake to go, which my daughter devoured back in the apartment- i tried a little of the frosting which was tasty and not too sweet, like a fresh nutmeg/clove flavor. All in all, a very excellent memorable meal! :)
(4)Matt R.
Was a little disappointed. Bar scene is hip but loud, and cocktails were good but not that tasty. Food was inconsistent, and service was very rushed and poor. Seemed the staff had complete disregard for hospitality. Cornbread was tasty, dirty rice was not, shrimp and grits was ok, but salmon entree was outstanding. Mac and cheese was ok. Not really worth the two Ubur rides to get there.
(3)Lisa J.
Service was attentive and the food was adequate though nothing to write home about. The brevity of this review pretty much encapsulates how I feel about this place.
(3)Lisa C.
My friends and I had a lovely evening at the Red Rooster. The place was buzzing and the locals very friendly coming and chatting to us because we were Australian - I guess that made us a bit exotic. The service here was impeccable. The food was very nice and extremely generous portions.
(4)Brandon L.
I can't begin to explain how UNDERWHELMING Red Rooster is. This is one of those restaurants that, due to its name recognition and high profile chef, make it to the top of plenty foodie top-ten lists, but rest assured, what you're getting at Red Rooster is nothing more than inflated prices and lackluster serving sizes. Tonight, myself and two friends went to Red Rooster after making a reservation three weeks ago. Our expectations were high, as the three of us have a soft spot, like many, for southern food. However, don't be deceived. What you'll get at Red Rooster is nothing but a bad aftertaste and mediocre food dressed up in a fancy, overpriced menu. $27 for two pieces of basic, bland fried chicken (I.E. "Fried Yard Bird") and $16 for a scrap of waffle and two tiny pieces of chicken? And more about the chicken and waffle, each of us were given a ONE QUARTER PIECE of waffle for the chicken and waffle dish. Photos on Yelp show the dish served with TWO pieces of waffle, but let me be clear that we were only given ONE (or one quarter cut a piece of waffle for $16)! Can you say, "RIPOFF?" If you want true comfort food, go elsewhere, because Red Rooster is nothing more than HYPE.
(1)Jenny L.
Finally checked off Red Rooster from my list, we went for restaurant week dinner last week. The restaurant is conveniently located next to the 1,2 train at 125th street. Stepping into the restaurant, we were greeted by lively, energetic music and a fabulous bar area. It was dinner time and the room had a inviting warm glow, the grand liquor shelf is a beautiful divider between the bar and the main dining room. The staff was great, from the welcoming hostess to the friendly waiters. The menu had a few restaurant week options and we also ordered from the every day menu - we've heard a lot about the fried yardbird. We had the cauliflower and oyster soup, cornbread, and hamachi to start, followed by the blackened catfish, Helga's meatballs, fried yardbird, and finished with the red rooster douhgnuts. The seasoning on the catfish that evening was too strong and herbal-y for my taste and they graciously exchanged it for the meatballs which is one of the chef's signature dishes from his days at Aquavit. Their mashed potato is one of the best I've ever had. Red Rooster also has a extensive drink list, with a nice variety of cocktails, pitchers of punch, wines by the glass and on tap, as well as draught and bottled beer. I had the Bear Republic Racer 5 and went well with the meal. It looked like everyone was having a great time unwinding from the day, the vibe was cool, fun, and sexy. Leave the pretentious downtown attitude at the door, the setting here is perfect for a relaxing meal and soulful conversations.
(5)Kisha E.
Cute place with mediocre soul food- stop here for a drink and enjoy some music before heading somewhere else to eat. Very cool vibe - smooth jazz band playing in the corner during Sunday brunch, hip decor, pretty & tasty drinks at a lively wrap around bar. Not thrilled with the menu - small portions that are pretty overpriced for Harlem. The Rooster chopped chicken salad ($18) was misleading because the few pieces of chicken were completely covered by bits of bacon sprinkled throughout. The sweet potato French toast is pretty solid and so are the Mac & Greens. Will definitely come back to hang at the bar but not to eat. If you decide to come here for brunch, definitely make a reservation if you don't want to wait for an hour or more.
(3)Larry J.
I stopped in here at noon on a Friday and left impressed. Overall it's my kinda place. Nice feel, nice vibe, nice clientele. Similar to the DC-area Busboys and Poets, the look and feel of the place just rub me the right way. There's outdoor seating and inside the area is split between a bar area in the front half and seated dining in the back half. My bartender was very nice and suggested and even offered me a sip of a rooster sangria I didn't consider. All three of the rooster sangrias were great with the Rooster Punch maybe being my favorite (They're all great). I got the chopped chicken salad, which would make you think it was a mayonnaise-type chicken salad but wasn't. It was light and tasty and I really liked it (the egg and avocado were a nice touch). The place is easy enough to get to and the location isn't hard to find. I imagine it's a busy and popular place so I'm glad I went when I did. The bartender even offered me a survey card to fill out,no doubt sensing my positive experience. I said good things about her and the place. A well-deserved Five-Stars.
(5)Pristina A.
Salty and overpriced. The lobster mac was runny, and just not good. I had it sent back. Greens were super salty. Fried chicken was good. Over a hundred dollars later with one entree taken off, I never want to go back.
(1)Michelle S.
We came for brunch and ordered the Rooster Scramble and the Yard Bird...both were DELICIOUS! The decor was also really beautiful, and the entertainment was great. I've never seen live music hosted during brunch before, but it was a great way to start the day! Would have been 5 stars, but as the place got busier during our meal, we waited a long time for our last refills as well as the check.
(4)John G.
Horrible service at the bar . Me and a friend as well as stranger waited so long for a drink we actually took a bet over/under 30 mins to see when we would be served (it was over btw). What's worse is we are clearly seated there but would be bypass for other customers who showed up behind us despite waving for their attention. I felt so worried that our stranger companion wouldn't be able to get her drink promptly I just bought her drink when me and my buddy got served. Wouldn't go here again. Only reason to give this 1 star is they have monkey shoulder scotch.
(1)Jonas T.
This was really worth a trip from 26th street on the Sunday morning. When we arrived at 10am there was already a long que of people. But it was worth it. The brunch was excellent and so was the band that played old hits. The warm cornbread was outstanding.
(4)Rachel G.
When in Harlem, eat at Red Rooster. The food is incredible, the band is great and the place becomes so lively at night. I was with a party of 3 girls and we shared the fried bird royale for 2. That first bite of fried chicken, crunchy and salty on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, was worthy enough of a five star rating. Add the delicious sauces, biscuits, waffles and creamy Mac n cheese and you've got the perfect meal. We topped our meal off with the brownie sundae and it was well worth every calorie.
(5)Rick B.
Red Rooster Restaurant...July 2014 - 4 Stars: my first trip to Harlem...and a memorable one to boot. The chef Marcus Samuelsson (Ethiopian born and Swedish raised) has had a fascinating life journey from the old country to the top of the cooking world. His memoir - Yes, Chef - was an interesting tale of a hard-charging and extremely competitive chef. The story begins in Ethiopia where Kassahun Tsegie was born, contracted TB, was orphaned and adopted all before he turned three. From there he was raised as Marcus Samuelsson by his adoptive parents in Sweden, and went on to battle his way through kitchens across Europe and the United States until he rose to the top of the pile, earning a number of awards and high ratings at Aquavit in New York when he was but 24 years old. The Red Rooster is his first independent neighborhood-based adventure and opened in 2010. What was really fun was that this area of Harlem is gentrifying, and places like the Red Rooster are driving the trend. This was a happening place - really part of the New York restaurant scene. The customers came from all walks of life and ethnicities...and that is part of what made it fun. It was a real melting pot of people. If you had reservations about going to Harlem, you might want to rethink that and give this restaurant a try. We thought it totally worth the trip. We arrived on the day of the World Cup finals, and the place was humming. There was a big screen TV outside to keep those waiting for a table occupied...and another in the bar area. If you plan ahead, make reservations and it will save you lots of time. The Red Rooster is mainly a huge room on the first floor, split between a full-service bar area on one side of a divider and the eating area on the other side. The kitchen is sort of semi-open so you can see some of what goes on. There is a small separate dining area in the basement called Ginny's Supper Club - which is a lounge with live music and soul food that was not open when we were there. The food in the main dining room of the Red Rooster was very nice and just a bit from the usual to make it even more of an adventure. For example, two in our party had Fried Yardbird ... all dark meat that has been brined, fried with a light but crunchy breading, served with white mace gravy, mashed potatoes, and butter pickles. One of us had Helga's Meatballs, these could have been a tad lighter but they had a nice even taste. The last of our party had Shrimp & Grits...very flavorful and it just might have been the pick of our table. All in all the food was very nice, served quickly, and the wait staff was attentive. As an aside, I had read the Chef's book and brought it along just in case he was there...he was and he kindly signed it for me. He was also kind enough to have his picture taken with our group. This place is Marcus Samuelsson...it lives and breathes his presence. He works the crowd a couple of times a day, while his assistants run the kitchen. He is the rain maker and the big draw for the Red Rooster. This place was solid three-star food in a five-star happening place - I give it a four-star rating and would love to return.
(4)Jenn A.
*Dinner Review* I previously came here to go to Ginny's downstairs. This time, I came for dinner. Although I've been curious about trying out the food because of all the buzz (and more so recently since it's now one of my local restaurants within a few blocks from my home), I was a bit *iffy* because the reviews I'd heard from friends were always either: "It's great!" OR "It's overrated." Clearly, I didn't feel compelled, other than my own curiosity. Came here unplanned on a Saturday night. As soon as we were looking at the menu, a friendly and sharply dressed host came up to ask to ask us if we had any questions and if we were interested in dining. We said yes - the inside tables were packed, so we sat outside on a nice summer night. The bar area was nicely filled with a mixed crowd. The service here - unlike most other Harlem establishments - was on-point! About a minute or so after we sat down, our server came by with menus. She let us peruse the offerings for a few minutes and came by to take our drink and food orders. She was nice and had a smile. The drinks were strong and yummy!!!! The food was delicious. We had the cornbread as a starter. It came with softened butter and tomato salsa. Never thought of salsa with cornbread, but I tried it and I was pleased. We both ordered the chicken and waffles since neither of us was very hungry. I love Southern food - and I haven't had chicken and waffles in a while - so I was looking forward to it. The meal included one piece of fried chicken breast - no bone. It was sufficiently tender - but not juicy. Would have been happier if it was juicy. The flavors were good though. The waffles tasted as if they were freshly made. It came with maple butter and syrup. I really liked the meal. After we paid, the server brought us a tin container than held sachets of chocolate-and-nut tea. That was a nice, creative, and unique end to a meal - rather than boring mints. (My friend left his tea on the table - so mad at him b/c I could have taken it.) I had the tea today and this is clearly gourmet-type fresh tea leaves. It had an essence and mild chocolate flavor with notes of nuts in it. Just superb! The verdict?! - It's great! Definitely NOT overrated. I'll gladly return for another meal!
(4)Ma J.
I went here for dinner last night. Overall I really like the experience. The waiters are always amazing and the downstairs supper club is always great... I took my boyfriend there last night, and the drinks are really good! We had a fizzy drink and I think it had basil or something in it (outstanding!). The issue I have is with the quality of their steak. For a 37 dollar steak the meat tastes very cheap. It was also cut up. Who wants to pay that much for pepper steak?? I had the salmon. It had a nice flavor but a little too underdone and no sides for the steak or the salmon. We ordered Mac and cheese and that had to be the highlight of the Meal. It was by far the best I ever had. I wanted to love this place but the food is too expensive. I am all about quality over quantity but unfortunately it isn't even quality :(
(3)Venessa R.
Best food and experience ive ever had. We got the pork belly and beans app which was amazing. And i got the yard bird for my main which was the best chicken ive ever had, super moist and flavorful. And the service was superb. Someone was always coming around to fill our waters and check up on us. Now this is how a restaurant should be. If i lived in nyc i would absolutely be back more often!
(5)Vanessa M.
If you make a reservation it makes your experience here better. I have been wanting to go here for ages and finally forced myself to take the trip "way up north" to experience Marcus' work and boy was it worth it. We practically ordered the whole menu because I wanted to try everything! Here goes: Red Rooster Punch - super delicious but not as strong as I expected. Closer to a sangria then a punch Cornbread - large portion of cornbread with three thick slices. The butter that accompanies it is perfect. I prefer my cornbread a little more moist but it had all the flavor Wild wings- I would go back just for these suckers! They are not drenched in sauce and are big and juicy. The flavor was absolutely amazing. It had the kick of regular buffalo wings but an additional amazing jerk flavor that really put them over the edge for me. The dressing that comes with them is so perfect too. Parmesan Fries- just great and not too greasy Catfish - crisp, flavorful with a kick, and placed on top of a creamy grits concoction! Lobster Mac & cheese with greens - large adult rigatoni pasta with some greens inside as well as a small salad next to it. This was the least favorite part of my meal unfortunately. There wasn't much lobster and the Mac and cheese was dry not creamy and cheese like I like it. S'mores dessert- the toasted marshmallow ice cream is mindblowing and really I could eat it everyday. Too bad there is only a little bit! All in all it was a fantastic meal! Definitely on the expensive side but was worth the trek and the treat!!
(4)Trinh And Laurie L.
We tried the place once. The food was good but not memorable. But overall we spent a good time. The place had a convivial atmosphere and there was a nice band playing. The service was great too. It's a cool place to chill out with some nice music and vibes.
(4)M L.
What a fab place, everything from the cocktails to sweeedish meatballs is really really great
(5)Chris S.
Very original menu in the vein of Southern Comfort Food. Try the salmon appetizer served in a mason jar with layers of guac. It's amazing. The lobster mac and cheese is a winter favorite. If you haven't been there yet put it on your itinerary for lunch! Eclectic furnishings, great ambiance and friendly service.
(4)G V.
Ordered the Peanut Chicken and it is hard and dry! My nephew said that he rather eat the rotisserie chicken from costco. Too bad since it cost $28! The Fried Yarnbird was a little better than the peanut chicken. Watch out for $25 cover charge when there is a jazz playing. Gave two stars for nice service and food presentation.
(2)N A.
We had heard so much of this place before coming here. We are from Sweden so we almost felt we had to visit the Swedish chef place up in Harlem. We had their tripple double burger and their chicken with peanut sauce. Great taste but not THAT special. The place was very crowded and LOUD, to loud and not a very nice environment dining in.
(3)Lauren A.
I wanted to love, this place I really did... I am such a fan of Chef Marcus Samuelson and was so excited to eat at his restaurant but my expectations were far from met. I came here for brunch with two friends. ALL the way from the west village I trekked to try out this place. We started out with the cornbread and grits which were SO YUM and YUM!!! If you come here def order these two items. For drinks we had a bloody mary which was not that great, and a mimosa for $12.. really? For our main meals we had the migas, omelette and catfish sandwich. An Omelette for $14 dollars that doesn't even come with hash browns and just tastes plain? I should have stuck with the cheap diner in midtown. The catfish sandwich was SO SOGGY and did not taste good at all my friend barely ate half of it. The migas were not bad although the hashbrowns were overwhelming with strong cumin flavor. Needless to say I will not be back any time soon. I give 5 stars for the cornbread and cheesy grits, but one-two stars for the rest of the meal.
(3)Pegah Y.
This place is a lot more ritzy and loungey than I expected. I was hoping for a diner-y soul food type place but instead we found a really hip metropolitan sort of place. Very out of character with the surrounding area. Still, I was not disappointed with the meal I ordered - the Fried Yard Bird, which was comprised of dark meat, white mace gravy, mashes potatoes, bread, and butter pickles. The fried chicken was one of the best I've ever had - no joke. It was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and tasted very fresh and, oddly enough, healthy! The mashed potatoes were great too, though it would have been nice to have a bit more of it. I think next time I'm in the area, I may go down the street to Sylvia's for more down to earth soul food. However, Red Rooster was not at all disappointing. As a side note, apparently President Barack Obama has made a famous visit to this establishment.
(4)Rob K.
Three words: fried yard bird.
(5)Violet S.
Went for a Birthday dinner with my coworkers.. Not only did the waitress bring our appetizers after the couple seated after us but the sad salad void of dressing, the bloody chicken wing and the undercooked rigatoni in water masquerading as Mac and cheese?? We couldn't even finish it. The manager felt so bad she just charged for drinks.. Go to Blvd Bistro instead
(1)Ryna D.
For last Sunday's dinner festivities I chose this as our group's destination. Getting a reservation for 7 was actually not hard, but I did call a month in advance. The restaurant definitely had an uptown vibe. The over all lay-out and decor was very hip and urbane. I was a little annoyed that we had to wait about 20 minutes even though we were on time for our reservations. But these things happen and as long as the service is good, I can deal with it. Our server Joe was very nice and friendly. I really liked that he was adamant about not making any specific food recommendations. He reasoned that everything is good and that we should order what caught our eye on first glance. For appetizers I got to try the crab cakes (Originality: 4 stars, Presentation: 3.5 stars, Taste: 4.5 stars), the Gravlax (O: 4.5 stars, P: 5 stars, T: 5 stars), and the lobster and watercress salad which had an unexpected but pleasant spice to it (O: 5 stars, P: 4.5 stars, T: 5 stars). For the entree I got to try the Uptown steak frites (O: 3.5 stars, P: 3.5 stars, T: 4 stars) which was a really great cut of meat but wasn't seasoned as excitingly as his other dishes; the Yard bird (O: 4 stars, P: 3.5 stars, T: 4.5 stars) which is Samuelsson's take on Southern fried chicken; and Helga's meatballs (O: 4 stars, P: 3.5 stars, T: 4.5 stars) a more classic dish. We were so full so for dessert I only tried the whiskey fudge which was really good! (O: 4 stars, P: 3 stars, T: 5 stars) The cocktail selection was interesting and tended on the boozy side. I was very happy with my Negroni. Over all, the food itself averaged on 4 stars but the service is great and the atmosphere is fun. And there's also the fact that Obama himself has dined here. I can definitely see myself going back given the location.
(4)Gregory M.
This is a great place for 4 people who want to eat a dinner family style. Order a pitcher of a cocktail (yes, chef was our pick) and then split a few entrees and a couple sides. The fried yardbird, jerk chicken, and helga's meat balls were favorites. Don't miss out on the coconut rice. Don't order seafood here. It's fine but that's not why you go here.
(4)Tiffany S.
Dang. I was really looking forward to this place. This summer a friend of mine and myself decided to make a Fried Chicken list and to go to ALL the good ones in the city. We were super excited about this one. Now mind you, the waiter and hostess were SO super nice and friendly. If it was based solely off of that, 5 stars. We came for a birthday and was about a half hour late for reservations but they seated us quickly on a busy weekend night. Also, the waiter was more than happy to take a bunch of birthday pictures for our table too. I like the atmosphere too. Fun, hip, trendy. Now onto the food. For drinks: The Dillio - Very good and strong. A bit too strong for me but I enjoyed it. Rooster Punch - Umm, it's sangria. It's ok, not too strong.. more like juice. The Savoy - Yum! Light, fruity, refreshing. Small's Paradise - Probably my favorite. Tastes girly but has a strong kick. Appetizers: Corn bread - So overpriced. $6 for two slices of cornbread. Now if the actual cornbread was good.. that's a different story. It was more like a pound cake slice with cornmeal. I like my cornbread more grainy I guess. However, the honey butter and whatever sauce it came with was good. Still doesn't justify $3 per slice though. Dirty Rice and Shrimp - The shrimp was really good! The rice however, was so so dry. Fries - Mmm.. my favorite of the meal. That's never a good thing though. Thin, crispy, flavorful. Entrees: Fried Yard Bird - The entire table got this with the exception of one. So overrated. So unfortunate. It just tastes like regular fried chicken. Yes, it was good. But what makes it special? I don't understand. It wasn't as flavorful as I'd like. They gave a shaker of seasonings though for this.. but still... something was missing. Roasted Chicken - This was pretty damn good! A nice surprise. Very juicy, flavorful. Everyone agreed this was far better. Desserts: Sweet Potato Doughnuts - Again.. Overrated? I don't get it. Cheesecake - YUM! This was good. The sherbet it came with tasted exactly like a mojito. Also, the sauces with the cheesecake went really well together. Was a nice surprisingly light dessert. Overall, not worth the trip to Harlem. We all walked out of there like... Umm, we just paid $100+ pp for mediocre fried chicken. What is wrong with us?? The quest for the best fried chicken continues...
(2)Jeffrey H.
Fantastic fried chicken. Great mac and cheese and collard greens. I love the decor, and the live music.
(5)Kimberly D.
I really enjoyed my experience here more than the food. My intuition told me to avoid the Swedish Meatballs and I should have. They were actually fine, but the dishes I saw passing me looked fabulous - wings, escargot, it all looked great. I needed more people with me to try variety. Maybe next time!
(4)Drew L.
The food was good, but could have been warmer. The hostess and waiter communication could have been better cause waiting an hour for a reservation table is a little much. Food was still great!
(3)Mara G.
I had a very enjoyable post-theater visit to the restaurant. The crowd was huge, but the staff was friendly, patient and helpful. Kgdc1 and I got seats at the bar after 45 minutes of standing and socializing with drinks in hand. The food was excellent. I enjoyed the Dirty Rice with Shrimp!
(4)L. H.
Delicious Delicious Delicious. Very interesting menu choices, wonderful décor and great staff.
(5)lawrence w.
I am surprised that I actually liked this place. I went in expecting less and came out satisfied. Other celebrity chefs should learn from this... COUGH Gordon Ramsey. The menu is simple but each dish was well executed. I recommend the Caribbean bacon. It came in this slow cooked bean sauce that was out of this world! The mexican corn was also done well. The chicken and waffle was not bad, but I have had better. The waffle was colder than room temperature. In my opinion it wasn't worth the price. For my main course, i had the yardbird and jerk chicken. I prefer the yardbird. It came with hot sauce that added another dimension. The jerk chicken was not bad. It was well cooked and better than other jerk chickens i have had. Desert was not awe inspiring. I got the ginger peach cobbler with almond brittle ice cream. The best part was the ice cream, which I could eat gallon of. However the rest of the desert was forgettable. Service was good. The waiter was nice. Food came out fast. Water was filled fast. The two things that prevented a 5 star rating and ruined the dinning experience was 1. they forced our party of 2 to share a booth (meant for 5) even though we had reservations! We were originally placed at the end of a long table with a birthday party (table had over 10 people... Not including us). Only after complaining were we "upgraded" to the booth. Not acceptable, and very poor planning. What the hell for a $$$ place. Ac could have been better...
(4)Susan H.
The food is fantastic and innovative. The service is just not up to the level of the food though. I have been back several times hoping it would improve. Once for example the waiter removed our bucket of wine before our table had finished it.
(3)Erica C.
i ordered the chicken and waffles and the rice pudding dessert. i enjoyed the rice pudding dessert more than the chicken and waffles. the rice pudding dessert had coconut sorbet and what looked like homemade rice krispies. the dessert had a really interesting taste (make it many interesting tastes) to it which i am glad i got to experience. the chicken and waffles was good but i regret not ordering something a bit more exciting. maybe being listed as an appetizer meant for it to be not too much for the taste buds. the service was fantastic. the chef went around greeting certain people and the waiters and waitresses cater to your needs really well.
(3)Sina N.
Undoubtedly a refreshing restaurant and hangout. But certainly a hype. Good live music, jazz & blues. Good service, but ridiculously difficult to get a table reservation -- but possible to be seated in the bar. The food isn't top notch, and the service is not all that. Hence, Red Rooster is not the Sacré-Cœur either. Apps: Corn Bread w/ honey syrup and tomato jam Market Green Salad Red Ceasar Dirty Rice & Shrimp Main: Mac & Greens Blackened Catfish w/ Black Eyed Peas Dessert: Sweet Potato Doughnuts Blueberry Pie w/ lemon ice-cream None of the dishes amazed our group of four. However, we had a really good time and enjoyed the ambiance of the beautifully decorated restaurant floor and the chef's kitchen view.
(4)Perry T.
I worried that after all the hype and how much I had heard about Red Rooster that it wouldn't quite live up to everything, but it more than exceeded my high expectations. The restaurant and outdoor seating area are like an oasis - there is great music and friendly people to greet you. The space inside is cleverly laid out, with a large figure 8 bar, a glass shelf partition, and the dining area behind. Also, somehow everyone who comes here is beautiful and well dressed, just a side note! My friend and I arrived early for our 7pm reservation so we got a few drinks at the bar. The bartenders carefully and expertly prepare each cocktail - I haven't seen a drink so meticulously and lovingly prepared in a long time! I opted for the house wine, which was surprisingly good. Once seated, our cheerful and friendly waitress told us the specials; unfortunately my friend and I had been very focused on the menu all day and had already made up our minds about what to order. We started with the cornbread: moist with a delicate crumb and actual kernels of corn. The honey butter and tomato jam were wonderful complements. We each had an appetizer of the chicken and waffles. I am no fried chicken connoisseur, but this is by far the best I have ever had: the breading is thick and crunchy and the chicken moist and tender. The waffles are light and fluffy and accompanied by a boozy bourbon maple syrup. We were also brought a poached oyster crostini and cucumber salad, compliments of the chef. For our entree we had the mac and greens. The mac and cheese part of the dish is a symphony of orchiette suspended in the most delicious, silky, sharp cheese sauce. I was in heaven. And even though I am not the hugest salad girl, I absolutely loved the mixed greens and vinaigrette the accompanied the mac and cheese. We could not manage dessert, so in the future I will remember to save room. Between the ambiance, service, food, AND a Marcus Samuelsson sighting, it was a wonderful night and one of the best meals I have had in a long time. I am already looking forward to coming back.
(5)O D.
Even if Marcus Samuelsson wasn't sitting at the table next to us, and even if he didn't stop his conversation to stand up and take a picture with my cousin and I I would still love this place, BUT because he did all that I am a bigger fan. The ambiance was amazing, we went on a sunday for brunch and we were greeted by a cheerful and gorgeous hostess, don't know her name but she was black, and black is beautiful. Any who, we sat at the bar where we imbibed and caught up. I had the Rooster Punch which soooo effing good! Love lushing it up on a sunday. I ordered something very simple and all american but delicious, my cousin wasn't very pleased with her meal but thats on her. SInce I write the reviews.....i'm the one that counts :)...needless to say I'll be dining at this fine establishment again, and again, and again.
(4)Raminder K.
Cool place with a great relaxed atmosphere. Staff were incredibly friendly, and the food was good. I had the dirty shrimp and rice and it had a lot of well balanced flavors. It's a bit pricey by Harlem standards but definitely worth a visit.
(4)Cheryl C.
I am happy to say that this lived up to our expectations! I have wanted to go to Red Rooster for a LONG time, being a Top Chef fan, I became familiar with Marcus Samuelsson and being a newish New Yorker, I wanted to try the Red Rooster. The fight was to get my husband to go north of Central Park South... he thinks of Harlem as nose bleed territory. So being a loving husband, he booked us a reservation for my birthday. He actually came down with a cold and so we called and moved the reservation out two weeks. We couldn't find anything on OpenTable but when we called they were more than accommodating. We headed up early to take in Harlem, as we don't get up there often and ended up at the restaurant 1.5 hours ahead of our reservation time. We threw caution to the wind and checked to see if we could be seated earlier and were in luck! We were seated at a communal table, which we actually like as we enjoy meeting new people whether they are New Yorkers as well or tourists. You can get a table for 2 if you want as well but I would imagine that reservation would be harder to get. I started my meal with an 'Obama-Tini which was AMAZING! It is a mix of Pineapple, Lime and Grapefruit juices and Wodka Vodka with crushed chili flakes and with my first mouthful it made me gasp out loud, it was stupid good. I raved about it so much I got to meet the gentlemen who created the drink and my table mates ordered it as well! We ordered deviled eggs which were as good as the ones at Spotted Pig which we love and we had some corn bread. The corn bread was good, quite sweet so if you are a purist, this isn't for you, the best part was that one side is grilled so it has a nice texture to it. I had Jerk Chicken which was very good and flavorful. My only comment is I personally like my Jerk Chicken spicy and it wasn't at all. They offered to make it spicier but I wanted to try it as designed by the chef and it was VERY good just not spicy but it was as it was meant to be. My husband had the Cajun Catfish and Grits which he really loved. Very smooth and cheesy grits and the fish was very fresh and moist. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the pièce de résistance was the stellar service that Mia, who had a 12 hour shift on her plate, provided us. She gave fantastic suggestions, a smile never left her face and really added to the experience of our meal. We would definitely recommend this restaurant and if you need someone to go with, call me! :)
(5)Rich B.
First, this is a great space with great energy. The night we were there they had live music, but somehow it was perfectly set up so that we all were able to talk and hear each other even while the music played. Some sort of crazy acoustic magic. We ordered a ton of dishes (we were a table of 10) with the highlight (for me) being the cornbread and most everything on the appetizer list. The only low point is that I'd probably skip the fried chicken, although the skin was spicy and tasty, the meat was thin and not that exciting.
(4)Naa Ama M.
Never ate here before but, ohhh child I did not know they had some kind of celebrity chef but from yalls reviews I will pass and go to Amy Ruths around the corner and have me some shrimp with bad service like I always do....I only drank, and drank, and drank and danced and danced. IF that Saturday NIGHT DJ plays the same set ONE more time im going to slap the hell out of him. I heard Friday was the night...of course dahling MOMA is there. But I have never gone on a Friday. The crowd was friendly and liked to dance and by drinks for beautiful women....I will go back and back and back.
(4)Christine Y.
While this rating may seem harsh for such a sophisticated yet homey establishment, please read on! I have no complaints about the service, food, or drinks --- they were good, just not blow-your-pants-off good. And while I love Marcus Samuelson, I just wanted better. This was my 2nd time at Red Rooster. Learning from my first experience a few years ago, I came for dinner right at 5:30pm when they opened. If you don't make a reservation, it is next to impossible to get seated at a normal dinner time. (Last time, my friends and I waited 2.5 frustratingly long hours because so much of their dining room is saved for reservations only). Regardless, we were promptly seated (for 2) at a communal table towards the back, in front of the open kitchen. The entire place is clean and rustic, and watching the food get prepared is cool, but it appeared as though the only table for walk-ins were the 2 wooden communal tables at the back of the restaurant. Nearly every other small table was non-occupied and yet we were seated there... hmmm... Nonetheless, the service was never lacking - from the hostess to our waitress to the bus boys - everyone was professional and attentive. The manager even came out to greet every table. We ordered the cornbread as an appetizer - came with 2 warmed slices accompanied by honey butter and tomato jam. Honey butter = excellent, tomato jam tasted like... well, tomatoes... and completely overwhelmed the taste of the cornbread. We shared the Mac & Greens and Fried Yardbird as entrees - both good, just not blown-away great. My friend liked the mac n cheese with collard greens better than the fried chicken... I thought the mashed potatoes that came on the side hit the spot. We both agreed the fried yardbird skin was awesome (crispy and crunchy), but wished the chicken meat inside was hotter and more flavorful. The spiced seasoning gets tossed on the outside of the skin, but the actual chicken meat was kind of bland. We also ordered the Red Rooster doughnuts with sweet potato filling - like last time, they came in a mini fryer which is super cute. Nothing to complain about there. 7 mini fried balls of dough covered in cinnamon sugar with amazing homemade whipped cream. Kudos. Overall, the restaurant is charming and classy. We may have been a little under-dressed, but never felt out of place. Service and food were excellent, just not memorable. I really, really wanted to love it but I'm not sure I would trek all the way to Harlem to eat here again. Also, it's on the pricier side - perfect for date night, not so much for a quick bite.
(3)Ellen S.
Quite simply, the best restaurant meal I've had in 40 years of living and dining in New York. My first course of roasted corn bisque garnished with crayfish was sublime. I won't ask how much butter and cream was in there. And the Berbere roast chicken was magnificent; the white meat perfectly tender and juicy and the spice-rubbed skin extraordinarily crispy. Well, that's what separates the great chefs from the rest of us. The place was hoppin'. Loud and crazy, filled with live Latin music and very decorative and happy people, all having wonderful food and a wonderful time. Read the whole story at tinyurl.com/cesu54o
(5)Brenton G.
Service isn't great. Hostess is seemingly incapable of reasonable communication. Asked to be put on the wait list for a table after we were told the wait would be a half hour. Waited ten minutes for a place at the bar to open up. After another 40 minutes the hostess came to seat us at the bar tables. We reminded her that we were waiting to eat in the restaurant. She seemed confused. Came back and said she had a table. Disappeared for another half hour. The insisted she tried to seat is and we refused the seat at the bar. The manager sat by for the whole exchange not involving himself but in the interim when nothing was happening joked and laughed with the staff. Finally we just left after waisting an hour and a half.
(1)Jenny K.
I have to say I was shocked at the quality of this restaurant, given its popularity. We (my family and I) waited 30 minutes for a table in the middle of the afternoon while several out-door tables were available (and still are as I type this almost an hour later), only to be piled on top of another couple at one table. The food, which did come out quickly, was the of the most average quality. I had the mac and greens, my sister had the same with bacon, and my mother had the triple-double burger. The sides are certainly nothing special, almost tasteless. The beer menu is nothing to be proud of, though the other drinks may have been good. The staff was either rude or very slow, and the ambiance was only mediocre. The art on the walls reminds one of a highschool student art show. To be clear, that is not a compliment. I like the overall space and location but in all other respects this establishment definitely falls short. I was expecting 5 stars, and I barely got 3. It's a shame.
(3)Patrik D.
been here 3 times now. Got here with friends that want to visit this place in harlem during our monsterwalk, columbus-upper west-125-upper east. Food is not good at all, tried different courses and its so expensive. Btw the coke is always a good taste of water, cause its cheap fake coke. Now its enough, no more visits
(1)Jill D.
Outstanding lunch! I had the salmon Pre-fixs menu comes with soup or salad and doughnuts filled with sweet potato cream inside.
(5)Bondi R.
Great ambiance and service. Spectacular food and wine. Great taco stand with goat tacos, jerk, shredded beef, and vegetable on Friday nights at 11pm. Good music for a good time. The food is so flavorful.
(4)Cassie C.
I went here last night and I love the atmosphere. I haven't been out in Harlem in forever but I'm glad that I made the drive out there. It has a renovated piano bar feeling. The food was quite tasty. I will be recommending people to try this restaurant. The menu could be expanded but currently has good choices, that is the reason that I didn't give it 5 stars. But I will be back soon.
(4)Ronald P.
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(4)Rahel G.
Great food, kind of expensive but the atmosphere and service are wonderful. I tend to make meals of the appetizers; highly recommend the chicken & waffle and parmesan frites
(4)Abdul S.
I am so NOT impressed by Red Rooster. I had been trying to go there with my girlfriend and when we finally managed to get a reservation, our experience was below our expectations. First of all, i don't see the point in making a reservation when you get there exactly on time and still have to wait 25 minutes to be seated. We were a party of three and after that annoying wait we got seated in the back section right next to the kitchen doors. Not to mention the table was a picnic table that we obviously shared with people we didn't know and one of us had to sit on the edge of the table, in the hallway that led to the kitchen. The hostess came shortly afterwards with three glasses of champagne and apologized for the wait. We were not feeling comfortable in that place at all and when i asked our server if he could move us to another table, he did absolutely great and accommodated us to a much better table. I can say that he is the one who saved the day. But another server took care of us from there and she was okay. There aren't a lot of options on the menu. The food was good but not impressive at all, and way too pricey for that matter. I have had more delicious salmon filets in other places in Harlem for much less. Honestly, Red Rooster is overrated, to me. The decor is nice and all, but it is not all that. I am not going back there and quite frankly, i would not recommend it. I would give it 2.5 stars if i could.
(3)Raffi M.
Restaurants like Red Rooster are beginning to get on my nerves. It's not necessarily that the food is bad in any objective sense. My blackened cat fish was fairly spicy (though someone from New Orleans would ask for another coating of the spice mixture, assuming it had been forgotten) and well cooked (the gentleman sitting next to me at our communal table thundered, "No sushi, you hear?", and there was no danger of that with the well-flaked catfish) and it sat atop a bed of flavorful collard greens and black eyed peas. (although what the cold, doughy, almost inedible fried pickle was doing next to do I couldn't tell you). My drink, "The Brownstoner", the kind of astringent cocktail I always order, was a credit to the restaurant, and it's too bad that my wife's otherwise excellent roasted pork loin was a few degrees to the stringy side of done. So what's my problem? Basically that I don't understand why places have to be so twee and overwrought, so scenester without substance. Take, for example, our $9 "snack" of "tacos and tostadas" we ordered to nibble with our cocktails. For such a price, one would expect at least a somewhat substantial dish, enough to share. What we got was literally two quarter sized tostadas topped with a dimeful of fish, and similarly tiny crisp tacos. What am I supposed to do with this? Why is it $9? Similarly,why are those without reservations left to teeter on shaky high table near the bar? Do only people with reservations rate comfort? And why is a cocktail at a restaurant in Harlem $13? I can go to specialized cocktail places for a superior drink for the same price, no? It just all sits wrong somehow, poisoning the otherwise competent food. One last very positive note. I spilled my drink in the middle of the meal. It was cheerfully replaced on the house. Kudos.
(3)Kyle B.
I was so looking forward to dinner at the Red Rooster but ended up leaving feeling incredibly disappointed. I'm not sure if we just went on an off night or what, but I doubt I'll be back. The night started off when we arrived for our 9:30pm reservation on the early side and were told we'd be seated closer to our reservation time. That was totally acceptable so we headed to the bar to enjoy the live blues music. When 10pm came and went things started to go downhill. Not only was the hostess and her manager incredibly unapologetic but we didn't end up sitting down until well after 10. We were still super excited for the food but found that fair to average at best. Yes there were a couple standouts - the cocktails were great and the corn bread was out of this world. The Swedish meatballs were also delicious and unique, but that's where the fabulousness stopped. The fried green tomatoes were good, but not great and the fried chicken and waffles were fine ( the breading was interesting but the waffles were ordinary) as were the roasted nut appetizer and Parmesan fries. Good, but nothing special. I wouldn't waste my time with the Mac and cheese, as you can find a similar dish at a certain cheese shop in the west village that knocks it out of the park, and the burger was just plain over cooked. Really, my biggest issue was that I've had better versions of many of the dishes we tried at other restaurants in the city. Normally this wouldn't bother me so much but for a restaurant that has received so much hype and is on the pricier side, I was just so surprised by the experience. It's also worth noting that the restaurant was LOUD. I'm all for live music and initially thought it was really cool, but when it's 11 o'clock on a Sunday night and you can't can't carry on a conversation with your family over the noise, there's a problem.
(2)Laurie C.
I was excited to try this place to eat. I watch Marcus Samuelson on the food channel and when I heard the Red Rooster was his place, I just had to go. I went went for lunch today. The restaurant has outdoor seating, indoor the place has a funky vibe to it, the bar is spacious almost like a figure 8 shape. Open aired kitchen, moderate seating Inside, but I think there is downstairs seating(not sure). The menu isn't big, but soo interesting . I had an appetizer chicken n waffles..OMG!!!!! Honestly, I have never tasted chicken like that before. The flavors were incredible. It came with one good size breast of chicken, juicy and just yummy! Two waffles that were flavorful.. Chicken liver butter?? I was like "WHAT!!" Well it tasted like chicken liver pate.. So good! THEN OK.. Ready for this bourbon maple syrup... It was like a shot of bourbon!!! Pour that over that scrumptious fried chicken!!! Holy syrup !! Then I had chick pea salad. Interesting.. Deep fried chick peas that crunched when you took a bite. My friend ordered the shrimp cerviche, she said it was awesome, that was served with plantain chips. Kale salad was tasty. My other friend went for the popular dish "yard bird". It was two big fried chicken pieces (dark meat), mashed potatoes, and some dipping sauces.. It was a big dish that he couldn't even finish it. I have to say "AWESOME FOOD, GREAT ATMOSPHERE,WONDERFUL FRIENDLY STAFF , and quick service! #1 on my list in Harlem! Can't wait to go back again .. A MUST IF YOU ARE AROUND 127th and Lenox
(5)Jenny P.
Great food, vibe, and service! The cocktails were also amazing and the "Jazzy" ambiance made me feel as if I was transported to the Harlem Renaissance.
(4)Mike O.
Went here with my wife for a birthday brunch. It being one of the last waning nice days outside this fall, we decided to sit outside. Probably a good choice, because inside it was packed and loud with a live jazz singer, but not the good kind of loud. The cornbread smote us, it was so good, with the tomato butter! I ordered the fried yard bird and it was very fine, and although I'm not a huge fan of an all-dark meat chicken dinner, I understood the premise and thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The cheese grits were ridiculously cheesy, and delicious. All washed down with a Prohibition Ale or two, it was a fine birthday brunch. Our server sounded European and a little frazzled by the crowds. My meal came with "shake," a type of spice mixture, and while ordering we joked about how patrons might mistake it to be a milkshake. When I joked with my waiter again about where my milkshake was, he was embarrassed. He forgot the shake. And then he too way too long to check in on us and get us our bill. Look, on this corner of Lenox, you can go to Chez Lucienne, Red Rooster, or Sylvia's. I would go here first again, then Sylvia's. Two cents!
(4)Jalence I.
Food was amazing. Atmosphere was great. Restaurant was packed on the Saturday night that I went (around 7) and service was very good. We were in a rush (had all of 30 min to get to our next destination) and, to our surprise, the food came out very quickly, as promised. Prices are kinda ridiculous. I shared crab cakes and yard bird with a girlfriend. Glad I did bc the portion was too big for one person. My approval rating on the crab cakes (2) would have been higher had they been crispier on the outside; loved the greens and sauce on top. With a $26 price tag for fried chicken, sauce, and mashed potatoes, albeit yummy, a large portion was an absolute must. That said, a big guy sitting next to us who'd just finished his own entree of yard bird would disagree that portion sizes were big - it includes 2 leg quarters over a bed of mashed potatoes. Just depends on how much you can/want to eat. I'd go back...definitely seems like the place to be...diverse crowd...arguably, in the center of Harlem.
(4)Shannon S.
It's a very trendy nice place for harlem but the food is below average. 2 pieces of fried chicken is $26! With no sides. It's not even enough to fill you up! The crab cakes were decent but also small portion for price. Cornbread was good but not amazing. Service was good. I suggest going to Sylvia's for good food.
(2)Glen J.
We had dinner here tonight and when we arrived we were seated right away. The atmosphere was very inviting and upbeat. We really enjoyed our meals (shrimp and grits; "yardbird" chicken entree). The service was surprisingly quick and the staff was excellent. We will be back again!
(5)Amina C.
Before I start, I must say THE LIVE MUSIC HERE IS OUTSTANDING. That information aside, I hated my dining experience here. We sat downstairs in the music lounge for dinner. I couldn't find ANYTHING on this selective menu to eat. I'm Vegan, which is crazy, I know. But to not even OFFER a vegetarian option on the menu???? THAT'S what's crazy. So I drank my dinner. 2 tequila diablos- they were great. Would I go back? Yes... and sit at the bar and drink and listen to music. Would I go back to DINE? No way. McDonald's offers more vegetarian options on their menu than this place does.
(1)Tracy P.
Red Rooster, you've disappointed me for the last time. I brought a friend in from out of town here for lunch yesterday. We were able to get an outside table right away, which was a pleasant surprise. My friend had the gravalax sandwich which was huge and came with a nice, fresh salad on the side. I, on the other hand had the crab cake sandwich. The only thing huge about it was the huge disappointment I felt when I saw it. The crab cake was tiny and was all filler, no crab. I literally had difficulty finding crab in there anywhere. My filler cake was served on brioche which was much too soft and sweet. As I mentioned in my previous review, the food here is nowhere near the quality I would expect from a Samuelsson restaurant. Perhaps he should stop shilling his book and pay attention to the food coming out of his kitchen.
(2)Monique P.
My first time here, I think I might have given it 2 stars if it wasnt for the amazing chicken and waffles we shared as an appetizer, Firstly it was, what, 85 degrees at night last night, and all the doors are fully open, apparenlty Latin Night....It was hot as can humanly be in there, and the music was so loud, no discussion was to be had at our table. On top of this, we ordered a second drink (first was at the bar) right before our appetizer came, and it took oh, about 40 mins for it to arrive. I could have taken the train home, put some drinks in a sippy cup, and been back up to the restaurant in the time it took to get two drinks, which by the way wound up coming after the main course was about 3/4 finished. We would have cancelled it, but our waitress was bogged down with 10 other tables of Swedes and Germans with their kids, out for a nice meal at 10pm......She should have comped our drinks, since we made it crystal clear we weren't happy. No offense against Marcus, your food is good, but shoddy service made this an unpleasant experience. I'll stick to my swedish meatballs at Ikea for now on, and save the remaining $20......
(3)Jamie W.
Really great dining experience. The entire staff, from the hostess to the bartender to our friendly, knowledgeable waiter Leon, was terrific. You can tell they are exceptionally well trained. The food was sumptuous - warm and filling and pure comfort. I splurged on the Mac and Greens with bacon and enjoyed every bite! My companions all loved their meals too - fish and grits, deviled eggs, etc. It's a bit expensive, but worth it for a special night out.
(4)Salma M.
Hated it! I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with the restaurant itself and more with the pretentious, obnoxious crowd. Nothing on the menu seemed appetizing so I didn't eat there and probably never will. The drinks are over priced and not worth it and the bar tenders ignore newbies and focus on their regulars. Just my opinion, take it with a grain of salt, i couldn't bring myself to give this place a decent shot because of the crowd.
(1)Maria T.
FIrst let me start off by saying I am personally reluctant to believe that there are any good restaurants in Harlem (yes I really just said that) I should also admit I wouldn't necessarily go uptown just to have a good meal . However, Red Rooster has changed my mind on both fronts. So it is now that id like to retract my prior statements.. A. Great Service B. Great Space. and C. Great Food, plus the fact that they have a take away shop filed with Red Velvet cupcakes & other yummy little treats! THUMBS UP * "Maria's Don't Miss" The Fried Yard Bird
(5)Melanie T.
This place serves some delicious soul food alright. Everything about this place mixes classy with homey, high-brow with low-brow, from the the plates right down the food itself. The portion sizes here are huge, even the sides. When we all came here to celebrate. We started off with the fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes had a nice crust, not too thick and not too thin, and were topped with a creamy sauce and cooked bacon. Then came our entrees. I ordered the Mac n' Greens as a side dish portion and the Cornbread. The Cornbread was absolutely the best cornbread I have ever had in my entire life. It was more cake-like with a delicate crumb and a nice fluffy texture. The cornbread was served warm, and it was so buttery and just perfect. It's also served with maple butter and tomato jam. I wasn't a huge fan of the tomato jam, but I loved the maple butter. I probably could have been happy wolfing down two plates of that cornbread alone. The Mac n' Greens was also really delicious. It was exactly what a good mac and cheese out to be. Perfect al dente cooked pasta, I was addicted to these pasta corkscrews, with a creamy bechamel sauce, and a nice crust of cheese on top. The collard greens were the perfect justification for this decadent meal. The side dish portion I found to be very large as well. Other members of our party ordered the famous Yardbird. I tried part of the drumstick, and I have to say that this was some pretty good fried chicken. The chicken was moist with a shattering well seasoned crust, but boy was that a large piece of chicken. Another companion got the Burger, but opted for a side salad instead of the french fries. That side salad cracked me up, because it was huge. It was the size of a large regular side, but it looked delicious too. The service was speedy and attentive, as well as friendly. They were also very accommodating about making changes for the food. Of course we had to have dessert, so we ordered the Passionfruit Tart and the Red Rooster Doughnuts. The Passionfruit Tart had a chocolate cookie base with a passionfruit custard. Instead of the raspberry sorbet we opted for the passionfruit ice cream, which was so delicious. The ice cream was so creamy and not too sweet. It had a really great passionfruit flavor too. The Red Rooster doughnuts were yeast doughnuts soft and chewy with a sweet potato filling and covered in cinnamon sugar. If you couldn't tell already we obviously had a lot of fried food that night, but we're still up and kicking. I was more partial to the Passionfruit Tart, because I just love the combination of sweet and sour. But both desserts were great. We had a wonderful experience here.
(4)Jess L.
The food is super rocking. The flavors are authentic but also unique. You must try the corn bread (yes, take the tomato jam), crab cakes, yard bird, and creole grits. Do yourself a favor and end with the sweet potato donuts and coffee & donuts. Both were out of this world. The cocktails are a bit too expensive in my opinion, but there's a lot of variety. The beer list is also surprisingly large. Service is pretty average, but you won't feel like complaining about it. I feel like more could have been done with the decor, but the music -- especially the live jazz on Sundays -- really fit the space.
(4)Anne K.
Fancy, comfort-food, amazing cocktails. What more could a body want? Service was very good. Do not miss the cornbread.
(4)Very B.
Amazing cocktails and decor. Food is very tasty. I took a star away because it's very pricy, but the portions are huge to make the deal sweeter.
(4)Kelly G.
I don't care what Mara G. said because she was in chef-groupie mode. She loves the very idea of Marcus Samuelsson. I also don't care that the basement bar was under renovation at the time (meaning everybody) was crammed into the upstairs dining room/bar area. The scene was pure chaos. The wait was extremely long. And the bar & FOTH staff did not seem like they knew what they were doing. After 45-minutes of standing with drinks in hand, and checking back with the hostess, and hearing her give the "it'll be just a few more minutes" run-around to other patrons whose reservation time was 90-minutes ago, and seeing dining patrons lounging leisurely at their tables long after their check had been collected, I gave up any hope of ever getting seated. It was a long wait. But we managed to score two seats together at the bar. Yay! Another drink, please! The "Mac 'n' Greens" please. It was delicious Happy! Happy! Happy! Was it worth the frustrating wait? When will we get over these celebrity chefs? 1/20/12
(3)Jeff S.
Wow, what a spectacular dud. All the stuff I heard about this place was true; the service was slow and inefficient, the food was mediocre, and the prices were pretty high for what you get. Yet, the place was packed on a Wednesday. If this wasn't Marcus Samuelsson's place, it wouldn't be a blip on anyone's radar. But, it is what is is; a trendy spot without much substance. Pros - Cool vibe, gregarious celebrity chef owner, nice amount of quality beers on the menu. Cons - Pricey, subpar food across the board, slow staff (took over an hour to get food and drinks), very weak cocktails, and, apparently, a nasty C rating from the Dept. of Health nydailynews.com/money/20… . (Barely) two stars.
(2)Lakota C.
I would like to thank Red Rooster and especially its bartender,Kamal, downstairs at Ginny's. I had received some bad news and came into Red Rooster to have a drink and get my mind off things. The bar was quite busy when someone mentioned a bar downstairs. Well not only did I get a great drink, I got great conversation and heard some of the funniest stories ever. I suddenly realized that 2 hours had gone by, I had dinner AT THE BAR, which was delicious and a whole new attitude when I left. Thank you very much for lifting my spirits and making my night!
(5)Ernest T.
It's a great place to eat... The atmosphere and service are superb! The food is awesome.
(5)Ana D.
I've only visited this restaurant once before, but once was enough. Their brunch menu items are delicious. We had the cheese grits and spinach/goat cheese omlet, which became instant favorites. When we arrived, the place was pretty packed and we were a little nervous about wait time, but we got lucky. The person ahead of us canceled their reservation and we were bumped up and seated after waiting less than ten mins. We will absolutely be back.
(5)Jala H.
The basement club and live bands make this place worthy of 3 stars. The service is fast and the staff is friendly however, the food is fairly expensive and lacks favor. In short the food is just not good.
(3)d h.
Contrary to all the other opinions posted, I enjoyed my food, for the most part. We didn't have a reservation, so we had to wait around the bar for about 40 minutes. I had the prix fixe lunch meal. The soup was tasty. The Mac and Greens wasn't to my preferences, but that was more my fault than theirs. I saw the ingredients and am fully capable of reading that smoked gouda was featured heavily in the plate. I also know I don't like smoked gouda in mac and cheese. My bad. I still ate it. The desert was divine and I only regret I was too full to finish. Service in my section was very attentive.
(4)Michael W.
The restaurant staff was attentive but slow. Our 8:00 pm reservation wasn't taken till 8:20pm and it seemed par for the course. The food was sub par. Even the cornbread was nothing special. I had the double friend chicken which was greasy and also tasteless. We had a lamb appetizer that was so fatty it was barely edible. I would not eat their again
(1)Sahara J.
This place is fantastic. The service is amazing: our waitress were extremely friendly and the guy that greeted my mother at the door was so nice I thought they were friends lol. The food took a little longer to come that I wanted it to (it was a Saturday night in the city to be fair) but when it came it was so worth it. I had the macaroni and greens and it was delicious. The salad it came with was a little salty though. Even the lemonade was delicious. Afterwards my family and I went downstairs just to see the environment and it looked amazing. A live jazz band was playing awesome music and the atmosphere was really classy. I'll definitely be here again and again.
(5)Charlie R.
Not only was our dinner great (get the Swedish meatballs and the corn bread), but we got there early and were treated to a great Sunday afternoon jazz set. Now, drinks at the bar were overpriced and I couldn't get the bartender's attention, but the overall experience was a good one.
(4)Daniel K.
Great space, busy but not too crowded or noisy. Chairs are uncomfortable. Appetizers were okay. Bacon and egg is fantastic, dirty shrimp is ok, crab cakes and gravlax were unmemorable. The blackened catfish was flavorless and boring, surprisingly mediocre. Farm raised catfish for $24. The grits served with the catfish were tasty. The pork loin is quite good, very moist and perfectly cooked. The service was mediocre and inconsistent. After ordering the bartender then tries to sell you food off a tray, super low rent. They served the food to the wrong people with each course. At this price point I expect solid service.
(2)Phatkatmeowmeow M.
This is what me an my pple had All on point the cider glazed chop, fried yard bird, uptown steak, & jerk chicken deviled egg3 only come 3 on a plate corn bread & rooster punch
(5)Ryan B.
As my mother always said to me growing up, "I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed...." I was very disappointed with Red Rooster. After all the accolades, the celebrity chef, and the strong word of mouth, I expected a lot better than what I got. At the least, I expected a good restaurant, if not great. Red Rooster really missed the mark. I'm going to try and keep this review on the shorter side, so here are the bullet points -Weak and over priced drinks. $14 for a gin and juice signature cocktail at the bar, that had barely a thimble of booze in it. Also, the bartender spilt half of it while making it.... -Crappy draft beer selection. I think 4 beers on tap, and they were an odd selection. The bottle selection was very solid, but also way overpriced. $8+ for most of those bottled beers is insane... particularly in Harlem. In case you're curious, the wine list is also laughably overpriced, even for normal restaurant markups -Long wait times. Made a reservation for 730pm, got seated at 750pm..... on a Monday. Some would say that's a sign of a popular and good restaurant, I'd say that is very poor management. -No bread plate or anything similar. Reservation was 730, seated at 750, first food sighting (the appetizers) was at 820pm.... that's a long time to wait for food. A freaking roll would have been nice -Crowded restaurant. The tables are physically very small, and you're right on top of the people around you -Boring and overpriced food. The meatballs were ok, but nothing great, especially for $23. Go to Meatball Shop in LES or West Village, you'll spend $10 and get far tastier food. I got the roasted chicken, and it was really bland. There was no flavor to speak of, very boring, and I've honestly had better roasted chicken from the take-out at the supermarket. All I can really say is don't be suckered in, this place felt like a tourist trap (in Harlem some how...) For what you'll spend here, you could go to a hundred better restaurants in the city.
(2)Bobby G.
IF MONDAY YOU SAW A HANDSOME ITALIAN DUDE STRUTTING DOWN 125 th street SINGING COCK-A-DOODLE-DO, THAT WAS ME LEAVING THE RED ROOSTER... Ice tea still served unsweetened, but this time fruity and flavorful disappointed the very good shrimp and grits were no longer on the menu corn bread moist and delish with a nice soft honey butter and a way to cold tomato jam that I avoided. Next a Berber Roast Chicken, No not colored like Boston chicken but colors of Moms Baked Chicken. But oh no much better. Actually it was Darn Well perfect! A smooth cappuccino with out any bitterness and picture perfect foam and a pretty good desert. BEWARE these are Down Town Prices, In An Uptown Setting!
(5)Scott G.
I'm always in the mood to try out new places to eat, even if they happen to be over-hyped. I was hoping my dinner experience at Red Rooster was going to become my favorite 'fancy' Southern food joint, but this wasn't the case. Food: Pricy for what you get, and I didn't find myself going 'wow!' while eating their dishes. The famous 'Yard Bird' was quite juicy (and the skin was unique), but nothing out of this world. Their meatballs, however, were the highlight of the night. Service: Again, nothing to write home about. We all felt somewhat rushed throughout the experience. Their ambience is kinda 'funky' and apparently the downstairs becomes a dance club of sorts in the evening. I also found a plaque that stated Obama ate here. Wonder what he thought. As much as love the occasional Southern dish, I reckon I won't be coming back here anytime soon.
(2)Brian L.
I have heard a lot about this restaurant lately, and had to try it out. It wasn't easy to get a reservation, and that usually means its something special. I went into the night thinking it was going to be a throwback comfort food restaurant, so when I arrived, I felt under dressed. It was a little fancier that I expected, but I should have know with it being a Marcus Samuelsson restaurant. The restaurant is right off the subway which was really cool. I don't really ever travel uptown to go out to dinner. The place was laid out really cool, and the bar was hopping! We were sat shortly after our reservation time. We tried the cornbread which was amazing! So moist! I wish I had the recipe! We split the deviled eggs and the bok choy salad. Both were delicious! They made the deviled eggs vegetarian for my girlfriend, while I slathered on the chicken skin mayo all over mine! Yummy! I didn't exactly understand the bok choy being on the menu, but it was fine. For dinner I had the fried yard bird, which yelp reviews were insisting I tried. It was good...a little dry and kinda boring, but all the flavors were spot on. I loved the small plates and dishes the meal came on. I also had a side of mac and greens, which blew me away! So good! My girlfriend had the coconut cauliflower soup, which was another dish I really didn't understand. I know she didn't like it too much, but I thought it was good. We were too full to have dessert, but they all sounded amazing! As we were leaving, there was a band playing at the bar and the whole place was rocking! I would definitely recommend this restaurant to all, even vegetarians. There was plenty of variety for everyone. The staff was very attentive and helpfull. It wasn't too expensive either. Enjoy!
(4)Nicole F.
The food here is amazing, but more importantly, the service is as well. My husband and I went to Red Rooster on Christmas Eve, and since we arrived a little early for our reservation, we headed to the bar. The bartender immediately greeted us (which surprised us, given how busy it was), took our drink order, then even told us that two seats would be freeing up on the other side of the bar (he was closing them out)--wow, wow, wow. It really made our special dinner even more magical because we were treated so well. Our food was delicious--I had the Swedish meatballs and he had the Mac & Cheese--all the yummy flavors that came with both of our meals were to die for. I highly recommend this place--cool atmosphere, great people, great service.
(5)Tom W.
Our party was foodie-heavy so we arrived with great expectations. The food was good, but there were also some miss-steps with expediting and service. The cornbread arrived at table cold (not room temp as the server insisted it was). We had the blackened catfish with grits. Now being from the Deep South, I have a very high standard where grits are concerned. These weren't very creamy and the entire dish tasted like it sat under a heat lamp a bit too long. Helga's meatballs were inspirational, and Chef most definitely made grandmama proud with that one. The Mac and Greens were creamy and lush, served at the right temperature, so all expectations were met. At desert the beignets were flavorful but weren't hot. Overall, service was not great. Once the food was served, our server went MIA, and we had to tackle another server to get out bill. I respect Marcus Samuelsson and the food as conceived was great, but the expediting and service issues diminished the evening a bit vs. expectations.
(3)Jim U.
Red Rooster is one of the hottest restaurants in town. A reservation 3 weeks in advance will still have you eating after 9pm, and even then you may get "bumped" by a celebrity patron. In our case, it was Questlove. In all honesty, these are not the kind of places that I am inclined to like very much, but this place offers up amazing food at a really affordable price, so like every mere mortal, I anxiously await my turn in the very long line to eat here. It really is worth the effort. The restaurant is small, and the space is nearly evenly divided between the animated bar up front and a choice collection of tables (some communal) in the rear all set before an open view kitchen. The bar doesn't require reservations, so it is considerably more crowded. The clientele are generally well-heeled, smartly dressed, and squarely middle-aged. The bartenders mix up an intriguing list of cocktails, that are delicious and worthy of attention. The eponymous "Big Red Rooster" ($14) was surprisingly smooth and astoundingly good. Who can error with cinnamon-infused bourbon? Add to that Dolin Rouge, Averna Amaro, and orange bitters, and you have an instant classic. Eventually we were called to our seats, and had a gander at the menu. It is notably short, but the selections are strong. We decided to begin with 2 appetizers: the oysters with ginger mignonette ($10) and the corn tacos and tostadas ($10). The oysters were fresh and delicious! Interestingly enough, they were served with a surprise vodka shooter which I have not encountered before. Better yet were the tacos and tostadas. They are quite small and easily managed with a mere two bites apiece, but what amazing bites! The yellowtail and salmon contained within were very fresh. It's strange, the preparations were conventional, but the taste was anything but. That is what is great about a skilled chef, able to make the most of every bite. Great texture and flavors throughout, leaving you wanting more. For the main course, I had the blackened catfish ($23). This was an exceptionally well crafted dish that was engaging on several levels and looked beautiful. The catfish had great color and texture and was well seasoned in such a way as to enhance the dish without obfuscation or dominance. It rested on a bed of black eyed peas that were mixed with celery root. Great idea. Another surprise? The use of fried pickles. I loved the delicate walk between comfort food and fine dining exemplified in this dish. The flavors harmonized, and it was simply a joy to eat. Clearly with this run-up, dessert could not be missed. So we decided to share the Black and White Mud ($8). Even this was amazing! Chocolate cookie crust, chocolate fudge, vanilla fudge coming together to make for a rather rich dessert. That much would have made it good, and perhaps forgettable. Garnish it with coarse sea salt and candied ginger, and it becomes wondrous. Honestly, my first bite registered a sweet, rich dessert, then there was a second wave with the salt coming through, and then two seconds later, that wow moment when my mind registered the dish as a whole. Oh my goodness, this is really quite good. How do you top an amazing meal with amazing cocktails? Well, Marcus Samuelsson himself came over and shook my hand and posed for a photo with my girlfriend. We also saw him actively working in the kitchen which is a rarity for known chefs these days. As good as it gets folks, reserve a table at your earliest opportunity. Strongly recommend.
(5)Jay G.
A surprising place so far uptown. Somebody spent a lot of money building this place out. I rarely venture north of 96th, except for Costco. So, coming to this spot at 125th and Grab Whitey Blvd took a small leap of faith. I'm glad I checked it out. A really nice well appointed bar, all the good brands and a few new ones. I had the 'yard bird'. It was simply delicious. The collard greens were almost the best I've had, a Nashville caterer has that honor. If I could get a bowl of greens and one big crunchy salty greasy drumstick, I'd be a happy camper. A top shelf oasis so far north, kinda' like drinking at Hard Rock Pyongyang. A great bar with really good food. Don't forget to try those awesome greens!
(4)Natasha U.
This is the hot spot in Harlem where you find a cosmopolitan variety of trendy up and comers mingling at the front bar. It was packed and hard to get a reservation at a decent hour (we got a 9pm reservation that we made weeks in advance). I can see why there is so much buzz for this place. It's quite the hot spot. As we waited in the bar area to get seated, Questlove from The Roots zipped by with his date and got seated. Then I looked to my left and bam Chef Marcus Samuelsson was there mingling and mixing with the diners. We were seated and settled on a few appetizers (the oysters were my favorite!) also the tacos were pretty good too, albeit small, but perfect for snacking. I skipped getting the Yard Bird and went with the catfish and black eyed peas and I am so glad I did! It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth!! I cannot even describe how amazing everything tasted. I was really impressed and to top it off, I got to see Chef Samuelsson in the kitchen (we sat right in front of it) as he was tasting food and inspecting it before it went out. Now, who wouldn't love actually seeing a celebrity chef working in his kitchen. That was a plus and maybe the food tasted so good because of it. We also decided to get the mud pie for dessert and let me say, this is perfect to share and just fantastic. The mix of texture, sweetness to savoriness was on point. As I was about to take a bite of my dessert, who comes to our table but Marcus Samuelsson himself. I gush and say what a fan I am of his, he shakes my hand and graciously agrees to take a photo with me. That basically made my night. Of course, I'm going to give it five stars! Food was not only living up to expectations, it sort of went beyond it and the icing on the cake was to be able to give my compliments to the chef in person. Highly recommended!
(5)Jade W.
What a wasted 25th birthday?! I love Chef Samuelsson but bro, WTF? The food is not worth the price. The portions are not good at all. The yard bird was OK, I mean I would've done better at Popeyes. I am also very mad I spent $56 on the pitcher of punch. Nothing more than glorified grape juice. For 5 people, we will forever be bitter about spending $340 for what was supposed to be a "nice meal". To leave on a positive note, our server was very nice.
(1)Leslie D.
Do not believe the hype!!! Aside from the music and bar decor this is on the permanent list of never go to again. We made a 10 O'CLOCK reservation and weren't seated until 10:30. Not much variety on the menu. Grossly overpriced. Not expensive, just overpriced. Drinks were very bland. Crab cake app was overly spicy. Barely tasted the flavor of the crab. We had the Roasted Chicken & Pork Loin entrees with the Mac & Green's. By "greens" they mean salad not actual greens the obvious counterpart to Mac & Cheese. Overall nothing stood out. Onto the service. Terrible at best. The space is fairly tight and the servers have no grace about them. I was bumped into and brushed up against several times throughout the night. Our server showed his face all 4 times. To ask what kind of water we wanted, take our order, bring the check, pick up the signed receipt. There's no reason dinner for two should take two hours and some change. Absolutely ridiculous!
(2)smlyc s.
So much potential, ruined with excess salt. My tongue is still stinging. A lot of places have this problem IMO, but this place takes the cake among my recent such experiences. Bacon & egg thing was so close to being wonderful -- melty bacon, flavorful well-cooked beans, and the egg was perfectly done to my taste (runny yolk, white still very soft) -- but the egg was practically pickled, it was so oversalted. Same problem with my roast chicken, especially the slaw, which I could tell I might have been able to detect as being delicious - nice buttermilky dressing, crisp fresh ingredients - were it not marinating my tongue at the time. Punishingly loud, especially when the band was playing loudly/screaming. Hoppin bar scene, probably alone worth a visit. For those who care about such things: a famous person was there and both he and the staff were impressively genuine-seemingly gracious when he was attacked by camera-wielding fans.
(2)Marla H.
I give this place two stars because the food was great. The service was terrible. I made reservations through yelp for 9 PM, and when arrived, the hostess couldn't find the reservation. She then said maybe you made reservations for "Ginny's Supper Club". Now, I had no idea what that was, as I made the reservations for Red Rooster. Apparently, their sister restaurant Ginny's Supper Club, which is downstairs. I had been looking forward to this all week because it was my birthday dinner. The manager said sometimes, if you make a reservation and the Red Rooster is full, it automatically books you for the other restaurant. I was really disappointed, especially to find that they had different menu's. We ended up having to stay at Ginny's Supper Club because it was an hour wait upstairs. My mother who lives out of town wants to come here, but I am hesitant because even with reservations, you may not get to choose which restaurant you get to eat in. I will say this, it was not the best start to my birthday weekend.
(2)Shelley W.
More like 2.5 Overhyped! In a nutshell: "Soul food" for white people. I've been wanting to try Red Rooster for awhile--Red Rooster was one of the most hyped spots when I first moved to NYC two years ago and #66 on 101 Best Restaurants in NYC. James Beard Award winner, celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is a household name, so I had high expectations. Loved the vibe of the restaurant. Dark wood and candle lit, huge bar area, some communal tables, semi open kitchen. Came here on a Tuesday night with live band music playing; thought the entertainment was great but coupled with the packed house, the noise level was through the roof--don't expect to carry a conversation over your meal or drinks. The food was average. Cornbread was great thanks to its accompaniment of addicting honey butter. We tried the Catfish & Grits, the Fried Yard Bird, both enjoyable but forgettable. Side of Collard Greens was subpar. For dessert, chocolate custard/cake with red velvet ice cream--just ok, very heavy. Not worth the trek up to Harlem.
(2)Glen M.
Over rated and over priced!!! Food was disappointing. On a positive note, the staff was friendly and professional.
(2)Alex A.
It could have been three stars if it weren't for the high expectations due to all the hype. Service was friendly but slow - though I really felt for them having to circle around the entire dining room to fill up water glasses at our table, since the tables were jammed too tightly together to pass behind. Food was perfectly serviceable and not very memorable. Jerk bacon and eggs was the highlight. My roast chicken was Pio Pio standards - edible but also available from my corner restaurant for $8. Big push to buy Marcus Samuelsson's book from all sides. Cute restaurant but unfortunately overpriced for the food.
(2)Erika F.
Oh Red Rooster, I think you're riding on the waves of all of the stellar reviews that you've received and are no longer trying to please your guests with the good food and service that got you there in the first place. I've dined here for dinner three times since it opened, and each time I'm less pleased. It's a good spot if you're just going for the scene and don't mind waiting for your reservation. The food won't blow you away. It feels like a "destination" for any tourist or downtown NYC resident who's heard of Marcus and wants to "experience Harlem". The last time I visited (tonight) my friend and I shared a couple of apps/sides and two entrees. First, the corn bread, which was pretty tasty and buttery. We inhaled it since we waited over an hour for our 8pm reservation. Thank god for the corn bread. We also had the wings, which were meaty but doused in too much spice. My friend and I really like spice, but we were both chugging our water & drinks and fighting over the cucumber garnishes to fight the flames. The market salad was fresh but under-dressed and pretty boring. Pass. For our entrees, we shared the catfish and grits. How can this place go wrong with catfish? Well, it was cold and rubbery. The "bunny chow" lamb sandwich was the highlight of the meal, in addition to the thoughtful and attentive service. All in all, check out Red Rooster if you want to switch up your routine and want to see what the fuss is all about. But don't have high expectations because they won't be met.
(3)LISA N.
The overpackness of this restaurant, we came right before it got crazy. Though they didn't want to seat us at their regular dining room we had to sit at the bar area, squeeze in between two groups of people, and sit like 6 inches in between them @ one table. It was weird because I was on a date with my lovely boyfriend and I'm sitting next to 2 older ladies on one side and a father and son on the other side. I guess I should bring out the awkward sex talk in front of these ppl haha. Other than that, coffee-OK, I had the mac and greens, which was decent, mac & cheese I've had better. But the Greens were good with a mustard vinaigrette. My boyfriend had something like lox and cream cheese on a piece of flat bread, pretty amazing, but wayy overpriced. It was like 2 little pieces made up pretty. Then I wanted dessert, I got the fudge. UGH literally the size of pennies and I paid so much for it. It wasn't bad, but you couldn't taste it!! It was soo small!! The only good thing about the restaurant was the trivial pursuit cards on the side of the resto.
(2)Max N.
delicious creative menu. gourmet soul food . don't miss the chicken and waffles app; like you've never had.
(5)nancy c.
Very good food, mostly small portions but we had shared Fried Yard Bird and I couldn't finish my half. By the way, it was delicious! Based on the recommendations made here we also had the Parmesan Frites (pretty good but not mind-blowing) and the cornbread (damn good!). We also had the tacos and tostadas app. Don't bother. Flavors evoked African (is Marcus Ethiopian?) flavors but they were teeny bites. Lovely atmosphere but people were dressed for the clubs. The deejay was excellent but if you can't dance why bother wearing sequins? Those not from the neighborhood looked like Swedish tourists. Strange mix.
(4)Mike O.
I left here extremely disappointed on pretty much every regard. I thought that that with a small selection of food, and pretty big prices, the food here SHOULD be amazing. I went with the catfish, and was left highly disappointed. I may have my standards too high when it comes with catfish, but this alone is not the reason for two stars. A bad dish happens. The service was extremely poor. I should never have to get up and track the waiter down after waiting for ages. The decor was nice however, as well as the bathroom. Sorry, I can't return, despite the great things I hear.
(2)Caesar R.
Was only able to grab a seat at the bar with my wife as dinner time here on a Saturday without a reso is over an hour. Well, we would have normally waited, but had a show at the Apollo which limited our time. We bellied up to the bar and had a glass of wine each and ordered up some food. We opted to keep it on the lighter side. We got the crab cake (take a pass on this one, it was eh), the spicy wings and the corn bread. The spicy chili wings with the yogurt sauce were our favorite with not too much heat. We also loved the sweetness of the corn bread. When the wife got the wine refill, I got an uptown sour, a wonderful cocktail on their menu. Bourbon lovers will like this one. Definitely worth the trip up here for this Marcus Samuelsson gem. Will have to try the brunch as well as a proper dinner. Make a reservation, that's for sure.
(4)S. G.
Really disappointing. the Mac and Greens were great, and the shrimp and grits were good, but the crab salad was a joke (mayonnaisy and flavorless). I couldn't even finish it. The worst thing we had was the waffle dessert for two: Both the waffle and the "hot fudge" were ice cold, and it was full of bits of apple, which was odd, and not in the menu description, and it was missing the candied pistachios. Finally, the service was really bad, too. Our waiter was wildly inattentive, and not friendly either. We had to wait ages for everything, even wine from the bottle we had bought, which they kept away from our table... Everything was fine, but worth about exactly half of what they charged for it all.
(2)Vanessa J.
I was able to visit Red Rooster on a Saturday evening for the "club night" downstairs and regular restaurant for breakfast in the morning. The club was a great atmosphere, the dj played from old school hip hop to current and the drinks were reasonably priced. I also had the chicken taco's they offered upstairs as you were leaving club, 1 for $4 or 2 for $7, I had the chicken taco and they were perfect eating after a night of dancing and drinking. In the morning I went back with friends and had the breakfast Harem Fry , new to the menu and it was delicious, it consisted of baked eggs, tomatoes (and a few other things, that I can t remember) but the topper was the fried oysters on top , 3 deliciously , tasty, perfectly seasoned oysters. I also ordered the corn bread..delectable!! A friend ordered the Rooster burger with parmesan fries, a tried and true for her , and she kindly shared her fries :-) The service was wonderful and I enjoyed being seated outside people watching.
(5)Kierstin U.
I went here last night for a wonderful birthday dinner. The decor is clean yet cozy, and the staff was friendly and unpretentious (in contrast to what a previous review said). My boyfriend and I started with the cornbread and deviled eggs (both were outstanding; the cornbread was everything cornbread should be). I had the meatballs, he had the yardbird. To finish, we shared the donuts. Both enjoyed our meals very much.
(4)Quasona C.
Dinner Review I heard such good things about Red Rooster and was hoping that my experience would match. The menu left left me feeling like I was forced to eat something that I knew wouldn't be appetizing. I settled on the Coconut rice and curry peas and my bf had the catfish & grits. My meal was disgusting., there was different textures that just didn't add up. I feel like someone dumped curry sauce and salad on top of hard rice. I couldn't even finish the meal. The catfish had a bit more flavor but it was just okay. I heard they had a lounge so I would love to give that a try but I'm definitely staying away from their food.
(2)Thom H.
I don't give out five stars easily, but yes, "Woohoo", Red Rooster is as good as it gets, or at least in recent memory. Best meal I ever had? Heck no. Best meal I had in recent memory? Yes, and I'm a guy who EATS. We were seated right away, no issues with the service, look - I'm too tired to write up a full review, just go. And FWIW, the chicken IS amazing, but also get it for the collard greens that come with - they were as good if not better than the chicken! P.S. - Bourbon Negroni.
(5)Simone B.
Umm.. I thought Red Rooster served soul food, but apparently Red Rooster uses the term "soul food" loosely. The menu does have traditional soul food items like cornbread, mac n cheese, collard greens, and black eyed peas, however all of these items lack actual soul. First of all the mac n cheese and greens come mixed together ( where they do that at) and the black eyed peas tasted a hot, gritty mess. Trying not to be biased I decided to order an entree in addition to the sides that my table was sharing. Via the waitress suggestion , I order the salmon and one of my friends ordered the red snapper. Both fish dishes were bland, small, and just plain trifflin. The red snapper was dry even though it came drenched in a "spicy" tomato sauce and the salmon tasted like straight water. Like can I get a lemon to add some flavor or somethin. I will say that the atmosphere at Red Rooster was on point. Nice mix of people, great staff ( especially the host), and the overall vibe is classy. Chef Marcus Samuelson was there. He came by and greeted are table which was pretty cool. Needless to say I won't be coming back to Red Rooster anytime soon. Its one of those places you go to say that you went, not to actually enjoy a good meal.
(3)Jose B.
I had been trying to get a reservation for about three month. Although their were available times none matched when I was able to go. This past Saturday the wife and I were in Harlem for a Baby Shower. After the Baby Shower I decided to drive down 125th Street. I caught the light at Lenox and 125...then I looked left and booom the sign for Red rooster. I say to the wife - I'll pull up in front, you go in and ask if they can seat us. Can't hurt...although deep down inside I did not think we'd be seated. She goes in and comes back out smiling, "Hostess says she can seat us in 15-20 minutes." I find a spot walk in and after 20 minutes of people watching and taking in the decor - the hostess signals over to me for our table. YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY HAVE A RESERVATION THOUGH. I loved the decor - it actually went with what I expected a Marcus Samuelson establishment look like. The wait staff and workers were nicely dressed and very friendly. The crowd was cool, trendy, touristy and all together very NYC. Although the menu selection is not very large, what they do offer all sounds amazing. We started with Chicken and Waffles. What!!! These were amazing....the waffles were nice and fresh and the chicken was nicely cooked with a wonderful crunch. The portion was perfect to share. In addition, we got the Fried Green tomatoes and Corn Bread. Corn Bread was ok. But the fried Green Tomatoes had a buttermilk ranch dressing and bacon. Holy Bacon and great tasting. They were lightly breaded and cooked perfect. The dressing and bacon are a nice touch. (I try this every where I go.) After sharing three apps, we decided to share an entree - Mac and Greens. Cheese, Collard Greens, Bacon and spiral pasta...bubbling hot. It was amazing. Came with a small side of pickled veggies...very tasty and a wonderful compliment to the Mac and Greens. Bacon in two different dishes...love it! The service was good. Our waiter was very attentive as were all others. My water glass was constantly being filled up, drinks and apps came quickly. We were not pressured to get up and leave...although the front at this point was packed with people. Its a nice spot to have a date or double date. A lot of the dishes I would definitely go back and share!
(4)Chris G.
Lively spot with a nice welcome feel. Staff is very friendly and not at all pretentious. Interesting menu with an expansive mix of flavors. We ordered the deviled eggs and trout to start. The deviled eggs with fried chicken skins were good and the trout was very good from what I am told. For entrees we order the pork chop and the jerk chicken. The staff went out of their way to ensure the pork chop was made to my liking. The jerk chicken was good and the use of coconut was a nice touch. It was not as spicy as traditional jerk chicken but still had some nice flavors. The best part of this meal was the service. We had Aaron and he is simply the best. All of the staff was great. Friendly, knowledgable and accommodating. Truth be told the food was good not great but the service is some of the best in the city.
(4)Heather F.
Fabulous. The food is delicious and the music (dance club on lower floor) is hopin. I can't wait to come back for another fun night out in Harlem!
(5)Amy S.
After hearing lots of buzz about Red Rooster, I went with a few friends last night and had so-so expectations. From the Yelp reviews I read, I was anticipating high prices for not so hot food and small portions. In my experience, yes, this place is pricey, but what I ordered was worth it: the cornbread, fried green tomatoes, and meatballs were on point! The meatballs definitely had the Swedish influence with a lovely flavor complexity. I also LOVED my drink: the Obama-tini! So spicy-sweet. My friends got the mac & greens, which they didn't love- not enough flavor for them. I'd go back just for the meat balls, cornbread and drink!
(4)Eve A.
I tend to warn my new friends about my physical and emotional conditions by saying "I don't have a soul, just a big stomach and functioning liver". However, when I do want to remember the feeling of possessing a soul i go to Red Rooster. Ambiance- its live, its electrifying with its rhythm yet soothing with its softness and kindness. Everyone is engaged in some sort of meaningful, friendly conversations ,their eyes beaming with attention. Came here for an early Sunday for a quick dinner-hoped on a one of the bar seats and within next ten minutes I found myself congratulation one of the customers who told me it was his birthday, then giving my email address to 3 lovely Canadian ladies who came to visit NYC, then engaging in a coquettish dialogue about McQueen with one of his devoted fans. I got a yard bird ,cooked to perfection with a crisp skin. Nursing my St Germain cocktail humming along with some of the catchy jazz tunes I had a blissful afternoon. Check out the downstairs- Ginny's supper-club is located there. speakeasy with comfy setting a la 1950-60 where on certain night you can listen to a live jazz.
(4)Lisette C.
Went with friends and had a great experience. Our waiter, Hassan was the best. The manager gave me a complimentary cupcake. The salmon gazpacho was yummy.
(5)Shady J.
Shady rolled into the Rooster for the early dinner before a show at the nearby Apollo. Shady ordered his go to cocktail , the Hank Larson, and was on his way. The bar scene is eclectic and grooving. Bar tenders are amicable and efficient. Being a newbie, Shady and crew were seated at the communal table-wasn't so bad. Warmed up with the wings which were truly tasty, the chili cucumbers and the crab cake. All the starters were good and no complaints. Our waiter was all business and attentive. Main dishes were the signature Fried Chicken and the salmon . Everything was quite good, warm and cooked just right. Shady loved the menu and could've ordered another 10 dishes. Dessert were the doughnuts-nothing special. I see i missed out on some of the more spectacular desserts. All in all a fun place, great vibe, perfect starter for a show at the Apollo. Will be back to work the bar and order up some shrimp and grits, goat and other delectibles.
(4)Kole A.
Good music . They charge a $10 cover charge to go downstairs to the dance floor. I could not breath in there . They must have been burning the hell outta the food they were cooking .
(4)Ambre A.
Came here for the midnight brunch with friends. The music is so loud you literally have to yell at the top of your lungs to speak to the person next to you. The food is mediocre at best with only 5 options, none of which actually tasted good. $7 for a beer that costs $8 for a 6 pack. I would never recommend this place. The staff was a tad rude as well. Not an enjoyable night at all.
(2)Latimer L.
The service started off pretty rough. The hostess sat my cousin and I down at the table closest to the kitchen with another pair (couple?) and the three chairs next to us were still available. Yes - elbow room! "SIKE!" is what they should have yelled out. After about 4 minutes, they decided to move us to a table of 6 where only the two middle seats were open. Elbow room, lost. They claimed it was because they were waiting for a party of 5 to come. Sure, it sounded reasonable, but when I saw them seat another couple at the same table ten minutes later, I was a little ticked, especially since at that point, we hadn't even had a chance to order appetizers yet. Service = slow. There's been a lot of talk on here about the jerk bacon and eggs. It's all hype. There was a flavor missing and tasted a little bland in my opinion. I could have probably just lived with the bacon by itself. The cornbread and the fried chicken were absolutely sensational, however, and probably saved this place from getting 1 or 2 stars. I doubt I would go back ...
(3)Scott T.
Victim of its own success. Great scene, cool crowds, lousy service. After waiting 20 minutes for our bottle of wine to arrive, after appetizers, waiter had major attitude after warm bottle of wine was rejected. For now I will have to leave this place for those looking for a good nightlife scene, not those seeking a great dining experience. I hope one day that changes as the food is solid.
(2)Kay G.
I had the blackened catfish and grits. Absolutely delicious. The drinks are overpriced, but the wait staff more than made up for that. Overall a wonderful experience.
(4)John K.
Loved this place. The atmosphere here is great, and the staff and service are excellent. I was also a fan of their beer selection. Went here with my girlfriend and we had the following things, in descending order of deliciousness Catfish and grits - I didn't expect this to be as excellent as it was. I would recommend this unconditionally. Dirty rice and shrimp - I loved this appetizer. Easy to split b/w two people, and it had great flavors. I would definitely order this the next time I go back Cornbread - excellent on its own, with the butter, and with the tomato jam... So I'd recommend trying it all three ways Yard Bird - This was a fantastic entree as well. I'd especially recommend this if you're not scared to try it with the hot sauce, which is pretty much amazing. Lemon Bread Pudding - I honestly was too full to appropriately judge this, but it was very tasty. Pickles - Not good, I would save the space for something else next time
(5)Lucy J.
Coming on the recommendation of a friend we booked for 6 people for a birthday celebration. Pre dinner cocktails were scrummy and the bar area is lovely. We ordered devilled eggs, fried green tomatoes and wings as starters to share. Whilst they were all really good, the green tomatoes were my favourite. Then we had the yard bird and jerk chicken. You'd have thought 6 people would have had more variety but we all wanted the same things! They certainly did not disappoint in the taste, quality or quantity. My only disappointment was that I had not starved my self all day so that I could have eaten more!
(4)Margaret T.
My classmate talked me into going to Red Rooster after class to celebrate the handover of our project to another team with a couple of drinks. On Tuesday night at 9:30ish, this place was about 3 deep at the bar. Crazy. I ask for a menu and start looking at their drink offerings but end up going with just a vodka-soda but they did have some very interesting cocktails and infused bourbons (kinda reminds me of Aquavit). Because it was so crowded, I was already 3 drinks in before we were able to sit down at a table by the bar and they had already stopped serving food. So one more round of drinks and we closed the place down. Maybe because it's so new and because there was so much hype from the Obama visit, the energy here is great and electric. Great place to get a drink and chat with friends, new and old. If I ever come back, I may try the food but will NOT be ordering the tacos. I don't know where they found such small tortillas...they were the size of silver dollars. At $9/order, this poor lady only got 2 itty bitty tacos. Sad.
(4)Ben C.
I was extremely excited to go to this place, so much in fact that my friends and I accepted a reservation at 10:30 on a Friday night. The place was bumping. Live music both in the restaurant and on the street made the entire place shake. The service was outstanding and the food was very good, though I had really high expectations and I have to say the fried yard bird (fried chicken) and the steak were good, but not great.Definitely not worth the price! The cornbread however was the best I've ever had. The appetizers, especially the tomatoes and the jerk bacon and eggs were spectacular. Make sure to finish the meal with a sweet potato doughnut as well. When you finish dinner, hang out outside on the patio, it's a lively place! Overall I'd give it 3.5 stars
(4)Katie B.
Another lovely dinner ruined by awful service. I live in the neighborhood and so very much want to support Red Rooster, but I've been three times in the past year and have left feeling underwhelmed each time. Last night was the deal breaker for me. I took some friends who were visiting from out of town and really wanted to try this place. The hostess was very sweet and friendly, but our waiter was so rude and arrogant, it was almost uncomfortable. He didn't greet us at all, just filled up our water and said "You know what you want?" Uhm, excuse me? Are you the waiter or just a strange gentleman wandering through the restaurant talking to customers? I asked if there were any specials (which there had been the previously times I came) and he answered, "No, just what's on the menu." After asking for a few more minutes, he returned and again rudely asked, "Ready?" Thanks for being so welcoming! We ordered the beef tartar to share, as well as the yard bird and the chicken and waffles. The tartar was great, but not really tartar. Most of the meat was cooked, and sort of tasted like chili-- very flavorful, but a bit misleading. The chicken on both entrees was cooked perfectly. The meal wasn't amazing, but was tasty enough to come back if I wasn't so disappointed in the service. I should also mention that the other staff in the restaurant-- the hostess, the bus boys and the guys who filled our water and wiped our table-- were very friendly and accommodating. They asked us how we were, delivered our order and drinks, asked us how the food was-- all of which I realize is a lot to ask from one server alone (sarcasm). At one point, after our server disappeared, I got up and went to the hostess stand to ask her a question. Our server immediately appeared then and hovered right behind me, clearly upset that I had usurped his fictitious power. Clearly he wasn't too busy to watch his tables, he just had zero interest in doing his job and providing an enjoyable dining experience. I might come back for drinks in the bar, but I'm calling it quits on dining at Red Rooster. It's such a bummer to take out of town guests, who are totally enamored with all things NYC, to a restaurant that ends up being such a disappointment, especially when there are so many great, affordable and welcoming restaurants in the city. Customer service should not be an unreasonable expectation: it's an insult when a restaurant thinks it can get away with promoting a celebrity chef and celebrity prices, but not provide the most basic components of the dining experience. My advice to anyone venturing up to Harlem: skip the glitz and glam of Red Rooster, and head up the block to Sylvia's. Great soul food, great service, and staff who make you feel welcome and not like an inconvenience.
(2)Kathleen S.
This place really does have plenty of reviews already, but. . .we loved it. Came on a Saturday night with a reservation made well in advance. The wait for out table was still about 25 minutes, but they brought us each out a glass of prosecco, which I thought was a very nice touch. The staff here are all get high marks--gracious and professional. The food gets high marks as well! Wow. I had the lobster mac and cheese, which was super. The cornbread almost steals the show. It's like no cornbread you've ever had, trust me. This was a superior dining experience from start to finish because of the food and service and the extremely reasonable price tag. My ONLY complaint was that we were served the doughnuts (which were mind-blowing btw) with ice cream. We assumed they came with ice cream because we certainly didn't order any, but ice cream for $10 was on our bill. Probably an honest mistake and not one we took pains to rectify, but just a bit annoying. Coming back SOON though.
(4)Madhu R.
Unbelievably bad! I wanted to LOVE this restaurant. It's pretty, shiny, has a celebrity chef with a compelling origin story, and the menu seems inventive yet familiar. Also, although it doesn't fit in with the existing vibe of the area, it seemed like there was an awareness of Harlem culture and a concious effort to make the restaurant a responsible part of the community and serve great food. However, when I walked in for lunch, nobody seemed to really know what was going on. When I was attended to, the staff wasn't overly friendly and they barely seemed awake. I got a chicken sandwich lunchbox to go, as well as some $12!!!! sweet potato donuts (I should have asked the price). I was so disappointed. The gooey veiny fatty purple chicken was the lowest quality possible (and there wasn't much of it), the batter was salty and oily, and the whole thing was slathered in an unappealing and bland bbq like sauce. The bib lettuce on the side wasn't washed properly and actually had grains of sand still in it! The donuts were fine, but not at all worth $12 for 6 small donut holes with a tiny amount of sweet potato filling. Never again, red rooster.
(1)Kk L.
SO disappointing! The food was good but the service was AWFUL. I arrived a few minutes early and they wouldn't seat us until the rest of the party arrived. It took several minutes to get the bartender's attention for a drink menu and then when I ordered he couldn't have moved slower making it. As I finally backed away with my drink, a host ran by and spilled it ALL over my (silk) shirt. He was apologetic and brought me a napkin but nobody offered to get me another drink or comp the one I had just received (or pay my dry cleaning bill). Once seated our appetizer came quickly but then there was a solid 30-40 minutes between when the first course was cleared and when our dinners arrived. The waiter assured us our meal was on its way and asked if we'd like a second round of drinks, to which we said yes. The drinks didn't arrive at our table until we pretty much finished eating dinner and when the waiter placed them down I told him he had brought me the wrong drink, that's not what I had been drinking. He replied "yes it is" and walked away! (It was most definitely not). Summary: OK but overpriced food, TERRIBLE SERVICE. Would never return.
(1)Ram C.
Great restaurant! Portions are a good size and the for the appetizers I reccommend the corn bread and the wings which are not too spicy. My girlfriend got the Mac and cheese which was yummy but the fried yard bird is definitely their specialty!! All in all great place and lovely atmosphere
(5)candice B.
We have been here by ourselves and with friends. All our experiences, from drinks, and service, to food, have been excellent. I was first curious and reluctant to try Red Rooster because of the hype (and others have reported on that, both good and bad). We have not been disappointed. The jazz brunch was great, lunch and dinner also good. For insight into Marcus Samuelsson read his memoir, it's well written. He knows what he is doing.
(4)Lisa S.
The food was awesome and the staff really nice. We opted to eat outside because the music was too loud to have a conversation. So loud in fact that it was still tough outside. Even worse and NOT the restaurant's fault, twice rats ran under our table. Would go back and eat inside happily if the music were a bit lower. Outside never again.
(3)Demar P.
Nice decor, great music but I wouldnt come here again to eat. I ordered blackened catfish with a blackeye pea mango chutney and it was okay but not worth 26.00. I think I would only come back for the after dinner party scene.
(3)Nilo L.
Restaurant Week Review * First time here for restaurant week and I have to say it's actually worth it. The service is on point surprisingly. But on to the food: Appetizer: Tomato Soup with Avocado See now I'm not a fan of tomato soup in general so I personally didn't enjoy it. But for anyone whose a tomato soup lover I'm sure you'll like it because when I tasted it, it wasn't all that bad. Entree: 1. lobster Mac and Greens. Ohhhhhhh my gosh, was that heaven in my mouth. Might have been Slightly over salted but ohhhh my gosh it was deliciouss ! I would go back just for the lobster mac and greens. My sister ordered the: 2. Applewood Grilled Salmon This was mouth wateringly (is that even a word... Oh well) delicious. I love everything little thing about it. The green sauce thing (no idea what that was), the beans.. Everything was SO good. And finally.... Drum roll please Dessert: Donuts. Not just ordinary donuts but donuts with a sweet potato filling. Now when I read "sweet potato filling" I was a bit skeptical. But HOLY Goodness you guys, it was soooooo good. The best part of the meal id say. The warm donut, the sweet potato filling, the side of homemade whipped cream that was the perfect amount of sweet. God. I'd could live off of that for years. If be morbidly obese, but I would be happy. They have chicken an waffles as another option for the entrees in the restaurant week menu but I don't eat non halal food, but if I did, I would so order that. Everyone in the restaurant was ordering it! Four stars. For SURE.
(4)Joshua G.
Very good brunch...new addition of El Jefe hits a home run Jeter couldn't stop. Went towards the end of brunch and avoided notoriously long wait times on a Sat at 2:30. Great friendly staff (although it took a while to get the check), food comes quickly, and prices were reasonable. Corn bread is still to die for....amazing! Easily the best ever. I cdc can't wait to try the famous deviled eggs next time. The yard bird (chicken) had a tasty skin and nice dark meat (only) but not overly impressive or juicy flavor in the meat. The mash potatoes and collared greens were nice however. As far as the (El) Jefe, it was a nice dish but lacks a certain elegance and the spicy chorizo overpowers the delicate lime flavors and of course egg. I'd rework this dish a bit for a home run...but creative and nice presentation to say the least. Will be back for another round...maybe to try dinner.
(4)Anthony L.
I'll start with the food. The fried chicken and that mac and greens were great. We also ordered the crawfish for an app. I wouldn't order it again as they weren't fully cooked. Seating for us was sub par for us as we were on a side table, but in general I think it's a nice venue. Service was a bit slow initially, but got better as the food started coming out. I would go here again.
(4)James S.
The Sunday brunch is delicious, but if you're hungry, steer clear of the expensive main entrees. For some reason, Red Rooster makes these dishes contain much less food than the cheaper dishes! The blackened catfish entree baffled me by containing half the fish of the catfish sandwich, despite costing twice as much. Same deal with my friend's bacon entree - a tiny strip of pork belly daintily arranged at the center of a massive plate.
(4)John C.
Spontaneous dinner in Harlem and stumbled into here, or drawn to it by the live music. It feels casual and nice at the same time. Staff is dressed to impress and their service does. Impeccable service. The only error was a mistake on the bill (actually undercharged us initially). Glass was never more less than half full. Food was good but overpriced. $18 mac and cheese? $12 for 5 mini donuts? Paid for the atmosphere and the quality of service, not the good. Great date spot.
(4)Marceline S.
Absolutely a fantastic atmosphere. The many choices are not overwhelming in number, but they are such amazing choices that you just can't lose. The flavors are so well combined and the presentation is gorgeous.
(5)Jeanette N.
We have a day in Harlem for a quick trip to NY and started with lunch at Red Rooster. It took us quite a while to hone in on final selections with the depth of menu choices. Descriptions made us want everything, but the three of us decided to try the three different entrees of their prix fixe lunch menu (salmon, meatballs and mac & greens, as well as the cornbread, deviled eggs and chicken and waffle appetizers). Such delicious choices put us into Greedy Fat-Fat mode. Our waiter was patient and helpful answering our many questions. It was a delightful tasting experience all around, but I would probably order the chicken and waffles as my entree next visit.
(4)Cherrelle D.
I usually spend my Sundays in my old neighborhood of Harlem. Recently met up with a friend for brunch past Sunday afternoon & agreed on Red Rooster since we heard so much about it. *Pro Tip* This is a Harlem restaurant once visited by President Obama during his NYC visits. The only obvious result is long waits and limited availabilities. Try going off peak and plan ahead. Treat this place like any other NYC tourist spot. ( Katz Deli etc..) Like most, I heard Obama dined here and seen Red Rooster appear in many articles. I told my friend to meet up at 2pm but I arrived around 1:45 to put our names down for a table. A table for 2 is about 45mins on a Sunday afternoon and the place was packed. If possible, one of your guests should arrive early and put your name on the list to ease the waiting time. Fortunately it was a beautiful day so we killed time by chit chatting and walking around in H&M. Upon returning to the restaurant, we ordered sangria at the bar and enjoyed the live music. Sangrias were typical and nothing special. Also they were $10 each, so not down with those prices. The band was wonderful and had excellent energy. Everyone at the bar seemed to enjoy the performance as well. Certainly not overbearing at all so you can still talk to your friends as well. We were seated a little before 2:30pm and immediately knew what we wanted to order. (Another plus of a long wait, figure out what you want to eat! ) I had the fluffy 3 egg omelette and my friend ordered the Gail's Bloody Mary eggs (Both A OK for vegetarians if that applies) The food arrived in a timely manner and was excellent and well prepared. The food here is hearty so you won't feel like you need anything else after. The staff was also excellent. All smiles, constantly apologizing for the wait, accomodating and thoroughly explained the menu. Keep it up! I rarely see happy servers during brunch! Decor is a bit eclectic with a mix of African & African American art. Nicely done and not too crazy. Also very casual place as it seems to be a Harlem tourist attraction if you can't get into Sylvia's.. Overall, Red Rooster is a pretty great restaurant. Date spot or Happy hour? Certainly not. But if you have a family or friend visiting who loves american, hearty southern food and not afraid of Harlem then take them there. Would definitely return again and when in doubt just call ahead to avoid any headaches. People actually answer the phone here
(4)Althea L.
Food was SOOO good! We ordered Fried yard bird and Grilled shrimp and grits. Both were amazingly good. We arrive around 1:30pm. People there are so sweet and nice, they put us on both indoor and outdoor seating wait list, and did a good job accommodated our 1 yo and her stroller. The restaurant was packed in and out, but we got seated in 20 minutes. There was a live band performing jazz music, and most of the customers were dressed up on this Sunday morning- the atmosphere was vivid, energetic, fun and yet cozy. Highly recommended to anyone who wants a good brunch place to go.
(5)Heather S.
My sister and I had a girls weekend in NYC and this was the cherry on our weekend. Went to Red Rooster for Sunday Brunch. Sat at the bar and enjoyed the atmosphere. Amazing all around! Live music, great cocktails and good soul food. The Mac & Greens...no words to describe this wonderful dish. We stayed in a hotel near Madison Square Gardens and found getting here so easy! Right off the subway stop, 30 steps and you are at the door!
(5)A. D.
Mainly reliable -- you know what you'll get at Red Rooster. The food does not blow me away, but it is always prepared neatly and with ingredients that seem to be fresh. I personally believe Red Rooster to be overpriced for the taste and experience. But the ambiance is trendy and it does tend to draw a particular crowd -- yuppies living in Harlem and people out for business lunch. If you're looking for a stellar meal, there are other places to go. If you're looking for something consistent, with no surprises and a menu with options for everyone, Red Rooster is a reliable (if safe) bet.
(3)Jamie F.
I really wanted to like this place more than I did so I tried it for lunch after a pretty blah dinner experience. Sadly it wasn't much better. If you are just going for cocktails/drinks and don't mind standing you will probably like this place because the ambiance and live band are lovely. However, if you're sitting down for a meal, I would consider going down one more block to Sylvia's. Both times it took 20-30 minutes longer than quoted to be seated, which really annoys me. Just be honest about the wait time, likely I will stay but give me the opportunity to decide. Then it took FOREVER to get our drinks after ordering. I dont mind if my food takes awhile but drinks should always be speedy, especially if they're not mixed drinks. We had a few apps and a couple different entree's, which were are pretty good. No major complaint there. If they could improve their service, I would definitely go back.
(2)Jessica H.
Took a friend here for his bday and sat outside. The restaurant is literally steps away from the 2/3 train. I would definitely recommend making reservations if possible. They have communal tables at the bar as well as outdoor seating that's first come first serve. What we got: Cornbread - Pretty good and very dense; texture more like a slice of pound cake but cornbread Dirty Rice & Shrimp - The sauce on the shrimp was amazing Fried Yardbird - I wasn't that impressed Helga's Meatballs - MY FAVORITE; this may seem like a small portion size but these meatballs are dense and super flavorful Parmesan Frites - very salty and yummy Carrot Cake - Not at all what I expected since it came in a small cup but it was surprisingly good Service: James was GREAT. He was super knowledgeable of the menu and made some great recommendations. Our water cups were always refilled without asking.
(4)Barbara M.
Overpriced, over marketed, underwhelmed with food. Cornbread was so hard I could of built a house. Good to see the good chef Markelson in The house and some Law And Order actors but I went for the food not for the celebs. Disappointed. I liked the decor and the bathrooms.
(2)Margaret G.
This joint is always jumping, so come here when you want loud and lively, not calm and quiet. The blackened catfish and grits were delicious and beautifully presented. The cocktails are inventive.
(5)George T.
At first I gave this place 4 stars, but as I wrote my view, I thought that was silly and bumped it to 5.... The ambiance at Red Rooster is superb. From it's central location in the heart of Harlem to the soulful and playful ethnic decorations spread throughout the venue, Red Rooster exudes culture. From the moment I walked, I was impressed by the layout, with the first 1/2 the restaurant taken up large bar area that appeared inviting. While the back 1/2 of the restaurant hosted all the dinner tables with a great view of a busy open kitchen in the back. (I was hoping to catch a glimpse of Chef Samuelson himself, but unfortunately he was not in). Service was superb, from the hostess to our waiter. Matching the decor, service embodied both class and down to earth playfulness. And as for the food, the theme of the night was "the is the best ____ I've had" or "one of the best ____ I've had." #Yardbird: the must try signature dish. Perfectly fried crispy skin and unbelievable flavors (think african and jerk, not ur typical southern fried chicken). comes with some of the best mashed potato and greens, homemade pickles and homemade spicy sauce that adds a hint of acidity to the fatty yardbird. And of course the dark meat of the bird is perfectly cooked, juicy and bursting with flavor. #Helga's meatballs: think IKEA swedish meatballs (not a put down because I know you love these) but with more sophisticated flavors. The meatballs on servied on a bed of roasted veggies and savory sauce. Side of lindonberry? and lightly pickled cucumbers. All elements of this dish were essential and came together beautifully. #Deviled eggs and Cornbread: the waiter will ask if you'd like to get the deviled eggs adn cornbread to start, and your answer should be YES! The BEST CORNBREAD I've had, perfectly moist and buttery throughout accompanied by soft butter and a lightly savory tomato chutney. #Mac and greens: one of the best macs I've had, but with all the good food there, certainly not the star of the show so far. #Oxtail papparadelle: And finally we get to the pasta dish. If this was at any other restaurant I'd be raving about it, but because this dish has to compete with the Yardbird and Helga's meatballs, I cannot recommend you waste valuable stomach real estate on this dish. #Pineapple-rum bread pudding #Dessert: Last bit of strength was used to conjure up the courage to order dessert. We decided not to get the signature SWEET POTATO doughnuts in favor of the sweet bread. Amazing decision. Incredibly sweet with complex flavors, hot center with light homemade whipped cream to cut the sweetness. Wash it down with some wine and your're set. OVERALL: It's been awhile since I've had a meal so good. I WILL BE BACK to try the Jerk Chicken and Dirty Rice and Shrimp.
(5)Semiko P.
Came here for drinks only. The reason I gave 3 stars was because the food on the menu looked pretty good unfortunately we had already eaten so I couldn't get a feel for the taste- the other stars are for the love band... Music was awesome- older crowd however w eclectic group of people
(3)Lizzie B.
I came here for dinner during restaurant week not expecting to like this restaurant and was pleasantly surprised. Not only did I have a great time, but I would definitely go back for seconds. Eat - I ordered off the restaurant week menu and had the peanut chicken, which was excellent. The chicken was perfectly tender (not dry in the least) and smothered in a delicious, creamy peanut sauce. I also had the cornbread - which was great, and accompanied by a nice tomato jam. The cornbread is served as two large slices that are good for sharing among two to four people depending on how hungry you/your group is feeling. Several people in my group ordered the Mac 'n Greens, which appeared to be a great dish - a very creamy mac 'n cheese with plentiful greens in the dish and served with a colorful side salad (one of the healthiest iterations of mac 'n cheese I've ever seen). Sip - my group ordered a bottle of the Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz. It was a great, sweet red wine and I recommend it. Enjoy - the restaurant is well located, almost on top of the 125th stop for the 2/3 express trains. I would describe the overall ambience as "trendy" and it seems to be a pretty busy spot (somewhat loud), but the booths around the perimeter were good seats, especially for groups. The downstairs counterpart restaurant, Ginny's Supper Club, looks worthy of a visit too - whether for drinks before/after going to Red Rooster or for a separate foodie adventure.
(4)Malcolm M.
Gret Ambiance and the semi open kitchen makes for added people watching. The cornbread might be some of the best I've ever had. Cake like but not too sweet. Had the fries and roasted tomatoes to start. While the fries lacked flavor the tomatoes were on the money. We had the bacon and egg dish and the fishermans spaghetti to finish. Both were excellent. The bacon was braised to perfection. The only complaint I had about the dish was the quail egg. I well done 6 minute egg would made that a complete dish. The quail egg is too small. Everything about the spaghetti was great. The sauce was great, the pasta was al dente and all of the sea food was cooked to perfection. The only real drawback is that I was told that I had to wait an hour for a table but ended up waiting an hour and 45 min. The food made the wait worth it.
(4)Vio -.
Pros: The Brownstoner is possibly my favorite drink ever (pleasantly strong and perfectly balanced in terms of sweetness). The prices are slightly on the high end but the servings are huge. I like the space - they also have a basement that I guess opens for late night scene. I like the bar area designed for socializing. Cons: I'd like to see a happy hour. Hardly a con, I know.
(4)Spicegrdnstash J.
I have been to Red Rooster two seperate times and must say that I will go back again and again. The service is excellent, food is superb. The first time I went with a good friend of mine and we ordered off the Prix Fixe Menu. No complaints, priced right, timely and polite service. The Sangria was awesome. The second time was for my daughters graduation celebration. She graduated from Middle School and wanted to experience dinner there. There were six of us and we order a variety of things. Salmon, Crab Sandwich (my nicece), Shrimp and Dirty Rice, Seafood pasta, a Double Burger. Awesome. We were pleased and stuffed and will be returning. I gladly paid the bill for six people, who were throughly pleased with the service. The next time I go, which will be soon, I think I want to try the crab sandwich!!!
(5)Peter L.
Not a great experience. A/C wasn't working- on one of the hottest days in NYC. Service was not great-slow. Food was OK - too salty.
(2)Chelsea B.
***UPDATE*** Remember when I said I had 1 complaint about Red Rooster; the oh so uncomfortable chairs?...... THEY JUST GOT NEW CHAIRS! Seriously. I couldn't believe it. They are cute and comfy - problem solved! Also, I've now been here a few times for lunch and have to say that the food quality and overall experience is way better at the weekend dinner rush. On the brighter side, they updated their Doughnuts. Now it's the cinnamon sugar dusted doughnuts on top of the sweet potato instead of the filling on the inside. It's a prettier presentation & better dessert because you get more of the sweet potato! Excellent decision! --------------------------------------------------Â------------------------------------------- If there was a Pulitzer Prize for waiters, Ryan would be a definite recipient. His passion for the food, description of the cocktails, and recommendations for pairings were incredible...so much so that my family feared to order without his expert opinion by the end of the meal. Speaking of cocktails, Red Rooster has some of the best I've ever had in my life. I would honestly love to try every single one of them. I wish I lived closer so I could frequent the bar... although maybe it's more of a good thing that I don't... I got the Sag Harbor Hills (hendrick's gin, mint, cucumber, benedictine). It was so refreshing. I'll have to report back on the other drinks that were ordered because I tasted all of them and loved them equally. Being a Manhattan fan, my dad had, I believe, the Brownstoner (nutmeg-infused bulleit bourbon, cherry heering, st. germain) and lovvvvedd it. My mom and sister enjoyed theirs as well, but then my mom copied me on her second :) Ryan suggested some appetizers that wouldn't be too heavy with our meal choices. We ended up getting: Oysters & Wings, Dirty Rice & Shrimp, and Salmon Tostadas. The Salmon Tostadas were my fav. and there were 5 bit-sized pieces, which was good for our table to share. My sister loved the dirty rice & shrimp. My mom wasn't a fan of the oysters, but I didn't have a problem with them. Wings were bangin. duh. I think the salmon was the winner all around though. I got the Blackened Catfish entree (cheddar grits, mustard greens, pickled onions, comeback aioli). It was amazing!! Very southern tasting like a combination of seafood I've had in Ft. Lauderdale and New Orleans. The blackened seasoning didn't overpower the fish and accompaniments. It was perfect! My dad got it too and was raving about it. I am not usually a chicken person. I am not usually a fried person. But my mom's Fried Yardbird dinner was seriously amazing. I would order it for myself next time. My sister almost ordered the Lobster Mac & Cheese, but our waiter suggested that it was a little too heavy to have as an entire meal and suggested we get a smaller portion for the table to share. Thank God he said so! It was delicious, but even with the smaller portion we still ended up having leftovers to go. She had the Oxtail Pappardelle. For dessert I had the Sugar Hill Chocolate Cake with blood orange sorbet and citrus crunch. I loooved it! Sometimes I get nervous ordering chocolate cake because too many places get it wrong - not here! It paired nicely with the cappuccino I chose from Ethiopia (there is a process for ordering coffee: 1. choose region 2. choose type). The blood orange sorbet is delicious and I wish I had some right now while writing this review. My family shared Red Rooster Doughnuts with the sweet potato filling and cinnamon sugar. My mom and dad split the Ice Cream Sandwich - very fun! I liked my dessert the best though! To top it all off, Ryan brought us Bourbon infused with orange peel and vanilla. So we chilled out a little more before we returned home. Bonus points for not having to wait at all. I had booked my reservation 1 month in advance (I seriously set an alarm on my calendar because I have been trying to get reservations to this place for years and always call too late). & more points for the meal not being crazy expensive for the quality of the food, drinks, & service. Very impressed!! There was a private party going on downstairs (Ginny's Supper Club), but there is often live music. We also found out that you can make reservations for a buffet style brunch while enjoying a youth gospel choir at Ginny's (you can't make reservations for brunch at Red Rooster). We will definitely be back for that! There's also a midnight brunch!!! Note on atmosphere: It is more modern and trendy. You can see into the kitchen. I pictured it more loungey with dim lighting. Not complaining, just explaining. I do have 1 complaint: the chairs are very uncomfortable! You have to lean back too far to hit the backrest so there is practically no support. They are awkward to hang your coat/bag on as well. Not taking off a star for that, but I did have a little bit of pain the next day since we were there for so long.
(5)Chanele D.
I was excited about trying this place and had heard good things. The food was not delicious. Everything seemed to be missing something in terms of flavor. I would rate this with Applebee's. Mediocre...
(2)Michael F.
The energy and the atmosphere give this place a solid 5 stars The cocktails, another 5 stars! They are pricey, but not any more so than every bar in NYC. Especially not bad for a bar with a DJ and live violin player which was really cool. The food....3.5, the MAC and cheese was pretty good, very cheesy with a crispy top. No complaints. The seared bass could have been better. Do not get me wrong it tasted fine, but I think it could have been brightened up with some citrus, and it was a touch on the fishy side. Dessert was good, but 12 bucks for pinneapple upside down cake...maybe we should have ordered the donuts. Service... well we were here at the end of the night, so maybe that had something to do with it. I would definitely come back and order drinks and snacks and soak up the atmosphere. Dining again, maybe..there are just so many places to try.
(4)Kelly P.
We were so super excited to eat here on our short weekend trip to NYC, but unfortunately our expectations were not met. First the good things. The restaurant is interesting looking and has a fun vibe...until the workers have a heated argument in front of your table (more on that in a bit). I ordered the sangria which was delicious and the Mac and cheese was fantastic. My guy and I shared the cornbread and enjoyed that as well. Now the bad stuff. We saw our server maybe four times throughout our meal. He walked by us about 15 times without checking in on us. He did not give us our food or ever check back to see how we were doing. At least 4 times he walked by my empty glass - eventually we asked another server to tell him that we wanted more drinks. About ten minutes into the meal two workers got in a very heated argument right by our table. It lasted for a few minutes and was very uncomfortable to witness. My guy ordered the yardbird. He was looking forward to this all day. Unfortunately, it was dry and just...chicken. Nothing extraordinary at all, especially not for $27. Our entrees came out unbelievably quick - too quick. The whole experience felt rushed. We were so excited to order the doughnuts but they were a sad bunch - heavy and kind of tasteless. The inside filling oozed all over and not in an appealing way. I ate one and would have sadly preferred a fast-food doughnut hole over these any day. The whole time we were there we kept trying to see the positives because we really wanted to like this place, but the bad parts definitely out-weighed the good. Overall this was a big disappointment. The place seems to care more about being a hip place to be than caring about the food and service. We would not go back again.
(2)Lauren K.
I am really shocked by how low this restaurant's reviews are. I went last night with my boyfriend and we had a phenomenal dinner with just as excellent service. Jodi, our waitress, was super informative, patient and hospitable. She helped us make some great dinner decisions: we started with the cornbread (NOT TO MISS) and deviled eggs (heavy on the mustard and a unique spin on the classic), and then we shared the shrimp and grits (really delicious, a little less traditional given the chinese sausage on top) and the fried yardbird (i'm not a huge fried chicken fan but i absolutely couldn't get enough! super crispy skin and juicy and tender meat). We had the passion fruit mousse for dessert which was light and satisfying-- really really unique dessert. The cocktails are great, too. Definitely make a reservation and come hungry!!
(5)D R.
service horrendous, food mediocre at best......don't even try....!
(1)Dennis J.
Solid, hearty food and drink in a lively environment. I stopped by for brunch with a friend on a weekend, and we sat outside since the place was fairly packed (although there was a World Cup game on at the time). We put our name down to be seated outside, and we were told that we would be seated in a few minutes, but another pair who came after us was seated before us, which peeved me greatly, and the service in general was probably slightly below average throughout the entire meal. However, the food was very good. To drink, I had the Bourbon Negroni, which had a nice fruity flavor as part of a solid drink. We split the beaten biscuits and red eye gravy, which was nice and meaty and went well with the tasty biscuits, as well as the fried yard bird, which had a good crisp to its skin and was tender on the inside. I'd definitely come back to try the other dishes/drinks.
(4)Chante R.
Aside from the staff being so attentive and helpful, I was not impressed with this place given all of the hype. The menu was "okay" but I've seen better in other restaurants in the city and in the boroughs beyond Manhattan - the prices for appetizers are just as pricey as the entrees?! The menu confused me as to what audience was being served - is it southern comfort style? General American? Not sure. The corn bread that they are widely known for was bland (dare I say tasteless) and I almost choked on corn - people shouldn't be too literal by adding corn to cornbread (keep it simple). Ok moving on to the ambiance - I liked the open seating arrangement and the option of having a private party downstairs as well as seating at the bar if you don't want a table. The place is bright and full of energy. The only annoying thing is the constant shouting from the kitchen and I know why this is done - to alert the wait staff - but it irks me and can be distracting. All popularity aside, Red Rooster is for the tourists and fans of Marcus Samuelson. It doesn't appeal to me as a foodie and native New Yorker. Just my opinion.
(3)Jill S.
This place is pretty good and not at all what I expected. We had a 9pm reservation on a Friday night this place is hopping! Wow. Also come dressed to impress. People definitely dress up here and I felt very underdressed having not been in this area in a while. The food is tasty, the service is *excellent*, and generally a really good place to go. Get the Chile Roasted Lamb Tostadas as an appetizer. They will not disappoint.
(4)Mark K.
Worst experience ever. I have never been around such unpleasant staff and the food not only did not live up to what I read but it sucked.
(1)Constantine H.
The food was OK but not worth the hype. IMO its more of a "look at me, I checked-in to a Harlem restaurant" scene than anyone being there for the food. The worst thing here is the regulars playing the Frank Lucas role to pick up women. Wouldn't return.
(3)Ella E.
The food is amazing. Mac n cheese, chicken and waffles, collard greens, sangria. ..omg the cornbread and butter! I love this place! Downside. ..so hot inside... but everywhere seems to be here. ..so worth it.
(4)Jennifer F.
Tuesdays here rule! Johnny and his band play amazing salsa on Tuesdays. I just loved the ambiance. They even have brief salsa lessons during the band's break, which in no way interrupts you if you're by the bar chatting with friends or even dancing! The chicken and waffles and Parmesan frites were pretty good as well. Drinks are also good but priced a bit high for the area. Regardless, I'll definitely be back.
(4)Bonnie T.
We saw chef Marcus Samuelsson dining in person!! In 2009, he prepared the first state dinner of the Obama administration. I had the fried yard bird (that means fried chicken!) served with white mace gravy and hot sauce. Chicken is all dark meat, well-seasoned and tender with an amazing crispy crust. It came with stewed collard greens, perfectly done and mashed potatoes. There were also some bread pickles on the side. I also tried the shrimp and grits and the meatballs which everyone liked. The scene is amazing: live music, well-dressed and diverse patrons of all walks. Would definitely come here again.
(4)A Y.
I liked the ambiance even though as a vegetarian I was a bit disappointed in the options. I made a great meal out of the watermelon /tomato salad , turnips with butter and rice noodles (delish!) , corn bread and charred broccoliini. My husband like his Yard bird. Service was great and it was a good time. I wish chef would come up with at least one creative vegetarian dish instead of Mac and Cheese (which I did not get) but confirmed that it was totally vegetarian.
(4)Sheri M.
I had dinner here on a Sunday night with friends/fam. The food was good but I feel that the menu could've been more descriptive ex. the mac and cheese and greens - I thought this would be served separately, but to my surprise it was mac and collard greens cooked and served together in a dish. It was ok - def not the best mac and cheese or greens. I also had the chicken and waffles - the waffles were blah but the chicken was seasoned and fried to perfection. I would try this place again for a date night - the ambiance and small plates would be perfect for such.
(3)Rudy T.
There is a massive dichotomy between the five star service and the one-star food. This place would have gotten a 3 & 1/2 stars if it was based on the initial hour of our dining. We were able to get a seat for 4 without reservations on a busy Saturday at opening, with great hosts and service. The appetizers (dirty rice w shrimp, oyster, shrimp & grits, etc) were fine, though flavors of the dirty rice failed to really meld together for the most part and it was simply a taste bland rice with a nice piece of shrimp. The (Obama-tini) was excellent with a mix of fruitier flavors and a dashing kick of spice. Unfortunately, it was just downhill after that. The main courses were admissible. I shared the "special" New York Steak for Two - with a churri sauce, short-rib sides, asparagus, and fries. Save your money and avoid this ~$90 monstrosity of a dish. Ordered medium rare, the steak did come out as ordered, but the steak was sliced probably before it was allowed to sit. Juices had run out, drying the meat, and caused the steak to cool too fast. The sauce was literally flavorless. The cut of the meat, unfortunately for us, must have been an older cow. Worst of all, the silver skin was not removed. This equates to a something that was REALLY tough to chew. The side of short-ribs, was really blended beef short rib meat, made adhesively into a meat ball with BBQ sauce, and then deep fried/oven-ed. What a waste. The beefy marinated flavors were lost in sweet sauce and oil. I don't want to say anymore about this failed fried ball of sloppy joe. Finally, I think the chef/cook who handled this order over-compensated the lack of flavor on the steak, by dowsing plain table salt ALL over the fries (more salt than fries). Everyone at the table agreed about the dichotomy of the steak and sides. This was one "special" that should have never made the menu. Furthermore, a friend had ordered a Mac and Cheese and it was runny/soupy for something that had been in the oven (think wet casserole ugh). The butter and cheese looked like a failed emulsion of oil and water. Typically, before I review anyplace, I give them two tries (for prosperity and consistency). But this is one place I wont want to try again without some changes from Chef Samuelson. I wanted to like this place, and the caliber expected was not uncalled for, especially with such a price tag. Let us not forget, we are talking about "soul food" none-the-less. In short, the service was superb!. Food was mostly terrible garbage. The price was definitely UNFAIR for the quality. For expensive "soul food", I'll continue to hit up Brooklyn's SoCo. Tip: Unless you are coming for drinks at the bar with an appetizer or two, really, DON'T BOTHER. And if you really feel the need to try it, make sure to make reservations or pray for cancelations!
(2)LL T.
My husband and I went to Red Rooster for Sunday brunch, after hearing so many good things about it. We really, really wanted to love it. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. The good: great people watching, diverse neighborhood, fun people sitting next to us at the communal table The bad: inexplicably overwhelmed hostess, bitchy inattentive waiter, overpriced and bland food I probably won't be back.
(2)Stephanie K.
We just had the most incredible Thanksgiving dinner, with a warm, gracious staff - better than home. The root vegetable soup was killer, the turkey was perfectly cooked with an unbelievable stuffing - a delightful balance of savory & sweet, mashed potatoes, of course the corn bread, and a unique & delightful pumpkin pie. I could not recommend Red Rooster for a holiday meal more. Especially because of the incredibly warm and welcoming service.
(5)Julia K.
I am going to give Red Rooster 3 stars. The food deserves 3 stars while the atmosphere deserves 5 stars. For lunch with my mother and her friend we were a bit overwhelmed. We started with the sweet potato soup and deviled eggs. The soup was a sweet and had a nice kick from the chipotle pepper. The deviled eggs were creamy and rich. The chicken pâté underneath was wonderful. As was the corn bread with honey butter. The tomato jam was wonderful! For entrees we shared the mushroom pasta, red Caesar salad, and fried yard bird. The salad was overdressed and the mushroom pasta was a little undercooked. While the yard bird was cooked well and came with creamy mashed potatoes. All three dishes were huge. WARNING: The portions at Red Rooster are HUGE!! All in all, Red Rooster is good but not great.
(3)T M.
Complete amateur hour And embarrassingly -Marcus was wandering around the whole time. Ordered fried gr tomatoes app, yard bird ($27!) ans a pulled pork sandie Everything brought out at once except the app. Did not course the meal. Then the man next to me looks at bird and says I think that's mine cuz he ordered greens instead of mash spuds. I say give this to him being me another. They ask do you still want tomatoes? Yes So they bring the app and a chix but the chix is still w greens-so They then bring the mash. And they got brian a free beer for all that-$95 lunch
(2)Bronc M.
We went on a Monday, and the vibe of the restaurant was great -- FOR US. On Mondays, it's a bit different experience, though... the bar is a Harlem hotspot. Live music and a JAM PACKED bar... The band was playing jazzy covers of R&B and Hip-Hop songs. Personally, I loved it. My head was bobbing the entire meal to the band... And, as a special unadvertised feature, a Caucasian couple we're doing a swing/ two step to the band all night. (they were just comfortable in their own skin -- I LOVE that!). So it was COOL. A hip restaurant in Harlem with a hot band... You felt like you were on the scene! Now... if you're looking for a quiet dining experience to experience the imagination of Chef Marcus Samuelsson, I would recommend NOT going on Monday. Saw an older couple there, whose heads were not exactly bobbing to the groove... I'd imagine that some people might be a bit put-off by the noise and rambunctiousness of the bar scene. Because, seriously, it was LOUD. So think "lively", not "romantic". On to the meal: the food was very good -- not incredible, but very good. All except the cornbread -- what was INSANE. The yardbird was interesting... the blackened catfish was a bit underwhelming, actually. But overall, a positive experience. Check it out!
(4)Wilfredo B.
I'm a new Harlem resident and went to the Red Rooster with high expectations. The ambiance and live music were great, and the service was not bad, but the Yard House Bird I ordered at $27.00 a pop was a disappointment. For that price you get a virtually tasteless over fried thigh and leg with a skimpy portion of mash potato and a dash of greens reminiscent of a Swanson TV dinner. This they call American comfort food? I won't be going back, the cool ambiance was not enough to make it a satisfying experience for me or my spouse.
(2)Sophia L.
There are some definite LOVES: - fried chicken - shrimp and grits (I could've licked the grits off the plate -- so creamy and buttery) - Caribbean bacon (fatty and crisp) - brown beans (deserves it own line, it was so good) - corn bread (buttery, flavorful, needed 2 orders) - collard greens (salty, tangy, just the way it needed to be) Not-so-loved: - in general some of the sides like the waffles came out cold. Not sure if it was a one-night only thing but it almost dropped the 4th star. - sweet potato doughnuts were too heavy. Not light and airy like I like my doughnuts to be. Really glad we went while we were in town. But not sure if it warrants a return trip next time I'm in town. Oh -- public transportation was SO easy! and when you get a reservation, ask for upstairs if you want cafe feel, downstairs if you want cool, hip lounge feel.
(4)Lenore L.
Deviled eggs with chicken skin mayo were very flavorful. I had Helga's Swedish meatballs and my husband had the oxtail pasta. Both were unique and very tasty. Sweet potato donuts for dessert were delicious. The highlight of the night was a cocktail, the Savoy, which consists of muddled grapes, vodka and two other ingredients I can't remember. Our waitress Jamie was outstanding. Can't wait to visit again!
(5)Laith A.
Go there on Sundays and experience a lovely time with great soul music and brunch
(5)Jill T.
We came here on an Open Table recommendation. We were looking for somewhere fun, with good music, and good food. This place fit the bill. The food was great, the music was good, and the service was really good.
(4)Julia B.
This place is buzzing and busy on a Friday night! Fortunately my friend lives a few blocks away so she went in at 4pm to put our name down for 6:30pm so we got a seat at the communal table quickly. You definitely need to get here before 7pm! As true to many other reviews, the service wasn't that good. The maitre d' was apparently very rude to my friend when she came to put our name down but we came for the food, not the service so whatever. Down to the nitty gritty: Malted frosty - it was super thick and lush. I laughed when the waitress described it as like Wendy's Frosty. Helga's Meatballs with mash & lingonberry - The mash was light and fluffy, the lingonberry (a Scandinavian cranberries) added a certain sweetness and the meatballs were tasty. However, I was still hungry at the end. Fried Yard Bird - It was juicy and flavorful. It came with a sprinkler on the side that I could smell had some Ethiopian spices (berbere) in it, which I thought was an interesting touch. My friend happily picked it at it til there was no meat left! But like me, she was still hungry afterwards. I think the ambiance and vibe impressed me more than the food. I was happy that we sat at the communal table than the more fancier dining room at the back. We actually got talking to the people around us, talking about Red Rooster and our food, which I enjoyed doing. Would I come back? Maybe.
(3)Philip N.
You're not necessarily going to get an authentic Harlem dining experience (if there is such a thing), but Red Rooster Harlem serves good food. I was back in Harlem for a couple of days for work and had a chance to dine here twice. Both times I walked away more than happy with the fare here. The "lunchbox" is a great deal, even for Harlem. For $17, you start out with a tasty split pea soup topped off by mint, pea shoot tendrils and creme fraiche. The soup has layers of flavor without becoming overpowering your palate. The second course is hearty course of Samuelson's deservedly famous meatballs (eww), served over a braised cabbage, lingonberries, and dill potatoes. The balance and subtleties of flavor her are really commendable. Finish it off with the devils food cake which is almost criminally good. A dark chocolate cake with a caramel filling should not be consumed that quickly. On my second trip, I had the fortune of trying to Yard Bird. Oh. My. Goodness. Get it. Just get it. Deep fried dark meat chicken covered in gravy, chili powder, served over mash potatoes and a side of housemade hot sauce. Unreal. Ultimately beyond the food itself, I love what Red Rooster stands for. The place channels the deep history (culinary and not) of Harlem. The food plays homage without being formulaic while infusing amazing and global flavors.
(4)Brandy E.
Came here on a Sunday with a friend and no reservation, but it was 5:30, so we were seated in the bar area with communal tables almost immediately. Nice ambience. We sat next to each other and made friends with the nice older lady sitting across from us who was visiting on business from Chicago. We weren't super hungry, so we shared cornbread, deviled eggs, watermelon salad and meatballs. We also got the donuts for dessert. As someone else mentioned in their review, our starters (or "snacks", as the menu calls them) hit the table before our drinks did. I really hate that. I've worked in food service. That's totally avoidable. And we ordered beers, not fancy cocktails that take forever. Cornbread was good. The seasoned butter was delicious, but it's butter, so it's always delicious. The deviled eggs were quite good. Get them. I thought the watermelon salad was meh, but my friend loved it. It had watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, mint, cilantro and aged feta. The mint and cilantro combined really nicely, but I wanted more acid to cut all the sweet. I liked the meatballs, but I think Lean Cuisine Swedish meatballs are delicious, so I probably shouldn't be trusted to be discerning when it comes to Swedish meatballs. My friend thought they were meh. My friend loved the donuts, which had a warm sweet potato filling. I didn't really like them. I'm not a big fan of foods that pop in my mouth. Take that as you will. Overall, I'm glad I went and I'm used to spending on good food in NYC, but $85 for what was effectively one person's meal (2 beers, 2 snacks, a salad, an entrée and a dessert) should have included at least one thing that really wowed me.
(3)G C.
A wonderful vibe! My party arrived by 11:10 and was seated within 15 min. People do come early, even before the Gospel brunch starts. Though it sounded more like jazz than gospel, but still fantastic. Staff was great and the food was good, though a bit pricier than expected (esp with some of the portions), but I guess you pay for the ambiance. Would visit again!
(5)Chris E.
Went to the red rooster today, I wasn't impress at all busy crow, over priced food and drinks..I order the wings and oysters (blah) the bartenders need to work on their social skills. Don't know if I'll go back.
(2)Stephanie D.
Overrated! Besides the cornbread I didn't enjoy the food. I joined a group of 4 of my girlfriends one evening because I'd been wanting to try this restaurant. After apx a 30-45 minute wait (not bad for nyc on a Friday night) we were seated, service was prompt and friendly but the entrees fell short. We each ordered something different and sadly we were all a disappointed! Great ambience, maybe next time I'll just visit for drinks!
(3)Jaden C.
Excellent energy, vibe, karma. Great atmosphere, super tunes . Food is average, eat before you go. Portions are SMALL- bill is LARGE.
(3)Harrison E.
Holy! Moly! I went out of my way to experience this Harlem joint. 100% worth it. Food, drinks, and staff: all amazing. Well done.
(4)Nicole P.
I've heard nothing but good things about Marcus Samuelsson's fusion of Soul Food, Ethiopian and Swedish so I've been dying to try Red Rooster. The entire experience was fantastic. First, we walked into a great vibe with soul music spinning, tons of people watching and hip decor. Second, the food was outstanding. We started with the oysters and and order of cornbread for the table, delicious! Then for an entree I had the Fried Yard Bird, which I loved. This is not your typical fried chicken, the outside is crisp and not greasy and juicy chicken on the inside. Everyone at the table really enjoyed their entrees. Red Rooster is a little pricey, but it's definitely worth saving your pennies and making a trip up there!
(4)Bing R.
Hyped and pricey for chicken that I ordered. I've had better brunch at lower cost and closer commute.
(3)Phillip H.
I managed to get reservations at Red Rooster last Thursday evening for dinner, and it definitely lived up to the hype. Chef Marcus Samuelson's Harlem soul food restaurant boasts phenomenal service, superb cocktails, and some of the best comfort food I've ever eaten. I particularly recommend the chicken and waffles appetizer, and mac n' cheese n' collard greens side.
(4)Sophia S.
I just moved into the neighborhood and decided to stop into Red Rooster on a Wednesday afternoon. It was fantastic! They do a champagne happy hour on Wednesdays that I will definitely come back for, and the food was delicious. Everything was perfect and the service was impeccable. Our bartender (the check said Mariaelena) was the right balance of personable and professional, I recommend her!
(5)Jack K.
the service was great, food was delicious and the live band was awesome , great place to chill and enjoy a great night with your lady or friends...grown folk atmosphere !!!!
(5)Miss B.
Cute for after dinner drinks, and the music jams. Didn't eat but will try it next time!! Great on a Friday late night. STanding room only upstairs. Was told there is a downstairs too. Will try that next time too ;)
(4)David W.
We decided to check out the Red Rooster as an alternative to our usual short list of local dining spots (and after I read an essay in the NYT by its owner, Marcus Samuelsson). I made a reservation for a Tuesday evening the week prior. I almost canceled my reservation because, after booking by phone, I received a confirmation via email that stated, "Please note that your reservation might be at our communal tables." No mention of this had been made when I spoke with Rashida, who took my reservation. I was a bit annoyed (I'm taking my gf on a date at a fancy-schmancy trendy spot and we'll have to share a table with strangers--seriously?) so I called the restaurant and told them I wanted a table for two and NOT a communal table. I was told, "we will make a note of your request". I replied, "I'm glad you're making a note of it but will I have a table for two or not?" "We can't guarantee that but I've made a note of your request" came the reply. I was ready to cancel but my girlfriend, being the good sport that she is, said "nah, let's go and check it out, it's supposed to be great". So we went. We arrived a couple of minutes early for our reservation and were told that they were running behind. It was a Tuesday night and the place was absolutely packed, both the bar in front and the tables in the back. We were seated 30 minutes behind schedule (not acceptable) although they did offer us some nice cornbread on a plate, which we had to eat standing up as there was no place to sit. All of the staff, from the doorman, the hostess, and the coat-checker, were solicitous to a fault. The food was solid, if unspectacular, and when I'm paying close to $30 a plate, I'd like to be dazzled. I had the jerk chicken which came with what were billed as "tostones" on the menu. Tostones are fried green plantains. The waitress explained that they were not, in fact, classic tostones but RR's variation of them, which are actually platanos maduros (i.e. ripe and sweet). They were delicious, coated with cornbread, but unfortunately they were very skimpy in quantity with just 3 or 4 small "tostones" on the plate. The chicken was moist and tender. Portions were just right for a single serving (unlike many places that give you so much food that you have to request a doggie bag). The HF had the grouper with cheese grits, which she enjoyed but wasn't floored by. She LOVED her drink though--the Obamatini, a spicy cocktail made with Aquavit. We topped off the evening with a shared slice of chocolate cake that was much more to the HF's taste than mine; I like dense rich and moist cake and this was lighter, though still good. All in all, between the expectation that you will share a communal table (whether you like it or not) and the tardiness (what's the point of a reservation?) being seated, it will probably be our first and last outing to the RR.
(2)Kenny L.
Sometimes I eat at a place and weeks pass before I sit down to write a review. Most of the time, I forget too much about the food to write a meaningful review. This is not one of those places because the food is that good. I still remember the pot roast. I already like pot roast, but the mushrooms and truffle oil take the pot roast from "good home food" into gourmet. It was a delightful combination of beefiness, sweetness, savory and umami. I commented that the beef was so good that I could easily go vegetarian for the next week. The pot roast is big enough for two, and generate leftovers. The soups we made with the leftover pot roast was almost as good as the original.
(5)Brian F.
This place is overhyped. We had played with the idea of going here ever since it opened, but it was always booked up. Finally, a few weeks back we made a reservation far enough in advance. The decor inside I would describe as tacky. The chairs are upholstered with jeans, complete with butt pocket still on them. The prized dish, the fried chicken, they call 'yardbird.' If you ask for the fried chicken, they will remind you that it's called 'yardbird.' This would all be fine, except the food isn't that good. In our group, two had the chicken (yardbird), two had the pork chop, and two had salads. I can't comment on the salads, as I did not try those. The pork chops, which the waiter recommended, were not very popular with anyone who tried them. They were too sweet, and there was not much else memorable about them. The yardbird was pretty good, but not worth traveling for. I will say that the cornbread was moist and fantastic. We had a few pitchers of the sangria, which was the first I'd ever tasted with no alcohol. We're talking 5-6 glasses of it each and none of us could be sure it wasn't just fruit juice. We later found out it cost 64 bucks a pitcher. All in all it was a let down. We bought into the hype and ended up paying $600 before tip, or a hundred dollars a head, for food that felt like it deserved about a third of that. Oh well. Also, a thought after dining there. It seems kinda shady to put your restaurant in a specific area in order to capitalize on the cultural identity of that neighborhood, and then serve food that no one who lives around there can afford.
(2)Anna C.
I finally made it to Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant and it was everything I hoped it would be! Plus burnt marshmallow ice cream! My cousin and I ordered the gravlax for appetizer and it was delicious. We then shared the Lamb Neck Rigatoncini and Three Pepper Steak. The Lamb Neck Rigatoncini didn't have a lot of lamb in it so it would more appropriately be named "Rigatoncini with Some Lamb Neck," but it was very good. And the Three Pepper Steak was to die for! Such good quality meat and the marinade was delicious. For dessert we shared the S'Mores Bar. The actual bar part was just okay but the s'mores ice cream was out of this world. I also really liked our waiter. He was down to earth and gave good, helpful recommendations. For example, my cousin and I were thinking about getting two S'Mores Bars but the waiter recommended sharing one, and he ended up being right. The decor in Red Rooster was fun and clean -- the restaurant still looks brand new! I definitely want to go back.
(5)Julia E.
This is the first time 5 stars are insufficient--the food was spectacular--truly delicious, the jazz was good, and the atmosphere is cool. Be prepared for a long line to wait as this is a famous landmark brunch spot, and be prepared for the brunch scene.... I recommend the Caribbean Bacon & Beans--awesome! Tender pork belly and really unique dish. Many of the menu items are on the spicy side (Haitian pickles anyone?) so for the faint-hearted, beware :)
(5)Lloyd T.
Order the burger. Don't get appetizer it's sloppy but oh so good. Also go to bar on Friday night for people who really love house music. The d j is off the chain
(3)Shibani R.
Came here to celebrate my birthday. Greeted with friendly smiles and very cool vibe. Restaurant week dinner was delicious, the cauliflower oyster soup was creamy and lovely. The music was wonderful but loud...so better to get a round table where you can yell into your friend's ear...square tables make it a lot more difficult. But it was a wonderful evening and great way to celebrate!!! We did order the biscuits and gravy...that was a little surprising..the biscuits were rock hard...not sure about that?
(4)Neil B.
One of my friends took me here today and raved about the place. He is Ethiopian (actually Eritrean) and lives in Sweden so I think he might be a bit biased towards the place...(read the chef's bio!) We arrived at 3:00 PM and were told by the friendly person who seats you that the dining room was closed for changeover (not really sure why they need 2 hours to change from lunch to dinner) but that we were welcome to sit outside - which we did. The waiter then old us that only half the menu was still available which limited our choices. I ordered a burger which comes with jalapeño cheese and bacon. I asked that it not be on bread and to have salad instead of fries. When the burger arrived, it was on bread but the waiter (who was not the one who took the order) promptly took it back and replaced it. The bacon and cheese were excellent and the burger cooked as ordered but I'll take the burgers at Burger Bistro and The OxCart in Brooklyn over the ones at Red Rooster because there they are a big bigger and juicier. The salad looked nice but was small. I also saw the Watermelon tomato salad that my friend talked about having had last time. It looked nice but for $15 it was very small. So good food that is overpriced, friendly service equals an A-Ok but not exceptional restaurant that should offer more food between 3 and 5 PM! Oh Louise, I almost forgot...old time, clean bathrooms wih cool old pictures!
(3)Howard L.
Great atmosphere. Attentive and friendly waitstaff. And of course fantastic food. 'Nuff said.
(5)Matt S.
Unfortunately brunch limits meals in a way. The true flavor of a place is usually muted in serving up normal breakfast dishes with a little variance. The cornbread was nice and dense and subtly sweat, which in my mind is perfect. I went with the jerk pork and eggs. The jerk sauce was great but the quality of the pork cut was questionable. I'd have assumed they would have utilized a better cut. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the salad paired well with the pork and eggs. I would hope to eventually try Red Rooster during a lunch or dinner meal to get the full experience.
(3)Julie S.
The Red Rooster has an energetic atmosphere with a blend of fun and professionalism. The staff are superb - attentive and entertaining. The food is beyond awesome - from the drinks at the bar before dinner, the 'this will be good for breakfast tomorrow' portions, and the variety of deliciousness is complete from appetizer to dessert. This is by far one of my favorite restaurants in New York, and I love that we can attend frequently since it is reasonably priced. We try to bring friends and family when they visit NYC to get a feel for the authenticity of Harlem.
(5)C W.
What a disappointment! I'm really easy to please at restaurants, and I was excited to finally try this. I came here for dinner with my boyfriend and his Mom and we had to wait an hour to sit. This was fine- it was Saturday early evening and we didn't have a reservation. When we finally sat down, the music was so loud that we couldn't hear each other at all. We had to wait for our food and eat without speaking to each other. My BFs mom wanted to treat us to dinner, and this was my choice, so I was pretty embarrassed to bring everyone to a restaurant where we couldn't even speak. I got the Yard Bird which tasted exactly like shake and bake from the grocery store. Kennedy's fried chicken is better and 1/5th the price. My boyfriend got mac and cheese which was good, but not 18$ good. His mom got meatballs which were fine, but nothing special- the ones you get from Ikea are just as tasty. The service was also really bad- it seemed like one guy was serving 10 groups so it took a long time to put in an order, get food, pay the check etc.. The decor there was really cool, but I definitely wouldn't go back and I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.
(1)renje g.
*********** midnight brunch review*************** ++++ - Midnight brunch is a great way to go, in order to get downstairs for free (well, the cost of brunch) - Idk if they have Herbert Holler every Saturday, but the music was ON POINT, even after after the supper club, I went to go party and wait for the bathroom. I didn't want to leave +++ - fried chicken from the chicken and waffle was great - bourbon syrup gets two thumbs up ++ - blueberry pancakes were regular crepe style pancakes surrounding blueberries, it was great - blueberry pancakes were very well presented + - Waffle from the chicken and waffles tasted regular - Punches were good, without tasting too boozy +/- - Our waiter was grooving while waiting tables. I didn't have a problem, but I can see how a patron would find this problematic - - The restaurant was pretty much empty, but they still weren't letting anyone in #wasupwithdat - It was well after 12:30 when they started opening up the back for midnight brunch, the ppl who had reservations were pretty pissed TIPS: - Make a midnight brunch reservation, the wait may be awhile
(4)Steve C.
Red Rooster is by far one of the coolest places to host an event in NYC. I recently hosted a gathering of real estate professionals in the lower level of the restaurant(Ginny's Supper Club), and the ambience was excellent. Leah, the event coordinator for Red Rooster was very helpful in making sure we had what we needed and the whole staff at Red Rooster was very courteous and professional. The appetizers and drinks were at a reasonable price for an establishment of this nature. I highly recommend Red Rooster for any professional gathering you have.
(5)Amarilis L.
Last Saturday 5/9/15 my family and I went to the Supper Club to celebrate my mother in laws 88th birthday and Mother's Day. The performance was fantastic, however I was very disappointed with the food. We ordered the usual Fried Bird and Salmon as main course. The salmon was extremely salty, the Fried bird with the mashed potatoes was not the usual. What's up with all the salt??!! The menu is boring. It is not up to the standards one would expect from a chef that I have admired.
(3)Sol C.
I am a huge fan of Red Rooster and of Marcus Samuelsson. Three of us had dinner there last night at 5 pm, which was the only time I could get a reservation for the entire night! It was a little strange because we were finishing up around 7 pm and there were still plenty of free tables so I'm unclear why we had to take the 5 o'clock time slot. Regardless, we made sure not to eat much before hand so we were starving by 5 anyway. The service was also great all night. They let us take as much time as we needed and they didn't push us to leave even after we had paid the bill. It was a very pleasant, relaxed dining experience. The cocktails were great. I had the Yes, Chef (vodka with berbere spices) and my boyfriend had the Fig Bourbon Negroni...very strong and interesting tastes. The appetizers were incredible: the caribbean bacon was my favorite. It came with a fried egg, the best baked beans I've ever had, and pickled cabbage. The "bacon" was more like pork belly than bacon. The only issue I had with the appetizers were that the sizes were HUGE. Next time I go back to Red Rooster I will probably get two appetizers rather than an appetizer and an entree because it was a ton of food. The entrees were excellent also: we had the jerk chicken, Helga's meatballs and the Rooster noodles, which was a very unusual dish: ramen noodles in broth with pork belly, crab and massive shrimp with the heads on. We shared the peach ginger cobbler for desert and it was fantastic and they put a candle in for my boyfriend's birthday. So my main complaint is that the portions were too large, but really, I think Red Rooster is wonderful. I'm dying to go back for Sunday Gospel Brunch.
(5)Sasha B.
So, I recently moved to Central Harlem and have frequented red rooster several times since I moved in. Overall, over my first 4-5 visits, I'd rate Red Rooster consistent with everyone else 3-4 stars... Some dishes are great, some dishes are very BLAH... Specifically, the Steak Frites was GARBAGE... Average, chewy piece of Hanger Steak you coudl buy at Pathmark down the street... And Burger King quality FROZEN fries, DEF NOT hand cut. My most recent visit was by far my worst, one we made the mistake of ordering the SHITTY steak frite, and we were greeted by a bill for 3 of $370 before TIP. (To be fair, we did order a $90 bottle of wine), but still... $120+ per person for "bistro" food??? Well, anyway, I got my credit card statement and found out that the waiter (or someone else) marked up the tip an extra $25 for BOTH tabs. We split the bill on two credit cards and I specifically remember leaving ~$40 tip and rounding the tab to a total of $220 as I always do, ending with $0.00 cents on the tab... My credit card statement reads $245.37. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? OBVIOUSLY, the waiter changed the amount and decided to tip himself another $25.00 PER TAB, $50 TOTAL. WHAT A THIEF!!! Needless to say, my days at RED ROOSTER are over... They employee scumbags. And their food is hit or miss and EXTREMELY OVERPRICED!
(1)Jennie S.
I have been to Red Rooster on a few occasions. I have been for dinner, brunch and for apps and drinks at the bar. Everytime I have been I have enjoyed myself. The food is consistently good with a unique twist. I do feel that it is getting a little too touristy but the scene is always bustling and fun. The prices are on the high side for Harlem but all in all it is good place to come for a fun atmosphere and a good meal.
(4)Tina L.
Helda's meatballs, that cabbage and mac/greens were delicious! !! Met Marcus S now ready to party.
(4)April W.
Visited Red Rooster on a weekday and planned on sitting at the bar to enjoy some cocktails... The place was packed! I took this as a good sign and we stood with our drinks until seats opened up. While the service wasn't amazing, the bartenders were attentive enough. I would hope that on a less busy evening they might show a bit more personality. The servers moving around seemed to be more friendly and welcomed us and invited us to tour the restaurant as we took it all in. The overall atmosphere of Red Rooster won me over from the start. Although slightly cramped in spots due to the crowd, the place has a great energy and a great setup. I appreciate how the dining room is fairly separate from the bar area due to the shelving holding liquor. The bar held a DJ on this evening which was nice and not overbearing. He played good music at a reasonable volume for dinner/early evening. I actually didn't even notice him right away. I was told that on some evenings, live bands play, which I'm sure would be amazing. We ended up ordering food after a few cocktails and everything was delicious. We had a kale salad, hearth roasted brussels sprouts, and the shrimp and grits. I will definitely be back to try more of their menu choices, specifically, the chicken and waffle. If you're looking for a fun, hip spot with a great crowd, check this place out!
(5)Anthony W.
A first visit for dinner. The Harlem Mule is a delicious cocktail and a great start to the evening. The gravlax appetizer was simple, but had the right touch of bitterness to counter the fish taste. My tablemates appetizers - cornbread, chicken liver and waffles were equally good. Excellent execution. Why not 4 or 5 stars? Entre - blackened catfish and grits. Just okay. The grits could have been mistaken for mashed potatoes. Too smooth, there was no grit in the grits. Catfish was adequate but not exceptional. Perhaps I made the wrong choice. The Helga's Meatballs had all of the punch that was missing from my dish. The atmosphere was inviting, wait staff were friendly and top-notch, so I'll give it another shot and explore more of the menu.
(3)Sonali B.
Terrible food! It has no flavor or taste- everything was bland. The freebird lacked salt and was so over priced. The gazpacho is apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Awful! Don't bother eating here!
(2)Cheryl L.
Ok. Well, it wasn't soul food. It was bourgeois. Not in a bad way at all though. Just don't expect soul food. We wound up going during brunch & the French toast was good. Not slap my mama good but it was good. The el jefe... Um. Well, it wasn't what was expected. My friend ordered it & the menu description failed to make mention that they were sunny side up eggs. She ate it nonetheless & wasn't knocked out of her seat. My husband had the burger & it was just that. A burger. The drinks are strong though. It's nice. That's all.
(3)Victory O.
After stepping into this Harlem jewel at noon, with its French-café ambience whose walls were filled with art pieces and mostly-black-and-white photography, I felt appreciative to have made it to book my seat a few days in advance, especially after witnessing the "house" being half full at this hour of a weekly working day. My feeling of appreciation doubled after having been warmly greeted from almost every staff member who happened to be in my way from the reception till I reached my communal table, safely. The thankfulness gesture was still to escalate after discovering the Southern cuisine was having a lunch prix-fixe for $20.14--and not the $25 that was announced for Restaurants Week 3-course lunch, as it coincided with Harlem's Restaurants Week, too. "What a steal!" I whispered. The open kitchen was on fire, and so was my appetite. I was wondering what my very first encounter with the cooking of the celebrity chief Marcus Samuelsson, one of Food Network's Chopped judging panelists, was going to be for my craving. It was noticeable the prix-fixe menu's items were derived from the Restaurant's regular menu. The Market Greens Salad and Coconut-Cauliflower Soup did not fail my high expectations. All vegetables were allowed to keep their true selves untouched. However, the addition of nutty flavors, with sweet-and-sour chopped apples created elegant attire to an otherwise predicted outcome. The mussel broth of the Apple Wood Smoked Salmon felt light as air, with absolutely unparalleled richness of flavors. The tenderness of the salmon, topped with what it seemed as a hollandaise sauce and mustard seeds, was handsome. The Mac & Greens was another classic the kitchen knew how to celebrate to the dish's full capacity. It was very hard to even guess what to expect from the only dessert choice appeared in the simple-looking menu. Doughnuts the dessert dish it was. Admittedly, I felt belittled for lowering my expectations of this one kind of available-in-almost-every-American-simple-coffee-Âhouse dessert, when I should have raised the bar high for being taken by an absolutely happy surprise for all the dishes I had tried by this point in time. The white-sugar coated small balls of dough hosted a magic filling within that was nothing but sweet potato cinnamon cream, which--by the way--made me close my eyes to enjoy the dreamy journey into what generally taken-for-granted dessert. As love was what began this experience, it was exactly what ended it up; every member of this restaurant on the way out made sure to effortlessly greet and ask if the time spent was enjoyed. Did I have a special time? Absolutely. Would I repeat the experience all over again? Of course; that goes without saying! (Review of The Red Rooster-Harlem Lunch Visit on Thursday, February 20th, 2014).
(4)Jack W.
Unimpressed. Better Southern/Soul food elsewhere. I'm a big fanatic of Southern food and had high hopes for Red Rooster. All three times I've visited, I've been stuck behind a line and wait of approximately and hour (sometimes more). The food is average, the ambience is nothing special... I have a hard time understanding what the hype is about.
(2)Cathy M.
3.5 stars .... Review For lunch only At the heart of Harlem, Red Rooster offers new America Dishes with some soulful twist. Offering you dishes such as mac and cheese lobster, chicken and waffles, pulled pork, fried fish, fried chicken sandwiches. I love the decor of the place. Elegant but not pretentious. They have a pretty well stocked bar, but when here for lunch so I can't comment on their drinks. I had the chicken chopped salad (too much dressing in my opinion but the hostess told me she would have switched it and made it right if I had told her, which was very nice), I also had here the salmon, and their friend doughnuts. The salmon was cooked to perfection and the doughnuts was not overly sweet. Now the dishes did not impressed me very much, but I did like the attentiveness of the hostess, the welcoming atmosphere. I think I would consider coming back for dinner.
(3)Lu H.
Came here on a Sunday with a group and had a very good experience. The place was packed with live music. Loud but not annoying. One complaint that I have is I don't like when restaurants have reservations and they're not ready to seat at that specific time. I'm sure it's logistically complicated and all, but for the life of me I just can't accept it. Anywho, the food was excellent with good portions. The fried chicken was very crispy on the outside (to the point, I wasn't a huge fan) but the inside was moist and just perfect. The mash potatoes that came with it were some of the best I've had. Fish/Grits plate was also a standout with some excellent, soft grits. Would definitely make the trip to try this again
(5)Lucie T.
I had mixed feelings about trying this restaurant because usually hyped up place isn't always amounting to the hype, with that, I never went on my own and my friend decided to have her birthday dinner here. So a fine idea, and we arrived early than our reservation for the downstairs restaurant was, and decided to have a drink at the bar, one drawback to that part of the evening was that while the vibe at the bar and people were great and friendly, the service was uber slow and there were two bartenders behind the bar. Sure lets call it Friday night busy time. Eventually, we proceeded downstairs, which was freezing, as opposed to upstairs, but really nice dining room, which turns into a night club right after last dinner is served, literally you could have seen them remove chairs and tables as soon as people were done. So while I didn't expect to be blown away by the food, it was good, no frills, but as someone on here already mentioned, the ingredients were fresh and it tasted good, so the fact we were frozen and were rushed from dinner, was somewhat secondary, our waitress was great, but like I said, I had mixed feelings about the place to begin with. I had the best time, as I had the best company and while I only danced for a bit they danced the night away. So all in all it was a great eve.
(3)Sue S.
Service is far too slow at 5pm on. Friday. It was empty, 35 mins. To get a cocktail . Food was served cold, taste was good not amazing like it is reported. Menu is limited. Too far to go for fair food and poor service. Also loud room.
(1)Julie R.
3.5 stars is probably more accurate to my overall review of Red Rooster but that's only because: 1) I left Hoboken 1.5 hours before my actual reservation just to ensure I was there timely since I knew getting to Harlem would be a hike, and still somehow waited 10 minutes after my reservation time for my table. I understand you can't kick people out of their table but then again- what's the point of making a reservation? 2) we were sat at one of those communal tables. How come other parties of two got their own table with personal space? Felt like I was cheated in a way. Maybe this is me being too "American" but the couples next to me were annoying and I didn't care to listen to their conversations but had no choice otherwise. Food wise and customer service wise- everything was good. The yardbird is as good as everyone raves about. The skin of the chicken is beautifully spiced and perfectly crispy. The mashed potatoes on the side were the best mashed potatoes I've ever had and I even loved the greens. The best part of the restaurant is the decor and the ambiance. I felt transported when I entered- it is like an experience. Great lighting and wall art and bookshelves of cookbooks and little knickknacks gave it an intimate feel. I'm a huge fan of Marcus Samuelsson and mostly wanted to support him by dining at his NYC location. I think his knowledge of food is notable and taste-able by the menu of Red Rooster. Hope to try the brunch menu very soon!
(3)Munchie N.
My companion and I came to red rooster on a Saturday night and the place was popping. We were seated towards the back on the restaurant, very cramped into the walkway and another table. No biggie since it was so crowded right? I looked around after we ordered and the restaurant was half full. We didn't have to be cramped into that little nook. Per the waiters suggestions, we got the blackened catfish and fried yard bird. The yardbird came with a leg and thigh and they looked crunchy and delicious. My companion tried cutting into the catfish but the meat wouldn't separate. It was like cutting into a steak! We both tried it and it was cold and rubbery. It was undercooked. For a $27 dish, we were not going to keep the cold fish and decided to send it back. We never send things back to the kitchen in fear of getting spit or snot on the new entree. We ordered the burger as the replacement meal and the burger was nothing to write home about. Average burger. The yardbird came with collard greens and mashed potatoes and again, nothing speculator. When I was about half way through the thigh, I noticed pink on some of the meat and tossed it aside. When I got neared the bone, it was all red and the meat around it was pink to red. I complained to the waiter about it who took it back to the chef and said it was the blood from the bone and it wasn't undercooked. I know my chicken and when it's undercooked and that piece of thigh was undercooked. Marcus Samuelson, I don't think you would accept undercook chicken when you judge on the spoon. Such a let down.
(2)Maureen F.
The burger I got was intimidating: two patties, bacon, tons of sauce and toppings. I ended up finishing because it was so unbelievably delicious... I couldn't bear to eat some of it as a reheated leftover. The fries weren't memorable and neither was the street corn. My cocktail (the earl of Harlem) wasn't as good as I expected, but the burger more than made up for the mediocre sides and drinks. Service was great. The staff is super friendly and helpful. From what I saw, I think their meats are exceptional, but don't expect to be blown away by the side dishes.
(4)Becca W.
Chef Marcus Samuelsson is one of my favorite celebrity chefs and his restaurant did not disappoint! Took off a star since find waiting 15 - 20 mins for a reservation a little frustrating but at the same time it was great to stand by the bar and listen to the jazz music. The ambience here is wonderful! Love the wall decor and music. The service was also really great and everyone was so friendly and made us feel at home. I tried the savoy drink - grapes were nice but not as exciting as I thought. But the food was truly spectacular! Had the gravlax at the recommendation of our waitress - really wonderful mix of flavors. For the main course I had the fish with grits and kale - SO good and huge portion too! Oh and we had the cornbread with tomato jam - this is a must! My friend had the Mac and cheese and greens which had a nice spicy smokey flavor and was huge! For dessert we had the sweet potato filled donuts and spiced mango bread pudding - our waitresses favs and also amazing and very unique. Highly recommend this place for amazing food, good portions, and a wonderful dining experience!
(4)Barbara G.
The night life here is usually pretty decent. The music is up to date and they usually have a good dj on the weekends but the food is not so great. The Mexiopian Chicken doesn't have a defined taste. I taste like every seasoning has been added to this dish without the right measurements. Men seem to favor this dish much more than women. The shrimp and papaya is also not good. Not to mention sometimes served half cooked. The best dishes are the yard bird which is nicely marinated, chicken and waffles and for appetizers the wild wings and cornbread. Also the gin and tonic is very good.
(3)Mary H.
Loved this place. From the food/drinks, to music and service. It gets super crowded from happy hour on, so be prepared to wait a bit for drinks. The bartenders, servers, and staff make up for it though by being available and friendly. This place skews older, but the music (90s r&b/hip hop) blends everyone together. I hear downstairs is dope too
(5)Tony R.
Walked in on a whim and what an awesome surprise! At 5pm the dining area was packed, and there was only room at the bar. Some of the drinks had an Ethiopian flare which was exciting ( my drink was had berbere on the rim). At $10-15 per drink I had a blast. Some people were looking food to the bar which is probably a better idea than trying to get a walk in table. Stop by if you're in Harlem!
(4)Lester D.
Great chicken-- wife loved the shrimp and grits. Reserved on open table and got there 30 min early -- able to walk past the lines and sit right away. Not an all time favorite, but for Harlem-- not to shabby.
(4)Maureen D.
I was so looking forward to going to Red Rooster. Finally got to have brunch there on Saturday. It was a good experience. Not perfect, but good. Service was impeccable. The bar and dining rooms are very cool. The corn bread was delicious, not sure what flavors are in there but they are yummy! I was a little disappointed that the food didn't come out piping hot. The eggs were hot, but the sausage and potatoes were just barely hotter than luke warm. Maybe we should not have dined when they first opened for brunch right at 10 AM, they might have needed time to get things ready. I'd go back but I'd hope the hot food is all served hot. Personal pet peeve of mine.
(3)Jess C.
Given the criticism behind the restaurant, namely Eddie Huang in his NYO article, I can't say I disagree with it all. For a restaurant trying to make a positive impact on the community, how can you justify spending $28 for jerk chicken or $17 for a po boy, especially when most of the people along 125th Street can't afford to enjoy the food themselves? Still, I think what Marcus Samuelsson is trying to do here is admirable. In opening a restaurant with Southern, Swedish, and Ethiopian influences and themed nights for each night of the week e.g. Gospel Sunday Brunch, Latin Night Tuesdays, Soul & R&B Fridays, he attempts to bring a bit of art, culture, and diversity to his restaurant-goers. He also hires staff from the local community and hosts events such as free cooking classes for kids. People can argue that it is restaurants/businesses like these that gentrify neighborhoods, but it also draws celebrity-chef-crazed tourists out of their comfort zones, beyond 61st Street, for once. (It's okay to be a minority! Embrace it!) On the flipside, this restaurant allows (upper-class) Harlem residents a taste of fine dining mere blocks away, rather than needing to go all the way downtown. That said, fully aware of the accolades that Samuelsson has collected over the years, I was quite disappointed in the food. No mind-blowing moment, no explosion of flavors, no lives were changed. But our server/bartender was fabulous! We decided to eat our food at the bar, which I highly recommend. Not only did we get to watch her technique, Athena was an absolute doll in answering all our questions about mixology, the restaurant, and the neighborhood. In fact, when we mentioned that the Yardbird was too raw for us at the end (we didn't want her to take it back into the kitchen), she still took the plate and came back with a complimentary sampling of desserts for each of us!! Totally unnecessary since we weren't dissatisfied. (She also explained that the Yardbird is cooked in a brine that keeps the color of the meat, but in actuality, the meat is cooked well -- Good to know!) Irregardless of how "authentic" the food is or how much "value" I might not get from any future visits here, I would still come back to support the "Empire of Marcus Samuelsson" and remind myself that there is more to NYC than SoHo and Greenwich Village. I definitely plan to try out more local spots around here - next up, Spanish Harlem, anyone? 3.5 stars for the food, 5 stars for ambiance, 5 stars for service. PS; the restaurant also has a takeout window (called "The Nook") for coffees, teas, sandwiches, and pastries by their pastry chef, Deborah Racicot PSS; the Earl of Harlem Cocktail (Alibi Bourbon, Earl Grey Tea, Spiced Coriander Syrup) was INCREDIBLEEEEE
(4)Derika J.
The food is not seasoned. I got both fried chicken as well as steak and both were super bland. The restaurant is nice but too expensive to have poorly tasting food
(1)Kassie R.
I wanted to love this place. I wanted to have a nice place I could bring my friends who complain when I want to hangout uptown by my apartment vs. trekking to the east side or Brooklyn. I wanted to bask in self-righteous "I just love patronizing local establishments!" glory. I wanted to die at the hands of Lobster Mac n Cheese. None of the above happened, but the Lobster mac tried its best. Seriously. Threw that ish up faster than you can say "Gosh I love living in Harlem." Two stars for friendly and prompt service, but I won't come back.
(2)Ray W.
My problem with them is the way they treat certain customers compared to others (Affluent white customers get treated so much better than the black customers) I have seen it out of my own two eyes My reservation was pushed back for almost two hours and while I am waiting, I watched while a certain customer would walk in and get the red carpet treatment such as having the door being held for them, being seated instantly even with a reservation, ect ect . Meanwhile I am trying to walk into the door and the bouncer stops me and questions me like a TSA would screen someone at a airport. I don't understand how they would open a business in Harlem but treat the local resident of that area like crap but them treat the affluent white clients who do not live in the area like royalty. In that case do not set up a business in Harlem There were two different occasion when two of my friends we're visiting NYC and they wanted to go to Red Rooster because they have seen it and Mr Samuleson on TV. My one Is a white women and she even said she felt like she was giving the red carpet treatment but she observed the blacks customer being treated with a less quality of service. So in return she decided she wanted to eat somewhere else because she felt like the black clients were being treated different and being profiled. Not once have I ever told her about my experience there and for her to feel them way that I do considering that it was her first time there and she never knew I felt the same way must means something. They are very shady with derivation and how they treat people It's sad that this goes on
(1)Naima R.
Honestly, I've had better food at cheaper places in the city, but the experience here made up for it. I came here with my mom for lunch on a Friday after she read Marcus Samuelsson's book and decided she had to try Red Rooster. I made a reservation a few weeks in advance and was told that I might be seated at a communal table. I called the restaurant the day before and requested not to be at a communal table. They said they would try their best and we ended up getting a nice table for two. We started with cornbread which was absolutely delicious and came in a generous portion. I ordered the fried yardbird and my mom got the red snapper. The yardbird was HUGE! I guess they're making sure you really get your money's worth because it was enough meat for two. It was pretty good but not mind-blowing. The best part of the meal was definitely my mashed potatoes, which my mom and I agreed were the best we'd ever had. Perfectly buttery. I wasn't crazy about my collard greens--they seemed a little bland for my taste. My mom's dish was really well flavored and she kept raving about the black eyed peas which she never eats. We were both stuffed after the entrees so we didn't get the doughnuts but the couple at the table next to us did and they looked so good! The bill was $96 (we each had a glass of wine too) which seems pretty steep, even though we ordered off of the normal menu and not the lunch specials menu. It's definitely worth coming here for the experience and to try once, but the food is too overpriced to make this a regular spot. I will come back for drinks though since it seems like other people enjoyed theirs!
(4)Geri S.
I am very grateful when people post reviews for it helps me decide where I want to spend my time when eating out and equally important what to order when I get there. So I will give back to the SM that in which I take. Went on vacation to NYC with friends and wanted to try the Red Rooster coz chef/owner is on Food Network and wanted to experience the cultural effects in Harlem. We appreciated the beautiful black ladies in the bar wearing colorful stylish hats. We didn't have reservations but got there by 5PM got a table outside after a 40 min wait. The 3 of us shared the corn bread, yard bird chicken & collard greens, Mac and cheese and shrimp with dirty rice. One word to describe the taste and quality of the meal, "outstanding"! We ate everything and all the dishes together complimented each other enhancing the flavors. Gourmet soul food never tasted so good! Thanks Yelp!
(4)Jessica Y.
The bf made reservation for 6pm on a sat night and we were seated right away as soon as we arrived. The bar was already packed and a line was gradually forming. Our waiter came by and asked if we would like cornbread (not a free item by the way!) as we browsed the cocktails menu and sure, why not, right? Boy, those were some good cornbread with butter and tomato jam. I got the lenox lighting slush drink (vodka and melon that day $10) and the boy got gin and tonic ($12). They are pricey, but strong. For appetizers, we got the grandpa's gravlax and mexican street corn. The corn was not worth it - $8 for a single cob. You can get a better deal of the corn (with chili powder) at cafe habana on prince street. Just saying... However, the gravlax was amazing. The apple pieces paired so well with the salmon and mashed avocado and peas. For entrees, we got the famous yardbird and catfish. The catfish, in my opinion, was better. The skin on the chicken was hard and the meat was more on the dry side. The catfish was flaky and tender like a perfect cooked fish should be. The succotash and creamed corn underneath the fish was so tasty! We were full at the end of it all, but we ordered dessert anyway - peaches and cream. I'm still thinking about the dessert. I forgot to mention the service was phenomenal!
(4)Bree W.
I went back to the Red Rooster today after being away for a while and my fait is restored. I brought 3 friends here that were new to the restaurant. We had to wait about 45 minutes for a table, which was fine, as it was Sunday we expected a wait. We had cocktails at the bar and were able to listen to the lovely gospel singer that was performing. She was just so precious:). We had Brunch and were able to try and share 4 dishes.The Shrimp and grits were amazing, especially the texture of the grits were just perfect, the French Toast was good. I loved the sausage that came with the scramble and the cheesecakes was a yummie guilty please after already splurging. Our server was friendly, efficient and engaging throughout the whole brunch experience. The hostess that put my name down was kind but honest about the wait. I appreciated that. I have to say i was somewhat hesitant to come back and bring friends following my last experience, but I am so glad that I did. It just goes to show that despite he unfortunate past experience they were able to redeem themselves in my eyes, by providing a laid back Sunday brunch experience, with just the right amount of everything. A little music, a lot of soul, a little laughter, some good food and good company. I had a blast. I could have done without the hordes of tourists... But hey its New York.. Thanks Red Rooster for a lovely Sunday.
(4)Satish N.
Went here on a Friday night around 10.30 and was lucky to be seated immediately. Lively music (not too loud), nice decor and EXCELLENT service! The waitress took time to describe the dishes I asked her about and made meaningful recommendations rather than the usual, useless "I like it all" spiel. I started off with the Yes, Chef cocktail - minty and refreshing. Then a side of corn bread which lived up to the high expectations set up by other reviews here. The portion is generous, so it might make sense to share. The blackened catfish arrived when I had barely started eating the corn bread, so the timing was a bit off. The fish was cooked very nicely but the grits could have used a little more flavor, in my opinion. I will certainly be coming back here to try out other dishes.
(4)Dave B.
Possibly the best fried chicken (Yardbird) I've ever had. The service was perfect, friendly and knowledgable with the right amount of guidance/bossiness when it came to decision time. The music and ambience were just so cool. People were bobbing their heads and dancing in their seats all over the restaurant. The scene at the front bar looked like a combination of cool regulars and eager visitors. Once "New Edition" bled into an old school hip-hop block, there was a smile on every single face. Great bourbon cocktails especially the No Doctor. We went for a date and will be back soon. Insanely convenient to the subway or bus too. If I had to criticize something, there was a line for the bathroom (only two unisex), but nobody seemed to mind since there's a great view of the open kitchen and the overall scene.
(5)Dominek T.
I went on a Sunday night with my husband. About a 20 minute wait. I ordered the Mac n Greens with lobster. I thought the mac n cheese would come separately from greens. But they were actually together. It tasted amazing. I highly recommend it. My husband got the meatballs which tasted great. We sat outside because it was such a beautiful evening. They also had live music going on inside. It was awesome. I will be returning.
(5)Star s.
Really fun and cool spot. Service outstanding and had a reservation (lunch), so no wait. Lunch prix fixe $25 is a bargain. Bibb salad--the only disappointing item i had. the ends of the lettuce were brown--come on, this is not acceptable!!! lobster mac & cheese--delicious, plentiful on the lobster and very rich. perfectly baked with a crusty top layer donuts--a signature item for good reason. not too sweet and the 3 donut-size holes are generous would return again!
(4)Doris S.
I've been to red rooster many times but never had the chance to eat there. I love the up beat ambience of people sitting at the bar talking, laughing, and bopping their head to sultry and soulful music. Their lounge downstairs is also a plus. I always have a good time when I hit up the lounge. The djs are always pretty good, playing a variety of music rather than just the top 100. If you want to dance and have a good time then you can't go wrong by coming here.
(3)Allison C.
One of my favorite classes I completed in grad school was a class called "Strategic Innovations", which I actually took this past May and June. One of my textbooks, "The Medici Effect" by Frans Johansson, profiled many people, namely Marcus Samuelsson. in the chapter titled "Sea Urchin Lollipops and Darwin's Finches", the author discusses Samuelsson's unexpected placement and rise within the kitchen of Aquavit back in the mid-1990s. He was successfully able to break down associative barriers when it came to the culinary arts and create exciting dishes. He melded what he learned from traveling the world and could combine traditional Swedish and Scandinavian cuisine with ingredients and flavors associated with other countries, such as India or Japan. This man was a master then, and a trip to Red Rooster proves that he still has that magic touch. I was not aware that Samuelsson was the founder of Red Rooster until just recently, though I've known about Red Rooster itself for quite a few years. I literally exclaimed, "Hey! I learned about him in school!" when I made the connection. (Ha!) Luckily, this restaurant is a participant of NYC Restaurant Week, so I was able to snag a 1:30 p.m. reservation on a Wednesday. (Lucky me, I was off of work on a week long "staycation".) We arrived...and it was PACKED. I was not expecting that for a weekday lunch, but lo and behold, even with a 1:30 reservation, it was still another ten until we were seated. Eh. No matter. The menu pickings for Restaurant Week were a little small, but those few choices were still hard to pick from! The beau ordered the chilled spiced tomato soup, and I opted for the salad with grilled peaches. Both were satisfying; the avocados coupled with the crunchy bread bits on the soup were a delight, and my salad's lemon dressing was bright. As for the entrees, he ordered the Mac & Greens, and I opted for Helga's Meatballs. Finally, I was seeing some of that Swedish influence in that Southern food. Those meatballs were some of the best I've ever had, served on a bed of sautéed cabbage and carrots in a delicious butter sauce. The lingonberries were a perfect accompaniment to the meatballs, a tart cranberry-esque flavor countering the richness of the meat. The mashed potatoes with fresh chives and sautéed shallots were as good as mashed potatoes could get, a shining example. The beau's Mac & Greens had one of the best cheese sauces I've ever had, and the addition of collard greens to the mix was a really enjoyable flavor combination. I know some people can take or leave them, but I really felt this worked well; it's certainly more flavorful than just adding spinach or broccoli. Finally, the meal was ended with freshly fried sweet potato doughnuts served atop a sweet potato cream with a dollop of vanilla-flavored whipped cream on the side. By that point, I was about to ask our waitress, Kimberley (excellent waitress, by the way), where the beds were, because we both needed to take food coma naps immediately. Backtracking a bit, we also indulged in their famous cornbread with honey butter and each had a glass of the Rooster Punch. By the end, we were more food than human. Simply put, I had one of the best and most satisfying meals I've had in ages. I had a great appreciation for Marcus Samuelsson after learning about him in my class, but now my appreciation goes even deeper after trying what he's crafted. This place is worth the hype (normally high non-Restaurant Week prices be damned!), because you'll get some extremely innovative and delicious meals. Hats off to you, Mr. Samuelsson!
(5)Stephanie Q.
I went for Gospel Sunday Brunch, and I'm pretty impressed with myself for knowing almost every song that was sung. There are 2 waiting lists- one for seating inside, one for seating outside. Given that it was a hot day, I chose to sit inside. You can put your name on both waiting lists by the way. It was 1130am on a Sunday morning and the wait was 40min. it turned out to a little faster. We were seated at our table, we had to shout a little to hear each other above the jazz music, which was ok because I love jazz. We started off with a pitcher of Starr punch. Not sure what was in it, but it was good. We ordered some corn bread which came with honey butter (YUM) and tomato jam, which was more like tomato salsa. I didn't even know it was tomato jam. For my main course, I had the El Jeffe- fried eggs, on a bed of cheese grits, with homemade chorizo and lima cream. Don't laugh at me, this was my first time having grits. I thought I was eating mashed potato then remembered towards the end of my meal that was grits. The food was delicious, but quite pricey, especially since the portions are small! FYI the bathrooms are clean. There are 2 unisex bathrooms upstairs. There may be more downstairs but I did not check that out. Next time.
(3)Jialing W.
Wow, I was really really happy to finally try Red Rooster after wanting to try it for so long. During this same trip to New York, hubby and I were burned by another famous chef's restaurant (Butter), so I was slightly apprehensive, but we were both wowed by the experience from the moment we stepped in the door. We came on a Tuesday night but it was still packed and very happening, with live music going on for Latin Tuesdays. The band was off the rails good, and had people moving in their seats and bobbing their heads in the bar area. We had some drinks and enjoyed ourselves while we waited for our 3rd person for dinner. The drinks were very good and the music set the mood for a fun, classy evening out. Well, our third person did not show and the restaurant was running slow that night, so we waited quite awhile for our table. I was starting to get antsy but was pleasantly surprised by the GM, who came by and gave us both delicious slices of cornbread! That was a great touch which was unexpected and very welcomed. It soothed our hunger pangs until we were seated about 10 minutes later. Once we got seated we had a very friendly waitress and busers who helped us have a great meal. We continued to be wowed by the service, ambiance, and the food was just amazing. We tried the chicken and waffles, pickles, the roasted winter vegetables, and the Harlem chowder. The chowder was a tremendous dish in both the presentation and the depth of flavor. I cannot believe how much seafood we got for $72 for the chowder, it says it's for two but I really think it can feed 3-4 with other dishes on the table. This was one of these perfect dishes that I still think about. The real shame is it doesn't come with a huge bowl of rice so you can eat that with the amazing broth! I can't wait to go back with some friends to share it with them. I could not have been more happy with our experience here! Great job Chef Samuelson and team at creating and upholding standards and for putting this gem in Harlem! 5 star service and amazing food.
(5)Bridget R.
I've been to red rooster numerous times over the last few weeks. First few times a had great service, my friends visiting from overseas enjoyed the bar, and restaurant however the last time I was there the service was terrible. We were seated at the front of the restaurant near the bar, it took 15 minutes for someone to take our drink order, 3 glasses of Syrah. 15 minutes later still no wine. Cue waitress, and a reminder. 3 glasses of lightly rose colored wine appeared. I asked the waitress are you sure this is syrah, its very light. Waitress responds I believe so. Definitely not syrah however the waitress was not accommodating to my inquiry. Another server approaches, I enquire about the wine, she checks with the bar tender - sure enough the wine is a rose. Staff can't tell the difference between rose and a syrah? I've raved about this restaurant to friends and recommended it to everyone when they came to town for my wedding. I was really disappointed with my recent visit, hopefully it was a one off...
(2)Antoine T.
This is my second time dining at Red Rooster. The quality of the food in preparation, presentation, and flavor was outstanding at the initial experience in July 2012. The presentation of the food remains excellent, however, the quality in taste has lessened. I expect a restaurant in NYC owned by a celebrity-chef to stand out in some way from other establishments. The history of its name and decor of the building are wonderful, but the actual product needs improvement. Flavor from taste enhancers (salt, sugar, spices, etc) should not conceal the core ingredient of a dish. I tried the apple delight after brunch, but could not detect apple in the dish. History can make an establishment unique, but given the price of the menu cannot sustain a business. The staff is extremely polite and courteous, which is wonderful. I am supportive of the owner-chef and wish to see the restaurant do very well.
(3)Anna S.
hmm, I went back here because it was so good the first time I was here. Now I wasn't impressed. The service is the reason why I only give it two stars. It took long time to get the wines we ordered and nobody, really Nobody asked if the food tasted fine or if we were fine for the evening. With this price range we expected so much more. We had the restaurant week deal but feels like that shouldn't make any different. We had the catfish and I found something weird in it (white long rubber elastic). The gravlax was really good, the donuts ok. We also got the table close to the entrance to the kitchen and the waitresses kept running in to my chair and jacket. Not coming back here for a while.
(2)Selena C.
Being from the south, I know great soul food. My grandmother was an excellent cook, and I consider my self a great cook. One of my favorite food is catfish. I thought I would try the blackened catfish and cheese grits. Can you say it was the best!! I enjoyed the service as well as the great food. If you are in Harlem, don't miss out!!
(5)Natalie B.
I was so excited have lunch here, as I'm a huge fan of Chef Marcus Samuelson, but things did not turn out the way I expected. We arrived and a very nice hostess let us know that the wait would be about 30 minutes. We went the day after New Years, so it was a bit busy with tourists and locals home from work. We were able to find a seat at the bar so we decided to eat there instead of wait for a table. Big mistake. We sat down and on the counter was a used napkin and two glasses. There was one bartender and she seemed busy so we waited patiently. After about 10 minutes we asked the couple next to us if we could take a look at their menu. The whole time I tried to make eye contact with the bartender to let her know we were there, but no dice. It took the bartender 15 minutes to come by and and clear off the glasses and napkin. We did not get a greeting. She did not wipe down the counter but just asked us what we wanted. We were starving so we gave her our food order and she turned away to help another customer. She never came back to ask us what we wanted to drink and after another 10 minutes I flagged her down to get a couple of waters and sodas. About 10 minutes after that, she came by and double checked our order with us. I thought it was odd, but thought that she might just be making sure she got it right. Looking around the bar, I could see lots of people needing attention and looking a bit irate. Although the bartender was not sitting around doing nothing, she certainly wasn't hustling as much as she could be. Went to the restroom while waiting and there was no toilet paper and trash all over the floor. Additionally, I did not see any managers in the restaurant during lunch. We saw one gentleman in a grey suit that came into the bar area - saw the complete mess and walked out like nothing was wrong. Didn't see him again or I would have flagged him down to complain. From the time we sat down to the time we got our appetizers (deviled eggs and a salad) was around 45 minutes. So when the bartender was "checking up on us" was probably when she placed the order. A couple who was seated at a table behind us had already finished their lunch by the time we got our first course. After finishing our apps, it was another 20-25 minutes before we got our main dishes. My lobster mac and cheese was great - my husband ordered the catfish sandwich and they brought out blackened fish instead. Took another 15-20 minutes just to get his fried catfish to him. While I was eating, my husband noticed that the bartender was picking up placemats off the floor of the bar and placing them on the counter for customers to eat off of. It was definitely gross and we were happy that at least she didn't try and give us a dirty placemat. Finally he got his food (same time I asked for the check because I knew it would take awhile) and we were able to leave soon after. The restaurant gets one star - and that star is for the food. The food was good but the experience was terrible. The name of the bartender on the receipt was Jhwanda - she definitely should be not be working there.
(1)Asi H.
great food, the mix of Swedish and African american is really nice. the shrimp where big and good, the yard chicken was so so tasty. and the corn bread ... so so good ... also the cheese cake ... just WOW the place is great, especially the tall tables, they will sit other people with you ... and you might find new friends. we were 2 people, eat good, no drinks, it was like 150 including the tip
(5)mrakiya m.
So I thought after my bad review from a few years ago, I would try this place again and guess what? It has only gotten worse. Not only will I not be going back, I think your hostess, Sherri or Cherie should be fired. Since when does a hostess grab the bill with the customers cash? Not only did she grab over $240 from our table, she did not ask us if the amount was all set, thank us for our business or tell us that she was giving the money to the waiter. No communication what so ever. She was nasty from the beginning. Listen, I know NY is a tough place for restaurants and all people like you care about are turning tables but have some manners. My friends and I wont be back.
(1)Carrie W.
At long last, my friends and I had a chance to try the near legendary Red Rooster! We went for dinner on a snowy evening and indulged in some serious comfort food. And given that there was no Marcus Samuelsson sighting, we needed some comfort. We shared everything so we could all experience the goodness--devilled eggs, cornbread, yardbird chicken, mac 'n cheese and the pork shoulder. All were delicious and could have probably given us a heart attack right there, but it was worth the splurge. Both the devilled eggs and the mac n' cheese were stunningly creamy, rich and delicious. And while I'm not a fried chicken connoisseur, if you're gonna do it, this is a solid choice to splurge on (but maybe not the very best ever), although with a breast and a drumstick in a serving, sharing among 3 of us was less practical than we thought. Live and learn. The one thing that was truly disappointing was the service. Once we declined our very dapper waiter's suggestion of "SHOTS??!" the first time he came over, he seemed to lose interest in us. The busboys and runners were more attentive and enthusiastic than he was. He didn't check on us to see how the food was or how our drinks were, explain what the sauces were accompanying the yardbird, and, even when our drinks were drained, I had to do that eye contact/chin thing to flag him down while he was just standing around to get a 2nd round of beverages. The only time he showed any level of enthusiasm for us again was when he came by asking if we wanted dessert and pitched "SHOTS????!" again. Puzzling.
(3)Kathy Q.
Got the Prix Fixe for lunch. Mac and greens, salad, and doughnuts. Delicious. My husband had the mung bean hot and sour soup. That was the highlight of the meal. Excellent! Recommend!
(5)Michelle S.
food was good, not outstanding. Based on location of the restaurant I expected it to be cheaper than it was, but also based on location excepted the restaurant not to be as nice as it was.... so that's a plus. Corn bread was the shiz.
(3)Diana B.
I was really hoping for better but I was not blown away at all. I don't think I would ever return to be honest. The sangria wasn't too bad but it was 70% ice, and we had to keep ordering pitchers, half of my bill was alcohol and no buzz at all lol. Tomato gazpacho wasn't anything spectacular, disappointing. Cornbread was super rich but heavy as you could imagine. My husband and I shared the yard bird for 2 and the chicken was nice but nothing special. Waffles were bland and the mac and cheese was just greasy. Service was good but parking was a nightmare on a Friday night.
(2)Rich J.
Nice change of pace for me and the wife from our usual Midtown/Dowtown ventures. Solid cooking and great flavors seem to abound here. What's funny is that some of the prices on the entrees are rather high, but the really great appetizer of fried oysters and hot wings was a steal at only $11 for 6 wings and 5 oysters. Their special rooster sauce on the wings is a combination of typical wing sauce and jerk sauce- that's what my guess is anyway based on what my tastebuds told me- and is pretty damn good. I was actually quite full from my app and struggled through my fried catfish sandwich, which was also good, but not as good as the appetizer. It was perfectly fried in a cornmeal batter and was served with some slaw on top on a toasted brioche. No dessert- too full..next time. Service was great.
(4)Ann D.
My husband and I were so happy to snag a reservation for two on a Sunday night at 7 p.m. -- we got lucky since it was a holiday weekend -- but then I worried a bit after reading some of the more critical reviews from Yelpers. Well, there was no need ... the entire experience was lovely from start to finish. We arrived a few minutes early, in time to grab a seat at the very cool, circular bar. What a great space! There's outdoor seating, wonderful eclectic art, responsive and friendly staff, terrific people watching, energetic but laid-back vibe. We were seated promptly at 7, just as a fantastic jazz band started to play. Unexpected bonus! I'm embarrassed to say that the two of us managed to consume the following dishes all by ourselves: cornbread, fried chicken and oysters, deviled eggs, the yardbird and meatball entrees, and some succulent, decadent dessert called black-bottom peanut pie. Everything was yummy except we would rate the meatballs lower on the scale ... more "meh" than "yeah!" We also found good variety and price points in the wine list, and felt we got more than our money's worth overall. The servers were knowledgeable and mostly attentive. We did have to wait a few beats longer than we might want to for refills from our wine bottle and for some dishes to arrive, but, hey, we had plenty of eye candy to take in (on the walls, the view of the bustling kitchen, the beautiful people everywhere) and that wonderful jazz band playing in the background. Who cared? We loved it and will go back.
(4)Ashley J.
What this neighborhood needed! I only got to stop in for a quick snack and dessert in the afternoon, but am so happy I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to go back. The space is beautiful. The food is everything you've heard it will be. It's scene, but that is less offensive is a not so scene neighborhood. What a jewel.
(4)David K.
Red rooster has a great ambience and I found the service to be very nice and attentive. The cornbread is a nice opening snack with the butter and tomato spreads. The kale salad was exceptional, possibly the best thing I ate. The deviled eggs have a creamy curry based accoutrement that is very pleasant. The entries didn't exactly wow. The shoulder pork I thought was on point. The yardbird really wasn't anything special (if you've had soul food in the south it just won't cut it - sorry). The meatballs were just good, nothing more. Overall tho I would definitely return. Probably more of a 3.5 - 3.75, but I rounded up because the staff was just really nice.
(4)Jo D.
Run, do not walk, to this perfect restaurant. We had brunch there on a Sunday. No reservations. However, if you get there between 9:55 and 10:30, you should be able to get a table without waiting. By 11 am, it was packed. Everything was wonderful: the food, the service, the vibe. There was a jazz group playing and the vocalist went through the dining room wishing people happy birthday. It was my birthday, and got the most beautiful musical blessing. There are many choices for vegetarians. The Mac and greens is not to be missed. Also, the green apple sorbet - fabulous. Also, really terrific iced tea. Everything ordered was wonderful and came out of the kitchen at the right temperature and without too long a wait. Street Parking on Lenox Avenue was available and cabs were easy to get. This was an absolutely perfect dining experience. Expect to pay about $50-$60 per person with tax/tip. Worth every penny. Go Marcus!
(5)S H.
Unfortunately this place has not live up to Hype. I will try again.
(1)Stephanie F.
Love this place! Great atmosphere, delicious food and drinks. Accommodated my group of 10 people and was super nice about us modifying orders and sharing. Highly recommend the lobster mac and cheese, cornbread, kale salad, and squash donuts. Make a reservation or expect to wait a LONG time. Fortunately it's not that hard to find a spot at the beautiful bar while you wait.
(5)Chris W.
Brunch Review: Got there early about 10am, no problems with seating, had choice of outside or inside. Decided outside and it wasn't too noisy and was in the shade. The service was excellent and the server's recommendation of an iced cappuccino was on the spot. The food was OK, the pulled pork sandwich had an unnecessary amount of blu cheese and the bbq sauce was over spiced and mild. The side salad was a nice addition. The fries were awful and reminded me of grade school cafeteria fries with old parm cheese on them... The French toast excellent and had a nice accompaniment of syrup and jams. I'll be back to try their staple favorites and hope for better. This is nice spot to hang out and have some drinks and the atmosphere definitely caters to the new vibe of old age.
(3)Timothy I.
Sat at the bar for lunch. The bartender's service was excellent. They had a restaurant week special with appetizer, main and dessert for $20--a great deal! Had spicy tomato soup which was very tasty. The mac and cheese was peppery and the arugula served with it complemented it well. The donuts with cream and sweet potato were light and fluffy and delicious. Capped off the meal with a great bourbon that is very hard to find (Old Rip Van Winkle) for a very reasonable price. Delicious! Will definitely stop by again if I am in the neighborhood!
(4)Rachel R.
Overrated. Only thing I think is worth getting there is Helga's Meatballs. Plus the service is not great or maybe it's just this one server I manage to get every time I go who seems to know jack about food. I've tried this place three times and will not be going back, which is sad because the jazz brunch singer is great.
(2)Karen S.
"I think James Brown is playing at the Apollo." Make a reservation. Otherwise you will be seated at the bar, the "Speakeasy" in the basement, or at one of the communal tables along the wall. Sit ANYWHERE other than the communal tables. You will literally be rubbing elbows with your fellow diners and being subjected to their little quirks and quacks. I was forced to listen to the nasal conversations of my compatriots. Does everyone have adenoids these days or is this some kind of new regional speech pattern? I don't care what it is... it's insufferable. And I also watched this lady remove every piece of fried batter off her Chicken and Waffles. It was sacrilegious. Being a party of 1, I was placed in-between two other parties. Once drinks and appetizers and entrees start coming out, there really isn't space for 6 people at these damn tables. And of course I get the only stool without a back so I ended up sitting on my coat and perching my purse on the top of my feet. *sigh*. But the Fried Yardbird saved the day. And the Starr Punch was pretty good as well. Don't be shy about getting at that Yardbird with both hands. The napkins are nice and thick. Add little dips of the hot sauce for flavor. The Mac & Greens were underwhelming. I kept adding the accompanying paprika to it, all for naught. I was told it was a blend of spices.... it was paprika. Having asked to keep the mashed potatoes off my order since I was getting the Mac side, I would have liked to have seen that reflected in my bill. It was not. The staff is super friendly, but there's really nothing they could do to make dining at those damned communal tables any better.
(3)Matt J.
People who give this place a bad rating are just fools. 5 stars fo sho. Got compliment champagne and spicy peanuts. The ambiance was cool. Nice music and bar area. Outdoor seating a huge tv outside and inside. Cooler spot than any other famous chef restaurant I've been to. Had some nice Harlem flavor. I had the Harlem mule which is with bourbon and basil and lime and ginger beer. Very good. We started with the dirty rice and shrimp and the vegetable jar. Shrimp was delish with a nice cool yogurt sauce. Vegetables were pickled and came with a green sauce and carrot sauce. Both really tasty. Then I had the fried yard bird which was enormous, crispy and juicy. Great light but tasty breading with an awesome and unique spicy hot sauce. The mashed were silky and so yum. Collard were ok. My girlfriend had the meatballs which were delish as well and suggested by our waiter. His suggestions of meatballs and dirty rice were spot on. Then we had the pistachio sponge cake with sweet cream cheese whip lemon curd and rhubarb sorbet. I enjoyed it. We will def be back for the oxtail poperdelle and the double stack cheeseburger and the Mac and greens. We couldn't eat the whole menu in one sitting but I would if I could. Def a must go if you are in Harlem
(5)Gladys V.
Excellent food, excellent service! Loved the mac and greens, the salmon, and the watermelon salad! Delicious cornbread too! Moist and buttery. Capped off a tasty meal with the cheesecake with pomegranate ice cream. Definitely going back. Food is fresh, beautifully served, and so good.
(5)Lori H.
We made reservations for 4 of us on Tuesday night. When we arrived we were told would be another 30 minutes. Our server(s) seemed new and unsure of themselves, I think we had a total of 4 different staff at our table over the evening. The busboy dropped a tray full of dishes near our table. There seemed to be a lot of commotion with severs running around, but not accomplishing much. Our dinner companions have been at The Rooster before and felt the staff was definitely having an off night. The chefs in the kitchen also seemed frustrated with the staff not picking up food quick enough. My husbands catfish was cold, but rather than send it back and delaying his meal, he chose to eat it. I would go back, but there are so many choices in NYC, that it might not be my first choice.
(4)Brittany A.
I don't know if its bc I'm young & I'm black (& my hats real low?) & I was reservation less but the service here is absolutely atrocious! I came in here w/my bff @ 3 on a Monday. Took us forever to find & we were so excited to NOT have to walk around so close to the hood anymore & could finally get some food. Boy, were we fooled. No1 said a single thing to us. Not a hello, not a u can't be here. NOTHING! So we're looking at each other like, "wtf do we do now?" There were people sitting at the bar enjoying drinks & people in the back by the tables hustling&bustling around, &then there was a woman&a man standing by the podium, clearly employees of this establishment, but I guess they don't work there at 3 because they stood there bumping their gums&didn't even acknowledge me. When we finally got their attention, the silly little woman told us no1 could be served until 5 o clock so to come back then. I shouldn't have to tell you all that I was pissed. I bet if Obama came in here at 3:02 you all would have kissed his feet&sat him at a cute little table in the back.. reservation or no reservation. W/e though. I didn't want to play the angry black girl, so we smiled graciously&headed out, thinking, " wtf, are we going to do in rat hole Harlem until it's time to come back!?" We came back around 4:50 pm knowing that THIS time we would be able to sit and eat. Surely they would be nice to us because they would remember that they sent us away earlier and how eager we were to eat here. NO SUCH THING! We came in and surely enough Dumb and Dumber were still there by the podium, chatting away. We were waiting for 5 to arrive before we went up again, didn't want to get embarrassed. A group of people came in a few minutes after us. (HERE IS WHERE IT STARTS TO GET EVEN MORE FISHY!) The people at the podium skip over to this group & say, "Do you guys have a reservation?" No. "Ok, well u might want to put your name on the list so you can be seated as soon as possible".. WTF!? When was she going to tell me that I can put my name on this list SHE NEVER MENTIONED!? If that's the case my name should have gone on that list at 3, when I first came in, or at least 4:50 when I came BACK & no 1 else was waiting. We got our name on the list & were seated not too long after that. At this point I was too mad to really enjoy anything around me. They asked if we wanted to sit in the back in the fancy tables. Of course we did.. THEN said we'd have to get up by 6. We opted out of that. If some1 came over to me while I was eating and told me I had to get up or leave bc some other person was here to eat I would have thrown a fit. To avoid all of that, we sat at the regular tables by the huge doors. People were walking by. It was chilly by the door. They didn't wanna close it. There was a lot of cute stuff by the side of the table, I'll give them that, but that was all. Our waitress!? What a clown. SABRINA, she was so stuck up&snobby we did not give her a single tip & I usually tip regardless of the wait staff's behavior but she was really condescending.. &was talking to us like we are the stupidest people she has ever seen. She asked if we wanted to start with some corn bread prior to giving us our menues. Of course we said yes. $5 later for the two pieces of corn bread that I could have done with out. She was too busy trying to explain to us that some broccoli naturally grows yellow and purple she didn't mention we would be charged for the corn bread. She could miss me with the science lesson. (I still don't believe that broccoli wasn't injected with any dye but whatever!) We had the dirty rice and shrimp as an appetizer. Tasty, but the spoonful we both had was not even satisfying. So now I had dirty rice in my teeth, maybe one shrimp in my stomach and my appetite was only getting larger. Only two fish options.. hmm. I guess everybody else was having the bird they picked up out of the yard. That's fine. I had salmon and the funny colored broccoli. My best friend had the catfish (she loves catfish!) and some funny stuff. The salmon was tasty and I ate that colored broccoli. I don't care what gave it that color and I KNOW it wasn't natural like Dr. Sabrina tried to tell me. The cat fish was also tasty but soon the taste got a little strange. Some type of sauce or something they had on it. You couldn't eat too much of that. THE PORTIONS ARE EXTREMELY SMALL! All the money I'm paying.. feed me! People kept watching us the whole time. Staring, like we shouldn't be in there. It was so annoying. When we finally got the bill, about $80, there was some funny business, too! They took the card and the cash (we were splitting). Charged all on the card. FOOLISHNESS! Trying to keep money we didn't give them. We left unsatisfied. Still hungry.. we ended up at apple bees. I hate this place!
(1)Kimberly L.
I wanted to enjoy this place because I've read so many great things about it on here, but I was simply not impressed. I feel like Red Rooster is one of those Harlem places people go just to say they went because of the name. The cornbread was the best part of my meal. I ordered the yard bird and it caused me to be sick later on that evening.. not cool. My dinner companion had the Mac and Greens. It's a great idea in theory, however the greens were bitter, making the dish not so great in taste. Good luck!
(2)Laverne W.
Top notch & 1st class! This was a Saturday afternoon impromptu visit; a friend and I was hanging in Harlem and was feeling peckish. Although, we passed many food joints - it was the Red Rooster reputation that allowed us to continued a forced quarter mile south walk on Lenox Ave. On a side note, been to Red Rooster location, Ginny's Super Club (located on the lower level), but never ate at Red Rooster itself. Upon entrance, the environment was mellow, folks chilling at the bar counter... our lovely host, gracefully seated us at a comfortable corner booth that shielded the foot traffic entrance and she attentively checked our coats. We were given the brunch menu, which ended at 4pm. Our professional and efficient waiter, Ryan, was just the right amount of talkative. Like most, you're offered to start with drinks - one of my minor pet peeve about Winter is finding a cocktail to complement the season that doesn't involve ice and coffee. When perusing the menu, there it was "Harlem Toddy:" a spot on drink mixed of Jack Daniel honey, Starr african rum, earl grey tea, spiced coriander syrup. This warm glass of deliciousness put an ear-to-ear smile on my face. For my meal I had the "Beaten Biscuits & Red Eye Gray" served with a fried egg - ultimate comfort food, confirmed Ryan. The buttery biscuits are topped with minced seasoned sausage and a fried egg. I ate it slow to savor every bite and moment. We were able to sit way past the brunch end time, without feeling hurried to move forward as there was a changing of the wait-staff and dinning area. For example, my friend's friend join us 30 minutes post ordering our food and past the closing of the brunch timetable, without hesitation her order was taken, served fresh and ever so appetizing looking. Although dessert is a must have, I was to full and it wasn't even a conversation to do a takeout dessert, which I currently regret x days later.
(4)Ashley S.
My boyfriend and I had been wanting to go to Red Rooster for a long time and were excited when we were able to get a seat right away for brunch. The service was great and we loved our waiter. He was friendly, attentive and knew a lot about the food and spices that were in our dishes which was great. My boyfriend had the bunny chow which was to die for. The lamb stew was tender and bursting with flavor. I had the Swedish meatballs which were also really tender. The sauce mixed with the lingonberries was delicious! The only thing I wasn't too impressed with were the potatoes on the side which were kind of flavorless. I'd say it's probably a better idea to go with their sandwich version of the meatballs with the parmesan fries on the side (I didn't have these but they looked delicious). Get the cornbread, it's awesome! I love that they have actual pieces of corn within the bread, it added a nice texture and extra hints of sweetness. My boyfriend loved the tomato jam that was served with it and I really enjoyed mixing the honey butter and tomato jam....great. We really loved that the menu was so eclectic with a mixture of Swedish, Southern and Ethiopian cuisines. We can't wait to go back to try some more. Definitely stop by the nook and pick up a blueberry curry cookie on your way out!
(4)Ashlee V.
I'm sorry but this place was a disappointment. My mother and I caught dinner here after work one evening, and we had really high hopes for the place! Especially me, as I had met Marcus Samuelsson just a few months before (and we actually saw him there chatting it up in the dinning room the night we went too). Anyhow, let's cut to the chase. The atmosphere and people are great!.... but the food. The food. The food was nothing special. :/ As my best friend who lives in the area likes to put it "It's a place where people go to be seen, it's less about the food." We ate downstairs, my mother ordered fish and grits (which was 37 something dollars LOL) and I ordered a burger (around 20...eh, but OK). I personally thought the fish and grits were over priced (considering the portion, preparation/ presentation and taste)...and I wasn't even paying!!!!! Although the presentation of my burger was great, and the bun seemed fresh, my burger was nothing to be wow'd by, AND about half way through it I decided to do away with the bun and only eat the burger and fries. Red Rooster gets 1 star, a thumbs down, and a thanks but NO THANKS from me....not because of the ridiculous prices, but because there was a HAIR on my burger. No joke, this is why I could only give 1 star. (IMAGINE IF I HAD NOT TAKEN THE BURGER APART?!? Til this very day it grosses me out) Marcus was in the dining room, while there was hair on my burger. I was in disbelief, shock...what ever. We will not be going here again, UNLESS it's to have a couple of drinks and soak in the good tunes. I know this is based off of ONE visit, but seriously. I'm disappointed. And judging from the other reviews, there isn't much consistency when it comes to the food. whomp whomp.
(1)Melissa R.
A little pricey for what you get, but overall very good. We got a communal table with two other couples. It was a little weird at first, but after awhile you get over it, I guess. Service was excellent. Don't miss the chicken and waffles or the mac and greens. Skip the cornbread and order another house specialty cocktail instead! I loved the Savoy. Dessert was so-so. We had the chocolate tart, which had some kind of spice (ginger?) on the top, which I didn't care for. Overall, I would definitely go back again.
(4)Diana C.
Been here before for food and it was great. My review is based on my experience yesterday downstairs in the lounge. I expected an air conditioned lounge with attentive bartenders. It was a sauna downstairs and it took a while to get drinks. I was very surprised considering the name behind this restaurant. Maybe next time I will stay upstairs.
(2)Michelle L.
Loved this place for brunch! I'm already a huge Marcus Samuelson fan, but his food was great! I had an awesome sandwich but we started with the cornbread. The Mac and Greens was also super good! Cool vibes right off the subway in Harlem!
(4)Haley J.
Love having this bar/restaurant around heh corner. Drinks are delicious. The music is always great, and it's fun to see people dancing. The food is delicious-- I prefer the pappardelle. One of the things I appreciate about Red Rooster is I occasionally see Marcus Samuelson. Nice to know that the celebrity status hasn't gone to his head.
(4)Deb O.
Having heard rave reviews about Red Rooster (and after reading Yes, Chef), my husband, I, friends-all from Brooklyn and NOT tourists with a guest from Paris were excited about our Saturday night dinner. I requested seating outdoors and was assured "no problem". There was. Other patrons were continually seated outside and we were basically told (after asking the hostess at least twice when this happened), "You might as well sit inside, it's going to be a long long wait for you to sit outside". Frankly, I felt that we were treated very rudely by the hostess. The food was good but this experience makes me not want to go again.
(2)Shai C.
When we stepped in we were recommended the meatballs and the fried chicken, funny thing is that I could of got the same quality of food in a diner just for 3 times cheaper. I actually had no problem with the service so therefore they deserve 2 stars.
(2)Jenny L.
Visited this place with my boyfriend and his parents, we ordered: -The Red Line Burger -Fish & Grits -Rooster Noodles and -Jerk Chicken I had the Rooster Noodle. It was not great. It was very salty and the noodles were soggy and poor. The only thing that was edible in my bowl was the grilled shrimps :( Not happy. It was extra disappointing because I thought the dish that carries the restaurant's name would be excellent, but it seems it is completely the opposite as everyone really enjoyed their food. The service also wasn't great - our waitress came to our table only after we waved her down to ask for the menu. We had to wait another 8-10 minutes before she re-appears, but to answer a question the next table has. She said she would come to us next, but she just left. It wasn't after another 8-10 minutes, and us finally waving her down again that we got to order our food. Overall, not a great experience for me.
(3)Ashley M.
Wow! I came for the last day of restaurant week and the items I ordered off of the restaurant week menu where the market salad, the applewood smoked salmon and the red rooster donuts. First off the salad was a bit underwhelming. I would've appreciated a little more dressing and more than one peach. However, the salmon was delicious! I ordered it well done and it came out cooked perfectly! There was a little kick to it, but it wasn't what I would consider spicy. It was seasoned perfectly and probably one of the best salmon dishes I've had. The red rooster donuts were out of this world! I've never had a lighter, fluffier bite of heaven than this. They were little round spheres covered in cinnamon laying on sweet potato filling and there was this heavenly homemade whip cream on the side. Omygosh please order this when you visit!!! It was so good. And I really don't like sweets that much, I'm a savory type of person, but this was just right. I'm a very happy customer right now! I will be back.
(5)Dawance C.
This place is a MUST if you're in NYC! The food, the ambience, the decor...BRAVO! I dined there on my own, so my opinion is not confounded by external company. This place blew my mind. I had the blackened catfish and grits with cornbread as a side dish. The cornbread and the perfectly sweet tomato sauce are worth the trip alone. The catfish and grits are at a class of their own. I've only had two foodgasms in my life. My first was in Paris, my second....NYC at Red Rooster.
(5)Nicholas M.
Almost a year later, I tried Red Rooster again during NYC restaurant week. This time I enjoyed it quite a bit. Great food, great service. I will be coming back more often now!
(4)Desi W.
Came for a party which was cute. Completely sweated my hair out. Had a few items from the late night menu (chicken/catfish sliders with a salad ). Not cheap. 4 sliders, two salads $50. The food was tasty but not worth the price tag. Great music and tons of fun. Tip. Eat before hand and then party hard. .
(3)Carla M.
I've been wanting to dine here for some time now but I wasn't able to get to Harlem during my visits to NYC. Well, tonight I did and it was worth the wait! We had reservations at 8pm and were seated by 7:45pm. For my appetizer I had the soy glazed chicken wings, the jerk chicken for my entree and the sweet potato donuts for dessert and the rooster punch for my cocktail. To top of my fabulously delicious meal, Marcus himself came in to dine. I had to give my compliments to the chef and he graciously shook my hand and showed his appreciation. The music an atmosphere was great. I will definitely dine there again. Its worth the trip!
(5)Marie B.
Yum YUM!!!! Got the white sangria, cornbread and catfish sandwich. Catfish is seasoned to perfection! Didn't care to much for the cornbread, it had whole cornels of hard corn in it and was overall dry. My glass of sangria was tasty with fresh peaches in it. My boyfriend got the red sangria, lobster Mac & cheese with greens and the garlic fries. He ate it all. It's a pricy restaurant but food was delicious. The decor was nice too.
(4)Cynthia L.
Came here Saturday by happenstance (we were going to try Sylvia's but I didn't want to go to a touristy place) for early dinner around 5:30 with my fiance and I was excited to try a Marcus Samuelsson restaurant for the first time. They would only sit us at the bar or at the communal table by ourselves in front of the open kitchen. Cool atmosphere, great design. I noticed that people had stolen a few framed pictures from the wall in the chic bathroom- really, people?? Sitting in front of the kitchen, we could observe all of the delicious looking dishes coming out, ready to be served. We ordered a bunch of apps and sides- -the fried green tomatos, -a side of mac and greens, -wings, -chicken and waffles, and -corn bread and -hovel beer We saw a fried green tomato dish ready to go out but was sitting there under the heat lamp for a while. We didn't realize it was due to be ours ours... everything arrived at the same time, and we were disappointed to be simultaneously inundated with all this food rather than have it coursed more appropriately. The tomatoes that had been sitting under the lamp were cold, and deserved to have been served to the table *immediately*, as the appetizer it was ordered to be. The mac and greens were just meh, nothing special, and the chicken and waffles combo we've never tried before were just not for us (the waffle part) but the chicken was great, though small on portion. The wings were a solid B, very interesting, and the cornbread was most and felt full of butter. Overall, this is a very expensive restaurant for the neighborhood and I wasn't blown away by the food. The service was friendly, except for refusing to seat us at a two-top (that was allegedly unavailable, but was seated sans reservation 5 minutes after we sat down), and the ridiculous lack of coursing. I wouldn't make the trek up here again to spend $9 (!!!) on a draught beer and overcooked pasta, and small fried chicken serviings in the mecca of fried chicken.
(2)Kiana S.
Before I begin I would like to state that I just made this yelp account to leave this review in the hopes of preventing someone from wasting their time or hard earned money here. I wish there was an option to give a half a star because that is exactly what I would rate this place. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice looking establishment and the decor is very eclectic, but the food is mediocre and there are not that many options for their midnight brunch. On top of the gross food, you have to yell to be able to hear the person next to you because the music is way too loud and obnoxious. To top it off some of the servers are rude and it took forever for them to actually sit us down and take our orders. Also you can barely tell who works here from the patrons because there is no uniformity amongst the workers. I don't understand why or how they find it acceptable to charge $7 for a beer that I can get a 6pack of for the same price if not cheaper. The portions are small, and when we arrived they no longer had wings available. I am very disappointed with my experience here. The only way someone could enjoy this place is if they come already drunk or under whatever influence they prefer. Management should consider clearing out all of the seating area and opening up a dance club, considering they allow customers to dance in between tables and the food is horrendous. They would save a lot of money if they did that. Thank me later.
(1)Anna L.
They don't serve alcohol until after 12pm. whaaaaat :(. Well, hey, we were here for brunch so alcohol before 12 is a reasonable assumption right? I really like the restaurant space itself. It's huge, plus there is a lounge downstairs. The bathrooms are clean - they have more stalls downstairs in case upstairs is too crowded. They often have live entertainment. The food was okay. I had a pretty plain omelet.
(3)Jessica S.
Vibrant, welcoming, and classy. I spent my first night in Harlem at this place and was not disappointed in the least. I was quickly sat, and charmed by the staff. The house band was setting an impeccable mood. The wine was perfect, and the food? Oooh the food! I had the Chicken and Waffles, as any person visiting should, and I was blown away. The spice they use was to die for! Not only did I have a great meal, Marcus happened to be there as well. He introduced himself and thanked everyone personally for coming to his establishment. It was perfect. Highly recommend getting their food in your mouth!
(5)Erik P.
I guess all the hype about this place is sort of true after all. Had previously been here for drinks but on this occasion went for brunch. Service was very good, they even gave us some free pastries for the inconvenience of having had to move our table a few feet. The food was good, nothing spectacular, but simply good comfort food. Ambiance was nice, well decorated, not too loud except for the live band and the lady who was walking around singing. Overall a good experience.
(4)Narvina F.
My cousin lives in Harlem so I ventured from BK to celebrate her birthday with her. We had no plans and we ended up at the popular Red Rooster. We had a lot of fun! We went at night and it was very lively! We asked to be seated downstairs since it's has live music while you eat and at 11:00pm it turns into a night club. I enjoyed the drinks, I just had my usual red wine. The food, well my food, horrible. It was cold and did not look appetizing, so I told them to take it back. My cousins enjoyed their food. A picture will be attached. It looks disgusting. You've been warned. I have to go back again to try the food because everything else was great. So until then, I love everything about this place, but the food
(3)Erin B.
Crazy slow service! Twice in a row I've come and had just unacceptably slow service. The food is pretty good and the atmosphere is wonderful but be warned the service is VERY VERY SLOW!!! It took almost 10 minutes just to get some coffee, another 10 to order, and probably about 15 minutes to get our bill, another 10 to pay it. Again, the restaurant is really nice but the service is just so incredibly slow it kind of ruins the experience.
(2)Keri P.
Had difficulty with the host staff. Wait staff was wonderful. Marcus was wonderful and not at all reflecting the pretentiousness we detected from his support staff. Mac and greens Yard bird Lamb and hash Sweet potato doughnuts
(4)David R.
I didn't know what the buzz was about, but hearing about this from various sources, I became excited for the chance to finally try this place. Celebrity fame from chef Marcus Samuelsson, and Obama created quite the word of mouth. I was in the neighborhood this Sunday with the GF, and we decided to give this place a try. It has been on the to go list for awhile. No reservations were available for Sunday, but we were told we could get a seat at the bar. There was no line per se, but it was more of a free for all. Sasha and I saddled up to the other side of the bar, and stood over a couple from France who were enjoying their Sunday brunch. We ordered a tasty beverage (The Earl of Harlem) and proceeded to wait while other people who chose more wisely sat down before us. The wait was not to bad however as there was live mediocre music playing, and the atmosphere was festive. Time flew by, and we finally got our seat at the bar, after an hour. While we were eating, I got a decent view of the food, and decided to try the hamburger which looked delicious. My poor GF, a vegetarian, had less of the menu to choose from. She decided to try the Gravlox. I didn't get to try the meatballs, but they looked delicious as well. We also wanted to try the cornbread, but the bartender talked Sasha out of it. because of the pancake that came with her Gravlox, which is a shame, because I bet that is a must try! By the time we were seated the crowd had dwindled, and the bar was not that busy. That is what made it so surprising. It was basically impossible to get the bartenders attention. From the water with no ice, to the teeny bit of ketchup, and the 20 minute wait for more ketchup (I actually got up, and asked a bus boy myself), the service was atrocious. The bartender looked unhurried, and un-busy, yet it was almost impossible to get served. The bartender serving us, was prompt with cleaning anything on the table, and seemed to hover at the cash register avoiding eye contact with every single patron. The food was tasty, and I enjoyed it, but it was tempered with the wait for any service, and the feeling of being marginalized as I spent 15 minutes leaning over the bar trying to get anybody's attention. Perhaps if I came here with a table, the service would have been more alert, but having my food get cold as I waited for ketchup and water to go with my meal was very frustrating. If the service had been more alert, there is no doubt that this would have been a 4 star review. The hamburger was juicy, and moist, and a very good choice. The Gravlox, was nothing special, but a good appetizer. The french fries were pretty un-special, even with the Parmesan, and thus the ketchup was even more important. Finally the salad was fine, but I would have liked more dressing. However, I never got the chance to ask. When it was time to leave, I managed to get the women bartenders attention, who seemed more friendly, and more attentive then the guy serving us. We got the bill, which also took a bit of time, and Sasha looked it over. I noticed that the price was wrong! The Earl of Harlem was listed as 13 on the menu, but we were charged 15. I flagged down the bartender, and pointed this out to her. She shrugged, and told me that was the price in the computer. End of story. No apologies, or suggestions to get the manager. I couldn't believe a highly recommended place would operate this way. I decided to tell the hostess, just to alert the staff off the mistake on the menu if nothing else. The hostess asked me who the bartender was, which made me uncomfortable. I didn't want anyone getting in trouble, and she was... the more friendly bartender.. The hostess walked over to the bartender and asked what happened, then returned to me, and said.. "That's what the computer charges". After a pause.. she offered to get the manager. The manager seemed concerned, and handled the situation spectacularly. He said the menu needed to be fixed, and offered to give us a drink on the house. We were ready to leave, so he decided to give us his card, and said if we came back we could each have a drink. After our experience here, I am not sure when we will be back, but I believe this was handled well. In fact it makes me want to go back. I usually don't penalize a place for the service or the employees, but at a venue like this with a good reputation I felt something was lacking. If I go back, and get that drink, or go when it is less crowded, and sit at the restaurant, then I will update this review.
(2)Velina L.
Love the vibe - feels kind of like you're in another place, another time. The atmosphere is laid back, the cocktails are delicious, and the food is comforting and flavorful. Service is friendly and surprisingly quick, and I was very happy to be greeted with a smile, a handshake and a few words from Marcus Samuelsson himself. He was very warm and inviting to all guests. Great start to the night. The food was not fancy or uptight, just beautifully seasoned, warm, and absolutely yummy. We got the prix fixe menu ($47) plus an order of the delicious cornbread, with little sweet chunks of corn baked in, served with honey butter and a savory tomato jam. My appetizer was the smoked trout, which was perfectly cooked, exploded with flavor, and presented beautifully with various colors from the sauces and seasonings. My fish and grits main course was also very well-prepared, and I especially loved the onion broth, which paired perfectly with the smooth flesh of the fish. For the dessert, the mudpie was accompanied by dollops of chocolate pudding and whiskey-caramelized bananas, a warm contrast to the chilled pie filling. The bananas were by far the star of this dish. The music, food, atmosphere and service made this an overall great experience.
(4)Donna S.
Another occasion where i really wish yelp would allow for half star ratings. This was a long and highly anticipated dinner experience - and I really wanted to give it a full four stars - but the food fell a star short of a four star rating. Taking into full consideration the swanky ambiance, inviting decor and hoppn crowd, i would have really liked to give the Red Rooster a 3.5 star review - but unfortunately, the food just falls short of a four star rating. - crab cakes ~ very fresh and tasty. the salad on top, very fresh and palate cleansing. - the sirloin with bone marrow topped with crab ~ the steak was mediocre in quality and taste, but the bone marrow topped with so-much crab was so amazing!! - mac and greens - was overall way too rich to enjoy. not in the sense tht it was too much cheese, thr wasnt cause it was a bit runny, but thr was def way too much butter/oil. overpowered by oil... and way overpriced for $18. the small side salad tht accompanied it tho - was very fresh and had a sweet tang tht i really enjoyed. overall - the food is good, but misses the mark at $30+ entrees. but taking into consideration the unique ambiance - i still highly recommend trying Red Rooster at least once, if not for the experience alone side bar - we did get to see marcus samuelson up close and personal.
(3)James C.
The positives: The food was good, the service was great, the atmosphere was good and the ambience was relaxing. The Negatives: The portions were small, the prices were outrageous and if you want to have a night out with that special someone, the outside seating is usually 4 to a table, unless you're willing to wait for a private one. All in all this is not a bad restaurant, but it doesn't fit my budget and probably won't be going back. If the portion sizes were a little bigger I'd feel like I was getting my monies worth, but I didn't.
(3)Carlin Y.
I love this place. Literally, the place. The warm and soft lighting, great live music, decor is interesting and matches the theme well. Pretty busy and a little crowded, but not too tight to an uncomfortable level. Service was great: super friendly and when half our table wanted to pick up one of the small plates they were bringing around, the waiter gave us another one so everyone could try one! I love it when the staff can delight instead of disappoint. The food was great, although not mind-blowing. I heard so much about the food that perhaps it was a little overhyped for me. I got the yard bird, my friend got the rooster noodles, and another got the jerk chicken. The yard bird was delicious, but questionably $27 delicious. The rooster noodles were decent, but not our favorite. The cornbread was really something though! All the dishes look amazing, and will definitely come back to try others on the menu. Definitely a little pricey though, but still a great experience!
(4)Michelle Y.
After wanting to eat here for a long time, my friends and I finally decided to make the long trek from Brooklyn to Harlem to sample the gold hand of Marcus Samuelsson. Let me break it down like this: GOOD: 1. Decor is really clean and airy. Slightly exorbitant in a Vegas-like manner but it was nice. Huge bar, high ceilings. Bathrooms were really cute with interesting photos. 2. Service was spot-on. The four of us sat at the bar (no wait! ) and were served by two really friendly bartenders. They were attentive without being overbearing. 3. Good music and loved the little TV that was playing old episodes of Soul Train. 4. Food was good. I loved the spices that were used on the fried chicken and the biscuits and gravy with pork sausage. Not your everyday fare. Not the best fried chicken or biscuits and gravy I've had but happy to have tried them. BAD: 1. Priced out. This place would have a higher rating and future frequent visits if the food wasn't so expensive for what you got. Two pieces of fried chicken with pickles should not be $22, it should be $16. Two slices of cornbread should not be $4. 2. Cornbread was yuck. Totally dried out to the point I didn't want to eat it anymore. Did love the honey butter and tomato compote it was served with though. 3. Busy. We got in early so we didn't have to wait but mid-entree, the waiting area was packed, which meant there were people standing extremely close to me while I was munching on my fried chicken. Come early. So that's it. If you have cash burning a hole in your pocket, then come here. If not, save the hour train ride for somewhere else.
(3)Jeff R.
Had our office Christmas party at Red Rooster today. Amazing food, outstanding service, wonderful ambiance...not much higher praise can i think of. Just an amazing place.
(5)Matt C.
Great service, great atmosphere, phenomenal food. Went here on a Thursday. Had to make the reservation pretty far in advance. Very eclectic and sophisticated but not stuffy. Upscale but friendly crowd. Server was very informative about menu and made a great wine selection for us. Started with corn bread, chicken and waffles, and Canadian bacon. Plenty to share for two. I had the Mac And greens and loved it. No complaints and would highly recommend.
(4)D B.
Service was good. Got there just before rush hour business hit, which was a stroke of luck. After hearing and reading rave reviews about the cornbread I had to give it a try. I was both surprised and disappointed that it came out and was dry and bland in flavor. The entree I ordered was the yardbird and was delicious. Ordered the rooster doughnuts for desert and had to send it back. They forgot the filling. It was corrected immediately and was a nice treat to wrap up the evening. I would have given a four star, but the simple errors kinda let me down with the cornbread and oversight with the doughnuts. I was impressed by the cleanliness of the open kitchen, but when I looked up I was surprised and kinda grossed out by the condition of the ceiling. It was dirty with dust and cobwebs. Makes me wonder how things looked in the areas that I couldn't see. I would return, but wouldn't go out of my way to go back.
(3)Julie D.
Had an amazing time celebrating my BFF bday today. The staff were attentive to details and service was great. The food was very tasteful and plentiful. After dinner, went to the bar for drinks and had a great time with the bartenders especially kamal. He worked the bar very well and did great drinks. I will definitely return since the food, customer service and vibe of the restaurant was great.
(4)Skylar H.
It's a hike, but well worth it. The food is hearty, delicious, and comes in a GENEROUS portion - we took home lots of leftovers. I highly recommend the dirty rice and shrimp to start, and the caribbean bacon was also super indulgent but delicious!! This was my first time having "soul food", and although it's a bit heavy for me to have more than once in a while, I enjoyed it very much! The meatballs and mac and cheese were amazing too - but pace yourself! Be conservative if you don't want to waste food - the portions are huge and you will DEFINITELY leave totally stuffed!! Boyfriend was a huge fan of the bourbon negroni and the brownstoner; I was a HUGE fan of the earl grey tea cocktail. Totally unique and refreshing, would love to go back just for that!
(4)Stephanie S.
The burger is awesome! The cornbread and chicken and waffles were decent. Mac and greens were good but very rich and hard to eat all of it yourself! Dessert was HORRIBLE! I got the Smores pie- you would think it was warm marshmallow and chocolate right?! Wrong! Its COLD and there is hardly any cake or marshmallow. Way too much fudge-I took that off and ate the lil bit that was left. Ethiopian coffee was fantastic.The noise level is on the higher side and the bar is pretty crazy at night. Definitely a cool place to hang out with a group of friends-not a romantic dinner date type of place. Service was average.
(3)Brandie M.
Carpetbagger Soul Food at it's finest. Thank goodness Red Rooster came to Harlem to save us from the Great Soul Food Shortage of 2010. Let's put mangos in crab cakes and charge 25 bucks because that makes it fancy! All jokes aside, I really do like the ambiance and decor of the restaurant. The bar scene and music upstairs is always fun. The speakeasy downstairs, Ginny's, is fabulous and I've seen some top notch jazz acts there. I've also been to some chic but laid back parties in the basement as well. It's such a shame that the menu is so lackluster. Stick to cocktails after 5 and you will have a great time.
(3)Saad M.
Unbelievable restaurant. A must visit for anyone who lives or is visiting NYC. Where to start? Atmosphere - From the minute you walk into the main bar area, you feel the buzz and excitement. You have a 60+ year old dj spinning actual vinyl in the front window, with dozens of people enjoying a drink at the bar as they await their table. The crowd is incredibly eclectic ranging from local Harlemites decked out in their finest attire (the style at this restaurant from the clients to the employees is IMPECCABLE) to foreign tourists, to downtown yuppies to fashion models. The music and mood is upbeat, a sign of the renaissance that is occurring uptown. Service - On point. Our server Mia was on top of everything, from filling up our water to making sure we had everything we needed. She even threw us a complimentary appetizer AND side dish and was pleasant and cheerful throughout. Everyone else, including the doorman was polite and professional to a T. Hats off to all of you. Most importantly...THE FOOD. Wow! Everything we ordered we split between 3 very hungry men to give you an idea of quantity which was never lacking. Started with the cornbread and the fried chicken/waffles to start. Our server Mia also gave us a complimentary order of the pickled vegetables. The cornbread....is sublime. Thick, crumbly, soft...literally melts in your mouth. The sauce they give you with it is the perfect complement. I was at a loss for words and actually didn't want to share any of this. The chicken and waffles were also incredible; definitely order both of these. I am not a pickles fan but my other 2 friends are and they couldn't stop raving about the vegetables either. Mains - we ordered the Oxtail Pappardelle, the Fried Yardbird, and Helga's meatballs with a side of collard greens, grilled asparagus. The fried Yardbird was superb, and huge. We easily split that 3 ways; chicken was soft, tender and the seasoning was just right. The oxtail was actually the standout, and these 2 I recommend without reservation. My one friend liked the Meatballs a lot which were soft and not overdone and great overall but the other 2 mains were just tough company to be in. If I went again I would get the same mains and maybe switch the meatballs or something else but it is a house specialty so I would recommend getting it if it was your first time there. Both sides were superb although most of the mains came with a side of collard greens so the extra collard greens we got were a bit much but thats our fault, cant take points from the restaurant for that. This meal without drinks without tip ran us about $30 each with some coffee at the end to prevent instant nap. We were all very full but not uncomfortably so. Honestly, one of the best dining experiences I've had in the city across a wide range of restaurants. Definitely stop by here, maybe while experiencing the rest of what this neighborhood has to offer.
(5)David T.
I have always had such an admiration for Marcus Samuelsson, since he seems pretty down to earth (at least on Top Chef, anyways :P). Anyways, it was such a pleasure to check out his southern comfort restaurant up in harlem. Even though it was brunch, I was in the mood for some meat -- so I ordered the burger which was very juicy and well flavored. But I have to give kudos to the fried chicken that my significant other ordered. It was effin' spectacular. I don't know if it was the seasoning or the way they deep fried it (or maybe a combination of both) but it literally melts in your mouth. Overall, it was a great dining experience and I particular love how spacious the dining area was. It was a nice change from your typical NY cramp eat space. Then again, I might be just complaining cuz i'm a big dude.
(4)Loan N.
Went her with a group and we went all out and order cocktails, appetizers, entrees and desserts. Cocktails- the cocktails were decent, but over priced $14-$15. Appetizers- I order the fried green tomatoes which were good but pretty standard Entree- I ordered the Swedish meatballs and lingonberry sauce which was pretty good, probably my favorite part of the meal. It was very well balanced I did try my bf's yard bird fried chicken and that was good too. The thigh was pinkin the middle and they assured us that it wasn't raw and part of the brining process...not sure if I bought that story or at least they should warn us beforehand that the meat may look pinkish/ bloodied. Dessert- I got the peach cobbler and that was a bit disappointing. The thing I was most impressed with was not the food but the ambiance and the live music, they have amazing live, soulful music. I would recommend going here and having a drink at the bar and enjoying the music and atmosphere. Our experience all together was worth the $150 bill, but the food alone was not.
(3)Katie K.
I just had a magical evening at the Red Rooster. I live in San Francisco, but am in NY periodically for work, and I have been itching to try this place. I have enjoyed reading Marcus Samuelson's books, and really appreciate his vision of African (and African American) food traditions as rich, beautiful, interesting and scrumptious. I called ahead and was told there was room at the bar. We cabbed up from midtown, and the place was Packed. No way there was a table, no way we could get food at the bar... But it was a warmish fall eve (at least this San Francisco girl is used to 55 degrees). So we ate outside. I guess the servers were pleased with or pioneering, because the manager came and chatted with us, and then a bunch of the other tables filled up. Somehow we made friends with the manager and the servers - they were amazingly friendly! Charming, warm, chatty, just awesome. And then mysteriously we were sent out whole host of extra sides on the house, and everyone kept checking on us. Incredible service! Felt like we were part of the neighborhood. And most importantly, the food was amazing. We had pickles, tandoori fish, grouper and grits, corn bread, greens and deviled eggs. A feast! Such interesting flavors. My father was southern and my kids are Ethiopian, so I know something about both traditions - such wonderful flavor integrations! The fish and grits were my favorite. Rich, tangy, fresh. Delectable. It was a magical evening. Great food and truly warm service.
(5)Nadia A.
The 3 stars are based on the CORN BREAD........ That corn bread was so delicious.......... you get this tomato dip and or butter........ I really enjoyed the corn bread and Champagne. The atmosphere around the bar was nice - met great people. I did not have dinner there........ My friends - two of them - both agreed that the FOOD WAS NOT GREAT AT ALL!. The only thing they signed off on was the CORN BREAD - LOL! And that is what we had............... and we enjoyed it with Champagne. Happy Eating Cornbread at Red Rooster...........
(3)Craig G.
I've been there four times because friends wanted to go and I got outvoted, but I'm throwing the flag and will not go back. Here are the pros and cons: Pros: Great outdoor space Terrific basement lounge-style area Live music (subjective of course) Cons: Service mediocre to ridiculously bad Food is just average Specifics: The bar area is usually pretty crowded but all too often the bartenders are the type that stand there and look through you like you're transparent. You know the type. You have to flag someone down to refill water glasses. Every. Time. Here's the straw that broke the camel's back: A few nights ago a bunch of us had dinner. Now, the outside hostess Jill could not have been better. A total pro, and super attentive, and I made sure that I told her how much I appreciated her help. Anyway, the waiter took our order, and the runners brought everything out pretty quickly even though they were at capacity. The problem is the waiter didn't come back until we were done eating...not to check on us, or take another drink order. When he did come back and asked how everything was, I said "Well, I have to be honest, I'm not too happy that you never came back after taking our order." His response was "Would you like to talk to my manager?" No apology, nothing...just attitude. I said that I didn't see a need to speak with a manager and wondered why he suggested that. His parting words were "Well I don't know what you want from me." At that point I was absolutely going to talk to a manager, but we were running late and needed to get to our next destination. Another annoyance: They have a live band, which can be really great if you like that sort of thing. When the band is taking a break, they play tracks through speakers outside, which is also fine. The night I was there, they kept the recorded music playing through the speakers while the band was playing. We asked two different people to turn the music off , as our table was right under the speaker. Both times the person said "I'll take care of it." Never turned it off. Fail.
(2)J C.
Ate here twice and was not disappointed. I requested a table outside and enjoyed the busy streets of Harlem while enjoying a wonderful Sangria and apps. The staff is helpful to please and the atmosphere is very classy. The decor and bar inside is also great to dine. I've had the devil eggs, fried chicken, lobster roll and ceviche and everything was excellent. I will come again to sample other dishes when I am in the area. The place gets crowded right away so reservations is your best bet.
(4)Sreejib S.
After seeing Marcus Samuelsson on TV, my better half insisted that we celebrate our marriage anniversary here. I was a bit skeptical after reading the mixed reviews. But she insisted, and so I made the reservations the stipulated 30 days in advance. Initially the service was rocky. We had made a reservation for 8 pm. We arrived about 10 min before and was asked to wait at the bar. Then it appeared that the hostess had forgotten about us. At 8.10 when I reminded her, she took us to a communal dining table. I refused to sit there and Asked for the manager. Our experience under went a 360 degree turn from here. He apologized, promised us the next empty table for 2 in 10 minutes and got us complimentary champagne while we waited. We ordered Oyster Rockefeller, crab cake, deviled eggs, goat tostadas for appetizers. For our main courseou I had the Jerk Chicken and my wife had the salmon. We really liked the deviled eggs and the goat tostadas. The salmon was better than the jerk chicken. We also liked the Obamatini cocktail.
(4)Kate H.
Immediately upon entering Red Rooster I knew it was going to be a phenomenal meal. It is exactly the place you would want to take friends from out of town to impress them with a true and unique restaurant that NYC is known for. I've been wanting to come here ever since I moved and I'm so glad I did. The interior captures the heart and soul of the area you are eating in -- Harlem -- and the music only added to the atmosphere. I came with 5 of my girlfriends (one who is gluten-free) and we decided to skip drinks and go straight for the food. The entire staff was so friendly and accommodating and our waiter made sure to check on every item of food that was brought out for my gluten-free friend (even going as far as to bring her a complimentary bowl of pickled vegetables so she didn't feel left out when we had our appetizer...which brings me to the cornbread. I mean you simply can't do it any better. It came with delicious honey butter and tomato jam and it disappeared almost the moment it hit the table. Great way to start. We all wanted to try everything so our waiter decided we just do it family style. Warning about this. Only do it this way if you don't mind sharing and picking at things with your friends. It's not conducive to sharing with associates or acquaintances (i.e. kinda hard to share a piece of fried chicken unless you don't mind picking off the same bone as your neighbor) but for our purposes it was perfect and I got to taste a little of everything. We ordered to shrimp & rice, mac & cheese greens, seafood spaghetti, yardbird, and sides of brussel sprouts and Parmesan fries. Sides: good but fairly standard. wouldn't say I would come here simply for the sides Mac & Cheese: delicious take on a classic. comes with an arugula salad and the creamy, thick cheese is mixed in with greens that gives it a nice twist. Shrimp & Rice: definitely a favorite of the table (although I'm not much of a seafood person so I can't personally comment on both this and the seafood pasta) Seafood Spaghetti: comes with a lot of different seafood mix-ins (again, seafood isn't my favorite in general) but the pasta was cooked and seasoned perfectly and my friends seemed to really enjoy it Yardbird: crisped and fried to perfection with a delicious side of mashed potatoes and collard greens. reminded me exactly of all the authentic southern cookin I grew up with Of course the moment I saw that cinnamon-sugar doughnuts were part of the dessert menu it wasn't a question of if but how many I would order. We got the doughnuts, the sundae bar, and the smores to finish off our wonderful meal and could not recommend one over the other -- they were all so mouth-watering. I know if you're in the city that Harlem is a tricky place to get to but would highly recommend it if you can!
(4)Sean L.
Top 5 favorite places to eat in NYC. Service is great, Ambience is great food is amazing. Menu is constantly changing my suggestion is to try the specials... I have never anywhere with a better combo of flavor and textures, you can tell a lot of thought is put into every dish. Make sure to save room for dessert and don't plan on sharing them... All of the desserts are tasty but small portions. Place is a little price but worth the extra cash for the quality.
(5)Charis K.
Really amazing food, not a fan of the surf and turf. Crab cake was a bit too fishy for my taste. And braised rib could of had a bit more flavor overall great!!
(4)Lisa C.
I live in the neighborhood so it's been on my list. However I knew it was also a tourist destination so that kept me away for a bit. Went to a Sunday brunch with a friend from downtown - they don't take reservations - and waited 25 minutes. Sat a table away from John McEnroe and Patty Smythe and their family. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere even better. The appetizers we ordered were great: corn bread and deviled eggs. The deviled eggs had a mayo with chicken skin that was unctuous and tasty. And we ordered yard bird (dark meat fried chicken) and shrimp and grits. Life can't get much better. Oh but wait....the live music brought it to another level. Will be back. Often. Love it!!!!
(5)Franny A.
Dj throwin' tunes- eclectic, international crowd, hot uptown spot...sceney, scene.... Rocked out at communal table once again- scene is better than their savories, and desserts are also the jewe; on Marcus's crown. Taco & tosdada snack- $9 Spiced choclate cake, brandied cherries, vanilla/rhuarb ice-cream- $10 Tacos of fluke, salmon cerviche with avocado and pickled slaw were tasty though MINISCULE! The cake warmed though LACKING of any discernable spice was INSANE!
(3)Gazawia G.
I know it's "touristy" but the food is fun and creative. A bit pricey, but worth the experience. Bar tenders are very fun, the crowd is great and downstairs is a nice surprise if you're looking for a weekend evening place to party.
(5)susan n.
I walked out of my ordinary life and stepped into cool last night. This.place.is.just.cool . Afros, hip fashion, stylish bartenders, delicious cocktails, good service, good food, cool decor, sightings of the celebrity chef himself. Cool. I loved my Brownstoner cocktail, shrimp and grits, yardbird, sweet potato doughnuts. But the morsels I that will linger in my mind are the cornbread and tomato jam and butter. Amazing. Dinner was $150 for dinner with 3 drinks, 1 desert, 2 mains, cornbread. I don't mind dropping a buck fitee on a dinner well worth it. Growing up in NYC, it was ingrained in my brain to never venture above 96 Street. Boy I have been missing out apparently. This was a trek worth making.
(5)Kati D.
I'm a big fan of Marcus Samuelsson and dining at Red Rooster (twice - once for lunch and once for dinner) did not disappoint. This was by far, hands down, one of the top ten meals I've had in New York. The Rooster's ambiance and space was great - live jazz in the front room, a huge dining room and open kitchen. Our service was amazing - our waiter really took care of us. The food at the Red Rooster is pure comfort food! The menu has something for everyone and hints of all of Samuelsson's influences - Swedish and Scandinavian with Caribbean and African touches with influences from the south and soul food. For dinner, we tried a variety of appetizers and entrees. The standouts were the following: - Dirty rice and shrimp - Caribbean bacon and egg - Mac & Greens - Gouda, NY Cheddar, Comté, Collard Greens Helga's Meatballs - Lingonberries, Braised Green Cabbage, Dill Potatoes (A must have! These were amazing!) - Fried Yard Bird - fried dark-meat chicken with mace gravy and hot sauce, served with mashed potatoes (Highly, highly recommend!) Amazing, amazing food! Well worth a trip to Harlem! goo.gl/xcwt4
(5)Yvonne L.
Came here for a birthday date night. Had to make reservations well in advance for a Friday night, when we arrived there were a slew of people waiting in line and spilling over to the bar (or maybe they were just there for drinks). Since it was a celebration, I wanted to reserve a bottle of champagne in advance to be waiting at our table. I was in contact with Lidia, who responded within a day of my request and sent me the wine list, and I emailed back with my choice. I didn't receive a response for a few days and followed up again, but still did not get a response. I should have called earlier, but I only remebered the day of - I spoke with someone who confirmed my reservation, but they had no record of the champagne being ordered. Apparently a form pre-authorizing the charge for the bottle was supposed to be sent to me in advance. They did not charge me over the phone but noted my requested. When I checked in, the host confirmed the bottle and passed the message along to our server, who confirmed with me again and promptly brought it out for us. While I wanted the champagne bottle to be a surprise for my date when we arrived, given the crowds in the restaurant, this was probably not possible to have it set up in advance, but I wish that the order would have arrived as a discrete surprise. The confusion may have been in part my fault since I changed the reservation date like 5 times, but I would have been sure to prepare the pre-authorization form had it been sent. ANYWAY, that was pretty much the only small complaint that I had, which is really my own fault for making things complicated. Oh and also that they ran out of cornbread! Given how cheap it is to make cornbread and the insane margins it must have, it boggles me that they were not in stock, but we were able to try other dishes instead. We started with the braised goat tostadas which were really great, small portions but each bite was incredibly flavorful, and also the dirty rice and shrimp, and mac and greens as a side. They were out of the cornbread to my dismay, since we longingly watched the couple next to us enjoy theirs. Main entree we got was the Fried Yardbird - a large, juicy bird, not your average overly dry fried chicken. We rounded things out with the Red Rooster sugar donuts, which they put a candle in the ice cream for the birthday. Overall, definitely a good recommend for a special occasion, though the restaurant itself is pretty casual. Prices are on the higher side, especially for Southern food, but the quality of the food was great and, other than trying to reserve the champagne, the service was great as well. In retrospect, would not ordered the bottle, since the one bottle ended up being more than the total of all our food, and would have opted to try a few of their cocktails instead. Next time!
(4)Jim S.
So sad that our much anticipated evening at Red Rooster was such a bust! All three of us were very disappointed with our meals, but we kept trying to make the best of it, given that it was my birthday! Surly waiter, who really didn't seem to want to be there, salty, sugary favors to everything! The yardbird had a nasty tasting crust on it and seemed like it may have been cooked much earlier, then warmed up. An excuse for a pork charcrute that we were all flummoxed by, as it was really nothing more than a very large flat hunk of over cooked pork with a touch of sauerkraut tucked underneath... The only "almost" that we had was the oxtail Pappardelle, which was also quite salty. Except for that waiter, the rest of the staff seemed very nice and accomodating. We think Marcus had better get back up there to check on his staff!
(2)Leah L.
I give this restaurant 5 stars for the cocktail category alone. I have never had dinner or brunch here. Although, I am sure it is pretty good judging by the plates that passed by the bar. You have got to try this place at least once because it is definitely one of the best restaurants in Harlem. The service and ambiance is far better than neighboring spots and the owner is always around to greet customers and ensure your meal is great one. My girlfriends and I had the following drinks: Bourbon Negroni -- there is fig and pear infused Bourbon in the drink! Weee... This drink is like a Floyd Mayweather knock out. Strong and powerful, with an unexpected left hook. The Spicy Lady -- was made with a jalapeno and rosemary syrup and Creole bitters. Amazing! Who doesn't like a rock start drink? Plus the bartenders fill the drinks ALL the WAY up to the martini rim so you get your moneys worth of booze. The Brownstoner -- mmmm this one was made with Cherry Heering and St. Germain. I love St. Germain! and I appreciate that the name of the drink was a representation of New York City and the community's diversity. If you like Bourbon, but do not want to be knocked on your ass with a Negroni, The Brownstoner is hands-down, the perfect alternative. Harlem is blossoming quickly and changing so rapidly that I know this restaurant will be around for a long time. I am proud to say that I have frequented this spot many many times and will continue to bring friends near and far to try the awesome cocktails here. Yay for Harlem! & many more spots like this to come.
(5)Chad T.
If I were being generous this is 4-star level food and cocktails but at 5-star prices so I'm subtracting a star for that. There is just no way that a 3-part cocktail deserves a $16 price. The dirty rice and shrimp flavors are great for an appetizer but it's served in such small portions that $16 is an insulting price. I think that about most of the main courses as well. Nothing about this place makes me want to come back. Just go downstairs instead.
(3)Tony T.
Came for lunch. The bread is served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The bread was cold but good. They were out of prosecco the day we went, which was strange. The crab and melon soup was warm with a crabcake in middle that was ok (it did hold up nicely in soup). Greens were on top of the crabcake and added a little bitterness to the sweet soup. The cornbread was moist and served with two spreads, a butter and sweet honey spread and a tomato spread. The shrimp and dirty rice had fruit in it but my order of rice was cooked too hard. The grilled lettuce was a good touch and the shrimp had decent seasoning on it. The blackened catfish had seasoning that didn't shine, but the fish itself was good but needed the salad on top to add enough flavor to the dish. The black eyed peas and collard greens in curry/fennel sauce on the side were both ok. The truffle fries were only a little crunchy (I would have preferred crunchier) and had chunks of sweet potatoes mixed in. I couldn't taste the truffles or the truffle oil, and there were pieces of greens mixed in which didn't fit. The stools next to the bar were not too comfortable and the service was slow. Overall the food was ok, but I wouldn't go back to try lunch again.
(3)Douglas V.
Waaay overpriced for what you get. I never paid 30 bucks for soggy fried chicken, neither should you. The service was ok, the drinks were good, the food just wasn't cutting it. We started with the corn bread, which is good but nothing to write home about. They have a shrimp appetizer which was tasty but very small and not very original in any way. The entrees we ordered were the Yard Chicken and Sea Bass. The chicken was undercooked and still had blood running in it and came out very soggy. The sea bass was tasty but the side dishes tasted like something from a diet frozen meal. Very disappointing, I think the only seasoning added was salt. Overall, we payed almost $140 for two people(drinks not included) and ended up going to the teriyaki chicken place afterwards because we weren't anywhere near full, mostly because one entrée was inedible. Just a side note, the chef shouting out orders was really entertaining for about 5 minutes, after that I wish he would just shut up. :)
(1)Helen O.
I like this spot. It's a go to spot in the neighborhood. The menu is pretty much a classic twist to southern cuisine. The decor and ambiance make for an overall nice dining experience. The crowd is definitely very New Harlem- cool, chic and sophisticated without being intimidating. A nice place to take a date and there is even a lounge downstairs called Ginny's to go dancing after a nice meal. The only thing I don't like about this restaurant is that the portion sizes aren't as big as it should be compared to other restaurants with the same price point. Red rooster is definitely a go to spot in Harlem and right now there isn't much competition but that is definitely changing with many restaurant/lounges popping up around the area.
(4)Dylan S.
Red Rooster really surprised me. As the child of a celebrity chef, I actually wasn't expecting a whole lot. However, Marcus Samuelsson has done a beautiful job with his restaurant. The decor and the layout are both truly amazing and welcoming. The bar is really neat and the bartenders are pretty swanky. The atmosphere is spectacular, and while most people are fashionably dressed, it has a truly relaxed, happy, and fun feel. The staff was excellent. Our waiter was great, and the host at the door was quite charming. I mean, complimenting my tie will always win me over, but I really liked the staff regardless. My party shared the crab cakes, corn bread, and fried green tomatoes. All were excellent, but the fried green tomatoes were truly exceptional. At the end of our meal, we also split the peach cobbler, which was also truly exceptional. I tried the Mac and Greens, and from the look of it, am the only one who did not like it. As a fan of mac & cheese, I was pretty disappointed. However, due to the level of everything else I tried, my entree disappointment still couldn't bring me down to a 4 star review. The Red Rooster is truly a gem along 125th in Harlem. I was completely satisfied with my experience from top to bottom.
(5)MsDina O.
I went there today to meet up with my cousin and finally intoduce her to my daughter. Very nice vibe. A bit tight though. The service was great, but please don't over stay your welcome because they will ask you to leave politely. The food was very tasty, but definitely not worth the prices. Will I go back? Well, lets just say, I'd rather stay home, buy a bottle, turn on my itunes, cook my own meal, do the dishes and keep my $300 without being asked to leave.
(3)Burgundy B.
Fabulous! I went here with my sweetheart for brunch, and another time with a friend for lunch. AREA: Red Rooster has really enhanced harlem and represents the culture of the area well. It is like when you are in love and nothing around you matters but that person. Red rooster has that effect. It cuts out the clutter of the Harlem jungle/ 125th st mess. (Junkies, Hair braiders, Crazies, Beggers, etc. ) HOW TO BEHAVE: It is the ultimate Brunch spot in all of Uptown Manhattan. Do not miss it! Look posh-casual in your Sunday getup because you may spot and chat up a celebrity. As I did both times. Marcus Samuelson and Tatiana Ali of Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Cultured tourist with manners! Lots of tourists here from Europe, and other American cities who are so friendly and sweet! FOOD : The food is divine. I enjoyed the cornbread with tomato spread and honey butter. Which I will say was not a great pairing as the bread is very absorbent and the flavor gets lost in the bread. I had french toast. The first bite I felt like my body was going to float like a balloon into the heavens. Never had such transcendental culinary experience in one bite. Eggs with cheese. No Bueno ! The eggs were too much. It tasted like cheap supermarket eggs. The portions were too much as well. BAR: We never brought anything from the bar. My love enjoyed some type of fruit beer which was brought with a beer glass. There is a band singing there. Which is good, but I don't like how the pressure you for tips. My sweetie tipped them generously but I would have not. WAITER: Expect some runway model sexy waiters. We were fortunate to get a real hottie. Despite, we are both in a relationship, We enjoyed deviously flirting. We tipped them generously. : P If you want to sit outside. Make sure your seated in the section close to the restaurant otherwise you will encounter the harlem riff raff.
(4)Lewis W.
My wife and I and another couple dined at Red Rooster on a recent Friday night. To say it was underwhelming is being kind. We were greeted by a hostess who waited 10 minutes to seat us though we had reservations and the dining room was mostly empty. We agreed to the corn bread immediately when asked if we wanted any and it was pretty good. Our waiter was pleasant and informative. We had some cocktails and ordered two of the recommended appetizers to share. The lamp ribs were fatty and overly blackened; the shrimp and dirty rice was good but nothing to write home about. One of us commented that the lamb appetizer was not a good omen.Two of us had the fried chicken and two of us had the catfish. The fried chicken (yard bird) was heavy and filling but nothing special nor were the sides. The catfish was relatively bland and uninteresting as were the accompanying sides. For dessert we shared two orders of the donuts which were nice but also nothing special. The bill came close to $400. Would not do it again.
(2)Sarah A.
I was pleasantly surprised by how amazing the food was. The ambience was great too and the waiters were very friendly. We ordered the dirty rice & shrimp, kimchi lobster roll, oxtail pappardelle, and the fried yardbird. We absolutely loved everything!! I totally recommend this place :)
(5)Michael W.
A party of five for a mid-week prime time gathering is a perfect time to experience Red Rooster. After the first couple round of cocktails, I have to say that my favorite is the Earl of Harlem. Bourbon with Earl Grey tea made me feel regal. Small's Paradise and the Savoy also frequented our table. For appetizers, we split an entree order of Mac and Cheese, and order the "snackable" sized portions of nuts with injera, the olives, pickles, and the (must have every time) corn bread! The tomato jam has hints of chocolate and chipolte pepper that complements the spirits, as well as the bread. Those that ordered and hoarded the pumpkin and turnip soup and crab cakes had handlebar smiles afterwards. I really wanted a steak. I inquired about the steak from our waiter. He passively did not endorse it. He did recommend the Catfish. Upon imposing the question about the steak, the eye contact confirmed it. If the most expensive entree cannot be endorsed by the waitstaff, who works for tips and check averages, in terms of gratuity, do not "Go" and do not collect $200. My Coconut Rice and Peas entree, however, was lukewarm. The Blackened Catfish and Yard Bird i tasted were dry. Maybe because, this was a packed house product. Maybe it was the qualitative best of the cooks this evening. Whatever it was, the entrees were lackluster. As were the desserts. Our sweet potato doughnuts were dry in the inside. The sweet potato goodness came out like a worm from an apple. The Black and White Mud did not stand out. It could have been store bought for all we knew. But the libations, ambiance, company kept, and timing of the food hitting the table plus the attentive and honest service was first rate. If your party is a more foodie crowd, they might not have the best of times there during peak hours. The food did not meet my expectation. Drinking and snacking crowds will want to camp out. But reservations are abundant here. And the bar is packed! It really is a good time.
(4)Logan A.
Marcus Samuelson's Harlem hotspot can be touristy, but I wouldn't consider it a trap. I stopped in for a drink with a friend after a workout, because what better way to kill a good workout than sipping on a cocktail? Upon the bartender's recommendation, we ordered two Brownstoners; a nutmeg-infused bourbon martini, affably named the "Harlem Manhattan" by one of the regulars sitting across from us. These drinks completely ruined our workout... in the best way possible! Because we're obviously health nuts, we split a market greens salad. The pickled beets in the salad paired with the goat cheese and pecan purée was delightful. Goat cheese just makes everything okay. The prices are a little high, but that's to be expected at a popular NYC restaurant. The quality of the food and service were worth the price and the Brownstoner was a great recommendation. In the words of the governor formerly known as Terminator, "I'll be back."
(3)Nicholette M.
I went here on a Sat night for their new Midnight Brunch event. Unfortunately, this place was very unorganized. The line for coat check was super long and after standing in that line for more than 15 min. I left. I thought to myself, " If they can't even handle my coat properly, why am I here?" Not sure if I would return. The space itself was pretty but the vibe was a little off to me. Full of " I'm trying to be cool" types. I'll pass.
(2)Vinny P.
To be completely honest, I didn't know the name Marcus Samuelsson before coming here. On my recent Harlem trip, a couple of people recommended it to me and it was funny because my friend's house was half a block from it. Lucky. We entered for brunch around 10:30. This is certainly one bright, open, and hopping spot. The staff is comprised of beautiful people, the main bar is quite large and well stocked / designed (in my opinion) and the dining room was full but it didn't feel cramped. I was not shoulder to shoulder with anyone which was cool. We started with the cornbread which came with butter and a tomato jam. I stuck with the butter mostly as I wasn't a big fan of the jam. I definitely liked the flavor and texture of the cornbread. My entree choice, the lamb and sweet potato hash really blew me away. I was expecting a hash but what actually came served was basically a curry with a fried egg on top. The lamb was perfect, slowly cooked and tasted of the wonderful sauce base that it was sitting in. The sweet potato chunks were soft and also really grabbed the flavor of that curry. The brown sauce it was all sitting in really popped with flavor and had a touch of heat. I couldn't have asked for a tastier meal. Our server, while nice was a bit pushy for my taste. She kept using her pen to point out things on the menu and there was a little bit of high pressure salesmanship happening here. Their brunch is not cheap or outrageously expensive so I don't understand why she kept pushing us to order more. Overall, I enjoyed my visit to Red Rooster and I can see why people in the neighborhood like it. While inside, you get the feeling that they are trying for a Harlem renaissance and I support that ideology.
(4)Tim B.
What a disappointment. After reading Marcus Samuelson's book, I expected great food, good service and interesting decor. The only one that came close to the mark was part of the decor -- the snapshots hung on the bathroom walls. Service was indifferent -- took fifteen minutes for someone to mosey by and take our drink order. (We had an 8:30 reservation on a Thursday evening - we were there early, they sat us late and we had to pester them to take notice of us.) We ordered the fried yardbird and meatballs. The yardbird was dry, overcooked and under spiced. The only memorable part of the meatballs was the bed of cabbage they were served on. The only thing to recommend the restaurant is the people watching. Otherwise, you can get the same ambience and food at a TGIFridays.
(2)David C.
Night started well. Service is good. Just to the point. I ordered the pork chop. The plate came out raw and not cooked in the middle. I had to send the plate back. I was expecting to get a new porkchop. After 20 minutes I got the same piece of meat back . They did not offer a new plate which is what I woukd expect. I asked why would I not get a noew chop cooked properly no answer given. Anyway I won't be coming back as I woukd expect better service for the price Cheers Dave
(2)Melinda C.
Pretentious! Best way to describe this place. We had high expectations of this place since the owner had so much accolades. I had chicken n waffles. The waffles were of eggo quality just a different look. Very blah dish. My friend had Mac and cheese. Being vegetarian he thought this was a safe option only the bits of pork and taste of lard was a clear NO NO! We won't return. Better food on a food truck
(1)Cris O.
Went with the family. Started off with some drinks and cornbread. They must have cinnamon butter that they serve with the cornbread because it was sweet and delicious. I got the blackened catfish. Oh my goodness, it was so delicious. The fish was excellent but the creamed corn bed was outstanding. Never tasted anything like it. Everyone else was pleased as well. Our server was attentive. The only cons were that it was extremely loud and the prices were very steep.
(4)H S.
Made a reservation for 7:30, did not sit until 8. Server said apps would be comped due to the wait, they weren't. After I asked for the correction to be made, they took off one app and not the other two. Exceptionally bad service.
(1)Shana P.
I intended to write an updated review last year. After disappointment upon disappointment, a very kind and courteous manager came over to me and offered her assistance. She gave me a gift certificate for a free meal for my friends and insisted we allow her to make it up to us. We accepted and the second time around was much better. The service greatly improved, but I suspect it is because they knew we had an issue the first time and they did not want a repeat of that disaster. We were seated almost immediately and the food was not over salted this time. All in all it was a big improvement but the place itself is more about being a "scene" rather than a restaurant. I'm not about scenes, so I do not plan to return.
(3)Todd B.
What a delight! I had a great experience at lunch today at Red Rooster. The New Orleans jazz inspired atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the host as well as my server were incredibly friendly and engaging. I sat alone, and my server made conversation as well as those who sat near me. The menu was typical of Southern comfort food and soul food, but with unique presentations and recipes. The price, considering the type of food, is pricey. I found the most unreasonable charge to be $6 for the cornbread and butter. Come on! My grandma could make that for a dollar. Given the price of the entrees, the restaurant should provide the cornbread. I'm from the South, and I can make a lot of cornbread for $6. I passed on it simply on principle. The Fried Yard Bird was OMG amazing. Quit thinking about your waist line or those clogged arteries. I know good fried chicken, and this is off the charts good fried chicken. I want to go back and try the catfish too, but I was very happy with my yard bird choice. I enjoyed a nice cocktail of peanut-infused bourbon and ginger, but again the $15 price tag was a bit more pricey than it should be. Except for a few unreasonable prices, the food, the service, the hospitality and the overall experience were extraordinary.
(5)Jillian W.
We had such a great experience at the Red Rooster. We arrived on Sunday at 8pm without a reservation. We waited for about an hour for a table outside, but the wait was quite enjoyable because we had drinks at the bar and listed to great music and enjoyed the atmosphere and people watching. We had the wings for an appetizer and we thought they were fantastic. All three of us absolutely loved our dinners. Between us we had the jerk pork chop, the shrimp and grits, and the mac and greens with lobster. It was all delicious! We had such a nice visit, everyone on the patio was so friendly, the service was fantastic.
(5)Donna A.
Oh dear, Oh my. So sad that such a world renowned and stunningly beautiful (albeit totes irrelevant) chef would have such bland food. First let me wind it back (like Beyonce) and talk about my apprehension with coming here. When I read about the C rating in the paper , my eyebrow went up and then when I read my fellow Yelper reviews I was really turned off, however we were in Harlem and wanted to check it out. It is hands down beautiful inside. There is a partition that separates the bar area in the front to the dining area and kitchen in the back. We came around 11pm Friday night and it was super packed. They told us that the next available table would be in an hour and that the kitchen closed around that time so there was no guarantee that we would be able to dine that evening. We decided to try our luck and put our names down and have a drink at the bar. About 20 minutes later we were told that there were available seats. Sweet. I didn't think that the service was superb but it was pretty good. Now on to the food. We ordered the yard bird (bland), mac and cheese (runny..convinced it was white shells velveeta), with collard greens (good), grits (really good) and the squash (pretty good). Considering all the hype, the food was really underwhelming. We were seated at a shared table right by the kitchen and it was nice to see a diverse group of chefs at their craft or sha'll I say Kraft macaroni and cheese. I kid, I kid. We headed downstairs to the lounge where there was a DJ spinning good classics for a crowd whose mean age was about 75. I kid, I kid, again, but they were definitely an older demographic but I couldn't hate on them gettin' their dance on. So Red Rooster, cool for a drink and a dance with your grandpa. Not so good for really delish food sadly.
(3)Trevor B.
My girlfriend and I had lunch here recently. We split the catfish sandwich and the brisket sandwich. Both of them were very good. The brisket sandwich came with some mixed vegetable which I believe were pickled. They had a very strong taste which neither of us particularly liked. There is no way I could picture eating the whole dish of those vegetables. The service was sub par as the menu was not clear about what came with the sandwiches. We asked the waitress and she read us what it said on the menu. Since it didn't really say any sides with the sandwiches we just wanted to know if we needed to order separate sides. It became very clear that she didn't know as she was trying to read it off the menu and then she said that the brisket sandwich came with fries and the catfish sandwich came with pickles instead of finding out for us and telling us what actually came with them. When they came out the brisket came with pickled or marinated vegetables and the catfish came with chips and a salad, so she was entirely wrong in what she told us. Anyways, the sandwiches themselves were very good but I felt overpriced. So, I am glad we went and I would definitely say give it a try, but I am not particularly jumping at the opportunity to go back.
(3)Clint W.
Hype, hype, hype. The bane of the chef's existence. Marcus Samuelsson has a reputation to deal with, although I have to say that he doesn't seem to mind the attention. The night we were at Red Rooster, he and his entourage entered the restaurant to a flurry of camera snaps and commotion. I have it on good authority that Marcus is generally very kind to patrons; however, it might have been an off night. His impatient smile and strangely distant demeanor were hard to ignore. Ultimately, it's not the chef; it's not the camera flash; it's not the service or the music or the decor that matters. It all feeds into the experience, sure, but it's the food that counts. Red Rooster falls between a 3 and a 4-star review for me. It's a pricey place, and for some small flourishes, it's certainly worth it. The fries in garlic aioli or the traditional, Southern grits; the blackened catfish and the fried chicken - for this, Red Rooster exceeds expectations. A restaurant should be more than flare, and it was for these entrees. The other selections, vegetables and seafood and grilled chicken options, it wasn't worth the dollar bills. I'm sure that with a rep and report like Samuelsson's, he has as much concern for a Yelp review as the mayor of the city has for the enraged street seer proselytizing around the corner in Harlem. I love that there's a genuine effort to revive Harlem, not just gentrify it. I love that Red Rooster seeks to bring a culture and cuisine to the city that can't be found on the average stroll. The Southern touch and the mood-leveling tone of the place is all to be applauded. It needs something more, though. Something a little more accessible, more inviting. Not just a surface change, but a menu change. A few more entrees, a few more standard selections. I'd go back. Even in a city like New York, with so many options and so many reasons to save your money, I'd go back. But I'd run back if the menu altered even a little bit. I trust Marcus, and I think he knows it's not quite there yet, either. I think it could be; I hope it will be.
(4)Buck N.
We tried to go to Ruth's before amateur night at the Apollo but they had kitchen problems, so we quick like had to find an alternative. Fortunately Red Rooster took us in by opening up the downstairs and served us a great meal in due time. Sure much of this comfort food, but it is commonplace to see restaurants screw up fried chicken. Yardbird was cooked to perfection and mighty tasty. I'd go there again, which is saying something.
(5)Sean M.
Overhyped, overpriced and overrated. I swear Marcus Samuelsson was paying all the food bloggers to sweat his nuts for months after Red Rooster opened. -The wait sucks, even with a reservation, and there's nowhere to actually wait for your table. -The portions suck (or maybe the prices suck?) -The atmosphere sucks (way to bring meatpacking pretentiousness to Harlem) I'm still giving Red Rooster three stars because, if you can ignore all the bullshit, the food is actually pretty good. If it weren't so overpriced for the portions (and such a pain in the ass to get a table to pay for your overpriced meal) I'd be in here more often. And charging for cornbread? Seriously? Sure it's really fucking good but come on...
(3)tahir d.
Went in today to see all the hype is about. Nice atmosphere. The mater-d was a bit snotty. I asked if it was a closed house and she let me know in that they had prior reservations and will fit us in when she can. Looks like she didn't know how to read her schedule. I waited maybe five minutes after the house was open And I ot my seat. The gentleman that attended to me was Aaron. Where the heck did they find this guy, best customer service ever. He knew what to say to me and how to say it. I ordered a Henney and cranberry. Steak diner or two and bottled water. Steak was medium, nice and red in the middle. The meat crochet was awesome and savory. Smoked potato wedges were great. The ceases salad was nice. Aaron's the best. High five. Two things got me down a bit. My drink took forever to get to me. We are in Harlem. Henney and cranberry is a staple. Also, my seat was next to the kitchen. I heard every order that was going out. So, it took me two seconds to figure out when my food was coming. People that complain on the food need to learn how to dine. Great place to eat.
(4)Faris H.
Over the last few years Chef Marcus Samuelsson has become one of the most sought-after food personalities. A media darling, he's had his fair share of sincere praise be it from the Obamas, newspapers, or the Internet. While naysayers may scoff and consider the space an expression of restaurant imperialism, Red Rooster is an important addition to Harlem; reviving, as opposed to gentrifying, a vibrant neighborhood deficient of the food burgeon that is synonymous with New York City. The space is expansive and bright with a substantial bar. But it is also colorful, retaining elements easily attributed to a Harlem aesthetic. Notable is the art, a gallery of frames assumed to be of Samuelsson's family, decorates the bathroom's walls and a bird wearing red canvas sneakers will undoubtedly bring forth a smile to wondering eyes assessing the space. The food, of course, contributes wholeheartedly to the experience. The Bloody Mary here is smokey and spicy. The cornbread lives to the hype. With actual pieces of corn, it comes warmed with butter and a fragrant tomato spread. The mac and cheese is fine, easily recreated and even perfected at other places. However, the fried chicken is uniquely brittle, moist, and delicious. The catfish which comes with creamy shrimp grits and collard greens is outstanding. Order the parmesan fries to share, or just for yourself. They are more salty than cheesy, a subtle, but delightful update on the fried potato. Best of all, if you are lucky, you might get to see Mr. Samuelsson himself wearing a dazzling pair of high tops.
(4)Hit U.
Great atmosphere, friendly staff, very busy restaurant and bar, and full of energy. Went on a Sunday and they had live music, decor is beautiful. If you're a fan of brandy try the Rooster punch, a bit sweet, but smooth like sangria.
(4)Andrew G.
Went here for lunch. Pretty good food and decent prices, all things considered. We had the mac, crab cobb, and yard bird. The yard bird was very good and the mac was solid too. The cobb was inspired and non-traditional in a good way, but had a bit too much going on for its own good. The ingredients clashed in an unpleasant way-meh. Overall: pleasant service (but not fantastic), good food (but not fantastic). I left underwhelmed and not wanting more.
(3)Elizabeth L.
This place really isn't worthy of the Aquavit affiliation, but whatever. Decent Southern food if your wallet feels like being sucked dry. Came here for lunch with my boyfriend and a couple friends. Cornbread to start, which like everyone said is tasty...but I didn't care particularly much for the tomato jam (was kind of watery and goopy), and I wish it hadn't been pre-buttered. I was annoyed by our waitress, who quaintly recommended the most expensive dishes on the menu, strongly hinted that we get AT LEAST two sides along with our entree, cornbread, drinks, and an order of the mac 'n greens to share. Seriously -- how much can we eat? But we sort of listened to her and got a side of truffle fries, which turned out to be a waste of $9. They're thin and crispy and pretty standard...nothing special at all. The yard bird was pretty tasty - the skin was crunchy and the meat was tender, but I ordered the bass and grits. Two fillets of bass atop a bed of creamy grits and a blanket of salsa verde. I like the grits' texture and the spices in the fish, but I wouldn't make a special trip again for it. My boyfriend ordered the shrimp and dirty rice, which was described to us as more of an Indian dish: basmati rice with almonds and curry...than a Southern plate. It was also decent, but quite small and dainty for being the most expensive platter on the menu. Sweet potato doughnuts were pretty good. They're like munchkins with warm sweet potato puree inside...kind of wish Red Rooster had pie though! Unlimited coffee refills, which I vicariously appreciated since my boyfriend is a coffee addict (I can barely handle coffee ice cream without it making me skittish).
(3)Kirsten S.
Yum-a-lum! Let's dive right in with the cornbread. GET IT! It somehow has the texture of a spoonbread but can be (gently) picked up with your fingers. It is the most texturally fascinating piece of cornbread I have ever had, and I must pause my reviewing now to see if its recipe is on Marcus Samuelsson's website.... ..... .... .... IT IS!!!! I hope it is as good! Next matter of business: the other food. Here's what we got and how we liked it: -Shrimp and grits: a little hard to get the shell off the shrimp, but it was a nice, hearty entree -Mac and Greens: I know this has been a dish of controversy on Yelp, varying between the "best mac and cheese ever" and "way too soupy." It was definitely a saucy mac and cheese, and the greens in it did little to make it feel healthier, not that that is the goal. The greens on the side were simple but were made interesting with the pickled vegetables. Super Scandinavian-meets-Soul. -Smoked Trout with an herb salad and pumpernickel: This was awesome! I love smoked fish, and it was not the dried out, pounded stuff that is sold in subpar markets. It is top notch, moist, smokey, fleshy fish, and a good portion of it, with dill and other perfectly suited herbs. It reminded me of my family's Swedish inspired dinners at Christmastime. -The Market Greens Salad was actually really good too! Usually market greens just mean overpriced arugula with a vinaigrette, but somehow this salad had substance. The food was probably three stars, but I could not get over the atmosphere. Between the friendly service, cute family photos in the bathroom, and live latin band at the bar telling all the super-square tourists that they should be dancing, not clapping, I was thrilled and will happily grant a fourth star. We went when the weather was warm and were able to sit outside, a lovely treat or an early fall evening.
(4)Lissa V.
So I finally made it up to "The Rooster" to eat in the actual dinning room. Yes, it was as good as I'd expected it would be. Marcus Samuelsson does not cease to impress me. The vibe is bright, urban, and overall reflects the general spirit of Harlem. I've been reading Samuelsson's "Yes, Chef," ($14.98 on Amazon.com ) so my date who lives in the area thought it only appropriate I experience the real thing (Yes, I just plugged a book in a Yelp review). Samuelsson himself was born in Ethiopia and then adopted by Swedish parents, so both countries have a heavy influence on the menu as well as a Harlem soul-food style. We started with drinks at the bar while enjoying the beats of the live Jazz band (I hear this is a nightly occurance). I almost didn't want to leave the vibrant bar scene to go sit at our table, but it was so packed (this was a Tuesday too not even a Friday/ Saturday night) we couldn't find two seats. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and entranced by the music. You can order food at the bar too... that is if you can find yourself some elbow room. The bartenders whipped up some mean cocktails - these bad boys are both delicious and strong. I had the Brownstoner, with nutmeg-infused Buffalo Trace, cherry heering and St Germain. However, all of the drinks sounded delicious and equally as lethal. Onto the food (ohhh the food!!). We started with the corn bread, which may have been some of the best corn bread I've ever had. It comes with honey butter and a tomato jam which compliments it wonderfully. I had the famous Fried Yard Bird. The chicken was so good and crispy and the meat itself just melted in your mouth. it was just as good as the rest of the things I tasted. The mashed potatoes and bread and butter pickles were also excellent. He had the Jerk Bacon and Egg as an entree (it is big enough to be a meal, believe me he would have been grumpy if it wasn't). I was lucky enough to snag a couple bits and was quite impressed. It may not be the type of place I head to on a weekly basis, but I will certainly be back. It's one of those restaurants that not only gives you a great meal and a solid night but you leave with that "Oh I love New York" feeling as well. Definitely head uptown and check this one out if you haven't been!
(5)Jen C.
We walked in on a Thursday night without a reservation. Place was busy, but we were seated right away. After years living in Brooklyn, I've gotten used to places of this caliber being small & crowded - not the case here. They have tons of square footage and the tables aren't right on top of each other. The service was impeccable. Our waiter was attentive without being annoying. My friend and I split a pitcher of the Yes Chef cocktail - it was refreshing and well made. We started with the cornbread (moist, delicious, great spreads) and the fried green tomatoes (light breading, plated with a small wedge salad). Both were fantastic. We went with the yardbird for an entree. It was perfectly cooked, the coating was light, crispy and flavorful. A shaker of spices & a side of hot sauce came with the chicken, which only made it better. For dessert, my friend got the sweet potato donuts, at the recommendation of our server. They were unique and delicious. Overall, this place wins for great ambiance and excellent execution all around. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is the price tag. In the land of soul food, this is for sure the pricier fancied up version. Think of this as the classically trained cousin of Amy Ruth's; equally delicious in a less traditional way, more expensive, but worth it. It'll definitely be a go-to spot when out-of-towners visit. Can't wait to check out brunch.
(4)Betty Ming L.
I highly recommend Red Rooster for its drinks, snacks and scene. But dinner at this celebrity chef restaurant? Not so much. While our waiter was charming, the food was shockingly mediocre. As a $15 appetizer, the dirty rice and shrimp was just a few bits of seafood on a bed of brittle rice. At least the $22 fried chicken was decent (it's listed as "fried yard bird.") The only thing mildly exceptional about it was that the chicken was free range -- which you don't see too often in restaurants that specialize in variations on soul food. But at these prices, we deserve something extra! A better bet is to just stick to the bar, which is insanely busy but great people watching. Plus, the drinks both look and taste good, especially if you like your cocktails on the sweet side. My favorite so far is the $13 Rooster Punch: Red wine, Navan liqueur, pear brandy and mango puree. By the way, some folks were nibbling appetizers or even chowing on entrees at the bar. I think I'd like to give the food one or two more tries before I totally declare it a fail.
(4)Sam G.
Red Rooster is in the middle of Harlem and the food is spectacular. I ordered the Chicken and Waffle Dish which was fantastic and extremely filling. I highly suggest not eating anything before going there. Red Rooster is spectacular!
(5)Fiona C.
I've been wanting to try this place for a while now since I'm a big fan of Chef Samuelson. We ordered the fried yard bird, jerk chicken and the fish & grits. The fried yard bird was a little dry on the outside but the inside was moist. The spicy tomato sauce that comes with it compliments it well. The mash potatoes are cheesy and creamy delicious. However, this was prob my least favorite dish of all the things we ordered. The jerk chicken was surprisingly moist for a white meat and was pretty flavorful. The yuca mash was borderlining on salty. The pineapple and apple relish was a welcoming contrast to the yuca. The catfish and grits had an awesome sauce; the catfish itself was kinda spicy and borderline too salty - and we had 2 fishbones so be careful! But the grits were awesome. I ordered the rooster punch which resembled a nice sweet sangria but the drink you must must get is the obama-tini - sweet flavorful blend with a nice bam in the end. Will probably come back just to get the obama-tini. The reason why my review is bumped up to a 5 is because of the atmosphere - the live jazz music, the lighting/ambiance, decor and the friendly wait staff - all those make me feel really happy to be in there and is a great set up for special occasions or an awesome night out with friends. I definitely had a great time there. Yes it can be a little pricey but I felt it was all worth it in the end.
(5)Marsha F.
I really like this restaurant. I ordered the yardbird chicken, basically it was fried chicken. I was not impressed with it. I did like the mac and cheese. It had some greens in it too. My date ordered the jerk chicken and that was delicious. The fried green tomatoes as an appetizer was also a very good choice. You cant go wrong with any of the drinks. Hostesses were very gracious but our waiter, eh, not so much. Really tho, what you're going for is the ambiance. The music is fantastic. The vibe was very fun, hip and merry. There is a downstairs part called Ginnys that you should not miss. I will be back!
(4)Rhonda E.
DO NOT plan any special events at this venue. The Special Events Dept is non existent. What ever empty promises and appointments are made will never happen. There is absolutely no follow up what so ever. Imagine trying to plan a huge event and leaving countless of voice messages, texts and emails, even to the manager of The Red Rooster, and getting no reply. Finally when I did get a reply, at their suggestion I made an appointment for a meeting a few weeks later. It was to be on a Thursday afternoon. Three days before the meeting I called and was only able to reach voice mail. Left a message and then I text. I also wrote an email. i wanted to confirm the meeting. NO REPLY I am very sure I am not the only person who had this unfortunate experience.
(1)Olle S.
The conditions and qualifications are in place but everything needs to be turned up one notch to be really good.
(3)Kerry T.
We came here after Amateur Night at the Apollo, and the combination made for a delightful evening. We met Marcus Samuelson. What a handsome gentleman. Food was enjoyable but ambiance was better. Live music and a beautiful crowd of people. Decor is visually stimulating. The steady sound of chatter and laughter hang in the air. Deviled eggs were absurdly good. One of my dining companions remarked that she thought they were a bit heavy handed with the salt but I thought everything was tasty. Book resos ahead of time. It gets very busy.
(4)Marc W.
Service was great. Our server, Sarah, was attentive and knowledgeable. The food! OMG! The Yardbird, Mac and Greens, The pork chop were delicious! Ambiance is perfect for Harlem; eclectic. Can't wait to go back again.
(4)Bleep S.
A new restaurant for our rotation. Please order the fried yard bird,shrimp and dirty rice and the pumpkin soup (probably the best soup of my life...so many flavors in one bowl). The sweet potato doughnut for dessert is very yum. Nice ,warm atmosphere. We conversed with all the people dining at tables surrounding us. It's that kind of place. The 2,3 train takes you almost to the door..
(4)Jeff C.
I like the deco, the service, the wonderful chicken, the insanely good cornbread and sweet butter that comes with it. It was a wonderful dining experience. Next table that this wonderful looking dinner for two in a flat pan. Need to book a return visit to try that out. Being greeted by Marcus himself just sealed it. :-)
(5)Stephaine D.
I will never come here again. I made reservations a month in advance to take some friends who were visiting from out of town. We arrived 15 minutes before our reservation. After waiting for 30 minutes after our reservation time I approached the hostess and was told to "order a drink and maybe some cornbread because it was going to be a wait." We were seated at almost 10pm for an 8:30pm dinner reservation. Furthermore, when we inquired about a drink on the house for patiently waiting we were given a cheap glass of champagne. The food was average at best. Had we been seated within a reasonable amount of time, maybe we would have thought the food was worth it. However the food wasn't good enough to justify a 90 minute wait for a reservation. There are so many other food options in Manhattan that serve better food and have much better service.
(1)Alexandra R.
Great food. We were there for lunch and had't made any reservation. We were seated in front of the kithchen which gave a bit of a fast food experiance. We ate pulled pork hamburger and the Cobb sallad. The hamburger was delicious, the sallad was good, but not the best I've ever eaten. The staff was service minded and positive. The interior design was really nice.
(4)Chris D.
Food was quite enjoyable. Fried chicken was good, the lobster Mac was a highlight. The mixed drinks were terrific. The obamatini is highly recommend. Piece of advice - music is quite loud on Sundays. Would recommend sitting in the back if you could. My wife and I could not hear ourselves talk.
(3)Will P.
This was my third trip to New York City and I had a wonderful experience at the Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem. The food was absolutely wonderful and very tasty. The live band was great! The ambience was beautiful. Outstanding restaurant and serving staff.
(4)Jae Z.
Damn, Jim. If this is your idea of affordable, I need to get on your money making schemes. While I can afford $10 for 2 baby croissants, 2 baby slices of pound cake, and 3 muffin bites, I don't know that it's even reasonable for what it is. $4 for 2 slices of cornbread (small)? in Harlem? where such things are in such abundance? I can afford it, but why? We stopped by for brunch at 11:30 on a Sunday, no wait, seated immediately between 2 ugly couples (stay outshinin', what can I say? It's a rock star lifestyle being this sexy), and presented with 2 dinner menus by the hostess wearing patterned nylon. GIRL, can you do anything right? Took 5 minutes for our waitress to come. We started with cornbread, which was average. The honey butter was a nice idea for someone like me who likes to add some additional sauce/spread to anything possible, but cornbread really shouldn't need that. I had the fried yard bird. When I propose popeyes at 11am, my boyfriend looks at me like I'm mentally handicapped, but this morning he was all, yeah, get the yard bird. I mean, whatever's necessary to justify eating fried chicken before noon, I can do it. The chicken was delicious and the hot sauce and gravy were both really nice additions, but the collard greens? Have you ever had bland collard greens? I am a veggie loving kid and never protest greens, but I did not eat the greens here. I'm not sure it was even salted. C'mon son. He had the French toast, which was also good. The bread was almost pastry like and very substantial portions! I enjoyed the nutella whip, but again, those garnishes feel a little affected. I don't know that they were all complementary. Coffee was 2.50 and refilled once. Not bad Orange juice from the bar tap for $4? egregious. Gospel was playing, I guess they were trying to affect some soul, but the atmosphere was hectic. In sum: food is good; service needs a lot of work.
(3)Trisha W.
I have been DYING to go here because I love me some Samuelson but unfortunately I wasn't blown away like I thought I would be (maybe it was too hyped up in my head?) The food was good....really good and tasty but it was just regular soul food in my opinion! My favorite was the spicy cucumber relish....the freshness and the acidity really cuts through the greasiness of all the other food! Probably won't be back but was a good experience
(3)Alli G.
This is my first restaurant review. I dined with my wife and another couple. We frequently eat at Zagat top 10 restaurants around the country. The reason this restaurant stands out and is so good is because they care. They care about the food, the service, and the overall experience. Our waitress and helper were superb. Everyone who works there looks great and dresses well. The manager/maitre'd asked us 3 times if everything was ok. There was a time gap between the appetizer and main course. We were having so much fun and drinking we didn't even notice it was long. The manager offered more appetizers on the house as an apology (which was gracious but not needed). Everything we had was great. I don't understand the bad reviews. As self proclaimed food snobs, we thought the prices were excellent. We were dressed business casual. Maybe if some of the complainers didn't dress like they were at a Yankees game they would have gotten more love from the staff. We're going back.
(5)Yolanda F.
The service, the food and the people were SIMPLY AMAZING!!! Thanks for warming up this VERY COLD NYC night
(5)Zach S.
I really enjoyed dining at Red Rooster this past weekend for lunch however that probably was because I was not the one paying. The establishment is very well done and the service is great however it suffers from a few flaws: 1. The cocktails are too expensive. These cocktails are good and thought out but the price point is something one would see downtown. The bloody mary was also quite bad. Much better bloodies abound throughout this fair city and at $13 it is a complete ripoff. 2. The food is too expensive. Most of the stuff on here is at least a few dollars over what I'd expect at any eating establishment. Much less one that is in Harlem and prides itself on being 'comfort' and soul food. Comfort food and 'expensive' shouldn't be together. The Red Rooster Burger, while delicious, is $19. That is nuts. It's beef on bread with more fried potatoes next to it. Maybe I'm missing something but $19 seems a bit much. The crab-cake and shrimp shorty are both cheaper which also seems odd to me(both very tasty). Also, we came for lunch and I noticed there were two items over $25 and a few more over $20. Where am I, at Peter Lugers? Lunch should be a lighter, cheaper version of dinner (IMO). anyways I am kind of rambling now but you get the point. Samuelsson has marketed this place VERY well. and a lot of attention to detail went into the interior and it pays off. The food is good, the drinks are good but the price throws me for a loop. They must be doing something right though because the place is quite a popular destination. For a long time I had this review at four stars but I decided to bring it to 3. I did this because this restaurant embodies what I dislike in the new york dining scene - an establishment that procures most of it's business based on it's marketing or being the 'in' place to be (or the 'it's expensive so it must be good mentality). Thus, people go there just to say they went to it and the entire thing just becomes a parody of itself, much like how I feel the entirety of Manhattan island is becoming (the fall of local ethnic/awesome grub in favor of tourist destinations).
(3)Mike S.
I've been a few times before and the food and service is always good. I went this past Tuesday with a friend and they had live music. The band was awesome and really put Red Rooster ahead of the curve as far as good food, good service, and great atmosphere goes. I will be back for more grits and music!
(5)Corey C.
The Red Rooster is a nice place.However, the food is a little over priced and the portions are slightly small. If you like to drink water this is your spot.As soon as you finish you water the next pitcher of water is in your face.lol.
(3)Dee C.
We had Cauliflower soup, Fried yard bird with Mash potato & greens, Helgas meatballs, Corn bread and sweet potato donuts! Everything was Delicious!!! Even saw Chef Marcus and Chef Tristan from the last season of The taste at the restaurant. Awesome time and great food. I would definitely be going back.
(5)Trish R.
After years of saying "let's go uptown to the Red Rooster" I finally made it! After a biz meeting I was caught in a huge downpour and took refuge at the bar for an unexpected lunch and a glass of wine. Watched the rain fall in the cool hip bar and ate a yummy soup and sandwich combo. Am heading back for dinner in August! What took me soooo long! But my timing was great since I met a fantastic bartender Akiya whose welcoming way really helped me have a memorable first experience! And she's a mind reader .... ! Ask her about that at the bar sometime. Loved my rainy day in Harlem!
(5)Shira F.
Between service, menu options, food, and ambiance, it was a no brainer for me to give this place 5 stars. We came to celebrate my mother-in-laws birthday and it was quite perfect. We had an 8:30 reservation but didn't arrive until 9pm. We were seated quickly. I loved all the pictures and art on the walls. We had 2 servers to our table. One sweet girl and a very friendly and eager waiter named Brian. They were both amazing but Brian was particularly personable. He kept coming over asking if we had questions about the menu, which we did and he was quick to answer them. For starters, my fiancé ordered the carrot ginger soup, which was very good. My future father-in-law ordered the lamb ribs were to die for. So tender, juicy, and delicious. My future mother-in-law ordered the grav lox and it was perfection. My future sister-in-law ordered the chicken and waffles and the chicken liver butter was perfection. We ordered the deviled eggs and corn bread and I put the liver butter on the cornbread and it was awesome. Just as we were finishing up our appetizers I spotted Marcus Samuelsson and my heart skipped a beat. I was so excited. He definitely saw me taking a picture of him so he came over to our table and introduced himself and it was so awesome. For entrees my father-in-law and I both ordered the fried yard bird. I don't eat chicken legs so I substituted an extra thigh for $5. The thighs were HUGE. No exaggeration. The best fried chicken I've ever had. The brine was perfection. The chicken was tender and juicy. The potatoes and collard greens that came with the chicken were great too. The gravy was a little sweet and went well with the super spicy hot sauce. We both really enjoyed it and I have lots of leftovers! My fiancé ordered the pork chop and he loved it. It tasted more like steak. The sausage paired with it was great too. My sister-in-law had the mac and greens with maple bacon and it was amazing. Definitely what I'm ordering next time! Portions for everyone was very large until my mother-in-law got her plate. The plate was large but portion didn't match the price tag. None-the-less she did enjoy it. For dessert two of us ordered the donuts with sweet potato filling. They were perfect. Filling didn't overpower the perfectly fried donut. My fiancé ordered the ice cream sandwich and it was so good. One of the most delicious comfort food restaurants I've ever had.
(5)Maria G.
We visited Red Rooster last night. Fabulous good, the mixture of flavours was incredible from starters to dessert. We were a party of 6 and we shared everything, my favourites were the devilled eggs and the fried chicken and the bacon. The mash potato was to die for! Then we stayed in the club. Great atmosphete and buzz all night, cool music and super attentive staff. Definetly a must go!
(5)L X.
Very good food and such a great atmosphere!
(4)packurknives a.
Awesome! Worth the ride up to Harlem. Everything was great - probably tried half the menu and each dish was wonderful!
(5)Toby H.
A rich spread of classic American cuisine. The sangria was pricey but delicious with the right balance of alcohol, fruit etc. I enjoyed the fried chicken. Service was wanting a bit, with some delays in bringing the bill, but generally a great experience.
(4)Sara F.
Maybe more like three and a half stars? I'd love to give it more, but I can't help feeling it's a tad overrated. The food was decent, but I think you're better off going one block up to Sylvia's! And the price was just too much. We ordered a pitcher of Sangria on the waiter's recommendation, without realizing that it was $64! A glass was just $10...isn't the assumption that getting a pitcher will save you a little money...? I had the mac and greens, which was pretty yummy, and my husband had the blackened catfish, which he felt was just okay. The live music on a Saturday night was great, but I'd say if there's a next time, we'll just sit at the bar. And not order a pitcher.
(3)AnyCole Y.
Met Raena and Rio here on Monday! The food was GREAT! The service was cool as well! The other ladies enjoyed their meals too.
(5)Chasity W.
This is my second time here and each time I've come, their drinks have been on point! I don't really like their selection of food, but the ambiance and drinks are great! I'll come back for that :) no food :(
(4)Annilia S.
After months of wanting to check out Red Rooster finally trekked it uptown in the freezing cold and it was so worth it. The atmosphere and overall restaurant has such a good vibe. You almost feel like your eating in a big family dining room. Enjoyed the music while eating as well. The food was amazing! The fried yardbird was the best thing I ate. The accompanying sauce literally brings you back home as if your mom cooked for you and I enjoyed that. We also had the Mac and Greens, CornBread, and Tristen's dish (had to try this to support Tristen) shoutout to the Taste! Oh and the warm doughnuts rounded out the meal! Supported Harlem with some Sugar Hill Beer to accompany the meal. I'm already planning my next trip to try Helga's Meatballs! I've been to a few restaurants in the last two weeks and my experience was by far the best at Red Rooster. My only qualm was sitting right in line with the door, well there was a Nike event downstairs and a whole lot of people started coming in thus causing he door to pretty much be open, this happened right after we got our meal which made it uncomfortable to eat, felt like I was sitting outside in the cold and it wasn't pleasant. - the manager I guess saw my reaction and came over to ask how the meal was. When our check came he graciously reduced our bill and apologized for my discomfort this was unexpected and greatly appreciated so kudus to that! Have I mentioned I saw Marcus Samuelson in the flesh and totally geeked out!!! Until next time....
(4)Buo Z.
The decor here is awesome. I loved the photographs on the wall as well as the wallpaper next to the kitchen. The only downside was the live music was WAAAAAAAY too loud. I had to scream across the table, and even then, I'm not sure I was heard. The food here was pretty good but almost everything was fried or covered in mayonnaise or butter. The food: Cornbread with real corn and honey butter - delicious. Best cornbread I've ever had. That's saying a lot. Crab cakes - good overall but Del Frisco's still beats this place hands down Fried green tomatoes with lettuce, bacon bits and mayonnaise on top - good but wouldn't order this again Yardbird - this one was OK. I was a little disappointed it didn't live up to its hype. Sweet potato doughnuts (or rather, donut holes) - light and delicious Black rice pudding with coconut ice cream and mango - very good
(4)Rohita L.
Long overdue and amazing restaurant. We see MS on the train all of the time, he is so smartly dressed and just so nice...his restaurant really reflects that! Decor/Ambiance: Old school NY...an homage to the old. So nicely done. Their website does NOT do this place justice. It has so much more character than their site suggests. With as much character/flare that the location has, that the staff has and the food...their site needs to reflect that. Staff: So very helpful, professional and amazing...they were all so well versed on their menu as well. The manager went to every table and introduced himself...said hello to everyone. It was so nice. Food: Where does one start? For starters we had the chicken and waffles...seriously you couldn't beat this. Then we had a salad that had watermelon, dried ricotta cheese in a vinaigrette dressing. I can't tell you how unlikely you would think these flavors would be...but how likely they blend. Entree, we shared (we weren't starving) the Yardbird dish which was the jerk chicken with yuca mash and a curry sauce. I need this recipe. I need it or I may die, seriously. You have to have this dish. I am still swooning over it. Desert we had the cheesecake. YUM YUM YUM YUM Drinks: Great selection of wine. It was minimal but it was all that was needed. Everything is just great...you need to go there asap!!
(5)Debbie W.
I was really excited to try RR. Came here on Thanksgiving so this may not be representative of how it normally is. The staff and service are good. But we were upstairs and had a table by the door which was drafty. We had the cornbread, chicken & waffles, Mac & Cheese and the fixed course Thanksgiving dinner. I honestly don't think the food was that good. There wasn't enough sauce for the cornbread, the pie portion was so tiny it was almost comical. I liked the chicken & waffles, but I guess I was expecting really creative and outstanding food, which it wasn't. To come all the way to Harlem in the cold wasn't really worth it.
(3)Faith B.
First off, love the decor! Very lovely set up & an easy ambiance. The drinks were strong. Very strong. Appetizer of fried oysters & hot wings...yum. Cornbread was delightful! New York strip entree cooked just the way he wanted & my blackened catfish was tasty. A minor challenge with the attentiveness of our first waist staff but they fixed that immediately and waited on us hand & foot thereafter. Even sent over another appetizer to apologize for the delay. Lastly, the ice cream sandwich was so yummy! Did I say the decor is cool?!? Be prepared to wait without a reservation & possibly sit at a "shared table." Must go!
(4)Denice R.
I can't recall how this restaurant ended up on my list of places to eat at when I returned to the NYC, but I'm so happy it was included! The day I was there, they had a prix fix menu. Before leaving for New York, I already decided I was going to be adventurous in my eating (you know, skip the burger and go for the lamb instead), so I went with the market greens salad (had the right amount of dressing and no iceberg lettuce!), apple wood smoked salmon (cooked to perfection) and the Red Rooster donuts (filled with sweet potato), just took the meal over the edge! My sister ordered the cornbread, and we quickly asked for some more. I will go out on a limb and say that is the best cornbread I've ever had (sorry mom!) She also ordered the mac & cheese and greens with added bacon - because everything is better with bacon. Unfortunately, they didn't add the bacon, but brought some on the side. It was cubed and had sooooooo much flavor, but I can only imagine how fabulous it would have been had the bacon been baked in with the dish. As we are all sharers, I got to sample the oxtail pappardelle (love the wide, flat noodles and the oxtails were melt-in-your-mouth good), and the preserved lemon aleppo chicken, (it came with a side of chicken mole which was paired with crepe-like pancakes). Both were absolutely delicious! I love the setup - walk in the door and you are greeted by the bar area (I can only imagine how fun happy hour must be here), while the dining room is directly behind. The bar is designed where you don't even hear what's going on while you are seated for eating. Finally, as we were discussing the restaurant's owner, Marcus Samuelsson, in he walks and heads right over to our table, shakes our hands and goes on about his business! From the greetings by the hostess to the fantastic service provided by Naomi, I must say that Red Rooster made a great impression and I will definitely add this to my "always to go restaurants" when I'm on the East Coast.
(5)Ariel P.
Finally tried the infamous Red Rooster, and although I was not all that impressed, I will say I did enjoy a couplem of things. the service was great! Very attentive staff who all own up to being employees ther, and do not expect that the assigned waiter to only take care of tour needs. I love the decor, and the open kitchen. The food was good, nowever the pricess were ... Ouch.. 27 dollars for Fried chicken, pickles, collard greens and some sauce? Was the fried chicken special... Yes.. But 27 dollars... Damn... The cauliflower soup was a nice touch, even though it sat at the window for a bit too long and lost some of that steam. Cocktails were perfectly executed. My firend had the mac and greens with lobster.. It was okay, as well as the crab cake which was too citrusy. Overall I liked the place, but that 27 dollar chicken though!!! Keep up the great service.
(4)Ms. L.
First, I a HUGE fan of Marcus Samuelsson. I couldn't wait to try this restaurant! The ambiance and the look of the restaurants is interesting, I am hoping that since we were on the bar side that is the reason why it was so noisy. They have the option to sit at the bar or the high tables (looks like a high picnic table with stools) so be ready to sit close to strangers! It was absolutely FREEZING in the restaurant; it almost felt like the heat bill didn't get paid. I had numerous drinks and still felt cold. Please put the heat on. As far as the service, our waitress was nice no complaints there, we were sitting at one of the "picnic" tables for quite some time now and kept on ordering drinks. So it's not as if we were just taking up 2 seats, when we were told by I guess maybe the hostess/manager that these seats are for people having dinner or we have to move to the bar( but yet the bar is full so what are you saying? ). Why did they seat us there then, its ok when there is no one in the restaurant but when it gets busy you move your customers although they are not ready to leave? I actually thought that was rude, I would not expect that from this restaurant. Lucky for her, we were just about to order food so we told her that's what we were just about to do. She leaves and as we are waiting for our food now, she comes back and asks us to move at the end of the table so she can sit a people...UNACCEPTABLE , at that point, I really felt like just leaving! I was really turned off. If it wasn't for the good company, it would have really put a damper on my night. The food was ok, I had the Fisherman Spaghetti, I actually was expecting more flavor and taste. The person with me had the fried chicken, which I couldn't wait to taste..and I was so surprised that it lacked seasoning. The fried skin is really what somewhat saved the chicken, the meat itself lacked salt. Overall, I must say I am disappointed about my experience here, not sure that I would go back, If I ever have to, it will not be on the bar side for sure!
(2)Z T.
I would give this place 3.5 stars! Awesome staff! Yard Bird was nothing to write home about, but very unique twist on all food. Mac and cheese was really good. I like it. I'll give it another try.
(4)Henry F.
We were 6 people they seated us exactly at our reservation time(a great start in my book), service was a little bit slow but the place was jumpin and we were in no rush. We ordered 5 different apps and 6 entrees, everything was served on time and nicely done. This is not gourmet but great comfort food with a touch of soul. Friendly staff, very popular establishment difficult to get a reservation but worth the wait.
(4)Han C.
When I told people that I was moving to Harlem, a fair amount of them immediately asked, "Tell me where you live...like, how close are you to Red Rooster?" I wouldn't use Red Rooster as a gauge for life in Harlem, but it is a huge draw for Manhattanites to venture up north on the 2/3 line for some Southernesque eats. The restaurant is one of Marcus Samuelson's haunts, Top Chef winner / Iron Chef contender, if you care about any of that (who cares about any of that, right? Morimoto is the only Iron Chef that matters!). Tour buses have been dropping loads of tourists in Harlem every weekend of late. A bus goes to Sylvia's. Another goes to Londel's. It's a weird, particularly white scene at these spots. We came to Red Rooster early (~11:30a) to beat the crowd, nabbed outdoor seats on the nicest day to hit NYC all spring and sipped on creamy lattes while listening to a soulful lady croon jazz table to table. An order of $4 cornbread with bits of yellow corn was served with whipped butter and tomato jam. The cornbread was on the dry side, and benefited from a heavy pour of tomato sauce across the top. I'd skip this though - Amy Ruth's cornbread is much tastier and complimentary ! An order of the Yard Bird was quite a looker of a plate with two pieces of dark meat, mashed potatoes and housemade hot sauce. The skin was one of the prettiest shades of crimson I'd ever seen - completely speckled with spices like cumin and paprika. The chicken, brined in buttermilk, was juicy, the skin thin, crisp and spiced with the flavors of the Middle East. The unique take on fried chicken was fun, and coupled with the lady crooner (singing Old McDonald to a two year old for everyone to hear), and the warm spring day, it was a nice little brunch. That hot sauce is some good stuff. The scene is lively, the outdoor seating clutch for people watching along Lenox, but I'm still a little unconvinced on the food for now !
(3)Paige K.
The wait staff is incredibly accomodating and literally, set the definition of the word, "coooooool". We were seated outside - the decor outside was fresh and crisp, with cool jazz perfecting the ambience...UNTIL CRACKHEADS AND HOBOS came tapping us on our shoulders and begging for money every 30 minutes or so. Wth?! Additionally, some ashy Larry, crackhead hairdresser lady literally dropped her cards for Incredible Weaves, her presumed business (while her hair, of course looked like a murdered, electrocuted alley cat) on our table, while we were dining. It's not like we were even talking to her. She just...had the balls to do this. These crackheads are RELENTLESS! APPETIZERS: we ordered the fried green tomatoes, the Caribbean bacon, and the cornbread as appetizers. - The cornbread was very good, but nothing to sing home about. - The Caribbean bacon appetizer was good as well, with the slab bacon being the most delicious part; It was lightly sweetened, perhaps with brown sugar. The beans which base the dish were okay. - The fried green tomatoes, for all their bread crumb toppings, were COMPLETELY flavorless. 100% BLAND. Don't bother. We waited nearly 45 minutes for our entrees (-________________-) Ridic... ENTREES: We ordered Rooster Noodles, pork chop entree, Swedish meatball/lignonberry combination, a side of shrimp cheese grits. - The pork chop was quite good, with a zingy, savory flavor. Super thick and slightly pink, it was cooked and seasoned perfectly, had a thick layer of delicious fat on one side, and a helping of pulled pork accenting it. - We ordered a side of shrimp grits, which were AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGG. ~~ PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT ~~ ***** The ROOSTER NOODLES ARE DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!!!!! BEWARE! NASTIEST thing I have ever had. DISGUSTING. The broth tastes like (what I imagine) week old doodoo water (tastes like), brown and disgusting with mysterious bits of coiled, rock hard, porous gray/brown stuff floating in it amidst veggies. Seriously, I think licking the STREET would have tasted better.***** The lemonade is way too sweet. Despite the Cinco de Mayo band, we just left because the woman next to us ordered something with a repulsive smell - either heavily pickled old fish or year-old French stinky cheese, I'm not sure. Almost knocked me unconscious... Disappointing, disappointing, disappointing. I will be trying Chez Lucienne next door.
(2)Brian G.
I honestly don't know how this place thinks that they are offering a premier dining experience. We walked in and we were greeted by the hostess who informs us that our party of 4 won't be seated because the other 2 people with us are parking the car. Me being from Houston, I thought this was completely ridiculous! Hello lady.... It's not like you have a parking lot in the back. Did you see the parking situation outside? Finally we were seated at "the cocktail tables" in the bar area and when we inquired about the happy hour they told us we had to be seated at the bar to take advantage of happy hour prices. Hello! We are in the bar area, less than 2 feet away from the bar!So I got creative and decided to go to the bar and order drinks to take advantage of the happy hour prices. The host quickly approaches me and tells me I can't do this because I'm receiving service at the table. She calls her manager for back up who tries to uphold this ridiculous policy and I politely informed her that the bar tender knew I was not sitting at the bar and charged me HH prices and that's what I was paying. Long story short this establishment is the equivalent of an AppleBees in Houston , and they treated you like you walked into a 5 star establishment and didn't deserve to be there.....Not! It's horrible and I am never coming back. The food was marginal at best, and the service was mediocre.
(1)Nancy E.
Had a 10:30 pm reservation on a Thursday night and was told upon arrival the kitchen closes at 10:30.... I wasn't even asked to hang my coat before being seated by the hostess 10 - 15 minutes after ordering a glass of wine and cornbread later the manager asks me how long until my party arrives because the kitchen should be closing and they will only wait until 11. I replied ok and 3 minutes later the waitress asks me to call the other party... I felt pressured and uneasy. He arrives 10:59 we were rushed to order and the appetizer and entree practically came out at all once, it was good but the fries were on the cold side. I really wanted to give 4 stars especially since I have been here 2-3 times already but I was not impressed with the service. they should change their booking system on OpenTable so situations like this won't occur. On a another note, the music playing was good, the crowd was nice and the decor was lovely
(3)Laura C.
Came here on a friday afternoon for a nice lunch. The place was very busy but didnt have to wait long for a seat. The service was pleasant from the hostess. Our server was very sweet and offered very nice recommendations. The decor was simple but classy. Very geared toward his cookbooks and culture. Jazz music was being played and sung by a live singer. Very nice. I ordered the sampler plate. The food was very delicious and really tasted fresh and showed that the chef really cared about the plate and food.
(4)Sheri S.
Sunday Brunch was relaxing, fun with modern decor with a few hits and misses. Definitely could have passed on the cornbread. Tasted a bit over done with a brittle texture. It was more corny than a nice balance of corn and bread, if you get what I mean? This is why it is always good to specifically ask for what you want before you place your order because you can get highly disappointed. Three Cheese Omelette- I am used to a combination of melted cheese together in a bundled egg crust. I got scream cheese and slightly melted cheese. The portion was good, but the flavor was so so. Scrambled Eggs with tomatoes and french fries with truffle oil. We were under the impression that the tomatoes would be sauteed into the scrambled eggs to create a nice mix of flavor, but instead we got a casserole boat with mini tomatoes and a side of the scrambled eggs in another plate. It felt so piecemeal and lacked the wholesome combination we were expecting. Service was good. The decor was modern and chic. The crowd was a mixture of races and ages a nice melting pot representative of NYC The Bathroom was the highlight for me as it was a pleasant surprise. I felt like I stepped into a time capsule in someone's apartment. With it's white washed walls and high ceilings the walls showcased famous figures, family and friends with an assortment of vintage frames. This was special and unique to me. I definitely felt "at Home" in a restaurant restroom.
(3)Cristina L.
The corn bread was the best! Fried chicked was not great, was expecting much better flavor. All around good food and ambience
(3)Lady W.
I kept hearing about this place and finally got around to going. We were a group of six and had early dinner reservations (6 pm). I loved the look and decor. This place could be a casual dinner with friends, a fancy dinner with a group, a couples date, a quick stop at the bar.,etc. We started off with drinks. I'd heard about the Obamatini and recommended we tried it- Ouch..., super spicy. 3 people that ordered it ended up sending it back. I actually enjoyed it. They were nice enough not to charge us for the returned drinks. We also ordered the Sangria which was pretty good. Then we moved on to appetizers. We had the Wild Chicken wings, the shrimp with dirty rice, the cornbread, and the chicken and waffles. Everything was pretty good. Cornbread was delicious. If I had to pick only one appi- it probably would be the chicken wings though. They were really good. So moving on to dinner, we ordered the Mac and Greens with Lobster, the BBQ Pork Chops, the Yard Bird, and the Three Pepper Steak. Everything was really good. Really nice flavor. The collard greens on the BBQ Pork Chops were delicious- they were soaked in the sauce so it really gave them a great flavor. I wished there were less collard greens on the Mac and Greens. While I do like them, I was tired of eating them by the end of the meal. We also ordered dessert. We had the doughnuts and Chocolate almond tart. They were good, but not great. Overall is was a great experience. Now I could say I tried it. We don't live nearby so I'm not sure I will make the hike again, but definitely recommend.
(4)Ashley R.
I've been to Red Rooster twice now and both times I was dissatisfied. The first time I ordered the fried chicken. It was probably one of my least favorite fried chicken dishes I've ever had. The 2nd time we had cornbread and deviled eggs to start. Both items were very good and I would recommend to anyone. For my meal I had the lobster roll with a side of Mexican corn. The lobster was good but the roll it was served on was too soft. I would have liked it toasted. The corn was inedible due to it being overcooked. It wasn't just my corn that was bad, but my friends as well. For the amount of money being charged, I would expect the food to be much much better than I've experienced.
(2)William C.
There ain't a damn thing on this menu that I ordered that I had a problem with. I destroyed my food. People who bitch about how packed it gets or the fact that you gotta wait for certain things, well guess what? It's packed and you're not that important. Try running a restaurant yourself, people. It's no joke. This place does it well! If they didn't, the overworked staff would I'm sure not need as much time to get you what you want. In my opinion, it was top 10 most pleasant staff I've ever encountered. Even the price is right considering you're uptown where most shit is really inexpensive. Sure, it isn't as cheap as your normal spots here, but they didn't try to murder no one. Keep it going, Marcus!
(5)Michael U.
Full review blogged. With the day bright and sunny but having been underground for the better part of half an hour I was surprised to find the restaurant already busy and bustling on my arrival but on checking in my reservation was confirmed and I was led to a table only to discover five minutes later that I'd missed a call while en route - my friend was stuck only 2 minutes from his home and thirty minutes away thus leaving me on my own, a situation that given the soon-to-be jammed packed dining room led my server to suggest a seat at the bar if I'd be willing - an offer I accepted given the similar style of chairs and closer vantage of the music - and with that my water was filled, menu presented, and coffee ordered. Having already explored the online menu in the days leading up to the meal and with no changes to be noted it took some time before I could place my order because the computer system is based on seating and there was some sort of glitch, but when my eventual server, Kimberly, arrived everything went smoothly and bearing in mind that I had a train ride to Jersey I told her it was fine if everything arrived at once - a suggestion that made her laugh as I "...ordered a lot." With the musicians setting up and tuning up the restaurant went from half full to jammed packed by 10:30am and although the bartenders were not yet allowed to serve alcoholic beverages they were put to work with non-alcoholic cocktails, juices, and concoctions thus leading to my Ethiopian Fair Trade going empty far longer than I'd have liked, but on commenting to the young man before me this was remedied quickly and the cup remained full for the rest of the morning as he personally kept an eye on it since the crowd prevented my server from being able to. As plates are individually ordered there were four dishes in total and beginning with the "main course" of Fried Yard Bird with Dark Meat, White Mace Gravy, Mashed Potatoes my first impression was a good one - the thigh and leg coated with a golden brown and flaky batter full of pepper and spices, the meat tender and juicy, and the potatoes whipped to just short of smooth. Noting here that I generally prefer white to dark meat and that more gravy would have been preferred, the one flaw of this dish was the fact that there was quite a bit of bone and fat to be reckoned with, but overall everything was well prepared and although perhaps a bit pricey, also quite good. Not one to eat a big meat dish in a vacuum, bites of the chicken would be divided by a pair of side dishes, both ordered a la carte and portions of both taken with me for a snack during the hockey game. Beginning first with the 'Breakfast Basket' featuring Sweet Potato Bread, Walnut Banana Bread, Lingonberry Muffins, Mini Croissant, and Mini Pain au Chocolate I found this concept fascinating as it took roots in both American Southern cuisine, Nordic flavors, and French technique - all obviously part of Samuelsson's repertoire - and pairing the basket with locally sourced honey, whipped butter, and currant jam it was truly a well designed plate. For the second side dish - just order the "Corn Bread, Honey Butter, Tomato Jam." I don't care if it is $6 while The Dutch gives it away for free, these thick and buttery slices are absolutely outstanding with just a touch of sweet and plenty of savory augmented nicely by both the butter and the surprisingly addictive tomato jam - a condiment somewhere between ketchup and jelly with a light sweetness and briny finish that worked beautifully with the pork-imbued smokiness of the bread. My final bite of the morning was recommended by the bartender as a "must" - the Devil's Food Cupcake with Caramel, Pretzels. Noting now my love for cakes and cupcakes in general but that dark chocolate is generally not my first choice, at a cost of $4 this small cupcake at first seemed a bit pricey, but after one bite I immediately understood the recommendation because beyond the dense cocoa cake and salty-sweet combination of caramel and pretzel there was a surprise...a Bourbon Cream center that poured forth lending a whole new dimension of flavor and texture to the dish - to date it is amongst the best cupcake I've ever tasted. With leftovers boxed up to go and the bill settled as the band moved on to songs that included audience participation I made my way through the multicultural crowd of all ages and to the restroom before departing and with the bathroom decorated in black and white photos there was one item that stuck out to me - a letter from a young girl that summed up my thoughts on Red Rooster entirely. Sure the food isn't 100% authentic and of course there is a degree of commercialism that you expect from any celebrity chef, but what Samuelsson is doing at Red Rooster should be commended not only because of where it is but also because of what it is - good food and good service in a great atmosphere where some may have never considered venturing before.
(4)David B.
Really enjoyed the food and the service was impeccable. Try the Mac and cheese and the yardbird. For drinks, the punch is awesome! Definitely worth it!
(5)Jorge C.
I don't mind paying for a great meal, and on my last trip to NY, that was my goal. Despite hearing a ton of negative things about the celeb chef who owns the place from a few former line cooks, I still wanted to love this place . I mean , c'mon, comfort food? Who doesn't love fried chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, etc.? Let me start with service. When I was seated, my server was warm and friendly , in contrast to what I have heard about the staff. That being said, in watching the rest of the floor staff moving about the restaurant, I could literally feel the arrogance suffocating the room. The food though was the biggest disappointment. The yardbird was such a disappointment and that was truly what I was looking forward to the most. Unbelievably salty and lacking the crunch that I look for in good, southern fried chicken. For the price , it was a joke. I've had better fried chicken off of a food truck in Orlando. Just saying that out loud makes me sad, and earns your restaurant a two star rating.
(2)Joshua V.
I was actually excited to get brunch here despite the mixed reaction I had received from friends and fellow foodies. I wanted to see why this place was so polarizing. The establishment itself is pretty sexy I've gotta say; the fact that the live songstress that morning made her rounds, table to table, serenading the best looking dudes at each table (of course she went straight to me at my table) just made for a fun and inviting atmosphere. The open kitchen in the back is very interesting to see as well. Huge flames and bustling servers do provide for something interesting to observe while waiting on your food. As for the food, I enjoyed the yard bird, while the rest of my table ordered the breakfast basket, jerk bacon and eggs, the french toast, parmesan fries. and the mac and cheese. Nice platings and presentations, across the board. For the most part, was happy for the way my yard bird turned out; it was a pretty big chicken quarter, but still ran at $22. While it was tasty, it was not the end all be all piece of fried poultry I've eaten. I also had some of the fries and french toast; both were tasty, but the fries were basically McDonald's fries with sprinkled parm, while the french toast wasn't the end all be all french toast (though still pretty good). This is a nice place to order some expensive, though tasty dishes; in the end I was more impressed with the atmosphere and decor (however, I don't get to eat any of those).
(3)Rae C.
I'll give 5 stars for ambiance and service but the food was incredibly overpriced; $30 for shrimp and grits?! Girl-Bye! Luckily, my friend and I were able to be seated without a reservation - which we didn't expect, buy them again it was around 1:30 in the afternoon. Otherwise, it was a great setting.
(3)Barb B.
We read about this restaurant and set our sights on trying this place on our vacation trip to NYC. The owner of the brownstone we stayed at also highly recommended this place. Very crowded and a nice "happening" vibe in the place. We had some amazing cornbread and an Obamatini at the bar while waiting for our table. The staff were all very pleasant and friendly. The cornbread was so good at the bar, we got another round as well as some appetizers. I got a pork chop dish that was outta this world. My other half got the Jerk Chicken and said it was okay. I would recommend this place to try for the ambiance, food, music, and vibe.
(4)Patrick N.
First thing's first: I love Marcus Samuelsson. Okay, now that we have that out of the way... I was really excited to eat at Red Rooster, as it was probably the most interesting place I had planned to eat during my NY trip. I immediately knew I'd get the fried yard bird, no question about it. The bird was really crispy on the outside with a really well seasoned skin. The mace gravy was so rich and interesting, I loved it. The housemade hot sauce was incredible and cut through the rich bites of gravy, dark meat chicken, and mashed potato. The sweet potato donuts were a big let-down, though. I expected them to be light, fresh, and hot. Instead, they were heavy, not fresh, and pretty cold. If they were hot and straight from the fryer, I'm sure they would've been better. However, the vanilla cream on the side was fantastic. The restaurant has such a great atmosphere to it, it looks really nice and plays such good music overhead. All the waitstaff was professional and kind, something I really appreciated. My waitress had no qualms about splitting a check 3 ways for 3 people, something I always feel bad asking them to do! I loved going to Red Rooster, but the price was probably too high to justify going back again. That said, I do think any fan of Marcus Samuelsson should try this place once.
(4)Rachel F.
The place has a huge open round bar in front with great drinks and music. It can be fun enough jus tto sit in front. Great art and photographs all over. Our food was great--it was hard to choose. we settled on market salad, the strip steak, and meatballs. All were delicious, steak was perfectly cooked and had interesting bearnaise sauce. Desserts were OK, nothing exceptional, but we were too full to order any. Plus the waiter gave us lovely chocolates, in honor of our anniversary. Staff is friendly and fun. We definitely want to return with a group. And I kept peaking at the fried chicken dishes which looked and smelled amazing. Next time.
(4)Annie T.
Finally here. Yesterday evening, the hubs and I just happened to be in Harlem (coming from AC) and the hunger pains hit us. Of course, at the top of my bookmarks was Red Rooster. The 2 guys hosting were very attentive and gracious. Thankful they had space in their closet to accommodate our luggage (yeah we showed up with a large carry-on + duffle bag) There was an hour wait for dinner but this was understandably at the height of Saturday evening. The bar area was packed. Great for people watching. I liked the large decor separating the bar from the dining area. Decor was fresh and modern, particularly liked the family memorabilia in the bathrooms. On to food. The Fried Yard Bird had a nice crust on top and juicy on the inside. Still it tasted pretty basic, wasn't a standout, certainly not for $28. I did enjoy my blackened Catfish and Grits. Came in small portion but the sauce was everything. Cornbread was indeed unique, sweet/salty and moist accompanied with a great honey butter tomato sauce. Overall, I feel the food did not live up to the name or the price. Despite them having enough servers and help, our service was lackadaisical. The particular waiter we had that night committed many faux-pas. His breath being one but that's a little too subjective. He failed to mention any specials going on (overheard them from another table). Our entrees came before our drinks. He also assumed we weren't having dessert (Had to ask for the dessert menu). Not impressed with him but the rest of the waitstaff seemed very efficient. Impression from one night: 4.5 stars for ambiance. Best people watching at a restaurant. 3 stars for food. Underwhelming, Overpriced. 3 for service. Needs to be unified. The ambiance is cool enough to make me want to come back. But that's about it.
(3)Dan K.
Nice atmosphere but outrageous prices for average food and drinks. $18 for a glass of VSOP Remy when it's $14-$15 downtown. Ridiculous. I'll come to enjoy the atmosphere but I'm definitely not drinking.
(2)Regina K.
This is the trifecta a great dining experience..awesome food, fantastic service and superb ambiance. OMG, where do I begin. We arrived when they first opened which was a good thing because it filled up quickly. The entire staff was very professional and friendly. Our waiter Edgar was truly a gem. Very attentive, prompt, helpful and pleasant. The food where do I begin...my friend had the lobster roll, blackened catfish and moscato wine. Let's just say she left a happy plate at the end of our meal...Lol. I opted for $25 prix fixe menu option which included a salad, the mac n greens and the best dessert ever, sweet potato dough nuts sprinkled cinnamon and sugar. Can you say heaven??? Outstanding good for a great price. Will definitely be back. Kudos to you Marcus..please bring the Red Rooster to Chicago.
(5)Jeff K.
This place is fantastic! We came here on a Sunday night and they had an awesome live band. Food was great. The catfish was spicy and excellent. Fried chicken was super crunchy. Dessert was great. But the atmosphere and the band were the highlight.
(5)Gloria D.
Very Beautiful experience, Especially the Hot towels!!! Margaritas where excellent!! the Lamb Ribs where very strong in term of the peppered crust! a little difficult to eat. Buffalo chicken wings where less than mediocre, My entrée was the Oxtail Parpadelle! decently delicious! Sweet Potato donuts where amazing!! The selection of coffee is wonderful!! would definitely go back!! :)
(3)Gail B.
Not too long ago my friend and I came here for lunch. It was her recommendation, she'd always wanted to try it. I rarely go that far uptown, but I was game to try out the place made famous by world-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson. What a great place it turned out to be! I always get nervous when I know there's a famous chef...like it raises my expectations to levels not possibly attainable by humans. But Chef Samuelsson truly nailed it. It was also nice that he was a real presence throughout our stay. He made his way through the dining room, chatting with guests. I didn't partake in any cocktails, unfortunately (I had to go back to work - boo!). But my friend did and she said they were fantastic. This place sounds like a great place to check out for brunch, which I will have to make a point to do. I had salmon with roasted brussels sprouts and Oh. My. Lord. It was among the freshest salmon and brussels sprouts I may have ever eaten. Definitely so on the brussels sprouts. It's renewed my love affair with the mini cabbage-like greens. YUM! Oh and finally... dessert... I had the flourless chocolate cake. Simply outrageous. You need to check this place out.
(4)Mike L.
4.5 stars Every day and night of the week this place has a crowd. The live music at the bar at night is great. I shared a pitcher of "Yes Chef!" cocktail with my friends and had a great time sampling the Mac and Greens, chicken and waffles, and cornbread. Everything was excellent except the waffles which were cold and a bit hard. But the chicken and Mac and Greens were superb. They have great outdoor seating. The overall package of the food, bar, music, atmosphere, and staff exceeded my expectations.
(5)D. S.
5 Stars: Chicken and Waffles appetizer; Watermelon, feta, mint salad; Hostesses & hosts. 4 Stars: Mac & greens. 3 Stars: Waiter; Jerk pork chop.
(4)Alli H.
After hearing all of the ridiculous rave reviews for Red Rooster for so long, I needed to go. My friend and I met for brunch one day and the food was delicious, but I wanted it to be knock out amazing like everyone said. We didn't make a reservation because we came for brunch and we didn't wait that long for a table. The food was good, the service was good. I felt like I expected more because of the hype and wanted it to be a little cheaper but that's Manhattan.
(3)E M.
The food is excellent! You'll definitely be in for a wait but the food is worth it. I got the yard bird and it was not greasy at all. The greens were cooked perfectly. Overall the food was great! Service was ok .
(4)Annie D.
I've been to Red Rooster about a handful of times and each time, I walk away saying that the food was just ok-nothing to write home about. Its very pricey and the portions are hearty but its just ok. Be forewarned, if you want to casually stop in for a reservation on a Friday, or Saturday night or Sunday brunch-don't waste your time. You need reservations weeks in advance. Also, if you happen to be hanging out at your table after you and your guests have been served, and you ignore the stares for you to get up, don't be surprised if someone walks up to your table and asks you to leave so that they can seat other guests.
(2)Susan H.
Went on a Sunday night without a reservation. It was pretty busy and we expected to wait in the bar for a table. The bar was 3 deep. There is really no accommodation for waiting. Its not comfortable but we waited anyway. We eventually got seated in the bar area not at the bar to order dinner. We were immediately attracted to the 'chowder'. The description on the menu did not do it justice. It was a masterpiece of seafood artistry so succulent, well prepared and beautifully seasoned when Marcus came over to the table our mouths were too full to respond. I get the complaints about the 'attitude'. The staff is not hospitable at all. There is a feeling of 'do we fit in here?" and I am not the type of person who ever feels out of place anywhere. But Marcus is so charming and so genuinely pleased to see people loving his food, it actually makes up for the snobby attitude and lack of charm of the staff. I recommend only making reservations to get a table in the dining room. Eating in the bar area is on very hard uncomfortable stools and in the winter there is no place to put all your stuff or at least no one offered to take out coats. It was a juggling act you dont mind when having a cocktail but no through an expensive dinner. I liked the food a lot. I want to go back. I'm a fan of Marcus.
(4)Kristin H.
We decided to give Red Rooster another chance. All this raving... it must be for a reason, right? So one day after karate we stopped by for an early dinner. As before, the staff was REALLY nice. And sitting on the patio and watching the world go by was great. Service was really smooth this time too. Our waiter came right away and the food came right out. The food was fine, but not standout. I got the fish and grits and my dining partner got the deviled eggs and cornbread. We tried the sweet potato donuts for dessert. I liked the grits a lot, and the deviled eggs. The blackened catfish was so-so. It was pleasant enough, but after trying it twice I don't think I would go back. So many other really good restaurants in the city!
(3)Leo O.
I came here for my b-day dinner and was relatively disappointed. I've followed this chef since Top Chef and the food that I had at his restaurant was subpar and didn't meet expectations. Came here with a group of 4 people and we were lucky enough to get a table despite not having reservations at around 7:30pm. We took a very long time with ordering drinks but the wait staff was extremely polite and helpful. I would give them 5 stars for service. They were trained very well and definitely attentive. Our glasses of water were never half empty. We had the obama-tini and Radeberger Pilsner. The obama-tini is good if you like your drinks sweet with a little spicy kick but for the experienced drinkers, it would just overpower your palate. The beer was alright, it was clean, not very biter, and light, just as described. For appetizers, we had the oysters rockefeller, fried chicken & waffle, dirty rice & shrimp, and steamed buns. Out of all the appetizers, the best were the oysters. I was quite surprised when it arrived because it didn't come in a half shell. The sauce was excellent in balancing the oyster taste. The fried chicken & waffle was decent, only because the chicken was better than the waffle. I loved how the chicken was made and seasoned. I could eat that any day. The waffle just sucked. It was very plain and tasteless. The dirty rice & shrimp to me was just a twist on an Indian/Thai fusion dish. Presentation was so so and the flavors were bland. The steamed buns were alright, at least the pork belly was better than the one I had in London. However, the skin on this pork belly wasn't crispy at all. I was disappointed. For our entrees, we had Lenox Steak for 2, chili lacquered pork chop, and mac & greens. All of the entrees were disappointing. The steak had an amazing presentation but the meat was cut too early, meat didn't have time to rest, and was sitting under the heating lamp. Came out a little dry and chewy. The pork chop was dry, and that's probably due to the thickness of the pork. The sauce wasn't flavorful enough. The mac and greens were so so. Lets just just say the mac at SoCo is much better! I wouldn't come here again. I've also heard that this place is a hit or miss. I wouldn't recommend this place. If you must come here, just eat the appetizers and forego the main course. For the amount of time you have to wait to get seated and the hype surrounding this place, it really doesn't meet expectations. We even had a cake and they wouldn't let us eat it there nor even put it in their fridge. Most upscale restaurants would at least put the cake in the fridge for you and charge you a fee for eating/cutting the cake in the restaurant. Disappointed.
(3)Shelia K.
I have been to Red Rooster on 3 occasions. This restaurant has struck out with me. The place is too small and the seating is uncomfortable. My observation with the service is that if you are a person of color, the service is less attentive. Strange because the establishment is owned and operated by people of color. The food is not that great except for the wild wings and yardbird. It is very pricey, with a limited menu choice. I do not plan to go back.
(2)Trevor P.
High end comfort food that lived up to the hype! Ate lunch during restaurant week but the regular menu looked so good that I diverged and ended up ordering a ton of food. Started with the chicken and waffles. Waffles were good quality, soft, and chewy, but nothing special. Chicken was super-crispy and heavily seasoned. Served with a bourbon maple syrup with a very intense bourbon flavor, and a bitter/meaty chicken liver butter. Loved every bite. The chicken was pretty salty, but the flavor was worth it. My entree was a catfish sandwich which may have been a restaurant week special; I'm not sure. Great soft bread, pickled veggies, lots of flavor, very delicate and flavorful fish. Also pretty salty, which seemed to be somewhat of a theme. Even so, it was delicious. Dessert were doughnuts and green apple sorbet. Crazy good, on both counts. We also had a few single-origin coffees, which were fantastic. Wish I had come here earlier. Will be making more visits, for sure.
(4)Marc K.
I'm glad that our experience at the Red Rooster was very good. It made up for an aggravating experience on the MTA getting there! We chose the 3-course Prix Fixe lunch on a Monday afternoon, at a reasonable $25 for the huge amount of food that you received. In fact, that would be my major criticism: too much of a good thing. I had the excellent mac & greens, preceded by a nice, fresh salad and three donut-holes for dessert (sorry I can't recall the correct name!). The mac & greens was way too much food for something so rich and 'heavy.' My wife's meatballs were also a too-large portion. Both were delicious. Don't get me wrong I like to get value for my money, but unless you're a twenty-something, I don't think you'll be able to finish everything on your plate! The corn bread side order was fabulous - probably the best I've ever had! We received a gracious greeting by the hostess and had a terrific waiter, Ryan, very friendly and knowledgeable.
(4)Carl D.
Came here for dinner. The place was so crowded you could barely stand at the bar - outside would have been a nice option if it wasn't a bitterly cold night. That being said, the food here was fantastic. The flavors were subtle, interesting, worldly.
(4)Roshni N.
MY FAVORITE PLACE IN NY. I've dined here about a dozen times over the last three years and I cannot think of a better restaurant in terms of food, ambiance, and service. Although you can get reservations via Open Table, I recommend grabbing a seat at/near the bar. The vibe in the front is amazing every night of the week, since there is usually a musician or DJ of some sort. While that might seem disruptive if you're trying to have a more intimate meal, it really only adds to the experience! Since Red Rooster is my "go-to" on Friday nights, I suggest getting there around 8pm, enjoy a cocktail (or few), eat dinner, and listen to the live musicians at the front. Then, around 11pm, head downstairs for an unpretentious night of dancing...and even more drinking. The music is UNREAL. All of the best hip/hop, R&B, and old school 90s you could ever ask for! I would also highly recommend going to Gospel Sunday Brunch on any Sunday throughout the year. Gospel/jazz musicians are again in the front, so if you didn't get a reservation, just pull up to the bar. Same menu, but better vibe than the traditional seating area. Although the drinks and food here are priced a little high, it is 100% worth it! Definitely get the cornbread and the fried green tomatoes!
(5)Christina F.
I want to like you, Red Rooster, I really do. But I feel like you are just the Justin Bieber of the restaurant industry. Needless to say, I fall for the hype every time. I get that you have the backing of a celebrity chef, and your Sunday morning brunches with a live jazz band are pretty bad ass, but your food fails to impress and your nightly bar service is mediocre at best. The first time I came was wayyy back in the day when you guys opened. I was tired on my weekend bar scene over at the Corner Social and had to switch things up. When I walked in, my eyes immediately were lit up by the site of your bar. What a pretty mecca of wood, brass, and alcohol! Really, the bar is a sight to be scene. However, I never got to even try a drink because your bartender ignored my friend and I every second he could. After that, I promised myself I was done and the hype was just hype. However, a few months ago, I gave into you only because I was going on a date and the gentleman asked me where I would like to go (that means I wouldn't have to spend my hard earned cash). Since you are right down the street from my place and it was possibly the last nice day of the year (yes, I fell for your outside patio), I decided to give y'all another go. This time, I got to see the live jazz band and almost wished I had sat inside to enjoy some music with my brunch. For drinks I ordered a Bloody Mary and my date ordered a mimosa. I did not try the mimosa so I can't comment. What I will comment on is that the Bloody Mary, which was supposed to come decked out with pickled vegetables, was very basic. I have been on flights where the airlines have served a better Bloody Mary. Next up was the food. I ordered the Smoked Trout and my date ordered the 3 egg omelette. Again, can't comment on his but I can say mine was not worth $16. I can see around $12, but $16 for a wimpy piece of fish and some garnish which was supposed to be a herb salad? No, don't play with me, Red Rooster. Anyway, the bill for the two of us came for around $70 with tax and tip. And like I said before, I would not waste my own hard working cash on it. Its sad because whenever I tell any out-of-towners that I live in Harlem they always ask about the Red Rooster. I want to brag and flaunt that we have some of the best food in New York, but I just rightfully can't. However, I will return because I believe I should give dinner a shot before I write you off. This time, I'm bring my parents because I know they'll pick up the tab!
(2)Jay B.
The service and meal are wonderful but something seems fundamentally wrong paying these prices for soul food. In short: I would recommend Red Rooster if the people in question wanted to see Harlem otherwise my recommendation would be to see the other wonderful soul food spots around the city first. Note: The three star review is a reflection on the price point and not the service or ambiance; these are worthy of five stars.
(3)CK W.
Food ok. Ambience amazing. Go down into Ginny's!
(2)Ney P.
Living in NYC for most of my life, and kind of ashamed I actually watched this place open, and never had brunch here -- what a spectacular experience! We were greeted by "Ashley", and she asked us to wait by the bar while a table was available, she actually thanked us for waiting.. (Sincerely) Who does that today?! We were then seated and when the busboy came to serve the water, I naturally thanked him.. He turned to me and said, "No... Thank you..." Who does this anymore? It hit me, they get it! After being served by our waiter the best "taco eggs" I told my waiter that he was extremely good at what he did, and when he acknowledged he was proud of the work he was doing.. The Director of Operations escorted us around to show us the Supper Club and the amazing show that was going on downstairs. Unbelievable food and crazy good service! We will be back and share our experience.. And to the bus boy-- No............thank YOU.
(5)Jacqueline Y.
good corn bread, good yard bird special, some pieces were too fried and burnt. the service wasn't good by any means. their play on chocolate s'mores dessert left me wanting more ice cream and less chocolate. It's incredibly loud in there, so don't come here for a date, of if you are expecting to have a conversation that includes more than nodding and saying "really???". the one thing its got going for them is being one of the only places in the middle of a less hospitable area to eat. It's its own little oasis. Great for pre-going out and large groups.
(3)Jaz D.
I have been to this place a couple of times and each time I must say my experience has been the same. Food- overpriced and not that tasty. I went to the brunch and was dissatisfied with the tiny half waffle that came with my chicken and waffles. Ginnys supper club- downstairs the party is always on point. Good music. Good male to female ratio. All around good time. I would return only for the Ginny's supper club not the food.
(4)Anya C.
The FOOD is pretty bad for the High Prices they charge.. Ambiance is good. Drinks are PRICEY too! $23 for a glass of sparkling wine is pretty COSTLY in Harlem
(2)Jalisa J.
First time here and i really enjoyed myself. The service was a little lackluster but eh I wasn't really bothered by it b/c it wasn't horrible at all. My boyfriend and I came here on a Monday night. There was a band that came in and started playing around 9 or 10. Excellent band. The food was great - I had the mac n greens and my boyfriend had the blackened catfish - SO GOOD.We were sitting outside but the inside was super nice, great ambiance and just straight up sexy. For a Monday night it was really poppin in here, mixed crowd n' all that - but i do know its a hot spot in Harlem so i expected it. I will definitely return :)
(4)A. S.
Errmagoodness! I had to resurrect my Yelp account for this. The short of it: It's clean, lively, and just-right-bourgeois. The biscuits-and-gravy dish ranks high among the BEST B&G this Deep South native has ever had, including those in the Deep South. Instead of themed cuisine, the eclectic menu seems like all the chef's favorite dishes to make, which is just the way I would have it. The hype is justified. The long of it: With all the hype surrounding Red Rooster, I went there with my brow of skepticism raised higher than The Rock's brow of whatever-it-is. After an experience at the also-hyped Amy Ruth's left me entirely underwhelmed, I fully expected the same thing here. First things first, this place is clean. The dishes, the utensils, the floor all sparkled. I didn't check the bathroom, but I could tell by how the waitstaff behaved that there was an all-around expectation of cleanliness. As someone who prefers to die of natural causes or be raptured rather than perish because of a communicable disease, I was pleased. So I stayed. I went for Sunday brunch as a party of one and sat at the bar (because brunch ain't brunch without cocktails). I ordered the biscuits with red gravy. I'm a purebred Southerner, so I was reluctant to order this item because too many restaurants interpret the biscuit as something that should be dry and hard and think of the gravy as cornstarch-thickened saltwater. But I saw someone else get it, and greed overtook reservations. It took a minute for the bartenders to realize that I was ready, but the food came quickly after I ordered. Otherwise, they were quite attentive despite all the patrons vying for their attention. The dish was perfect. I mean, perfect. The biscuits, two of them, come topped with eggs and smothered in a red *sausage* gravy. The eggs didn't look real, but I'm hoping they were because they tasted so. The gravy was tasty, perfect consistency and not too salty. Most importantly, the biscuits...errmagoodness, the biscuits!...had the perfect density--moist, not wet--with a crisp outer layer. I just had to drop the mic, er, napkin and go into a praise break. I had a pot of Ambessa breakfast tea, which was nice. I'm not big on breakfast tea, but I had to do something to forestall onset of the itis. To top it all off, the bartender gave me a cup of the mulled wine to try. It was a fantastic red with cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices. Truly delicious. They should bottle that. This place can get crowded. But this is a celebrity restaurant in Harlem with good food, so one has no legitimate reason to be disappointed about that. There is also a very old school live band in a corner near the window singing in all the historically black genres and gospel, and thus giving the restaurant a firmly Harlem identity. All that to say, it's not hype. It's just delicious.
(5)Vincent F.
Tourost have overwhlmed it but it tatsy never the less.
(3)Bri'en P.
The food was AMAZING!!! The yard bird was flavorful and tender, the mac and cheese was impeccable, and the appetizers were pretty awesome. We had deviled eggs, watermelon salad, and chicken and waffle. Excellent.
(5)K K.
i love the live music, i love the staff, i love the decor, i love the ambience, but the fried yardbird..ehh....its ok. the collard greens folded into the mac n cheese and corn bread are the most amazing things. the grits and chicken apple sausage is pretty good. the shrimp n grits are so disappointing.
(3)Karen S.
I am wary of celebrity chef restaurants. I've been to two that were a disappointment in DC and when it's a disappointment, a dime spent is too much. I went to NY for the weekend and wanted to eat in Harlem and although my intent was to visit the classics (Sylvia's, Amy Ruth's), I opted for Red Rooster. I went with someone who had a cold and insisted that the only thing she could eat was the Harlem chowder for two. You know, they should warn you that the chowder isn't for two people. It's for two families. It was huge and the seafood was brimming. When I see that much food, I automatically think that it's quantity v. quality. But man, that chowder was delicious. The seafood was cooked perfectly and the broth was amazing. For the employees of Red Rooster, thank you for a wonderful experience. I flew in to DC from Honolulu on a direct flight (9 1/.2 hours), went to NY for the weekend to see the Book of Mormon and on one of the two nights while in NY, I chose to have dinner in Harlem and I chose to have it at the Red Rooster. You did not disappoint. I like to show my picture of the seafood chowder. I refer to it as food porn. A friend showed it to her friend who was going to be in NY and guess where he went? And he got to meet Chef Samuelson!
(5)Carol M.
Two of us arrived an hour early and spent that time in the bar. Champagne was a on the special. Met some fun locals, got some food tip, and the barstaff was very nice. As we got seated I still was surprised to see the menu, didn't expect southern comfort but it was interesting. We all shared the cornbread (very sweet) and delicious deviled eggs. I had the shrimp and grits which was excellent, two of us had the salmon and they loved it but two friends had the mole chicken and unfortunately they didn't like it. There was a mishap with one order so we got a dessert on the house: peach pie, which was yummy. We truly liked the service and staff, the food is good if you like southern food, but then there is the music. WAY too loud. We were feeling like we were eating in a nightclub. I can only give three stars because of that. I hope they change that soon.
(3)JANELLE W.
I prefer to have brunch or drinks at Red Rooster. I'm not a huge fan of their dinner menu. Dinner is fine but it certainly isn't worth all the hype. I love their brunch. I really go to Red Rooster for the drinks. I think that this restaurant has some of the best bartenders in the city. The music is always amazing. If you go, and you should, have a drink!
(4)Benjamin K.
Good food, excellent music... and a long wait on Sundays ! Better show up before 11am if you can. Have a drink at the bar and enjoy the music while you wait (one hour...) and order the braised pork and the gravlax afterwards !
(4)Geoffrey C.
What a wonderful place! The people, the ambiance, the food, the service. Really great. And since there were so many comments here regarding wait times, they were ready for us early but we were still waiting for one person to arrive, so we stayed at the bar and they sat us as soon as we were ready. No wait; not problems. I had the jerk pork chop, which was awesome. We shared the meatballs, mac & cheese, shrimp, and of course the doughnuts for dessert. Everything was delish. One complaint: the bar was very backed up and drinks took a long time. Red Roo will def become one of my regular spots. I want to check out Ginny's, or just sit at the bar sometime. Can't wait to go again.
(5)George I.
5 Star prices for a 2 star restaurant. Service was bad. Out of a party of 5 people, 2 of us did not receive our main courses because they ran out of ingredients on a Sunday evening. That's just simply unacceptable. After we ordered other mains to replace the ones they could no longer make, my main was dropped on the floor in the kitchen. The rest of my party received their food had to wait 10 min before I got mine. Needless to say, their food was cold at that point. The menu pricing for the type of food they serve is outrageous. The burger for $19 contains no special ingredients that make it that expensive, nor the bass dish, nor the meatballs. I will no go there again.
(2)Laura A.
2.5 stars. Even if I am on the neighborhood, I hesitate I will be eating at Red Rooster again. But because I had such a wonderful time, because the service was excellent and because I have to admit it, I am bias on a live jazz situation... the extra star does not feel like an excess. Truth is, there was a couple of wonderful items on our plates. First, the tomato jam coming with the corn bread. Honestly, I am very confuse because it looked and tasted to me like a handful of roasted peppers with a hint of ginger I believe. Nevertheless, just because of that it was almost pleasant to eat the corn bread. Second, the mussel broth in the Harlem chowder. Equivalent to me to a mussel distillation with a hint of spice from the entire sea, as it was so flavorful that created certain addiction. Other than that, things were pretty average and even inedible for me. The corn bread tasted almost exclusively butter. And texture wise, it was soft bread. Closer to a cake actually. If this is how corn bread is suppose to be, then it must be that I am just mistaken by the wonderful ones I got in the past ... sorry if I am getting corn-y here. The collar greens were good. Nothing special. Good and nothing special by the means of almost bland. But I got more disappointed because I was expecting something unique. The menu claim no other than Collar greens with mustard and Kale..? We order the Harlem Chowder for two. It was actually a large portion, more than satisfying for 2 people. A wonderful mussel broth (remember a few sentences ago?) with prawns, clams, scallops and mussels (on their own shell) roasted lobster, corn pieces and potatoes. All the seafood was really overcook and it wasn't that flavorful, particularly the lobster. The clams were good, quite good I have to admit it. But the potatoes were almost raw. Have you ever try that? I don't understand either. But alright, to be completely fair the sides dishes coming with the chowder were above average. We choose the tofu salad and the crab salad. I liked specially the tofu salad mainly because of the peanuts that gave it an special touch. And yes, I am also still thinking on the raw potatoes. Once again, I don't get it either. And alright, maybe another half star because I actually like some fusion elements on Red Rooster dishes. Some spice here, some ginger there, some peanuts on the salad ... so unexpected that reminds me Indonesia somehow. An Asian flare for sure. Because of that, because of the service and because of a great cup of coffee to end a wonderful Sunday evening, I guess I Am-Ok with A-OK rate.
(3)Yoli C.
Excellent appetizers, music, and eye candy! Boiled eggs, peach salad, corn bread were all excellent. My oxtails weren't what I expected so I wasn't that pleased with my main coarse but the lobster Mac and greens that my mother had was to die for. I'll try shrimp and grits next time.
(4)Jon H.
I'll preface with this: I was sponsored to go here (industry/vendor event) and would probably go back at least once a year (didn't know the prices since it was a custom menu for us). However, their drinks are actual mixed drinks with FRESH juice. The yardbird is great. Cornbread is the real deal. I tasted someone else's mac and cheese though and a bit too much onion for my taste. I like my mac and cheese onion free but to each his own. I noticed they are very particular about keeping your table clean and constantly filled with water or whatever drink you are having. Waitstaff is nimble and didn't knock into me once despite me having the end seat on a large table jutting out into the aisle. They host good talent so if you are there on a Thursday 7-11pm there will probably be a musician there you may recognize. Patrons seem to be mostly a 40+ crowd. Good place to take a partner for anniversary date when you've saved up some money to splurge I imagine. I didn't see the prices but I imagine between a party of 2 it could easily be a $300 night. However, this is the one instance in which I would say it's worth it because they truly deliver on the ambiance, unlike other high priced establishments which may have good food but terrible service and decor. It seems a lot of the bad reviews would be regarding the sticker shock - But that's where prudence comes into play. This is not a place to go for your usual Sunday Brunch or Thursday night date dinner. It is a place to go to for special occasions when you want to WOW and dine your counterparts or friends.
(5)Kevin M.
There's two separate issues here, the lounge downstairs and the food. First and foremost, RR is awesome and one of my favorite spots in NYC. As someone who grew up in Harlem in the 90's, it's great to see a place like this where adults can come to have a great time and listen great music. If you haven't been here, get here soon. Now to start with bar and lounge scene. When you walk in it feels like a local bar where everyone knows each other and are just kicking it having good conversation. The bartenders are extremely outgoing and definitely add to the already upbeat soul vibe. There is seating both upstairs and downstairs, but the downstairs seating is where the action is as they DJ starts cranking out music after 10pm. They'll eventually clear the chairs at the bar and turn it into a full out lounge/club. Not sure how it is on Saturdays, but on Friday's they go with a lot of 80's and 90's R&B which is a favorite of mine. The crowd is a more mature one so if you're 30+ you're guaranteed to have a great time. The only thing that messes up this place is the food. I had an order of ribs and cornbread and both of them were very basic. Given that it's a mainly soul food menu, I was expecting much better, especially since Sylvia's has lost its step over the years form a food standpoint. The cornbread tasted like it was re-heated and the ribs were nothing special at all. My cousin had an order of chicken and waffles and the waffles were actually ice cold, suggesting that they re-heated them. They def need to work on the food here, it's a very popular spot and I love it, but the food runs the risk of damaging a great reputation. Otherwise, this place is awesome and I'll continue to pop in here on random Friday nights when I feel like getting it in!
(4)Aristocrat J.
Red Rooster caught my attention mainly for the huge buzz that it's gotten since inception. Originally there were mixed reviews about the menu but no one could deny the ambiance. So after letting the initial hype pass, I gave it a chance. Upon walking in, the coat check and host were extremely warm and friendly. I was alone and lucky to get seated straight away without reservations. I recommend getting reservations as it's popular spot and they fill up very quickly. The space is well thought out, colorful and full of strategically-placed afro-diaspora artifacts like posters, 13inch tube tv playing repeats of soul train, mini sculptors etc.. And that was just the main level. the performance space downstairs knocked my socks off! It felt like Josephine Baker was going to come running onto the stage. The space is fit for the best of performers and patrons alike! Well lit and full of drama! After my mini self-tour, my server Abdul introduced himself and then the fun began.. I started my taste journey with a cocktail called the Brownstowner... Let's just say I was "stoned-er"! Stoned - in a balanced way. The flavor was perfectly spicy with bourbon and cinnamon and then sweet with some red thing. It was just right! For a starter, I ordered the Taco/Tostido thing which was just delic. There were three mini taco like pastries with three different fillers. Beef tartar filler was my fav. Salmon/fluke filler second and then the third was a blur but it balanced the plate. It gets better.. So as i'm sitting waitng for another dish, out comes some more servers with tastes of dfferent things on the menu. You know all the things that you didn't get to order because your mind was set on something else but the glutton in you wants to taste anyway. Well someone answered my prayer. For $7, I could try another small plate - yay! I chose the veal meatball. it was over before it started - YUM! Last, I had the shrimp dirty rice... Speechless... Wait , let me scroll back up and add one more star to this review!
(4)Ebony C.
My review is based on several things from a visit on a Friday night. 5 stars: That DJ knows his music... And I love old school music!!! i felt he knew I was there and played every song that's on my old school list on my iTouch. He mixed in some new stuff but the old school was rockin! 5 stars: the drink Yes, Chef.... YES!!!!!! I just wish it came in a pitcher I could drink from. 4 stars: the deviled eggs... Yummy but there was too much going on with them... Looked like art... I didn't want to eat it...lol 3 stars: service...it took 10 mins for someone to acknowledge us and that's after we asked for help. 3 stars: I felt like I was 12 when I came here on a Friday night. The crowd is a little more mature which I can appreciate, but once someone the age of your father says "come here girl" I'm completed weirded out...lol. It's a cool place... I just wish men in their early 30s would go there and that my fathers friends didn't hit on me
(3)Mabel Y.
I've never felt such a sense community at a restaurant. This may be because of my enthusiasm and anticipation after reading Marcus Samuelson's "Yes, Chef" two years ago, but I doubt it. I'd like to think that I would have caught onto his fusion of his own cultural experiences immediately. We dined during the World Cup and there was soccer paraphinalia everywhere. A jazz band played as the game broadcasted on a tv just above their heads. I sense everyone felt the same because we struck up a jovial conversation with the table next to us who offered me one of their deviled eggs (super good) after I lamented not ordering them in the first place. The menu caused me to furrow my brow a bit as I decided amongst all the options. We settled on shrimp ceviche, the dirty rice app, lamb tostadas and catfish. The lamb tostadas were my fav; the lamb was braised to perfection. I will be back for the Harlem chowder though.
(5)D F.
Visited Red Rooster for my dinner and ordered the lobster mac & veggies with a drink (Earl of Harlem) So here's my take on my meal, it wasn't what I expected. The Mac was just okay and I got about 2 small piece of lobster in it. Now the drink was on point and will go back for drinks, not so much for food, but will give it another shot.
(3)Natalie S.
Our server was outstanding, the food was delicious, and there was a great energy. Happy hour at the bar only, not at dinner tables. Get the Yard Bird or Meatball dish, then hang out in the bar area for some live music. Great place!
(4)Micheal P.
Dined at Red Rooster with my wife and kids for lunch. Food was great, service was great. I loved my mac and greens and yard bird. My wife and I ordered a sangria pitcher for two, and right after my server poured my drink and walked off a fly landed on my drink. I was slighty dissappointed. One of the servers, he said his name was shakeem, completely made my entired day after I told him what happen by bringing me a brand new glass no charge. I really love this place and for sure we will be back. Thumbs Up !!
(5)Becca D.
I cannot begin to put into words how amazing my first experience at red rooster was. My boyfriend and I went to celebrate our anniversary and he happened to mention this to the host when they were seating us. From the moment we sat down everyone who worked at red rooster made us feel at home and special (especially our incredible waitress stacy)!!!! They treated us to champagne to begin and after we enjoyed the chicken and waffles (a must order), the Mac and cheese, the cornbread and the broccolini - it was time for dessert. Stacy brought us lattes (again on the house) and then when we asked her opinion on desert, she ended up bringing out both deserts we asked about. Not to mention - one had "happy anniversary" written in chocolate fudge on it. We've never had a dining experience like the one we had tonight at red rooster. There is no question in my mind we'd hesitate to come back. Thank you again!!!!!!!!
(5)Nicole A.
My parents went here for their anniversary dinner with a reservation for 6:00. I called the restaurant at 4:00 and made arrangements to surprise them and pay for their dinner. Their wires got crossed at the restaurant and my parents were charged for their meal. My card was never charged, and the anniversary surprise was ruined. When I called to inquire, it seemed that the information I provided was never shared. Now they have my credit card info. And my parents didn't enjoy their meals and would not recommend the restaurant to anyone.
(1)Ali L.
Finally made it to red rooster after being a fan of chef Marcus Samuelson for a while. Place was hoppin! Went on a Friday night during restaurant week, but it seemed like most people there were more regulars and were ordering off of the regular menu. It was packed at the bar and hard to get noticed, but service was always friendly and warm. I tried a bunch of things, all delicious but here are my standouts: 1. Obamatini - get this drink! It's spicy, fruity, tangy, and it creeps up on you. Plus it's fun to order an obamatini, amirite? 2. Cornbread - if you like cornbread, you have to try this. So fresh and it comes with a tomato jam that is really out of the world. I've never had cornbread w tomato "sauce" flavors and now I will crave it. 3. Fried chicken - just get it. It's crispy and delicious, end of story. The blackened catfish, gravlax, and sweet potato donuts were on the restaurant week menu and all were good but I wouldn't order the donuts again. They're just not my thing and somewhat unimaginative compared to other dessert offerings. I do recommend the catfish tho, that was fresh and yummy. Downstairs is Ginny's supper club and looks like a cool, dim and hip place to grab a drink. They serve food too but I'm not sure if it's the same food as rooster. I would love to come back for brunch or jazz nights. Place is truly a cool vibe!
(4)Caroline H.
Loved the live jazz for the Sunday brunch. I had 2 mimosas, scrambled eggs, biscuit, veggies for $46. I enjoyed the group of people that I met too. I will return. I'm glad that I was able to get a seat at the bar. Get there before noon before the tourists arrive.
(4)Jessica B.
Overpriced bland food and bad service. The fried chicken had no salt/seasoning, and the mashed potatoes came out cold. The waitress was inattentive. The staff set up a huge loud fan two feet from our table, I couldn't hear or talk to my companion. The only good thing was the cornbread. There are much better places in the area for soul food, don't waste your money here.
(2)Nicole L.
Great vibe, musicians and people. The staff were very friendly. It's a true American experience in Harlem love everything about it. It's really worth the trip.
(5)Faizah C.
This is my second visit to Red Rooster. My first was for brunch reservations and I was knowledgeable about the celeb chef. This time I visited at night. There was late night fare - corn shelled tacos. The bar, DJ, and patio were jumping. Good folks, good grub, and a chill atmosphere to hang with good friends.
(3)D M.
Simply stated: overpriced and overrated. Had the blackened catfish: not hot and mediocre at best. The grits were actually tasty, but they only put about three forkfuls on the plate (honestly), so I wound up ordering a side of grits. The side portion was good, though I'm not convinced $8 worthy, but they were lukewarm. My girlfriend ordered the cornbread, and I probably liked that better than my entire meal. The service was dreadful. I've debated on actually posting the waiter's name to forewarn folks but I settled on keeping it to myself. So...the waiter: He never, not once, ever came to the table to check on us during our dinner. The only way I managed to get him for my grits was through another employee that was preparing a table next to us. When our waiter came to the table, he didn't say anything...just sort of gave me the "what do you want and make it quick" look. At the end of the night, he just dropped off the dessert menu. He did the same with the check when he was ready for us to get out. I don't know. Maybe I'm just being particular...sensitive even, but it just felt like we were interrupting him from waiting on us, though that's the job. Lastly, the bathrooms were FILTHY. Overflowing trash can, hair in the sink, almost empty (CVS brand) soap, I had to go in the cabinet to get paper towels after I washed my hands, and one toilet roll was empty. Never again. On a positive note, the dj was pretty good, and the reason I gave an extra star.
(2)Jeffrey S.
I'm relatively new to the neighborhood and this place is ALWAYS packed. I finally checked it out and was pretty impressed. The cornbread is by far the best I've ever had. The fried chicken and candied yams were really good too. Also, I ate on the ground floor, but on a trip to the bathroom I saw that the downstairs has a pretty funky vibe and looks like it could be fun. That said, there are other places in the neighborhood that have delicious soul food for half the price so. . .
(3)Monique S.
They stowed us in the basement. I am sorry. I hate to rescind a positive review, but I will never eat here again if the best I'm going to get is a table in a red-walled room with no windows. The upstairs is so lovely with the live music and all, but who wants to risk paying for an understaffed lower-tiered dining experience in their unfinished basement. That and they charged me $6.50 for two cups of tea. Give me a freaking break. I'd rather take the train to Pastis.
(2)Derek H.
Five thousand stars
(5)Adam S.
The Red Rooster fuses traditional american, soul food,, Ethiopian, and other elements in Marcus Samuelson's trademark eclectic style. The food is great in my opinion, but you have to have an adventurous palette. There is always something unique and surprising about even the most standard dishes. The Red Rooster manages to be both a destination for foodies and a part of the Harlem neighborhood it inhabits, which is no easy feat. I go there often.
(5)LMecca R.
I gave a 3stars because I asked for change for 100 and the bartender took it upon her self to cash out my tab (which was split as my friend had a card only ) and offended me when she assumed w were ordering a second round, in which my friend could pay to give me back the change I asked HER for.. other than that... Nice vibe. Low key place with a warm feel. Old Harlem vs New Harlem.
(3)Noraida C.
We were here this past Saturday for dinner reservations. We made these reservations at least a month in advance. Going by other reviews we were excited to come here. We also love Marcus in Chopped. Unfortunately our experience was not good at ALL. First of all there is no air conditioning in the place so we were sweating bullets. My sister and boyfriend ordered the crab cakes that were extremely salty. They did not want to return them so they ate what they could. I ordered a shrimp salad that was just ok. For entree I ordered steak and frittes which was pretty good. For entree, my sister and boyfriend ordered the blackened catfish which was extremely salty also. This time they said something and the waiter himself said he gave it a taste and it was salty but they couldn't do anything about it because it was premade. So they opted for something else they really didn't want. They tried to make it better by giving us 2 appetizers for free but unfortunately they were not good either. So anyway to finish this review we will definately will not be going back. VERY DISAPPOINTING MARCUS SAMUELSSON YOU HAVE BEEN CHOPPED!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)Sarah T.
As many of you may know, Red Rooster is pretty much the hottest restaurant in NYC right now. So as you can imagine, I was pretty excited to check it out! The food was definitely very good, but, I didn't think it lived up to the hype or to the chef, Marcus Samuelson's stellar reputation. However, the space was was great---very open feeling with a funky, modern, yet homey design aesthetic. The restaurant and bar have a great vibe going on, very upbeat and friendly. Sam Sifton's review in The New York Times was spot on to emphasize the restaurant's vibe and diversity of its patrons over the food itself. Here are my thoughts on the food. Drinks were very good--they have a specialty cocktail list and a good selection of wines by the glass and beer. I had the first cocktail off the list, which was a refreshing and tart gin concoction. Then I had a glass of white wine, which I liked. For an appetizer, I had the red caesar salad with bottarga. I liked the fact that they used bottarga as a play on parmesan, and I enjoyed the pleasantly fishy flavor of the salad. However, I felt that the salad was underdressed and could have had a smokier flavor (the description did say it was smokey, afterall). My friend ordered the ceviche trio, which was very good, and tastier than my salad. Her parents had the homemade gravlax, which looked fantastic, but I didn't get to try it. For my main course, I had the fried yard bird, and I have to say I was pretty disappointed with it. I was expecting fried chicken with that yummy deep-fried crust, but no such luck here. Don't get me wrong, the chicken was tasty, and it came with this really yummy spice mixture that you shake on. It just didn't taste like fried chicken to me. My other complaint was that it didn't really come with anything on the side. Just a few bites of collard greens, which weren't anything to rave about. Dessert stole the show though. The sweet potato donut holes with bourbon whipped cream were so delicious and unlike anything I'd ever had. So despite my disappointment, I'd be interested in going back to Red Rooster and ordering differently. I also think the bar looks great, and would love to go back and hang out there for some drinking.
(3)Barbara O.
I Went to red rooster for a show and dîner 3 weeks ago and the show was very good ( the nubians ) and the dîner not So good ! I got a chiken uncooked and it was just a big plate with meat nothing on the side !!!!
(2)David P.
Came here on a Friday night and i was very impressed! The place is very conveniently right next to the subway. The crowd at the bar was great and very eclectic. I don't pretend to be an expert on food. So i don't judge to harshly over some dumb little stuff like most. The salmon and collard greens was my pick. At first i thought the portion size was small, but it turned out to be good enough. The food itself was CRAZY good! The menu might be a bit pricey for some, just a heads up. I went with group of 5 folks and the seating did take a while even with a reservation. That would probably be my only knock on the place. All in all, really nice ambiance, real good food, and a good mix of people having a great time. Yet another gem in Harlem! It's great to have spots like this with class and style uptown! Definitely a place i will come back to.....til next time Yelpers.....diff time, same channel!
(4)Tamara W.
I'd seen articles about this place eeeeverywhere. So when I was in NYC I told my boyfriend that we must go. He's a NYer so he'd already been and was kind enough not to comment until I checked it out myself so as not to taint my review. So here it goes. Bar scene 5 stars. I've never seen such great specimens for people watching clustered around one watering hole. Fabulous. Food I'd give it about 3 stars. I may be biased because I know home-cooked soul food. This is definitely a fusion. I had the blackened catfish and the black eyed peas. The catfish was just... meh. The black eyed peas were so good I ordered a bowl. I tasted my bf's Yard Bird (friend chicken) and it was pretty good as well. So solid 3 stars for the food and 5-star bar scene. I'll be back.
(4)Joy D.
The place was horrible! We were there to celebrate a "Bride's to be" night out and it should have been fantastic. The service was horrible and the blackened catfish was bland. The crab cakes were loaded with lemon making it a tart cake. Don't be fooled when ordering the mac and greens, because it should read Mac and small salad. I did hear that the yard bird was very good, but you don't have to go to Harlem for amazing chicken in NYC. Although we made our reservation a month in advance we still had to wait to be seated. Drinks are amazing but expensive. This place gets two thumbs down and the Jamaican waitress sucks!!!
(1)Sylvia S.
Cornbread, Crab Cakes and the Creole Red Grits are all amazing. Also sweet potato doughnuts are YUM. Drink menu is awesome if you love bourbon. Luckily, I do. Chickpea dumpling entree was lacking in flavour though. Atmosphere and staff are great. Usually a bit of a wait to get in but worth it. Will be back again.
(4)Nicole C. R.
i really wanted to love this place, especially since i am a fan of marcus samuelsson on tv. we were there for lunch, so perhaps dinner or brunch would be better. the food was okay, and the service was awesome. any restaurant that is accommodating to a toddler gets an ambudance of smiley faces! we had catfish, mac and cheese, and i can't remember the rest... but that is because it was not too spectacular. i do love the ambiance and that it is located in harlem. i am willing to try it out again for brunch or dinner, and revise my review accordingly. we got to see marcus too, and i am still a fan!
(3)Sumanto B.
Get the Dillio cocktail and enjoy the scene at the bar. Don't fret if you can't snag a table reservation - the front room is fun! My only wish is that they serve a limited food menu at the bar past 11 PM; it would be nice to enjoy the appetizers with the well made cocktails!
(3)J J.
I was underwhelmed by the food at Red Rooster. I got the red seafood and sausage grits, which were a little too soupy for my taste. I like my grits thick. The Swedish meatballs I got were pretty good, and obviously the quality of the ingredients were better than Ikea, but the taste was comparable. My friend said her collard greens were really good, and the sweet potato donuts we got for dessert were definitely the highlight of our meal. It is definitely a scene-y place, which you could tell by the two Very Good Looking men hosting/greeting when I went on a Sunday night. It was jazz night that night, so that was kind of fun. Would I go back? Maybe, but not necessarily for the food.
(3)Harlem r.
Rating for my visit: 1.5 stars. This is a review for the bar and general ambience of this restaurant. Given the number of negative reviews and the number of poor reviews we have received informally, from friends and acquaintances, we had not yet decided when (or if) we would try the food. The sudden and very recent five star reviews, and the comments about "haters" in particular, indicate desperation. Unfortunately, it is now even less likely that we will visit this restaurant for dinner ! But if we do, I will update my review and provide a fair evaluation. On the evening we visited for a before-dinner cocktail, the service was astonishingly unprofessional; breathtakingly bad. The pretentious smugness of the hostess staff is almost interesting to observe. Indeed, it would be a kind of comedy if it were not entirely horrifying at the same time. Worse, my significant other had a drink (La Marqueta ? or similar) that was absolutely undrinkable, sweet in an odd and unpleasant way. There is a kind of "celebrity" feeling about this place that I do not, personally, appreciate or find interesting at all - all hype, no product. Lots of determined posturing and who knows whether anything is behind. I will watch with interest in the hopes that they will get everything together over time. Note: It is not at all likely that a taxi driver has ever visited Red Rooster. One might therefore take such recommendations with a grain of salt, as they say.
(2)stephen s.
ok you have to go there. yes period. go. eat. then take a nap. Marcus Samuelson has done it again. Soul food as good as it gets. We sat by the open kitchen and i wanted to eat off of every plate that went by. they wouldn't let me. my partner is now in love with grits. wait staff was great and Chef Samuelson was very gracious when we couldn't find the loo.
(4)Julie S.
The red rooster is as rich and diverse as Harlem itself. I came here for dinner. The menu was not exotic but basic. It had your chicken, your salmon your basic starch dishes you would expect in Americana cuisine, and so on... but the flavors were out of this world. I came here with a group of 5 and we ordered almost every dish on the menu and ate it Asian style (sharing everything) wow. everything I tasted was good. IF you're a fan of the chicken I suggest getting that. The waits staff was diverse and dark like the streets of Harlmen. They were attentive, helpful and our waiter happened to be a perfect dose of comedic relief. The restaurant really did a great job at bringing in the streets of Harlem, the noises, the diversity, the culture and the soul and putting it into each and every dish and all the timeless decorations. If you don't believe me, ask Michelle Obama, I know she was there a few days after I was there. The chef at the red rooster gets much of his inspiration from his Ethiopian background and his early days in Sweden and New York. He is known for being a philanthropist and aiding the national and international community as needed. So you know when you come here, the money is going to a good place.
(5)Shamus K.
The food is pretty good. Not great. But the bar is a great scene. Look your best - everyone else sure will. And get there early, or you'll never find a seat.
(3)Liz R.
I was very excited to check out Red Rooster especially since this new hot spot is in my neighborhood. The restaurant was very accommodating. Originally, my friends and I had a reservation at 5pm but we were all running late. They were able to move our reservation for 6pm. Once we arrived at the restaurant the hostess was unable to sit us because we were still waiting for one more person. I understand that restaurants prefer to sit entire parties but I would have loved to get started with an appetizer. I was starving. My other friend finally arrived 15 minutes later and the hostess gave us a quaint table on the corner. I ordered the Fried Yard Bird and it was delicious. It came with mashed potatoes and gravy. The chicken was crispy but not greasy and the dish was definitely nicely seasoned. Our waitress was very friendly and checked up on us twice. We were surprised that the corn bread was extra money. Usually, bread is complimentary at restaurants or it comes part of the dish especially at a soul food place. Isn't corn bread part of the package? lol I did enjoy our meal overall but I feel that Red Rooster is overpriced. I wasn't impressed.
(3)Jim K.
Marcus Samuelson needs to taste his own medicine before he critiques others on "CHOPPED." I took my wife here since we've been a fan of his from watching Food Network, we had high hopes for this place since Pres. Obama recently stopped by for a meal. We ordered the corn bread, that was good. It's sad but true, but my wife and I think that was the best Dish. The rest was ehhh.... I got the fried chicken, it was tasty, but it was overfried, super crunchy, the meat shrunk, the skin was hard as if I was biting dirt. The sweet potato was soo sweet, it has a tangy flavor as if someone poured Sunny Delight on it. My wife got the meatball dish, it was okay... we've had better. Ikea Swedish meatballs are way better than Samuelson's meatballs. Overall, it was an experience to venture out to Harlem for dinner, but we doubt we'll ever come back here. We were Disappointed.
(2)Ivy B.
My BFF and I were there on 12/14 anxiously anticipating the experience - well the experience was the worst! Found the food bland not really sure whether is was southern, caribbean or some African delicacy. The waitstaff is horrible - the seating is horrible - I dont know who advised the cafeteria style seating is plus - I dont wish to eat with whomever you decide to place next to me. The waiters ass was on my plate while he took orders at the next table. Your portions suck - however I am so glad you didnt fill my plate with the bland jerk chicken and the three strings of cabbage you place atop it calling it cole slaw! I expected better - shoudl have gone next door and ate at Sylvias!!!!
(2)Joe R.
over rated. over priced. staff was rude and unattentive. waited forever to get drinks. the collard greens tasted like perfume. any soulfood place that cant make decent greens will never see me again. I had the dirty bird..nothing special. go to silvias down the block. youll have better food and better service. never again. that goes for my other 2 friends that i took. what a bunch of hype.
(1)Karen M.
LOVED this place. Just about everything: our food, drinks, our waiter, the other wonderful diners who recommended their favorites and suggested we go downstairs to the speakeasy. The only small problem I had was with the hostesses. They never made eye contact or smiled or made us feel very welcome. Our waiter, Brendan, was so polite and helped me choose the Small's Paradise. It is so good. I had the Fried Yard Bird because I'm unoriginal, but I greatly enjoyed it and it was delicious. My only complaint would be to stop skimping on the sauce! The atmosphere is fun, it's a nice place to go to dinner on a Saturday night. It's a mixed crowd of all ages and the music is great. After dinner, we weren't rushed out and the check wasn't pushed upon us. We had coffee and dessert and enjoyed ourselves and I plan on bringing my family here when they come to visit me.
(5)Wendy T.
The atmosphere of this place is simply amazing. However the prices and the space is not to say the least! Ironically I ate dinner and breakfast the next day and for two people in total it was about $130 without drinks. The food was really good The music and waiters were good as well but its alittle to pricey and the restaurant isnt big enough to accomodate all the people who would love to experice it. So overall I will go again maybe 2x a year lol!
(3)Eros A.
Well, just what this area needed, a hot popular restaurant like if 125th street is not busy enough, but I guess it makes sense in trying to bring some of "downtown vibe" to Harlem. The restaurant is really nice; basically the room is divided in half bar, and half restaurant with open kitchen on the back, you can can see the cooks preparing those great dishes that comes out of there. The entrance and the bar is crowded, and that's almost every night, every time, so once you pass the bar you see the little podium with the hostess, which very nicely will ask you to wait while the table becomes available. I tried two cocktails and bother were really good, The Gin and Juice, and the Bourbon Negroni. Once seated had the Steak Frites and it was also very good. It was a nice size and cooked to my request. The service was friendly and attentive; I guess my only complain would be a bit slow, but I assume because they just opened... Definitely a must visit if ever in Harlem!!!
(4)Cat C.
It took a month to get a reservations for this place! The tables are set up a bit tight but not terrible. The service was a bit scattered, the waiter answered all our questions but was no where to be found when there was a problem. We ordered 2 corn bread appetizers, but the kitchen forgot one but we ended up receiving one on the house! The corn bread was great especially with the honey butter. Entrees were acceptable, but nothing exceptional. For dessert, we got the whiskey fudge, which was amazing. The perfect combination of sweet and a hint of salty.
(3)Andrew B.
Surprisingly disappointed. I've read reviews on the Red Rooster from all types of publications and all were glowing. Unfortunately my experience was much less so. The staff was polite but inattentive. The food was lackluster at best and the wine had obviously been opened for much too long to be served. To finish I had the hot chocolate that was over spiced. I think the owner should spend more time overseeing the kitchen.
(2)Andy H.
Stopped by for dinner around 9pm Tuesday night. A definite buzz in the restaurant and I grabbed a chair at the bar. The barstaff was very helpful with recommending a beer (RR has a great selection) as well as food. The Casear salad was ok, a bit salty for my taste. However the yard bird chicken was EXCELLENT! Fun scene with a lot of energy and a nice meal. I would definitely recommend Red Rooster.
(4)Selina S.
Love this place! Great energy and pleasant staff. Funky music playing all night long. I had the Smoked Butternut Squash Soup which I would recommend to anyone. My date had the Jerk chicken --it was cooked to perfection! Super tender and juicy. I made a video guide to this place as well, and it can be found here: youtube.com/watch?v=2ieK… or by downloading my app New York Insider which has more insider guides to New York :)
(5)Charlie R.
As a former owner of a restaurant and a frequent diner around town, this is the first time I was ever required to sign a contract for reservations at this trendy restaurant for New Years Eve . The presentation at the Red Rooster was New Years dinner for "Honkies" I hope they serve better food during their regular business hours. My expectations were better than what was offered. On top of that they charged me $4 for two additional pieces of corn bread. To me, the dinner was soul food without soul.
(2)Ilan M.
I really dig this place. We came in right before the hurricane was due to hit (Irene, August 2011) and were able to score a table for 2 right away. They had a really nice ambiance, nice big bar, DJ spinning cool tunes and were seated in front of the chefs, so it was fun to see them at work. Like clockwork, you can tell that they hired only talented people. They had a real varied selection of craft beers, and interesting cocktails, which were on the pricier side, but that's to be expected of a chic place like this. We started with the corn bread which was delicious, especially the honey butter. I could've eaten that corn bread all to myself but it was quite rich. We came for brunch, so I had the Smorgasbord, which was prosciutto, trout in a mini bagel, lox with capers and fish eggs, 3 small slices of dark rye bread, with spicy mustard and a jelly spread on the side. And some pickled veggies. It was such an interesting dish, not typical brunch fare. I really enjoyed it, but probably because I'm a huge fan of fish, and this was a fishy fish. My date had the Jerk Bacon and eggs, with beans. Very very hearty dish and she loved it. I tried the bacon, and it was tasty, not typical bacon strips you find at other places. The service was fast, friendly, knowledgeable; and the owner/celebrity chef was on site and friendly. We had a great experience (maybe because we enjoyed 3 cocktails each) and I would love to come back here to check out the dinner menu. Highly recommend this gem in Harlem.
(4)R R.
Was in town for a Girl's Weekend in the City. We decided to head up to Harlem to experience the gentrification and Marcus' famous Red Rooster. It was a Saturday so they do NOT take reservations . We arrived around 6:45pm and the place was already full both inside and outside. After about 15 minutes of wait time, we were seated inside in the middle of it all. I started with their very unique libation called Small's Paradise. It was very smooth. Most of us ordered the same thing, the famous Mac & Greens. In a word: Amazing! As the vegetarian in the group , I was, of course, quite pleased; but ironically all of meat eating friends loved it as well. And the people, who did not order it, were stealing tastes from those who did. Two of us also ordered the expensive but very good corn bread. You get two slices like slices of pound cake and it is served with butter and tomato jam. We offered some to the rest of table and we literally were left with crumbs, so we had to order a second round just for us. It was some the best cornbread that I have had for a long time and I am from the South! We never made it to dessert because we were so full but next time I will have those Sweet Potato doughnuts! If you are in the city for the day or the weekend, The Red Rooster is well worth a cab ride or subway ride to 125th and Lenox! Remember: You will need reservations during the week; use Opentable. But on the weekends they do not take reservations, so go early!
(5)Alan B.
I went to Red Rooster after reading lots of press about it. The atmosphere is fun and the staff very personable. The food was completely underwhelming. The Caesar salad was really mediocre, the jerk chicken the worst we have ever had (We love Jamaican food! ). A first course of bacon and eggs was tasty, but the portion was way too big. My fried chicken was tough. We were also served too quickly between the first and the main course. I also did not like that waiters walked around with appetizers in addition to what was on the menu. It's also very expensive for what you get.
(1)Lisha B.
Here's the good: Obama was there and the cornbread. Great spinning DJ in the lounge downstairs. While visiting Harlem all of my friends wanted to Check out red rooster because Obama was there, so I jumped on the bandwagon plus I saw the chef on TV. First time I ordered the dirty rice, it wasn't exactly "dirty" it was more of a shrimp creole dish rice was undercooked. Next day (yes I went again) had the yard bird, they gave me a seasonings jar to add to the chicken, really you need to season the chicken before you fry it, it had no flavor. Dessert was good had the sweet potato doughnuts, lemon sorbet was good. So if you want to be cool go here have a drink dessert even dance a ilttle but spend your money on dinner elsewhere
(3)J. L.
Ok so lets get to the good stuff first, the atmosphere here is amazing! I didn't find the drink amazing here, actually they were pretty bad. The mac and cheese and the yardbird here really stood out, just simply amazing. The dirty rice, I'll say this, it's probably good if you're not used to Indian food. If you are, you won't find the dish appetizing. Our waiter goofed our drink orders twice which was a bit annoying. IThe place is really fun and vibrant, they had a live jazz band playing. Definitely an experience I won't forget. Oh yeah, and if you're driving, plenty of parking around the area.
(3)Kathleen L.
So I am from Florida and had never heard of this place. Stopped in as a passerby on a Friday night and it was packed. There was absolutely no place to move or sit. The staff seem nice however the manager had an attitude out of this world. If it were not for my extreme hunger I would have left. Once we were seated the food took a life of its own-- although it had menu items that were staples in the black community its unique execution made it "different". A little pricy but pretty good portions. I wanted to give this more stars but just couldn't the cons out weighted the pros!
(3)renee d.
Good chicken and waffles...not a lot of parking though
(4)Sheila B.
I recently had occasion to have dinner with my wife and another couple at the Red Rooster in Harlem. At least one year prior I'd read a review whereupon the writer complained about an experience that included a lengthy wait in spite of having a reservation, an overcrowded waiting area that all ended with a meal that was okay. Fast forward to my dining experience and guess what, nothing had changed. My party waited for one hour to be seated for a 9:30 reservation, the crowd made it difficult to stand and generally get a handle on what was going on and the remainder of my evening , oh well. I am certain that having a waiting crowd that remains to take in the whole experience is a good thing for any business so hooray for the Red Rooster. At some point however repeat business has to have some value. I for one will not be a part of that crowd.
(2)Kim S.
OMG just finished a delicious lunch with friends. We enjoyed a variety of entrees & apps that are to die for. The blackened catfish will melt in your mouth, the shrimp exploded with flavor and please remember to order the Mac & Greens you will fall in love. Start your engine with the market greens and corn bread. You must complete this euphoric meal with the Whiskey Fudge treat and a glass of Red. The salt and nutty flavor will knock you off your seat. We also enjoyed the sweet potato doughnuts and Devil's Food Cupcakes. Yummy! Call now to make your reservation.
(5)J M.
Went for lunch recently and was not that impressed. The food was pretty tasty but the portions were generally WAY too small for the prices. The pulled pork sandwich is actually a small open-faced thing rather than an actual sandwich. Another negative was that our server was hellbent on up-selling us at every opportunity, which got really annoying. So I'd like to give it 3 stars because, as mentioned, the food was pretty good, and the rest of the staff was really kind and welcoming. But Yelp's two-star rating means "Meh, I've experienced better," and that sums up my feelings exactly.
(2)Aimee R.
Seemingly along with most of the rest of Manhattan who are trying to get reservations . we were looking forward to trying Marcus Samuelson's newest restaurant. Finally got a Monday night reservation - we were very impressed with the vibe of the room - it is warm and friendly and the crowd is very mixed which is a change from lots of NY restaurants. The jazz was great. Trouble was the food and service. We were a table of 4 and literally not a single plate in three courses was put in front of the correct diner. Inexcusable. The food was fine, nothing special, the waiter although friendly, was not particularly knowledgeable. The highlight of the evening was Mr. Samuelson walking through the dining room and greeting everyone - great fun, but might need to spend a little extra time training the staff.
(2)Betty B.
absolutely looooove this place. the vibe is invigorating. we went there 2 nights ago on a tuesday and they had beautiful live jazz music and a wonderfully packed house. the energy was just fantastic and i felt like i was somewhere in europe. the food was of course delicious as we had no doubt it would be but the service was not so good. if the quality of staff was more in line with the quality of food, ambiance and energy Red Rooster would get a solid 10 star.
(4)Jenni C.
My mom was dying to go to the restaurant, so we made reservations an entire month in advance. I was really hoping it was going to be a fantastic experience since we had to wait so long just to go. The front of the restaurant is very nice. We went for dinner on Friday night arrived at about 6:45, our reservations were not until 7:30 pm so we had to wait around for a bit. There was no seating at the bar, this place was paced. Nice scene for after work happy hour, or just to socialize and have drinks before moving to another location. When we finally were able to sit, I was surprised by how small the seating area was. Certainly not enough room for all the people who frequent this place. We sat towards the back kitchen area. I was very surprised to see a communal tables. We had to sit in the middle of two different groups of people. A couple on one side, and three older women on the other. All of our food on one long table. I was really not in the mood to socialize but I knew I had to because I did not want to appear rude. However, the people were very nice, and even offered to share some of their food and drink. Very nice. But I didn't not want to share my food or drink, but I felt that I had too since they offered it to me. The food was Ok. Not really impressed. I have defiantly had much better tasting cornbread, I think I can make my own cornbread and it will taste better. I had crab cakes, dirty rice and shrimp, and a side of sweet potatoes. The only thing I really enjoyed was the rice and shrimp. It is really good, and the tiger shrimp were cook to perfection. I did not like the sweet potatoes at all, would not order that again. My mom had the yard bird which she enjoyed, collard greens looked a bit dry, I think my mom's collard greens are a lot better. I had the savoy to drink, very good drink, just pricey. Our server was nice, the staff was very polite, service was just a little slow. Not sure if I would return, possibly just to go socialize and sit at the bar if I do go back.
(3)Elaine B.
I had Thanksgiving dinner at RR last night. could't have been more pleased with the staff who was friendly,helpfull and quite cheerfull despite having to work Thankdgiving day....I've eaten there twice before and was very happy with the food and the service..best mac and cheese last night....I wish lived nxet door..I would be a regular...keep it going ...I am a fan...geart vibe!!!
(4)Michelle W.
Great atmosphere! The bar is beautiful and the mixologists mix a fabulous drink. Food is tasty and price is right. My new favorite local restaurant and bar! The staff is extremely friendly, welcoming, service is excellent. Chef Marcus Samuelsson creates amazing dishes. Really good!
(5)Piilani R.
Yes, Chef! It is a book and a cocktail and both are delicious. Chef Samuelsson was there for his book signing party and he was gracious enough to come to our table and even took photos with my friends. We decided to share our food, so we tasted a lot! Cornbread, must have. Crab cakes, adequate but not ground shaking. Crayfish bisque, so tasty I wanted to cry! We ordered greens which were vegan and so yummy. Mac n cheese that was not vegan but tasted so divine it was a religious experience. The fish and grits were also delicious. The salmon was a flavorful healthy choice. My friend who is vegan ordered the coconut curry rice and lentils and that was definitely a hit. I don't even like curry and I went back for more. Be prepared to wait for a table or sit outside, if you're short on time. It is worth it. And you must see the restrooms. Both have different decor and the old photos are so fun to admire.
(5)elaine c.
Went here over a fun birthday weekend with friends - one word AMAZING! Despite having 0 air conditioning during the hot memorial day weekend, we still had an awesome time both at the bar and dining in the downstairs lounge area. We had such a great time we even came back the next night! This place is a MUST do when visiting, getting a fun night out started, or winding a great night down.
(4)David C.
Went with some of my wife's friends. It certainly does not live up to any hype. The food was passable. The highlight is the cornbread with honey butter. I had the fish with zucca. The flavors were all over the place. First bite was dry, no flavor at all. Ate from another side, indian curry sauce. Another bite was sour sour lime. Another bite was very spicy, but flavorless. Others had the harlem seafood dish for two. I can't have shellfish, but they seemed to enjoy it. Mac & Greens were passable, but my wife commented on the small portions. The Ceviche tacos were tiny and salty. The shiraz wine that a friend ordered was perhaps the worst shiraz I have tasted. It was sweet and rather unlike others I have enjoyed. The prohibition beer which they have on tap was a poor choice to pair with a meal. It's flavor was too strong to go along with my food. Very very nice wait staff and greeter at the door. That saves the place. We also met the celebrity chef, who came to shake hands with many patrons. I have always been leery of these celebrity Chefs, and this experience made me feel justified. I mentioned my experience to a friend, who raved about the restaurant. Maybe we went to a different place.
(2)Esperan za l.
I came with my friend to try the food to have new experience but we end with a bad experience .The food was good but the bartender give us the check with out ask if we need anything more and went i ask i do not want the check. I want dessert she talk me she did not have, I ask another person and he talk me yes they have. i get a little annoy i ask for the manager and he find a history to protect his employ , i never talk him i ask another employ an he talk me they have dessert. Is sad went you want to have nice time , bad organization can destroy everything :(
(2)Mina M.
Just had brunch at Red Rooster, after being curious about it for a while. The reviews here kind of put me off, but I figured it was better to find out for myself. Good thing I did! We (party of 3) showed up a little before noon and were seated right away. The waitress, Kima, was very friendly and gave us recommendations for both cocktails (I know, noon's a little early, but it's brunch in NYC) and food. All three of us got bourbon-based drinks and were very happy with them. Kima asked how we liked the drinks, and when we commented on how interesting the different bourbons were, she offered us free samples of all 5 house-infused bourbons. (Favorite: peanut!) I don't usually spend $12 on a drink, but in this case I got my money's worth. The food was very good, though admittedly not a revelation. I had the mac 'n greens, which I wished had had more greens and been a little less greasy, but it came with a small salad to cut the richness, and the cheese had a good flavor. One friend had scrambled eggs with chorizo, which she enjoyed, and the other got the lamb-and-sweet-potato hash. It was the most creative dish, I thought, and the Ethiopian spices worked well. Kima then talked us into splitting a dessert. I'm not a huge fan of sweets, so I'm not really going to comment on it except to say that we all appreciated the (SECOND) free sample of cinnamon bourbon she added to the caramel apple sorbet. Maybe Red Rooster is making a conscious effort to turn their service around? Regardless, we had a great experience. It's not often I can walk out of a semi-expensive restaurant not regretting spending the money.
(4)Sylvia S.
After making a reservation for lunch, I read previous reviews which I interpreted as mixed. Perhaps this lowered my expectations; but I can report that lunch for our party of 3 was excellent. The fried chicken was outstanding, as good as I've ever tasted. The skin was crispy and well-seasoned, the meat - and we prefer dark meat - was moist/juicy. The meatball dish is also excellent. Yes, there may be only 6 but one doesn't leave hungry by a long shot. The dirty rice is very tasty, etc. Salad was very fresh and tasty; and the desserts, while we should have avoided them, were figuratively the frosting on the cake even though we didn't have cake. We are looking forward to returning.
(5)Mindy J.
I went to lunch w/ my co worker today and it was pretty empty. There were a few people, but it wasn't crowded or anything. Cute restaurant and super nice staff-- The peanut soup was veryyy good - i've never had anything like it before. I also really liked the devil's food cupcake. The meatballs were alright... Good, but probably wouldn't come back.
(3)Alonzo A.
Right off the bat we had horrible service. Went without water for ages. Server was incompetent and scarce. $6 for cornbread is a joke. Fried garbage bird was under seasoned and lacking in spice and salt. Catfish and grits was under seasoned as well. I felt like the tomatillos really had no place in that dish. For uptown I expected larger portions and lower prices. Don't mind paying if its worth it. Left hungry and unsatisfied. Won't be coming back, better places in the area to eat. Marcus strolled up in the restaurant like he just wanted to check on the revenue for the day and then go back downtown to drink his face off. Great concept, fancy, expensive drinks and then wheel them in for $30 fried chicken. I had better fried chicken at Charles Pan Fried Chicken and even Popeyes for that matter. Save your money and tell Marcus to hop in the kitchen when you see him. His menu is lacking soul.
(2)Andy A.
Great work Marcus Samuelson! Best Fried chicken I've ever had, although here they call it the "Yard Bird". Also, the pickled beets salad is amazing, and I don't like anything pickled or beets.
(5)Karen S.
The atmosphere is lovely. The service was terrific. Not sure I'm 100% knocked over by the food. Cornbread was yummy with real corn kernels. We had the yard bird chicken - the skin was fantastic. My 10 yo daughter enjoyed the meatballs and my husband enjoyed the catfish. Can't say that any of us were saying we had to come back again. It was a nice evening out for my husband's birthday but probably won't be back.
(4)Lorraine S.
The Rooster still delivers...we've been going (and bringing lots of friends who also loved every experience) since it opened for brunch, lunch, dinner, after work cocktails and Saturday night drinks in the downstairs lounge. Just went again for lunch this week and loved the $17 lunch box special that included a sweet potato and sumac salad and Helga's meatballs. My favorite nibbles are the cornbread and whiskey fudge.
(4)lynn l.
The most memorable meal from our 10 day dining excursion in NY. The menu was understated classic comfort food that was so well prepared we were astonished even though we were expecting spectacular from marcus samuelson. the chicken was by far the best I had ever had. We were lucky in that Mr. Samuelson was there and nice enough to talk to us. He is passionate about serving delicious food and it was reflected in the quality of the cuisine. Fortunately we were able to get reservations through opentable.com . we had arranged or whole day to eat at this fine restaurant. service was friendly. atmosphere was amiable.
(5)Sabrina S.
I love the ambiance. We went on a Tuesday night and there was a live salsa band. We were able to get a table, despite how pack the place was. We had the corn bread, fried yard bird, and mac and greens. The corn bread was the best I have ever had. Yep, it was that good. In fact, I would go back just for the corn bread. Initially, I thought the mac and greens was macaroni and cheese and collard greens. It is actually mac and cheese and a green salad. The mac and cheese was pretty decent...definitely worth a try. The fried yard bird came with collard greens. It was ok. I expected better since this was labeled as a "soul food" restaurant. I really love the scene and corn bread so much that I am willing to try it out again.
(4)jason l.
If you sit under the awning and tilt your iPhone at the right angle, it makes your reflective apple look cherry red. Four out of five stars.
(4)John F.
It's Marcus Samuelson, how can you go wrong???? Everything is delicious! Head Uptown and get some!
(5)Foster L.
Marcus Samuelson is suffering from an identity crisis. This menu is all over the place and poorly executed. The only good things were the corn bread and the fried chicken. The service was amateurish, but that was nothing compared to the food coming out of the kitchen. The grits were lukewarm at best, and flavorless. The "jerk" bacon was not very jerky. The "mac and greens " were swimming in cream, but not much cheese. Worst of all was the sweet potato puree that tasted like it was boiled in Hawaiian Punch. I can't tell you where to go for a great soul food experience, but Red Rooster is not it.
(1)Leila H.
i was so excited to hear about red rooster opening up in my neighborhood. i wanted to like this place so much, i really did, but it was a pretty disappointing experience. from the minute we walked in, the place seemed confused and off. the bar area is beautiful, but there were a ton of people milling around waiting for tables, and there were clearly several tables open! the hostess checked us in, then disappeared, and several minutes later a different hostess asked us if we had a reservation. a minor confusion, but it set the tone for the evening. i'd made a dinner reservation for 2 about a month in advance, only to be seated at a communal table. i'm usually not picky about this sort of thing, but we were right next to the open kitchen, and it was pretty loud. there were also two or three 4-seater tables near us that stayed open for most of our meal, so i didn't get why we were shoved into the corner. ordered one of their signature cocktails, which took forever to come out and was just ok. i think the bartenders were trying too hard. too many ingredients makes for a confusing drink. ordered the crabcakes as an appetizer. these were really tasty, but for some reason they were brought out with the entrees. I got the meatballs and my date ordered steak frites. we also got a side of yams. of everything we ate, the crabcakes and the fries were the best. the steak was pretty sad and flavorless. my date couldn't eat most of it. and i've had better swedish meatballs at the cafeteria in ikea. i want to chalk up the bad stuff to new restaurant syndrome, but it's been open for more than a month already, and the food was just so-so. it was pretty much a waste of $100.
(2)Jmal P.
The service was slow but good , the food was nothing to write home about . I went on a Friday night and the place was pack (wall to wall) .The drink are $$$$ and you have to wait so long to get a drink .good place to have a drink and listen to music
(2)Kevin S.
Comfort food in a comfortable setting! I loved the Jerk Bacon & Eggs with brown beans and pikliz. Chef Samuelsson's nordic background is showcased in his subtle additions to traditional southern comfort food. Ex, adding pikliz to baked beans; and it works!
(4)Melissa H.
After hearing about Red Rooster on numerous occasions, I finally got to taste the goodness. Since my friends and I weren't famished, we decided to share 2 dishes. We choose the Mac n Greens and Yard Bird, which was described by the waiter as not your ordinary fried chicken. The Mac isn't your thanksgiving mac n cheese, but it was very flavorful with the collard greens tucked within its multitude of cheeses and I love, love, love cheese! The Yard bird was seasoned very well with mashed potatoes and gravy layered beneath it. Judging from these two dishes, I would return to try others. The down side was our waiter wasn't very attentive, but I will attribute this to it being a Friday night. I would suggest making reservations for a visit here. An added plus is the low-key supper club downstairs. Ginneys Supper Club, is a posh, nicely decorated, supper club, with an amazing ambience. We didn't stay late, but we were informed by the waiter that after 11 it transforms into a party scene.
(4)John N.
This review is only for the bar side. After our dinner at Spoonbread Too, one of the girl has plan with her friend at Red Rooster so we all decided to tag along and check out this place and yes to have a few more drinks. The one good part about this is Red Rooster is own by Chef Marcus Samuelesson and our new friend said he like to greet his guest alot. The place wasn't anything like his restaurant Aquavit, it was more homey and the crowed was pretty happening on a Friday nite. The drinks were decent and you must try their special beer Rooster. It was good but pretty pricey. Everyone was having fun drinking and talking and guess who we saw?? Chef Marcus walk around and greet everyone and of course I asked to take a pic with him(which i will post soon on FB). At the end of the night, we all had fun and we meet new friends which we will keep in touch with plus i think I was alittle buzz because I invite everyone to my new apartment when we move in LOL how silly LOL
(4)Deborah L.
was there for brunch this morning and it was really good. why we didn't give it 5 stars? My husband thought the coffee was a bit on the pricey side for what we got. BUT the food was awesome and we will def be back for lunch or dinner. I got the lamb and sweet potato hash. It was wonderful. I'm not normally a lamby fan, but this was really good. It wasn't super lamby and it was served with a slice of toast with blue cheese and grilled onions on the side. my husband got a baked egg with chorizo and that was awesome too. the vanilla latte was super yummy - a tad on the sweet side. and it was cool because chef marcus was there hanging out in the bar area right when you walked in. he was there chatting it up with other patrons. one tip for brunchers - they open at 11am, and if you get there by 11:30am there's no virtually wait. by the time we left, the place was hopping and from what I can see from the other reviews on yelp, the wait can be 1hr+.
(4)Doug L.
We adore Marcus Samuellson, but find it hard to believe he has a hand in this place. The Caesar Salad with "Fried" Chicken was shredded leftover chicken served with watery lettuce, flavorless dressing and an overcooked egg. The classic Swedish meatballs were decent, but nothing better than what you would expect to get at the Ikea Cafeteria. The burger was perfectly cooked on one side, but well done on the other. The pretzel bun was delicious and perfectly seasoned but the fries were greasy and limp. The staff is friendly and polished, but the place looks a little lackluster. The walls are banged up, the ceiling was leaking air conditioning condensation, and the communal table seating is annoying. Why seat someone next to another group when there is a half empty restaurant? If you want to check it out, stop in for a beer at the nice bar and head to Sylvia's for real soul food. Come on Marcus, put the focus back on the food instead of cranking out more product in order to increase the value of your brand.
(2)Rebecca C.
I went here for brunch earlier and I thought it was great. I had the shrimp & grits and the dish was delicious. Since I was on my own, I sat at the bar and it was just lovely. It was also great to finally have a good cappuccino in Harlem. I've been living here for almost three years and I like the neighborhood, but my biggest pet peeve has been that there wasn't a place to have a good cup of coffee here but this place has come to the rescue. The bartender stated that they're going to open a small takeout area called the Nook in a few weeks. I hope they open at 7:00am during the week so I can get my coffee before work!
(4)Jeffrey M.
Casual and lively with a high end feel, the staff is friendly and attentive and the room is very welcoming. Some seating is at common tables but they are large enough to give a sense of privacy if you want but close enough to encourage interaction that you couldn't get from a traditional seating arrangement. The food was presented very well and tasted fantastic. Highly recommend the suckling pig. Nice cocktail menu also. A bit pricey but totally worth the trip.
(4)Elizabeth M.
No visit to NYC is complete without a trip to Red Rooster! The food is delicious and the service was welcoming and professional. We arrived after the kitchen had closed but they let us order food anyways and then because of time constraints we had to leave but it was no problem for them to box the food and let us take it to go. The drinks were delicious. Kamali, the bartender, makes a mean burbon negroni and took very good care of us. Try the Beef Jerk and Egg - the best bite in the city - and Helga's Meatballs ain't so bad either! NOTE: Do not drive as there is no parking. Take public transportation.
(5)Colton B.
Still working out staffing, but the food is outstanding. From the opening chickpea puree served with the bread, all the way through to the sweet potato donut dessert (sounds odd, but fantastic), practically every item on the menu is something you've never tasted like this before but will want to return for. The Fried Yard Bird - especially with the shake-it-on-yourself spices - is crave-inducing. Interesting cocktails, too - the Brownstoner is a nice nutmeg-infused bourbon twist on the Manhattan. Tighten up the staffing (which I'm sure they will, having only just yesterday started taking reservations), and it's 5-star worthy.
(4)Nichole W.
There was sooooo much hype around this restaurant I just had to get here! The ambiance was really nice and the service was great as well. Unfortunately, I was hungry and that is not what I went for. I went for great food. Wrong location. I ordered 3 things from the menu. The tacos, the shrimp and grits and the cauliflower. I was disappointed by all but one, the tacos. I don't understand how shrimp and grits can really be destroyed like that and CAULIFLOWER... I was floored. I make it better at home with salt and pepper and for about $11 less and I'm a pure amateur. I was so disappointed by this visit. The food was BEYOND flavorless. Please don't believe the hype. The only way I will return with the intention of buying food is if they make some adjustments in the kitchen. So so sad. I wanted to LOVE this place. *tear*
(2)James P.
It's nice at an iron chef restaurant, that the chef is still humble enough to greet the diners. The ambience was great as were the appetizers. However, every aspect of service was uncredibly slow and the entrees were ridiculously small even though they were basic items like fried chicken. Loved the crab cakes and cornbread which were tasty (but not unique) and were reasonably priced. The Yard Bird entree for $18 was a joke which amount to less actual chicken than a McDonald's 6 piece McNuggets. No piece of breast was included, just 2 tiny legs slightly bigger than the pieces you would get if you ordered wings at a common bar. The atmosphere had so much going for it: tall ceilings and an airy open floor plan, music the perfect volume, not so loud you couldn't hear the people at your table but loud enough to drown out the other diners, tables spaced a nice distance apart, friendly servers, etc. In summary, as long as you're not too hungry and go for the ambience you won't be disappointed.
(2)Elsa G.
Three of us came here for dinner last week. For the price, I was not impressed. The service was just okay and, again, for a place like this I expected more. We ordered the Mac and Greens as a shared app. While the flavor was good, the consistency was runny. I expected creaminess and got watery instead. I had Helga's Meatballs with Ligonberries. The meatballs were nice but lacked a lot of flavor. They were a bit bland and the loganberries, which I expected to add a some tartness to my meal, fell short as well. My friend said he really enjoyed the catfish and my other friend seems happy with her choice (can't remember what it was), as well. We shared the sweet potato donuts and they were nice. Again, not outstanding but just okay. For a place that is charging so much for their food I expected A LOT more in the flavor and service category. I wouldn't come again unless someone else is paying and even then I'd recommend other spots. The extra star is for the decor and ambiance. The place DOES look lovely.
(2)Steven W.
The food was good, but not amazing and definitely not worth the hour-and-a-half wait for a table. It was interesting to see how fast different parties were seated, or got their drinks at the bar. Customers aren't exactly being treated equally, I suspect. Once the initial novelty of this place wears off in a few years, business will slow, and I think that, although they might stay afloat, they'll need to take a different approach to customer service.
(1)Sonwabile A.
Sometimes your gut instincts is usually the best thing to go by, but I decided to go against it when I ventured into Red Rooster one Saturday evening. I am not to fond of places that are hyped up and has a clientele, who "wants to be seen" "the wannabes" "groupies" and the snobs. I'm here with my friend from Chicago, and South African wife attempting to boast my bragging rights about the good things in Harlem. I was immediately turned off by the hostess, who decided to seat customers who came after us and then tell us they had reservations, when I overhead the customer said that they did not have reservations when asked. When I questioned the reason for our delay I was told they seat according to the number of guest. Beware guest, they seat according to the number of your party. I felt like a stalled car at an intersection. Everyone had the green, but I had a constant red. Mind you when we got there it was not crowded. We were offered an outside table, but we refused. Now I am a little twisted. Eventually we are place on a long table that seats 6, as we occupied the first four seats from the wall, the extra two close to the aisle were filled. It's like WTF are we in a school cafeteria, or canteen. I was blown away. I did not expect to share a table in an upmarket establishment. The food and service is another story no bread or complimentary eats before dinner for the price, the food is not a WOW factor over priced, not savory, and something I could do at home There are many other places in Harlem where you can get better tasting food, worthy of Red Rooster prices, but they are affordable. The place is a upscale hangout spot, with an upmarket ambience similar to Applebees, noting classy about this place. Don't believe the hype.
(1)Amy T.
I went with a small group on New Years Eve and we had a great experience. We sat at the curving bar and tried several phenomenal cocktails. The Apollo ( I won't look at ginger the same way!) and Gin and Juice (not your average gin and juice) were our favorites. The staff is very attentive and the bartender clearly cared about what he was producing. The plan was to just drink but the rooster is an experience for the senses. I found myself looking the food as it went to my fellow compatriots at the bar. The aromas were fantastic and I couldn't resist hitting the bar menu. Marcus being in the house and coming out to greet us didn't hurt either. I ordered the mac and cheese which was great but could have used a bit more salt. My friend ordered the chicken appetizer which was out of this world. I will be back very soon and I can't wait to try their main menu. Yes, you go for the food but once your there its the energy that makes it work. Great ideas and talented people.
(4)Tracey T.
It is usually hard to get me out of my neighborhood for dinner since I have such amazing options downtown. I've eaten at the Red Rooster twice!! Great food, wine and atmosphere.
(3)Brian P.
Went there for brunch and I ordered the nuggets & toast, my girlfriend had the chocolate waffles. Worst meal of our life, the waffles were very soggy, stale and the strawberries they used was not fresh but looked and tasted like it came from a frozen package. My nuggets were greasy, overcooked, and felt like I was biting into a rock. Wish we could have our $40 and 1 hour of our life back.
(1)S. P.
Liked the restaurant alot. I was pleasantly surprised with the size of the wine list and after dinner cocktail list. The food was very good (I suggest the crabcakes, snapper, collards and coffee donuts). The atmosphere is pretty cool but it is definitely still in the 'NY Hotspot' period where it is too crowded (Saturday night). This leads to the only drawback where we felt quite rushed while eating. They were obviously trying to turn their tables due to being so crowded. I would make a return visit but will definitely wait for the initial hotspot period to die down. If you live in the immediate area, you should definitely put this on your dining list for lunch or weekday dinner to avoid the crowds. Kudos to the owner for putting a good product in the heart of Harlem.
(3)J W.
Went for brunch last weekend....maybe their dinner is better but the brunch was nothing special. Not really worth the trek all the way up. It was definitely fine and good at times, but didn't live up to the hype for me. Service was also slow and the food very heavy. I posted pics and more details here! photo-hungry.com/post/26…
(3)Vin F.
OK - so after reading some of the reviews, I almost didn't even go to Red Rooster. There were complaints about the decor, the staff and the food. From the second I walked into the place, the staff couldn't have been any more attentive in trying to find me a seat, in stopping by my table to see how everything was going and in general, distinguishing this place from the others. If I could give the staff ten stars, I most certainly would. Service from when we walked into the door, to when we were served to when we asked for our check was amazing. Even on the way out I was asked by everyone how my experience was. One word: Fantastic. I went with two other people and we pretty much shared everything we ordered - almost Italian family style. We started off with the Pickled Beets, Dirty Rice and Shrimp and the Spiced Duck Liver Pudding. Everything was above par, but the Spiced Duck Liver pudding stood out and was by far my favorite. I am actually not going to go on and review each dish, because everything was fantastic. Perhaps some of the negative reviews come due to the fact that this is atypical Harlem dining. The flavors are not in your face, but more subdued and complex. After reading the reviews that some of the dishes were bland, I was initially set to agree, however, in taking my time and really tasting the food, everything is extremely flavorful and it seems almost as if the flavor comes in layers. Anyhow, I couldn't recommend this place any more...... it's pricey, but you get what you pay for!
(5)Naima C.
ok so I did not eat here YET the kitchen closed at 11:30 ! However the bar was packed and lively last nite the lounge downstairs was equally lively and it is so spacious the music was pumping and people seemed to be having a good time, love the decor from the art work to the antique radio's studded here and there and the bar is lovely ! I had the signature red rooster it was sweet and tasty the bartender that served us was very nice too ! can't wait to go back and eat Marcus if your reading this call me LOL !
(5)Leah G.
Definitely a big step in the right direction for Harlem! I have now been to Red Rooster twice, both times for brunch. Based on my first trip I would have given Red Rooster a 5 for atmosphere, a 3.5 for service, and a 3 for food. I did have the pleasure of meeting Marcus Samuelsson which was a huge treat! Happily, Trip 2 turned out to be a much better experience. Here's my rundown: Round 1: I ordered the wood-oven baked eggs with chorizo and onion. I expected this to be more like a fritatta with the ingedients all inside. Instead, the eggs were served in a cast-iron pan with the chorizo and onion on the side. The eggs themselves were a bit tasteless and overdone. The chorizo and onion added a bit more flavor but didn't blow me away. I was a little disappointed to find out that Red Rooster doesn't serve iced coffee, which to me is a brunch staple. On the good side, I sat at the communal table and had the pleasure of meeting a fascinating patron who kept me chatting away for well over an hour. Round 2: We got there a few minutes before 11 and were seated within a few minutes. We ordered the bread basket, shrimp n grits, and the waffles. The bread basket was not very impressive and almost seemed store bought- a bit of a disappointing start to the meal. Still no iced coffee- hoping that changes soon. But then on to the shrimp n grits and waffles. These were both delicious! I couldn't have been happier. Although my experiences were mixed, I am rooting for this place to succeed as it brings a whole new life to the Harlem food scene. The atmosphere is fantastic and there are definitely some spectacular food items on the menu. Maybe Red Rooster will consider a suggestions box to enhance the experience further.
(4)Nathan L.
This place is fantastic in all respects and praise Jah, it's two blocks away from my home. Marcus S. knocks it out of the park with this one, coming off of the declining Aquavit and an unsuccessful African inspired joint near Union Square. This is a keeper y'all! And yeah the Yard Bird is a touch bland...so is the fried chicken up the block at Sylvia's....so why not branch out and try, oh, anything else on the menu, cos it's all good. Sure they're packed all the time, sure it's tough to get a table, sure the staff is working hard, it's a NYC hot spot, but I've never been treated with anything but respect and reckon they're doing a brilliant job. Long live the Rooster and go Marcus! LOVE IT
(5)NY E.
Everyone in here is RUDE RUDE RUDE. The food is okay, but not worth the price nor the unwelcoming staff! I came once for dinner and once for breakfast to give the place a 2nd chance but I still got the same vibes. Maybe it's just me but I'm not about to spend money at a restaurant where I don't feel welcomed. Would recommend Sylvia's before this place in a heartbeat!
(2)Erik S.
Only been here once for brunch but the burger that I got was one of the best I've had. Really nice truffle fries and amazing cornbread as sides. Attentive and nice service.
(5)R C.
I joined yelp just to write this review. I am a fan of Marcus Samuelsson and really wanted to like his new restaurant but I didn't. 1. THE BAD. SERVICE: I made a reservation for me and my gf about a month in advance. I arrived 10 minutes early and was told that we would be seated soon. Soon became 55 minutes later! I politely asked the hostesses once or twice during my wait when I would be seated, they rudedly responded "you will soon be seated" and acted as if I was bothering them. If these rude hostesses could not handle a small crowd on a Monday nite, they should be fired. The manger eventually came over and apoligized and said he would comp. some corn bread and dessert. Finally seated our waitress was very polite and helpful a little slow but felt that there wasn't enough wait staff to handle the dinning room. 2. Appetizers: Dirty Rice and Shrimp- not bad, shrimp cooked well Crab Cakes- very good, nice spices, arrived to the table lukewarm though Main: Yard Bird and Collar Greens- tasty but when you order fried chicken its all in the skin isnt it? Chicken was juicy but the skin was so so, not to bash here but popeyes chicken has better skin. Collar Green when not cooked right are bitter and these were bitter. Oxtail with Plantains-- was good and tender but nothing special and for $26 I was expecting something special. Not to knock again but I can drive out to jamaica, queens and get the same order for less than $10 and the plantain was hard and over cooked. Dessert: Condensed Milk Flan with Coconut Ice Cream- Flan was good but average, coconut ice cream was great. 3. EXPENSIVE! Way over priced. Don't get me wrong if the food is worth it, its worth it. I've paid $30 for a burger and it was well worth it. Red Rooster NOT WORTH IT! 4. DECOR was nice.Nice bar but took half the space. CHAIRS were so uncomfortable, we sat about 1 1/2-2hrs. for dinner. I though it was me but the chairs at the airport were more comfortable. I'm not a big guy at all but I barely fit in the chair. My gf was complaining also and she's a small petite asian and she NEVER complains. Looked over and saw a 6 foot guy squirmimg in his chair too. Cheap wooden chairs with no back support! The bill came and had to tell the waitress that the manager comped the corn bread and dessert. Minor over site. Front of the house lacking and quit frank need new hosts/hostesses that know how to greet and seat people properly or at least give a proper ETA when they will be seated or even half @ss it and give a fake apology. To that hostess, stop texting and tend to your guests. Back of the house was mediocre. And isn't the reason for a reservation so you don't have to wait?
(2)Chuck B.
This review is solely about the terrible customer service. I've heard nothing but great things about this place and went for the first time last night. We asked to be seated outside and the host said it would be about 30 minutes. We told her we would sit at the bar and have a drink while we waited for a table. We ordered two beers which were pretty good. As we sat, and sat, and sat, we noticed that about 5 tables were now empty outside but the host never came to get us. My dinner companion went to the host station and asked how much longer the wait would be and it became obvious that they forgot about us. The server immediately sat us at one of the many empty outside tables. My dinner companion waited at the bar to close our tab and pay for the drinks for about 25 minutes and it was not very busy as I sat waiting for her at our table. The bartender completely ignored her and then brought the bill and just left it even even though my friend had her arm stretched out trying to hand the credit card to her. She then waited another 10 minutes for the bartender to come back and take the credit card and swipe it. By the time my dinner companion finally closed the bar tab and joined me at the table it had been at least 30 minutes. (and the bar was not busy) We then sat and sat and sat. No one came to the table. A bus boy stopped to pick up my empty beer glass but didn't even offer to bring another. We sat for another 30 minutes and could not believe that no one came to the table. We finally just got up and walked out and went next door to Chez Lucienne and had a delicious meal. I have never experienced such terrible service in my life. We were literally ignored. I'm sure the food is amazing. It certainly looked that way and I would know since I starred at the menu long enough waiting for someone to come by ...
(1)Khadijah H.
I have anticipated the opening of Red Rooster and I must say it was a great experience. I loved the atmosphere. The staff was very professional. I had a bourbon infused fig and pear martini. If you are a ceviche lover you will want to choose the corn tacos for starters.I recommend the Shrimp and Grits for an entree. I am not a beef or pork eater and I was very happy the kitchen could accommodate my dish without chorizo sausage. My dessert choice was was a pear and cheese plate served with red wine ice cream and clogg. My plans are to try out Red Roosters brunch next.
(4)Natacha P.
I wish I had read some of these reviews before my friends and I ate here. We were at the Red rooster the day after President Obama dined there. Thoughts: How cool is this gonna be. Reality: Why does this taste so BLAH!!! and how much is our flippin bill? This seems like a spot where people just want to be seen. NOT WORTH YOUR TIME OR MONEY.
(1)Orku V.
this place is definitely not worth the hype. the bar area was indeed cute (side note: Renee Z. was sitting right next to me), but the food... why oh why my dear Marcus. the famous corn bread was tooo oily, the shrimp and grits, ouch... I have had shrimp 'n grits in the south, but the red rooster version was more like a watered down tasteless oatmeal. and finally the fried chicken... 3/4th of it was all bones, but what little i managed to eat, was neither good nor bad. just blah. i would probably go back for drinks at the bar, but definitely not for the food.
(2)Evelyn B.
I have been to Red Rooster 3 times now and I live in the neighborhood. Have had the yardbird each time and each time it's been different. The first time over a year and a half ago, it was just the best chicken I ever tasted--unusual flavors, spicy crisp small pieces but three of them and meaty and tasty through and through. The portions got larger but the taste more erratic and ordinary. Also the mashed potatoes the other night were syrupy and not fluffy. The meat came out just piled on them. Not really that appetizing. On the other hand, my friend had catfish and said it was really excellent. Our desserts were pretty nice as well, though the cornbread is like cake and not authentic. The drinks are fine, though all the bourbon suits winter better than summer and there weren't many summer style drinks. Unfortunately, the air conditioning can't handle the room and open kitchen and it was suffocating on a very hot night. I'm afraid When a disc jockey began to spin tunes, it was so loud one couldn't talk. This is a really nice place with a good vibe. Staff is very friendly and Marcus Samuelson frequently comes out to the tables and is very personable. Bring a little more Scandinavian flavor back. That made it interesting. There is edible soul food all over Harlem, we need the creativity Samuelson represents.
(4)drake p.
great place. great food. great vibe. nice array of cocktails. very courteous staff, though i did feel the bartender was constantly trying to upsell me on something. the greeter, whose name i forgot was extremely nice and made walking in a warm experience.
(4)Rapid C.
Was here thispast weekend. Food was good and music was great. Two levels to hang out. Will go back again. Had a great time.
(4)Christian V.
Honey, I don't know if I should drop to my knees, or bend over for Mr. Samuelsson. There was absolutley nothing to complain about. It's a true love-fest with the food serving as the icing on the cake. If possible, go when you are not in a rush, spend some time at the bar, then enjoy the comforts of the dining area. it truly is a place where you could spend 4 hours easily, and not be ready to leave. Welcome to Harlem!
(5)faith M.
I made reservations for lunch for my husband, son and I for last Friday afternoon. The staff was very warm and welcoming and the restaurant was beautiful. With a 1pm reservation the restaurant was comfortably full when we arrived but got pretty packed midway through our lunch. We spotted a few local celebs among the bar crowd so it was kind of fun to feel like we were in an "it" place. On to the food...the lemon roasted chicken on a bed of couscous was eagerly anticipated. I had strong memories of lemon chicken from a college study abroad trip in Morocco in mind when I decided to order it. While the couscous was amazing, each piece of chicken was over cooked and dry. I was very disappointed because I had a very light breakfast in preparation for a satisfying lunch. When Marcus came around and shook our hands, I almost told him about the chicken, but I decided to let it go. Maybe this was a fluke since the man at the table across from me, ordered the same thing and cleaned his plate. My teenage son ordered the shrimp and dirty rice and loved it, cleaning his plate. My husband ordered the yard bird and was pretty underwhelmed. I think that all of us were pretty surprised that the item arrived as just a few pieces of chicken on the plate with gravy, but no vegetables or anything accompanying it. I may not be accustomed to fine dining, but it seemed pretty unusual. A few days later, my husband admitted that the chicken had an adverse affect on his stomach. I should have made this comment initially, but the offer of cornbread when we sat down threw us for a loop. Soon after our beverage order was placed, a waited asked us if we wanted cornbread. I responded "yes" since I assumed it was like a bread basket; standard. He didn't ask us if we wanted an appetizer, but bread. I was surprised when my husband mentioned that there was a charge for the bread. In general, I don't mind paying for bread if I want it, but I don't think it was offered in the most straightforward way. Finally, before we got our food, we were so impressed by the beauty/vibe of the restaurant that my husband, a very unassuming but senior faculty person at Columbia, suggested that he would suggest the restaurant for weekly theory seminar dinners (where they entertain visiting speakers). Since two out of the three meals we ordered weren't great, he decided that he'd refrain from suggesting the restaurant as an option for these dinners. Unfortunately, he just didn't want to be responsible for suggesting a restaurant whose food was inconsistent. This being said, I will try it again on my own and hope that the I'll get luckier next time.
(3)Deborah L.
Updating 2.25.14 Style and substance, served with warmth. Smashing cocktails, enticing appetizers that are interesting but accessible, zesty entrees. Truly memorable and a great value. Have been here several times - always a good experience. They make you feel welcome even (especially) if you have tourists in tow... and everything on the menu just pops - really extraordinary.
(5)Glenyce M.
Disappointing and I was really looking forward to eating here. Waitress was very inattentive and I saw my burger sit for about 8 minutes before it was served.
(2)B S.
So much potential for a delicious meal when you first arrive and set your eyes on the gorgeous space that houses Red Rooster. The atmosphere is electric and buzzing with some of the most beautiful, hip people all having so much fun at the large front bar area. My two friends and I arrived at 8:15pm for our 9pm reservations made on Open Table. The host was very accommodating and actually had us seated by 8:45 even though the restaurant was packed. That was a total bonus. Our server was available and attentive throughout the meal. She suggested some warm cornbread to start which was a good recommendation. It came with two spreads--tomato jam and honey butter. So rich and heavy. I ordered the dirty rice and shrimp as an appetizer and the Chicken Brunswick for my entree. All the food arrived with beautiful presentations. The rice and shrimp was quite tasty although the portion was meager for the hefty $11 price. The chicken was underwhelming. The seasoning was rubbed heavier in some places and very lacking in others. I ate it but didn't think it was sensational. One of my friends had the fried yard bird and she too said it was just "ok." How sad when the fried chicken at a highly raved about soul food restaurant is just "ok." The skin was burnt and not a lot of taste underneath. My other friend did really enjoy her mac 'n cheese though. I would consider it next time if I ever decide to return. Overall, the experience wasn't as remarkable as all the hype surrounding Red Rooster. The service and atmosphere were really good but the food not so much...I imagine it's a great spot to hit for drinks and maybe a light appetizer.
(2)Aksouna c.
Great addition to the neighborhood. We had brunch and did not have to wait too long to be seated. Service was terrific. The hamburger was a great hit. And the sweet potato bread is not to be missed.
(4)Rachel B.
After reading some of the reviews I was a little bit hesitant about coming here. However, since the reservation was so hard to come by I figured it was worth a shot. Boy am I happy I did - this was one of the best meals I have had since living in NYC over the past three 1/2 years! I do not know why people have anything negative about to say about this place. Yes, you're going to have to wait a few minutes to be seated and yes, the bar is packed so you may have to wait 5 minutes for a drink - it is a busy restaurant! And why you would go to a fried chicken place and order a steak boggles my mind - which at the end of the day is why I ignored the negative reviews and went anyways. If you go to Red Rooster and you do it right (aka bourbon cocktails and yard bird) you will not be let down! In fact you will wake up in the morning and say damn, that was so good I need to write a yelp review and share the awesomeness with everyone. Do yourself a favor, take this place for what it is and go have yourself a deliciously perfect fried chicken dinner.
(5)Projectshave L.
The cornbread was sopping with butter. Pretty good. The peanut soup was ok, a bit of spice in it. The catfish was cooked very well with a strong spicy blackened flavor. This place compares well with the last hipster high-end Southern restaurant I went to: Hungry Mother in Boston. The only thing missing was Southern iced tea with several cups of sugar.
(4)Jennifer T.
Let me start by saying that I am usually not at all a fan of chicken. I will eat it, if I must, but to me, it is the vanilla ice milk of meat: uninspired and rarely memorable. Let me also add that as a semi-sheltered Asian girl raised in the Midwest & now living in Hawaii, my exposure to Harlem has been limited to the Globetrotters. On Scooby Doo. (Sad, I know). With that being said, when my fabulous friend Rebekah suggested we have brunch at Red Rooster in Harlem during my visit to New York, I was intrigued. And when both our charming, but verbose waiter and Yelp reviews recommended the Yard Bird, I knew I had to try it. So Rebekah & I split the Yard Bird and the Mac & Cheese (& greens). The Yard Bird has single handedly changed my entire opinion of the potential of Chicken. It was brined, pressure fried and AMAZING! It was juicy, flavorful, and unlike any chicken I've ever had. It was served with gravy & hot sauce- both of which totally added to the experience. The Mac & Cheese & greens were also delicious, the corn bread was mind-blowing and the drinks were s-t-r-o-n-g! The service was good, the people watching from our outdoor seats was the best, and my view of both chicken & Harlem have forever been changed. I only knock off one star because they never brought out the shrimp for Rebekah's Bloody Mary, but otherwise the whole experience was DIVINE.
(4)The Jedi Foodi E.
Soul. Rhythm. Vibe. Marcus Samuelsson doesn't need to prove anything to anybody. Over the past fifteen years, he has been one of the most respected toques in Manhattan winning multiple awards and accolades for his magnificent tenure at "the" destination for Scandinavian cuisine in New York City, Aquavit. This was followed by a triumphant win on Season Two of The Bravo Network's TOP CHEF Masters. Yet, with the fire still burning inside, he decided to leave his safe havens in Midtown and MePa to set out on an ambitious project resulting in the revival of the Harlem outpost of The Red Rooster opened in December 2010. Mari Uyehara of Time Out NY cites that the original Red Rooster "located on 138th Street and Seventh Avenue was a soul-food classic; a smoky, low ceilinged den with red lighting and a neon jukebox which served as a gathering place for Harlem greats such as James Baldwin, Duke Ellington and Adam Clayton Powell Jr." The new Red Rooster made headlines recently as President Obama hosted a $30,000 a seat charity dinner which just adds to the current fervor. Chef Marcus has resurrected this scene with a perfectly designed, and airy room lined with shelves of eclectic trinkets ranging from vinyl records to tennis rackets as well as a gallery of noted local artists including Philip Maysles, Lorna Simpson and Laine McNulty. Upon entering, you will be greeted by a number of friendly hosts. On this past Saturday night, the congenial Adrian greeted me and my new "foodie" cohort, Dominique. Adrian was generous with his time and gave a full tour of the dining room as well as the club and lounge that reside downstairs for late night revelries. The bar was bustling with a motley, yet stylish mix of Harlem locals and anxious pilgrims up from Midtown and further distances. The cocktail menu is loaded with signature drinks including the Cocoa and Vanilla infused Lenox ($15) with its earthy blend of bourbon, Dolin Rouge, Averna Amaro and Orange Bitters and the refreshing Savoy ($12); a simple, but wonderful concoction of Vodka, Lemon Juice, Agave and Muddled Grapes. There is also a very interesting selection of reasonably priced ($7-12) small bottle and conversely expensive ($18-24) large bottle beers originating from various locales such as Spain, Oregon, Germany, Denmark, Kenya, Sweden and yes, even New Jersey. I chose the crisp and effervescent draught German Reissdorf Kolsch ($8) and tossed it down with a smile. But fair warning; be sure to give yourself ample time before your scheduled seating to get served at the bar. On any busy night, there is usually a bit of a wait to get served for those positioned on the outer perimeter looking to sample the drink menu. Samuelsson's dinner menu, under the supervision of Executive Chef Andrea Bergquist (Merkato 55) is a motley, yet well executed mix of influences spanning the flavor profiles of his life (Ethiopian, Sweden, French and Southern Comfort). You will experience the terroir of East Africa and the Caribbean in his wonderful Dirty Rice and Barbecued with Aged Basmati and Curry Leaves ($12) I would happily pay out of pocket for the Corn Bread with Honey Butter and Tomato Jam ($5) over a free basket of plain 'ol bread any day of the week. The Southern standard of Pulled Pork, Rainbow Slaw and Lemon Aioli ($9) just belted out multi-dimensions of flavor. The Blue Corn Tacos and Tostados stuffed with Yellowtail Ceviche, Salmon and Avocado ($9) lacked the punch of seafood essence that I would expect to enjoy. The bountifully portioned house special Fried Southern Yard Bird Chicken ( $21) with White Mace Gravy and Hot Sauce had great tangy spice and texture, but the dark meat was woefully a bit on the dry side. The adequate Swedish "Helga's Meatballs" ($17) came with a rapidly vanishing and irrelevant foam topping and a side boring lingonberries completely void of any describable taste. Our server Elton showed some genuine care and enthusiasm in tending to us and overall the wait staff seemed well trained and had a friendly attitude. Although, Dominique and I both agreed that we felt somewhat rushed. They were noticeably quick to pick up our plates before we were ready to let them do so. The main dining room did get a bit loud at times with the soundtrack playing a pleasing head-bobbing medley R&B and soul familiars ranging from Chrisette Michelle to Soul II Soul to Keith Sweat. For dessert, Dominique had a favorable opinion of the Black and White Mud Cake with Chocolate Cookie Crust ($8). My Vanilla Latte Coffee ($4.50) paired brilliantly with the luscious and surprisingly light Spiced Pudding Cake with Apricot and Black Currants ($8). One star for the diverse menu, another star for the attentive yet hurried service, two more for the dynamic decor and outstanding smooth, clubby atmosphere. Dinner for two with tax and tip was $145.
(4)Troy M.
An interesting place. It's a melting pot of race, religion, creed, all looking to have a good time in harlem. I've not had a chance to eat here, but I've been there for the nightlife. Upstairs is a bit more relaxed. 20, 30, 40, 50 somethings hovering around making good conversation and networking. This is the only place I've ever seen that has house wine on tap (didn't know you could that...lol). If you are looking for a non crowded venue on the weekend, you might to steer clear of here until October/November. There is a downstairs venue...that turns in to a sweat box... that plenty people have a grand time dancing, mingling, or dining which is currently under renovation. Until then, it may be a tad packed if you're at the front in the bar area or looking for a seat to dine. Nevertheless, it's still worth the wait. I've met the owner/chef as well. Personally, I think it's a good idea when a person as such is out and about on the floor mingling with his/her guests so that feedback can be obtained on how everything is going, from food to people to drinks. I'll be back here again, mostly on the weekend. BTW, patience is a virtue if you are at the bar ordering drinks as it can be very busy and there is a large amount of people ordering drinks at the same time.
(3)Ononymous C.
how can you serve dry dark meat fried chicken? how is this possible, esp in harlem where there's so much good fried chicken? there were 3 of us and we all got the same sad dry, dark meat fried chicken. i packed a drum to take home and my guy didn't even finish eating the drum, it was that anti-remarkable. place was packed on a weeknight. it is right next to the subway stop which made the trip less painful.
(2)Jenny L.
The hubby made dinner reservations for this restaurant after Obama hosted a fund raising dinner here. I had read a lot of reviews prior to our dinner date so I basically went there with very low expectations....and the experience was worse than what I expected. We ordered the corn bread which looked more like pound cake but tasted quite good. My husband had the yard bird which I had suggested to him based on the yelp reviews I read and I had the meatballs. My meatball dish was small. I think there were like 5 tiny meatballs in a pool of what looked like melted butter, a tiny scoop of mashed potatoes, about two forkfuls of red cabbage and about a tiny spoonful of lingonberries. This is suppose to be an entree!! Never mind the size of the dish, it wasn't even that great! I'd take Ikea's Swedish meatballs any day!!! My husband's fried chicken dish on the other hand was rather tasty. However, for twenty some what dollars, they could give a little more collard greens. As a side dish, we got the mashed yams....OMG, worst side ever. Tasted like it was mashed with Sunny D juice!! Yuck! So after we finished our entree, I was absolutely disappointed and did not want to give dessert a try but my husband insisted on giving it chance. We ended up sharing the warm apple pie and regretting that we did not just get the check instead. Crust was thin and dry and the cheese on it made it taste like a bagel. Bottom line....we are not going back. Extremely disappointed especially because Marcus Samuelsson seems like such a good chef on TV!
(2)Bill T.
It's so hard to rate this place because the entrees seem to be very hit or miss. On one hand the macaroni was just OK, but on the other hand the crab cakes I had were better than any others I've had in my life. This goes on and on with other appetizers/entrees. Some are average, some are mind blowingly awesome. That said, there hasn't been one thing I've eaten here that I'd say was bad - so I think it's definitely worth stopping by if you can!
(4)Jack Y.
thank you mastercard for allowing me to have a taste of this restaurant before it actually opened!! chef samuelsson's new restaurant on 125 and lenox ave has a really nice homey feel to it when you walk in. it's not too large where you feel lost but not too small that you feel cramped. i arrived a few minutes late with my guest but were kindly shown our seats, great service! i promptly got a drink at the bar and sampled some of the hor d' ouvres. i have really bad memory so i can't remember all the entrees BUT, the salmon, fried chicken and mac and GREENS were DELICIOUS. i will definitely be back!!
(4)Stan P.
The restaurant isn't a real "soul food" restaurant but they certainly execute the Yard Bird very well. Sylvia's next door is actually just as good when it comes to fried chicken. At Red Rooster, they use a certain spice with dark batter. We tried the Helga meatballs and those were so disappointing (Ikea ones are much better! Imagine!) The taco snack was so-so; the crabcake appetizers were not too bad. We also got the corn succatash as a side and that was interesting and different. The potato doughnuts were served cold, but if they were served warm, I would imagine it to be a great dessert. Bathroom lines are so long, but while you wait for the bathroom, check out the menu that Obama was served when he went to the restaurant in March.
(3)Jenay N.
If I could give this place less than one star I would!! I've been hearing all of the buzz about Red Rooster and wanted to try it. I've eaten at Acqavit a few times and in most of the finer restaurants around the City so I thought if I can go to Harlem and get top notch food without trekking downtown then I'm all for it! Well, Red Rooster is by no means top notch. Actually, it's below notch. Lets talk about all the bad things because they are REALLY BAD: (1) if you don't have a reservation don't bother going. They will seat you in what I term the "coach" section, which is essentially a cafeteria style 6-person table away from the main dining area, next to the entrance where you are seated on chairs that can only hold one butt cheek (I'm a size 2 and I had trouble staying on the chair). I have no problem eating with strangers, but this was too close for comfort. When the last two people joined our table (they had to take the two middle seats), one of them immediately said "is this the place where we wait to be seated in the dining room". Once her friend replied "no", she said "this is like the middle seat of the airplane." Problem 1: if I'm going to be seated in the "coach" section then I shouldn't have to pay "first class" prices (2) the food! Only one word describes it...HORRIBLE. I initially ordered the blackened catfish and my husband ordered the salmon. I took one bite of the catfish and it was so salty and tough that I couldn't bear to stomach another bite. I immediately sent it back and then ordered the red snapper. The red snapper was by far the most disgusting piece of fish that I've had EVER! It arrived surrounded by what looked like clear, but chunky vomit with floating pieces of burnt cauliflower. The fish was rubbery, had an awful taste and definitely wasn't fresh. Again, one bite and I was done. I couldn't believe it, but It was worse than the catfish!! I may have vomited if I ventured to take a second bite. My husband's salmon was edible, but just "regular" in his words. I tried it and it was indeed regular, nothing particularly special about it. After sending back the second plate the manager, trying to be discreet as possible, apologized for the food. He even admitted that he was "looking into" what happened with the fish, which leads me to believe that he tasted the red snapper and had one of those...wow this is gross moments! The GOOD: (1) Our waiter--Joseph! Awesome! Once my husband found out that we would be seated in what he termed the "coach" section he was disappointed. He unsuccessfully tried to get us moved to "first class", by explaining that it was my birthday, but he couldn't. Joseph immediately said that he would make our time there special. And I have to say, if it wasn't for Joseph I wouldn't have anything good to say about this place. He was very attentive, kept the mood light hearted even though he could tell that I was very disappointed. He was a truly excellent waiter. He ordered the cornbread for us (for free) because he really wanted us to try it. It wasn't bad. I also got free champagne and a slice of cake. (2) The decor and ambiance was really nice. It is very vibrant and probably a good place to go for drinks only.
(1)Devon M.
The hype around Red Rooster has been non-stop since it first opened. Its incredibly hard to get a dinner reservation at RR, but I discovered booking for lunch is relatively easy. A girlfriend, who has been one of the lucky folks to get in for dinner, joined me for lunch. And the food - amazing! The butternut squash soup is divine and the salmon with meyer lemons shows just how good the ubiquitous salmon can be when done with care. My girlfrriend got the market salad, which she enjoyed, and the meatballs. There really was no connecting theme for the meatball plate, but she enjoyed the flavors anyway. The problem is that the service is terrible! Slow, distracted, and confused. No one could keep our orders straight, we had to flag our waitress down every time we needed something, it was like we were invisible. My friend said this is how it has been every time she's gone. Poor service undermines this place's great reputation for food. I will stop fighting for a Friday night reservation.
(3)Somyra B.
Food was ok. Did not blow me away at all. The drinks are good. The hostesses are lousy! They really need to get their act together! The best part of the restaurant is sitting at the bar and people watching .
(3)C P.
I asked for vinegar and hot sauce for my greens...he brings me balsamic vinegar and chili flakes. Wow. I dropped my fork immediately and asked for the check. Word is, President Obama is stopping by for dinner tonight. I hope he has better luck than me.
(1)Natasha B.
I was really excited to try Red Rooster so one night me and a fellow foodie decided to visit as we heard that there is also a party downstairs. The place is ULTRA chic and beautifully decorated. The crowd varies from old folks to young hipsters to regular folks like myself and is culturally diverse. Being super impressed with the decor, I couldn't wait to try the food. The waiter was extremely polite and attentive BUT the menu was....meh...at BEST! The combinations are just too weird and taste just ok. The chef is trying a bit TOO hard to be different when all people want is tasty food. So anyway, I picked at my food and then the shared dessert came out and it was a heaping mess of chocolate grossness..no thank you! After dinner we proceeded downstairs for the club part and it was a little too hodge podge for my taste. The DJ was all over the place from 1979 to 1990's hip hop. It's 2012 - play some 2Chainz please! I exaggerate but some more current music would have been appreciated. All in all, I wouldn't drop a load of money for this food but I'd try the party again in hopes of a different DJ....
(3)Clara B.
Was looking forward to trying out Marcus Samuelsson's newest endeavors... but a bit of a disappointment. Kudos to him for establishing a "down home," comfortable, neighborhood American bistro in a place that really needs one. Unfortunately, the food was surprisingly mediocre--in fact, a bit church supper-ish. If a top chef master is going to do "down home," he better make sure it's top quality... and top tasting... but it's not. Alas. Let's hope that they ramp up their menu a bit... and make it worth the trip.
(3)Rafi C.
Ate at Red Rooster finally - never thought I would get in due to all the buzz and Obama visiting that week, but arrived at 5pm last Saturday, party of 3 and got table. Harlem definitely needed a full service, quality restaurant like this, one that sources quality ingredients, but casual atmosphere. The weak spot for me were the main courses on the menu. Very basic selection (other than Swedish Meatball variation), and the 2 I tried disappointed. They let the fried chicken cool too long and it lacked flavor, and in particular that bacon-like taste that a good fried bird has. None of that chew-on-the-bone crispness either. It was nicely cooked in the sense that it's crisp outside and moist inside, but no flavor other then subtle spice blend put into batter. My friend's fried catfish also lacked soul. It was cooked well had no perceptible seasoning , maybe it's the Swedish version? Prices are a bit on the steep side for the mains, and they do not come with any accompanying dish. We had the spice cake dessert, which seemed out of place on the menu. This just tasted like sugary cake, no spice or other flavor in it. Now the positives: loved the collards mix, the unique twist on mac&cheese, salads were fresh and nicely dressed, interesting cocktails and well stocked bar (good for bourbons), the hosts were very friendly and proactive - did not expect that. The atmosphere is beautiful and bustling especially upstairs by bar area. We were seated in basement dining room, and it was nice, but definitely would have preferred upstairs. Perhaps the other more Swedish dishes are hits that I did not experience, but the more "southern-style" dishes need to be kicked up a notch. With that said I will give Marcus and his team credit for trying to do something different, and being creative. I hope they can perfect the menu more. I'll definitely stop by for a drink again, but not worth an hour subway ride.
(3)Nancy F.
How wonderful for Harlem to have this beautiful restaurant open on Lenox and 125th St. Sylvia's is just up the block and the historic Lenox Lounge down the street. A highly anticipated opening, Red Rooster is excellent. The interior decor is lovely -- in the style of a French bistro. You first enter the bar area -- and what a stunning bar. Circular, expansive and comfortably open. You are immediately directed to the host which is a sign of the level of service to come -- attentive and friendly. The dining room is a bit noisy but full of energy. There is an open kitchen -- basically a long counter where the waiters submit orders, pick up food, slice bread -- and on the other side the chefs work their magic. There are a number of tables that run adjacent to this counter -- and for some, this may not be the most desirable seat in the restaurant as it does get noisy. The food is the main attraction. They start you off with delicious bread and a hummus like spread. The menu offers a nice selection of appetizers including the shrimp and dirty rice which was delicious. For our entrees, I ordered the seared salmon with citrus salad and apple broth. It was delicious -- light, nice mix of textures, and flavorful. My friend ordered Helga's Meatballs served with lingonberry and loved it. I skipped dessert but my friend ordered the fudge with hazelnuts -- and loved it. The restaurant is booked ahead for weeks but they do take walk-ins at 5:30pm for a first seating. I will definitely go back.
(4)Mercy A.
Went in January: Walked in to a happening bar scene with a U shape seating area and great decor. Place smelled amazing (cinnamon bourbon, I think?) but I went there to eat, so the scent doesn't fool me. Had 7:30 pm reservations and had to wait over 30 minutes to be seated. Service seemed contrived- everyone was trying too hard or not nearly enough. Nicest (genuinely) person there was the sweet gentleman who cleaned our table. Ordered Hearth Baked Mac and Green= greasy and flavorless...where was the gouda?? I also got the impression it was sitting under a heating lamp. The greens were not cooked, more like a salad of mustard kale (just in case you're thinking collard greens). Boyfriend had the catfish, which tasted great, over black eyed peas, but the portion was measly. No need to skimp on catfish, it's not that expensive! Corn bread was amazing!! Definitely get that and slather on the honey butter. The couple next to us seemed displeased as well...complained about their chicken and also didn't like the mac and greens. Marcus came out and spoke to some important looking people, as did the chef. We left hungry and went to Yerba Buena Perry in West Village for more reasonable portion sizes. I will go back- but not until after they have worked out their kinks.
(2)Pauline M.
I wanted to love Red Rooster so badly as one of the reviewers mentioned due to what I heard of the Executive Chef and am desperately looking for fine cuisine in Harlem. Unfortunately Red Rooster missed the mark big time! My family and I attempted to first have brunch on a Saturday but was cooly received by the hostess and was informed they were no longer accepting walk-ins and not to bother to put our names on the waiting list because brunch would be over by the time a table was available. The hostess then went on to say if we come back for dinner we would be seated immediately at 5:30pm. We arrived at 5:30pm ready to consume a tasty and savory meal but the meal was anything but that. We ordered fish tacos and the cherry nuts as appetizers which arrived after our main course selections of red snapper, oxtail and Mac and cheese...truly bizarre. The waiter apologized profusely and comped the appetizers. As far as the food a 2 star at best. The snapper was underwhelming and mildly seasoned, for $26 I was expecting the snapper to burst with flavor. The presentation of the oxtails was very poor: three fatty pieces of meat with a slab of plantains and no sides. My sister mentioned it was rubbery and poorly seasoned as well. The free appetizers were unfortunately lacking too. The Fish tacos were not seasoned and the fruit and nuts should be dropped from the menu. The wait staff was courteous but the hostesses were aloof and unfriendly. The food presentation overall lacked the joy and polish you would expect entrees priced above $20 to possess. Also although the decor was hip and cool, the management of this restaurant from how people are seated, meal presentation, lack of cohesion in cuisine (confused cultures represented in the entrees) need a complete rehaul. With all of the great restaurants in Manhattan I would not return. It is such a shame since the chef has gotten so much buzz.
(2)Simone F.
This is a "happening" place in every sense of the word. Truly a place to see and be seen, but with an energetic, friendly buzz that is just as much an attraction as the excellent food and drinks. After a very brief confusion over our table when we arrived (literally as the doors opened) we were seated. Service was excellent. We shared the cornbread and crab cakes, and I thought the meatballs were delicious. My friends children (10 & 16) were with us, and enjoyed themselves immensely. (I would advise anyone with kids to check the men on lone first--as far as I could tell, there is no children's menu. Both the mac & cheese and the meatballs went over well). Desserts were wonderful--sweet potato donuts, chocolate cake and apricot ice cream. The experience was topped off by Chef Marcus making his rounds throughout the evening. One of the best dinners I've had in a long time. If it weren't 3000 miles away I'd go often.
(5)John O.
Walked in and had drinks at bar and then dinner at bar tables. Meatballs, yard bird, corn bread and grits. Everything tasty and well prepared. Service adequate, trying but overwhelmed and slow. Disliked the feel of the place, somehow very chain resto in attitude. Not very Harlem or even very NYC. Not bad but not memorable.
(3)Carol M.
This was my first visit to the Red Rooster and although the bar staff was friendly I'm in no hurry to return. Upon entering, you see a staion that can easily be mistaken for the host station but it is not, its for the wait staff, which seem tobe silent unless you are their table. The bar staff is muchfri4endlier and knowledgeable . I paid $50.00 including tip for a 2 eggs, cheese grits , bacon and a mediorce glasse of white wine. I was shocked they offer no toast or cornbread with $7.00 eggs. The bacon came crisp and was tasty but I chose not to eat what was below the puddle of grease in the bottom of the pan. Cheese grits should have the cheese blended in, not just sitting on top like an after thought. I expected more of Marcus Samuelson. What he's offering isn't good soul food at a reasonable price and giving back to the community as he said in several interviews. At the prices he's charging and the things he's leaving off ( even a diner gives toast with eggs) he's showing that his true mission is to churn and burn through diners. Taking as much money as he can from the small portion of the NYC landscape that can afford to pay his ridiculous prices for food that is marginal at best. I am tired of these celebrity chefs who feel that they can attach their names to a burger, peice of chicken or pre-made pizza and charge way too much for it. I'd have gladly paid for unique dishes that showed thought and a pregression in his career but instead, everything was little better than what Sylvia serves and she can't cook and its toursit trap. Shame on you Marcus! Shame!!
(3)Tim W.
packed and i'm really not sure why. you've had this food before. not really great, but not bad. the corn bread was the best, and everthing in between was just ok. not worth really hiking up to harlem for soul food when its just ok. the bar was hopping, and if ilived in the area maybe i'd come again, but seen it...tried it...thanks. marcus was there however shaking hands with customers...so props to that!
(3)Glenn T.
My UWS friend told me that her out-of-town visitors had been to this place and raved about it. We decided to try it out for Sunday lunch. It is super-easy to get to on the train, and we were there in no time! Even though we were there at 11ish, it was packed, and we needed to put our name down for a 45 min. wait, not having dreamt we would need to book! OK, we got a table; it was a 6 person share table with high stools near the front, next to the (big) amplifiers for the live music. Live music for Sunday lunch? Yes, but more on that later. Had checked out on-line the lunch menu, and also the brunch menu, and mentally decided that the brunch menu was the go. Unfortunately, for us, the waiter denied the existence of a brunch menu, and gave us the lunch menu. This has a weird non-cohesive selection of dishes which did not scream lunch to me. My friend ordered what was essentially swedish meatballs, and I ordered the seared salmon on a bed of green beans, with a jus of some sort. We got some corn bread while we waited for the main event. Don't bother with this little money-spinner; it adds nothing to your meal experience. We wanted to talk during our meal, but this was impossible as there was an undeniably gorgeous black caberet-type singer (yes, at Sunday lunch!) at our elbow belting out some great music which would have been fab at 12pm, just not noon! She was being filmed, so she pulled out all stops, and was loud, loud, loud!, not in a good way. So no conversation... I looked longingly at the still full outside terrace and wished we had waited for a spot there. The French couple at our shared table looked a bit non-plussed by it all as they picked over their hamburgers. The meatballs arrived, followed sometime later by the salmon. The verdict on the meatballs was just OK; I had a taste and knew I could make much better without trying too hard. Rather ordinary and definately overcooked we agreed. The seared salmon was WAY PAST seared, overcooked and rapidly heading towards dry! The bed of beans, few in number I might add, had started to shrivel, and the jus; not sure what that was, other than brown in color. In retrospect I should have sent the salmon back, as I do know what 'seared' looks and tastes like. I didn't, as we pretty much wanted to eat, leave, and find someplace quiet for coffee and maybe some dessert. This place does not have to try real hard, and doesn't, as the diners keep on coming, for the moment anyway.... I might give it another go at another time down the track, but for now its just 2 stars from me!
(2)David E.
This place is rockin! I have to admit...I was a little sheepish about going to Red Rooster after reading the reviews here. However, it turned into a really pleasant surprise. The food is simply delicious! The service is fun, knowledgeable and helpful. We're already planning on going back. One caveat; Red Rooster is truly rockin. Yes, there can be live bands...and that means the noise level is dramatic. But if you're in the mood for that, it's a terrific time.
(4)Catherine N.
Service was very good. Food marginal @ best.
(3)James P.
This is for Katherine Zapf...The tomato jam was sweet and had what tasted like ethiopian flavors and then mixing it with the honey butter made the cornbread sing! I had the spiced duck liver pudding, which was nothing like I thought it would be...smooth, light and decadent. (yes, i sneaked my finger in there to not waste any of it.) geoffrey did the corn taco and tostada...lots of light levels of flavor with a tasty crunch. They were exactly what appetizers should be. My blackened catfish was so freaking fantastic with a mild, yet substantial spice that was savory yet balanced with maybe a nutmeg or cinnamon? (again, im tasting a lot of "world flavors" coming out of it) The Uptown Steak Frites had mushrooms and of course french fries that sat over a rich truffle flavored bernaisse sauce. (yeah, go ahead and slap me, it was good!) For cocktails, get The Cat's Meow, but ask them to make it a little spicy. Woof! Atmosphere is warm and comfortable, it feels like a place you could just hang out, our server was extremely attentive. As a new place, they are still working out some kinks. (some spoiled yuppy kids were whining next to us about not getting enough attention...I hope they had a nice ride home on the Path train!) Overall, we had a great experience and were pleased with very accessible dishes that were elevated by the new flavors in them. Im hoping the initial hype dies down a bit, since I would love to make it my neighborhood go-to place. Right now, it's like impossible to get a table.
(4)Joan S.
Okay I waited awhile to check out Red Rooster because I think a new restaurant needs time to find its footing. I really, really wanted to like it and like it a lot. I live in Harlem and we are desperately in need of some good spots to hang out, nosh and simply people watch. Red Rooster has great potential for all of this but it's just not there yet. I went at lunch and the kitchen was not ready to begin serviving customers.. The wait staff was well, overstaffed and lounging around looking for something to do. Stunning group of people and the atmosphere and design is clean, sharp and ecletic. But the service, ugh, both mediocre and snooty. Wow!! The kitchen is open, which is a nice touch and the chefs are every bit as appealing to look at as the wait staff. But, yikes, there was confusion there too, which I understood clearly because i could hear everything that they said. something about the print outs not coming into the kitchen, so they didn't realize they had any orders. Hmm, they are looking directly out on to the dining room. Secondly, not one waiter that I could see bothered to check on his order. We had moved from the bar to a table and granted that could cause a bit of confusion, but there were only four tables seated in total in the dining room. So of course our food whisked by us to the bar and we watched the confused runner and bartender scratch their head for a minute while we waved to get their attention. The food was innovative and good, we had the yardbird and mac and greens, perhaps a little bit gourmet for my tablemate but I enjoyed it and the presentation was pitch perfect. But oddly, nothing I would crave once I left or would hurry back to order.I love Chef Marcus's aesthetic and have followed his journey for awhile know. I really, really wanted to like it. We need this kind of melding of lowbrow meets highbrow sensibility and in a visually appealing space but please. please ditch the attitude
(3)emily c.
I almost never write reviews, but I was so disappointed by my experience at Red Rooster that I feel compelled to. My date and I were excited to check this place out and were fully expecting to have to wait, especially considering we did not have a reservation. When we got there the hostess quoted us 45 minutes which we were completely happy with. After an hour and a half, the bar was packed to the brim and we went up to the hostess stand and expressed that we totally understood that they were busy but wanted to know if we had a chance of getting sat in the near future because otherwise we would try somewhere else. We were told they had a place for us.... so we fought our way through the five deep bar crowd after the host and landed at "our table"...a communal cocktail table in the middle of all the chaos. Such a disappointment after waiting over an hour and a half. We had to yell to hear each other and our server...the bar crowd next to us was extremely rowdy - we witnessed one man black out and fall over as well as a fight start to break out. While we were trying to eat, people continued to put their drinks down on the table, which was not only gross but also really limited the 1 ft by 1ft of space we were granted. Our "neighbors" at the table were asked to kindly get up because they had been nursing drinks for over 3 hours (asking someone to get up in this situation is completely acceptable) and they started to argue and yell obscenities. As far as the food went, the cornbread was about the only good thing of the night. Otherwise, the crab cakes were mediocre at best, the salad had potential, if it had been dressed and both the catfish and the salmon were nothing special. We declined dessert in an effort to leave as soon as we could. I work in the f&b industry, at one of the best restaurants in manhattan. I am completely understanding when it comes to many things in restaurants, but once we were sat, I really felt like the whole experience was a disaster. I was sorry to waste my night off at this place.
(1)Jeremy F.
We opted for an early Saturday brunch today to avoid the crowds and enjoy a breezy outside table on a swanky lenox corner. One of the highlights was the moist buttery corn bread served with home made tomato jam (which reminded me of chutney) and fresh buttter mixed with olive oil. The mac and cheese is a signature dish and looked fantastic, but we didnt try it. I ordered the meatballs with foam, mashed potatoes and sauerkraut, which were delicious and surprisingly not heavy. Perfect portion size. This is NOT the place to order an omelette (it was so so) as the entrees were far better than the standard brunch items. We sat next to owner Marcus Samuelsson, who is a hip guy and was being interviewed about the business, which is clearly one of the trendiest in Harlem. There was a great dj as well.
(5)Melissa H.
4-5 stars for food, 2 stars for service. I had the mac and cheese which was excellent. Having to wait an hour for it was not. The staff is very nice and professional but are very understaffed and things do not run smoothly. I realize the place opened recently but Marcus Samuelsson has done the restaurant thing a few times before--it should be better than this. I will definitely give Red Rooster another try but I'll give them a few months to work out the kinks.
(3)July W.
WTF! I had the yard bird with mash potatoes which was bland and tasteless despite heavy handed shakes of the special spice blend that accompanied it. Hostesses were snooty and unwelcoming. Bartender tried not to be snooty but not quite successful. Decor was fabulous. I could get better chicken at KFC for an 1/8th of the price. And the menu was bizarre, Swedish meatballs, not exactly a american southern thing, but since part of samuelsons' upbringing probably would better than his attempt at southern cuisine. My mom liked the grits, she had it with catfish, but who pays $30 for grits? Felt like ppl were there more for the scene than the food which was def. Not my case. totally unsouthern dessert menu (truffles and flan) I do not know what is up with Harlem and southern cuisine, Melbas was a disappointment too, dry fried chicken (chix at red roosters' was moist) and tasteless eggnog waffles. Given all the press and hype do yourself a favor try it, just get it out the way, check it off your bucket list. You'll stay away from it after that. I really want a refund. Dropped $70 on what should have been a $15 meal. We were on our way to Victors iin midtown (memorable Cuban food), but knew parking would be a problem, so headed uptown since we had been meaning to try Roosters for awhile. Bad decision!
(2)Katherine P.
We wanted to eat here and were able to get a 5:30 reservation last Wednesday night (I called a week in advance). We don't usually eat that early (!), but very much wanted to try it. We come to the city a number of times a year for business and pleasure. I checked the menu and it looked wonderful and then I checked Yelp and almost cancelled. Unpleasant staff, mediocre, over hyped food. Oh dear! Decided to keep the reservation and am writing to say thank goodness I did. It was one of the best meals we've had all year AND one of the best overall dining experiences from the moment we stepped in the door. Christian Post, the beverage manager, found a terrific microbrew on draught, Pearl Organic IPA, for us and gave us his card with all the particulars. Also helped select wine. The cornbread with honey butter and tomato jam is justly fabled and so rich, we could only eat one slice with everything else served (we were trying a lot of things). The Yard Bird was moist and the dash of cardamom in the crispy crust's seasoning was perfect. We learned the chicken, Long Island Red, is soaked in buttermilk and then put in a pressure cooker before the final hot bath. How anyone could describe it as dry is beyond belief. The mac 'n cheese with greens (collards and kale) was as far from Kraft's as you can get--complicated flavors from the blend of cheeses, but also true comfort food. Other diners were similarly pleased and this is one of the things that made the meal so special. It seemed everyone in the room was happy, big smiles and you could see people sharing bites. Great music, and not so loud as to make it hard to hold a conversation. And wonderful artwork. We plan on being regulars, even from Massachusetts.
(5)val g.
It was a beautiful Wednesday early afternoon when my boyfriend and I decided to go and grab a late lunch at the "famous" Red Rooster everybody was hyped about. My boyfriend had suggested it because he had heard that Marcus Samuelsson was the chef there and according to reviews his food is "amazing". Well what we got was far from amazing and more like robbed for our money. I don't ever complain about money when it comes to good food, ambiance and drinks. But this place is just for show and drinks in my opinion. Back to the food..my boyfriend ordered the Fried Yard Bird and was super excited about it. (Note: he never gets excited over new "trendy" restaurants) The meal is suppose to come with collard greens and instead he got what looked like a tea spoon of it and it was hidden under the chicken. The chicken itself was flavorless. The only thing that had flavor according to him was the skin, which had been heavily seasoned. He was definitely not fond of his meal. I ordered the salmon with asparagus. Side note: I LOVE salmon! Therefore, I was VERY excited to see what this famous chef had up his sleeve. Well, lets put it like this...after getting my meal the actual presentation of the dish was horrible. I tried not to judge my food until I actually had a bite. That is until I actually tried to dig in and realized that my salmon was still RAW!! Now, please note I have gone to restaurants where they have asked me how I like my fish cooked. They never asked me this but either way I don't think I was at a sushi spot. After trying to get the waitresses attention for like 10 min (she was too busy talking up a storm to some girl) I told her that I thought my fish was under cooked. She looked at it and realized how bad it looked and immediately apologized and took my dish away. We also asked her if the Fried Yard Bird came with a side dish and she said it did and look at my boyfriends plate confused. She said "it comes with greens..is it under your chicken?" When he picked up the chicken she was speechless when she saw how little he got. She then went back into the kitchen to get my fish fully cooked and get him the rest of the side for his main course. Once I got my dish back I honestly hated it! The fish had no flavor what so ever. And my asparagus looked and tasted like they had given me the scraps. Now, if this meal was $1.99 I would understand but for the price I can't believe they would have the audasity to serve something like that. The only reason why I even gave it 2 stars was because the only thing that was good about this place was the drinks and the decor. Thats it. So, if you are looking for a decent drink in Harlem and want nice decor research other places but if this is your last resort then at least you can get a good drink here.
(2)Rachelle L.
Amazing! From the hospitality to the timing of the service to the very thougtful and creative food, the dining experience for brunch was fantastic. I absolutely LOVE brunch so I have very high standards. Please trust that this is worth the wait!
(4)devone b.
The Good,The Bad and the Ugly.. Okay so this will be a long one but it will be full of great information.. Okay so, a group of 6 lovely ladies from the burbs took a trip to the city.. We did not have a reservation.. (tried for 30 days) .. so we winged it... waited three hours!! THE BAD...However, during the wait, we had the pleasure of meeting The Chef who was sooo nice, He took pictures, gave hugs and thanked everyone for coming..(He should have been helping out in the kitchen)..After a three hour wait, the place was PACKED we were offered a table downstairs in the beautifully appointed lounge were the D.J. was playing the best r/b , jazz, hidden beach.. etc.. we grooved and danced with some great eye candy staff as well as patrons, while the waitress began her journey into waitress hell..THE GOOD.... Okay, so she must have been brand new, but she was sooo nice she did her best.. bringing the wrong drinks and not being very sure of herself or her abilities or the menu.Okay so we sat downstairs but the menu was very limited and we were hungry.ready to fight someone! We felt tricked..!.. only four or five appetizers and four or five entrees.. so if you are looking for chicken and waffles(which they ran out of on the downstairs menu) ..DO NOT EAT DOWNSTAIRS...go downstairs AFTER you eat..lol. It is also important to mention that the items on the menu did not match the atmosphere,striped bass? some steak dish..? Did I mention we left HUNGRY!!. THE UGLY...Overall, get there early.. look out for the Chef he has a great smile and might buy you a drink and he changes his clothes at the end of his shift.. (askot..and fedora..) okay.... Don't eat downstairs unless they change the menu which I hope they will consider doing to fit in line with the lounge or offer a full dinner downstairs as they need the seating anyway on the weekends I guess.. Take a trip, it will be fun..
(3)LE F.
I really want to love this place. I live nearby and I love the vibe and the bartenders (and cocktails). Unfortunately, the dinner we had last night was weirdly disappointing. Our enthusiastic waiter recommended the cornbread and a "chowder" for two, explaining that the chowder is really a spicy tomato broth with tons of seafood, including a whole lobster -- more a variation on bouillabaisse than a traditional chowder. The cornbread was pleasant, with a shape and texture more like poundcake than cornbread. The chowder was tasty, but the whole lobster was nowhere to be found -- we got a tail and the body, but no claws. When I asked the waiter about this, she seemed embarrassed and went to check with the chef, then returned to say that he assured her that he had put the claws in the dish. She then fished out a tip of a claw -- all shell, no meat -- as evidence. She said the the chef couldn't give us the missing claws because there were no more -- this at about 7:30 pm -- and gave us some extra shrimp instead. The dish was good (and the shrimp were very good) but I remain unsettled by the missing lobster and the particularly strange way the chef handled it. I fear I'm going to be suspicious whenever I return.
(3)Dolores B.
My review is based on my brunch experience at Red Rooster only. Maybe the dinner experience is more enjoyable. Brunch is one of my favorite things to do on the weekend so, I thought I'd give the Red Rooster a try. I was highly disappointed. I had a goat cheese and spinach omelet and a side of bacon. The Omelet was supposed to be made with 3 eggs but the size was more like 2 medium eggs and it came with absolutely nothing! No salad, no potatoes, no garnish, nothing, Anyone who eats brunch at some of the nicest spots in the City can attest to the fact that it is standard that omelets are all accompanied by something. The "maple" bacon tasted like a regular bacon and I am almost 100% positive that the maple was not cured in the bacon but, it was actually drizzled with maple syrup. OMG! The bacon was $7 for a side and it was literally 4 small strips, not enough to share as I thought. I hate to make money an issue but, I can't wrap my head around paying $17 for bacon and 2 eggs. I do know that a good Brunch on average is around $20 bucks which is fine, if the value is presented in the meal. I'm afraid if my experience is the norm, that there will be a lot of one timers, at least for the real Foodies. Sorry, but I hope someone is listening. This place seemed at first to be a welcoming change to the limited restaurant choices in Harlem but, it can't stand on good looks alone.
(2)Food C.
my review is only based on tuesday night live music night. i was at the bar. great place, great mix of diverse people, cool music, freindly staff. you can even talk to marcus samuelson. he was really cool. i tried some of the food (appetizers). shirmp was good. kinda tasted like hot wings but they were shrimp. interesting. i tried some pork dish that was great too. overall i would love to come back. this place looks like a jewel on lennox. you walk past and you see it and you just feel like you have to come in. people were really dressed pretty nicely here. it's definitely that after work crowd (blazers, ties, suits, work clothes, etc.). come out and support this place!
(4)Rashida S.
Yes, I gave into the hype. I was traveling to my hotel, visiting NYC on business only for a day and saw an ad for the Red Rooster. I am a frequent visitor to Harlem when I am there and am always amazed (and encouraged) by the changes that I have seen over the years in the area and was happy to be a patron here for lunch with my Brookyln-dwelling sister and her hubby after my meeting. We were actually greeted by Marcus himself, who was sitting out front chatting with folks and greeting guests. LOVED THE SPACE! It was pretty cool and funky with the fabulous decor and lively staff. The staff was awesome - I had no complaints. My sister and her hubby knew much of the staff so that might have affected our service but I hope not. We started with the cornbread which is, I must say, amazing! The honey butter was just divine along with the tomato chutney/jam. I ordered the dirty shrimp and rice with a side of collards and it was delicious. Unfortunately, they don't do the chicken and waffles for lunch, which is what my sister wanted but we enjoyed our meals nonetheless. I ordered the sweet potato donuts for dessert and they were out of this world. Imagine donut holes filled with sweet potato cream dusted with a cinnamon sugar - divine! All in all, I loved it. Great food, fabulous atmosphere. I will definitely find myself there again.
(4)Cory A.
We went here for my birthday - it took nearly 6 months to get a reservation. - we had been trying since it opened. We were going to be late (very late) for the reservation because of a family emergency but they assured my husband that they would accommodate us. I guess it depends on what they mean by accommodate......After waiting more than an hour they seated us at a bar table. My husband complained and they said they would move us in 5 minutes and they never do. I guess accommodate means BS - all they did was BS us - if they had said they did not have a table (because we were late) we would have lived with that. The service was nonexistent. Appalling actually - except for the person who comes by and asks if everything is ok - The food was pretty bad - Red Cesear - what the heck is that supposed to be. Steak Frite - all peppercorn -- my mouth can taste nothing but peppercorn. All in all a pretty awful birthday and pretty bad experience.
(2)S G.
Not sure what all the hype is about. Went with friends from Chicago who were super excited to dine here. Marcus has a burger joint in Chicago where one of the members loved the food so much she made attending this restaurant as a "must do" when she came to Manhattan. Bar space is nice and the Big Red Rooster cocktail was amazing! You must try it...nice and flavorful and a little strong. Worth the $14 bucks. The dining space was not as full as the staff will try to make you think. They have plenty of dining space on the lower level so I am not sure why they close reservations for walk-ins. Complimentary bread is served but don't get excited about it...its a half slice of lightly toasted dry azz texas toast served with butter. The thick triangles are served per diner...three people...three pieces. We ordered the corn bread, grits, and three entrees:chick pea dumplings, hearth mac n cheese, and the yard bird. The chick pea dumplings are small gnocchi pillows of chick pea with spinach and tomato sauce ...plate did not look appetizing and did not match the description. From the description I thought it would be a dumpling or ravioli filled pasta not a squishy lump of pressed chick peas with no flavor...yuck! The dish also had small crunchy balls of something that tasted like Kix cereal but resembled corn nuts. I sent my dish back and none of my friends liked it either. My friend ordered the yard bird which she said was dry and unseasoned. It's described as fried chicken but don't expect a crispy battered piece of chicken it was more like fried and then steamed. Underneath the chicken was a very small amount of greens. The grits were gummy and had small diced tomatoes in it...not good either. My friend sent her yardbird entree back because it lacked flavor and she found a long strand of black hair on the plate. The mac and cheese is a white cheese sauce that isok....but not very good as a main entree. There are greens in the sauce-like collards and it was served with a small lettuce salad. The cornbread is the size of a slice of pound cake but was drenched in way too much butter so it made the bread soggy...the tomato relish served with it was terrible. We were all disappointed with our dishes. The space is nice and inviting... I would go back for drinks but I would not go back for food at all. Soul food with a Swedish flair= fail!
(2)Jacques L.
While the ambience, energy and live music were outstanding, the food was lost in the middle of an identity crisis. Is this restaurant a diner? Soul Food? Fine Dining? Our table ordered the entire menu and while some dishes were very good (short ribs), some were frankly inedible (mac-n-cheese, collard greens, striped bass). Everything seemed to have an unnecessary and detrimental flourish, while some items were plated on diner dishes and some were composed formally. In addition, it would have been nice to get a basket of hot, steaming biscuits when we sat down. Instead, we got two miniature pieces of hard bread and a bizarre and unappetizing chickpea spread. A restaurant sets certain expectations when advertising itself as "soul food". If it fills these expectations, great. If it changes one's perception with its creativity, even better. Unfortunately, Red Rooster neither delivered a comforting soul-food experience, nor any sort of innovation or creativity. Mediocre fried chicken with a sumac tomato sauce is still mediocre fried chicken.
(2)M F.
Most disgusting service, on Sunday March 13th, 2011 during brunch hours. & didn't even get to eat. Waited for an hour to be seated, only due to the fact that we heard one of the 3 hostesses say "Oh we forgot about them" . A couple who came way after me and my friend were seated 5 mins upon arriving and I'm assuming our dining seating was given to them. Then, she seats us at the side tables with another party. We wait 10mins just to have our glasses filled with water, after ANOTHER 15mins we decide to leave. I approach the hostess and tell her about the situation and she says "Oh my god really? I'm sorry" and lets us leave, instead of accommodating the fact that we already waited plenty of time. We were dressed pretty casual and were carrying some bags and were definitely not dressed to the nines like some of the other patrons. I'm mad at myself for not getting the hostess name, out of the 3 hostesses there that day she was the only one with longer hair pulled back in a pony tail. And to think we gave up our spot at Sylvia's down the block for this piece of crap establishment.
(1)Amy C.
Popped in for a cocktail early on NYE and the place was hoppin! I have to say, the cocktails were fan-ta-bu-lous! I LOVED the "Apollo" with sage and yummy ginger, perfectly balanced and frothy with egg white. Then the "Gin and Juice" with orange MARMALADE??? ... these cocktails not only took me on a tantalizing tasty ride of deliciousness, but also took me down musical memory lane... watching my cute mohawk-sporting bartender work was not only entertaining as he lit orange zest on fire and shook and stirred himself into a tizzy, but educational as well! I loved the vibe in this new ROOST in Harlem... I will be back not only for the cocktails, but also for the Chix and Dix app... delicious chicken nuggets if I have to call them that, but amazingly seasoned and spicy with a calming yogurt dipping sauce. Not so spectacular was the Mac and Greens... the Mac lacked seasoning and cheesiness and the greens were more like a cold garnish which should not have been served in what appeared to be an iron skillet. We were expecting something HOT and got cold dry leafy stuff with pickled onion... not so palatable. I will say, however, that the Mac went really well when swabbed together on my fork with a hunk of CHIX! Way to go Marcus, and welcome to Harlem!
(4)ife s.
So.... I'm shocked at the reviews prior to mine. I can only guess that the reviewers don't have very much experience with authentic soul food? I went yesterday and we had they oysters, crab cakes, yard bird and oxtails. The best thing were the raw oysters. The food in general was bland and disappointing. The crab cakes did not taste like they were made from fresh crab, they were dry and missing that sweetness that fresh crab has. The best thing about the dish was the sauce. The yard bird had perfect crunch but was lacking in flavor. The oxtail dish smelled delicious but had no flavor. The oxtails were sort of tough and flavorless and the sauce, what little there was, did not have that rich depth you expect. This was worsened by the fact that the dish came with 2 oxtails and 1 sliver of plantain for $26 (oxtail is a cheap meat!). The ambiance of the place is great, but currently it is better for drinks than food. Chez Lucienne next door has (much) better food. You can get better soul food....almost everywhere in Harlem and even the chain Manna's has better oxtails. I was and still am excited about Samuelson's new venture and I hope the quality of the food improves... it can begin by introducing chef Bergquist to salt.
(2)H K.
sometimes i don't know HOW people find ways to complain. someone says that the menu lacks creativity. DUH, it's supposed to be classic, traditional southern food. if you don't like it and you want creativity, why not go somewhere else? red rooster doesn't claim to be innovative, so just take it for what it is. the food is really well-made and it's clear the ingredients are top notch. mr. samuelsson himself was going around to all the tables and talking to the guests. it's a homey place--no frills--just good ingredients and good cooking. fried chicken was great. yes, it's true, it wasn't mind-blowingly different, but shit, it tasted like grandma's (if my grandma were a friendly, plump southern lady like paula deen). yes, it's pricey, but it's free range organic chicken, which is NOT cheap. the shrimp and grits were as good as what i've had in the south, as were the desserts. chicken & egg is brilliantly delicious.
(5)F D.
So I'm hanging out in Harlem and after church today we couldn't wait to head to the Red Rooster for brunch, specifically in search of some fried chicken and waffles - boy was I disappointed. First, they have neither of these items on the regular menu, but they do have them on the buffet downstairs in the Ginny's Supper club. The buffet featured items such as duck potatoes, deviled eggs, fried chicken, waffles, french toast, chicken apple sausage, meatballs, and a host of salads and desserts. I consider myself a pancake and waffle connoisseur so I couldn't wait to taste the waffles. Basically, everything on the buffet line was ice cold. Sausage - cold, waffle and french toast - cold AND hard, potatoes - cold. Notice a trend yet? The servers were very nice and we told them that everything was cold, but not sure what efforts were made to improve it. There was a nice little teen gospel show during brunch, which is the only thing I truly enjoyed. So all in all, for $50 per person, I would NOT recommend this place for the brunch,
(2)Roy L.
Went here for brunch on a Sunday afternoon and didn't wait long at all for a table. We were sat right next to the Kitchen. The ambiance was nice, good decor, and a nice diverse crowd. Also, there was a gospel duo there too singing. It was a nice touch. They brought out some bread which was soft and good. We didn't order any appetizers but did a basket of fries, which were good but $7. On to the entrees, my friend and I both ordered the nuggets and toast which is a interpretation of chicken and waffles. This dish is a failure, we had to send our first plates back because the chicken was hard and old, seems like the nuggets were under a heat lamp for 2 hours prior. The toast and chicken were drowned in syrup. The syrup was good but I would have preferred it on the side. The 2nd dish was fresher but was bland. My wife ordered the chocolate waffles which she said was average at best. My other friend ordered the shrimp and grits and loved her dish. She loved her bloody mary as well. The waiter, busers, and the manager were great as the service was impeccable. We sat next to the kitchen and unfortunately, one of the cooks dropped some honey mustard and it splattered all over my friend. Luckily, the manager came and took her to the restroom to help clean her up. They also comped our bill $20. Overall, I was really impressed by the restaurant itself and the service. The food, not so much. I know it was brunch but the menu items could use a refresher. This is a soul-food fusion type place but the concept didn't seem to work well for me. Some things keep need to be kept simple. I've been to a similar restaurant on the south side of Chicago and the ambiance was the same, but the food was much better. I'll definitely return for dinner though. The service impressed me and i'll like to come hang out and have some drinks as well. I want to see this restaurant succeed.
(3)Lameer Y.
went there on fathers day dinner, not that busy and the food we ordered was ok. didnt liked the crab cake and the service was worst. the waitress didnt even bother to ask how was the food.
(3)andrew G.
Hand down, this was the best brunch I've ever hand. In any borough. City. Country. Planet. And that's not just the cocktails talking (though they are good enough to merit that kind of hyperbole). At every step, they found a way to delight and surprise:Bread basket came with some ridiculously yummy honey butter. Baked eggs came with home made embedded croutons. Waffles and toast turned out to be french toast. In fact the menu is downright modest. Warning - this means that many dishes have ingredients not listed on the menu (fair enough, and when one arrived with a pesto made from a nut someone in our party was allergic to, our waitress brought her a new entree a few minutes later and didn't charge us even though we hadn't asked). I've only had the one brunch but it was clear at every step that an intense amount of care - and joy - had gone into ever step of the experience. Oh one other brunch note: the gospel duets were cute, and somehow both thoroughly unabtrusive and yet also a hell of a lot of fun to watch. But maybe that sort of duality is routinely possible on whatever magical planet samuelson comes from. Put your hands up!
(5)Kelly Y.
Came for birthday lunch with sister and was surprised to actually see Marcus Samuelson there, which was encouraging for a restaurant. The ambiance is wonderful. The decor is perfect and the long communal table gave a really nice touch (despite the fact that we were seated next to two very chatty a bit obnoxious couple of women and the fact that others didn't seem to like the communal table idea). I agree with other reviews that the entrees really didn't live up to the hype. The Yard Bird (while extremely hefty in portion) was okay in terms of flavor, but a little one dimensional, not the best fried chicken I've ever had. I had Helga's meatballs (despite originally wanting the jerk bacon), and it wasn't anything too special. The cornbread however was wonderful. Not too buttery, not too crumbly and came with a sweet (honey butter) and savory spread (tomato chutney). That, and the whiskey fudge was the best part of my meal. Definitely a place to experience once, but I wouldn't come again unless it was with a group that has never been here before.
(3)Susan H.
Jazz brunch a lively and delicious idea. Don't miss the Helga's meatballs---they ARE as good as you've heard. They'll erase Ikea from your brain forever. And the Yardbird is slightly spicy and totally delicious. And jazz and gospel live music to boot. Makes for a fun, fun tasty brunch.
(4)Lisa A.
Every single thing I ate & drank at Red Rooster was a mind blowing, taste bud pleasing experience. I had the steak & fries and the Red Rooster cocktail. I shared corn bread & collard greens with my sister. She had the yard bird with mashed potatoes. We shared dishes so we could sample a variety of food. Knowing that Marcus Samuelsson was the owner, I knew to expect greatness. Everything is perfectly seasoned & I guarantee that you won't find dishes like this anywhere else. The flavors he puts together are complex & delicious. This place is on my list of places to eat every time I'm in New York.
(5)Alysha J.
I do not understand the hype. I've been there a few times. The food is not special. The first time I went was for soul food. It was very average. The second time I went for dinner I ordered mash potatoes and meatloaf. My meatloaf was cold in the center. A waiter did not check on me for 10 minutes then went to heat up my food. The food came back luke warm. I figured that was the best it was going to get so I accepted it. They only had 2 waiters and I felt like I was bothering him to ask for warm food. This is a one and done place. Once is all you need for food if that. I do recommend the night life scene here though. During the evening their drinks are ok, and they have a nice dance area downstairs.
(3)Walter S.
Red Rooster is a great place to grab a drink and hear some great live music from local musicians. It's one of my favorite places to meet with my college and High School buddies. We usually never get further than the bar. I honestly am not a huge fan of the food. I feel it's over priced soul food and I have yet to be impressed by a dish on their menu. Their renditions of classic soul dishes could use some tweaking.
(3)Christina L.
Never going back again... The appetizers were a knockout, so we were super excited for our entree...we ordered the fried yardbird and lobster man & greens and side of grits. All were so disappointing... For appetizers, we ordered the Chicken and Waffle and cornbread, and both were amazing! Although the chicken was a bit greasy (grease was sitting between the breading and the meat) however the waffle was crispy and delicious and the chicken liver butter (tasted like light pate) on top made it just superb. The cornbread was buttery and creamy and full of flavor. However, the Fried Yardbird was terribly overcooked. There was so much trapped grease that it was almost inedible. It came sitting on top of some bland mashed potatoes and very vinegary collard greens. The lobster mac'n'greens was too salty, the texture of the cheese was gritty and it was just not good. The grits itself had a weird texture like no other grits I've ever had...ugh what an expensive disappointment...never going back again.
(1)ivette v.
What a wonderful experience!! The food, decor, ambiance, the friendly service, etc ... My friend and I arrived right before the dinner rush on Saturday; about 4:30. We were seated at the cocktail tables. We met the manager - Franklin. Franklin just didn't come by to greet us, he took our order, made suggestions and answered all of our questions. I asked for a sample of the Mojito and he graciously obliged. I was served a full drink. Franklin simply stated "if you don't like it I'll have the bartender make you another drink." He is a hands-on manager. I watched him make his rounds - from taking orders to clearing the tables. I observed that he was as gracious to all his customers as he was to us. He definitely earned my respect and I am pretty sure the respect of his crew. Franklin definitely sets the new standard for restaurant manager. Well, getting back to the food, I had the hot and sour soup and the cornbread. I LOVE their cornbread. The soup came with a thick toasted bread encrusted with some type of shrimp topping - so good! I placed the bread in the soup and it was a match made in heaven. My friend ordered the blackened kale salad topped with a fried egg - delicious!! The greens were seasoned to perfection. To make things even better they had live music. It was some type of jazzy southern tune. Really nice, relaxing but upbeat too. This is my new go-to-spot. Thank you so much Franklin and crew for making this such a wonderful experience for us!!!
(5)Sam T.
Best restaurant in New York! Such an incredible experience with the best customer service and food. The fried yard bird is my favorite dish but you also can't go wrong with the Mac & cheese dish. The grits are also a fan fav and our whole party loved the fries. It's all about the food at Red Rooster and the incredible 5-star customer service. Also, Marcus is a genius!!!!
(5)Latasha M.
I have a good time every time I go to Red Rooster. I've been going off and on since they opened 4 years ago. I usually take someone that's visiting Harlem for the first time and we have a blast listening to the live music, meeting new people at the community tables, dancing downstairs before it became Ginny's and even meeting Marcus in person. The food is pretty amazing with great influences from many countries. Never had a meal here that I didn't like. And the atmosphere is A+. Unfortunately, though, sometimes the music is blaring and I have to move to outside seating to enjoy myself. Another con is that some of the items are pricey - $30 for a small bowl of Shrimp and Grits (4 peices of shrimp) - is something a friend ordered and shared. I have to say it was possibly the creamiest bowl of grits I've tasted in my life, but $30 is more than price gauging in my opinion. I would say this is one of those dishes that possibly only tourist consider buying. Being that I can make this at home for $5 makes this price laughable.
(4)Jay D.
So first time here for the food. Usually come for the lounge down stairs which I highly recommend. Good music, table service, all around great vibe. So the food..I had the fried chicken meal. Healthy portions of chicken (dark meat) , mashed potatoes and collard greens. Everything was very tasty. The chicken was very crispy and greens seasoned really well. Bf had the lobster Mac and cheese which was very good, highly recommended. Place is great for a date night or evening with friends, also has a live dj at night.
(4)Richelle P.
We went here today for my birthday lunch and were so impressed by how awesome the food was and how pleasant and accommodating all of the staff were. The hostess immediately checked out coats when we walked in, and when we told her it was my birthday she upgraded our table from the shared table with other guests to one of the larger tables for two. Our meal started with comped glasses of champagne (which isn't normally my favorite, but whatever they serve was very tasty). Our order was taken promptly, and the hostess had told our waitress that it was my birthday. We ordered the cornbread to start, and it was super dense and moist and awesome, and the tomato jam that comes with it was great too. I got the Yard Bird, and my mom got the Mac and Greens. We split a side of roasted Brussels sprouts and a pitcher of the Yes Chef cocktail. Everything was excellent - the chicken was some of the best fried chicken I've ever had, and the gravy and hot sauce it came with made it even better. The collard greens and mashed potatoes it came with were also excellent. My mom's Mac and greens was super cheesy and delicious, and she really enjoyed the arugula salad that it came with, although I didn't try it. The Brussels sprouts also rocked, but we definitely ordered too much food. The waitstaff brought out a special birthday dessert for both of us, again on the house. It was their signature dessert, small donuts on top of sweet potato cream. These were awesome, too. Everyone who worked there was friendly and helpful, and definitely worked hard to make my birthday lunch special. We definitely want to come back for Gospel Brunch or on a night with live music. Definitely don't miss this place.
(5)E L.
So tremendously tasty!! We had an amazing dinner... the fried chicken, salmon, and mac and cheese were the best. AND the donuts. Yum!! Everyone was super friendly, especially to our daughter, who is a big fan of Marcus Samuelson. The atmosphere was great, too!
(5)Liz B.
This culinary hot spot is from Chef Marcus Samuelsson. The restaurant highlights elevanted American comfort food with ingredients sourced from local farmers. To kick off the evening, we started with an array of appetizers. I also got a rum punch that was served family style for the table. I don't recall what was in it, but it was tasty. The cornbread was incredible, served with honey butter and tomato jam. The Chicken & Waffle was served with chicken liver butter and bourbon maple syrup. The Black Kale Salad was served with a fried egg, black garlic dressing and bottarga (salted, cured fish roe). The Deviled Eggs are served with chicken skin mayonnaise. My favorites were the cornbread and Deviled Eggs. The Chicken & Waffle was ok and the Black Kale Salad was interesting - unique flavors for sure! For my entree, I got the Mac & Greens, made with NY Cheddar, Parmesan and Collard Greens. Other people at my table got the Shrimp & Grits, Shrimp & Papaya, Fried Yardbird and Roasted Salmon. I loved the Mac & Greens - so delicious!! The other entrees looked tasty though I didn't try them - too full! This is an awesome restaurant with a great vibe - I want to go to the Sunday Gospel Brunch!
(4)Clara H.
Excellent dinner here! This restaurant has such an amazing vibe and feel, very lively! We sat at a table close to the outdoor section, it was a bit tight for our group of 8. The service was very pleasant although the bar was backed up and it did take quite long for the waitress to bring out our drinks throughout the meal. We started with the wings, probably some of the best wings I've ever had, sweet and spicy, nice and crispy! We also had some cornbread, I'm not usually a fan but this was delicious! Our friends had the chicken and biscuits as well as the bacon which they raved about! For my main dish I had the lobster mac and cheese, it was really amazing with a good amount of lobster making it worth the extra $9. My hubby had the meatballs with mashed potatoes which he raved about. Our friend had the yard bird which I sampled and it was def one of the best fried chickens I've ever had. This was my first time in Harlem, this restaurant was definitely worth the trip.
(4)Ed W.
I finally visited this place after hearing about it for so long. It was warm enough to sit outside, which I recommend. The inside looks a bit cramped. The cocktails are innovative and delicious. Of course, that means they take awhile to get to you. For dinner, I ordered the fried yard bird and thought it tasted great, but the portion seemed a bit small. The service was good, but we waited a bit for someone to ask if we wanted additional drinks. I would certainly recommend this place, but be prepared to spend a bit.
(4)Mindy M.
I have been here three times now. Twice in the summer and once this past week in the winter. All 2014 visits. In summer this place was hopping, the drinks were great, food excellent and an amazing vibe even though it was as loud as other reviewer Samanta C comments. (I am agreeing with her on many points after my third visit.) They were serving homemade pickles this summer and I was dreaming about them when I visited again in November. On the downside they weren't serving the pickles (off the menu for winter) but on the upside it wasn't over 100 degrees inside the restaurant. Also, we were within walking distance to The Apollo Theater which made this a great choice for a pre-show dinner. I've had the shrimp and grits three times now. It always perfectly prepared with a lot of complexity in the "sauce". The portions are shrinking, though. And did the price go up too? Hmmm...I'd probably go there and order it again anyway. It's a great preparation. (It's better than my recipe and I'm a little sad about this fact.) My son had the Lobster Mac N Cheese. Also expensive and tiny. But, hey- it's Lobster and he loved it. Then we both ordered $12 desserts. I ordered Pineapple Upside Down Cake. After seeing so many other things delivered in cast iron I was I expecting to get a warm gooey cake served in its own tiny little pan. Sadly, I received two corn sticks, sort of warm, and some ice cream. My son ordered the cheesecake. The portion was also small and the presentation looks like it was really designed for sharing. Get an appetizer and skip dessert. So the portions were small and prices high. Welcome to NYC. But, the place has everything else going for it. The mixed drinks, which I'd had on other occasions, are always inventive. The club downstairs is such a unique way to end dinner and everyone is friendly and having a great time. Yes, I've tried the fried chicken. It is worth the raves. When you call to make a reservation the people are so helpful on the phone. I even left my credit card there once by accident and the staff were wonderful about getting it back to me. I will be back and I probably won't be able to wait until they are making pickles again. If you are Southern and need "real good cooking" from time to time put this place in your rotation.
(4)Kenny T.
3.5 stars overall? Wow, I'm very surprised to see that. Well, due to what I do, I often travel up to Harlem, and before I work with a small restaurant for the soul food, unfortunately the place closed down, and I started bringing my group to Sylvia's, which I thought long and hard, because of many bad reviews, but I thought I will give it a try, but it was a mistake unfortunately. I walked pass Red Rooster many times, and often saw so many people there on Sunday afternoon, so I decided to bring them a group. Wow, Wow, Wow. Let start with the restaurant, they have upstairs and downstairs, you first walk in, is a bar area, no reservation require, first come first serve, and to the table dining in the back, which I believe reservation is require because they are very busy. Downstairs is the gospel choir on every Sunday, they have 2 shows, 10am and 12:30pm, I think, we went to the 12:30pm show, it was amazing!! Upstairs you order from the menu, the food is better then I expected, downstairs is the buffet, and because is soul food, they are very heavy, so make sure you save your stomach. I will definitely go back, and bring them more business. Everyone here are very nice, not like Sylvia's, and no, I don't work for Red Rooster, I'm just telling the truth. lol
(5)Madeline M.
The food was delicious. You must get the cornbread. Without a doubt it was the best I've ever eaten and it's served with a honey butter and a tomato jam on the side, so tasty. The YardBird fried chicken was like no ordinary fried chicken. The crust was a deep golden brown and so crisp that you need a knife to get started. The meat was very juicy and tender inside. The mashed potatoes that accompany it will make your mouth water and leave you wanting more! My daughter and I were there on a Friday evening at 7 pm. The music was a fabulous selection all night. I would also suggest the Savoy, a delightfully refreshing cocktail for summer. The only thing that could have been improved was service, we waited almost 10 minutes before getting water and another 10 before our drink order was taken, the dinner service went down the same path. A lovely lady from the staff did stop by to chat, she asked where I was from, if this was a first visit, and even invited us back the next night to listen to Jazz downstairs. All in all, a delicious meal in a lovely place just a bit lengthy time frame.
(4)Reid S.
Had a wonderful meal. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. Had a cocktail, similar to a Manhattan and a glass of champagne, both were very nice. So the lunch set menu is a wonderful deal, full sized portions for cheaper! My guest had that and I had the yard bird, don't know what to get? Yard Bird, Yard Bird, Yard Bird! I have to say it is in the top 5 best fried chicken dishes I've ever had, I went to College in the south so I've had my fare share of fried chicken. Also, the corn bread, great started! Enjoy!
(5)Melissa S.
The service was pleasant. The alcoholic beverages and jazz band were nice. But I have to judge the meal (fried yard bird) just as they do on Top Chef. It was dry on the inside and outside fried too hard. It was really hard to enjoy all the flavors of a really good fried food. The devil egg and cornbread were superb! Expect to wait for a table. We went for Sunday brunch and wait was 40 minutes.
(3)Sherie B.
I've heard a lot about this place and decided to finally check it out. I went for lunch and loved the setting. It's large space and the staff are friendly and welcoming. It was crowded this particular day and I was seated by the grill, which was displeasing. As far the food. I wasn't really impressed. It was okay. I had the salmon which was good. I heard that it is a completely different atmosphere on the weekends because of the live band.
(3)Sandy N.
Overpriced food, not impressed at all. Not many selections. The table we were seated in was small and there was 7 of us. There is only one toilet for the restroom in each of the womens and men. They have no toilet seat covers either. The service was friendly and we went on a sunday night so there was a live band playing which was nice, but if you want to hold a conversation you will need to yell.
(2)Tracy M.
Came here to celebrate the husbands birthday. Its been on our list to try for awhile. (Love Marcus Samuelson!) Luckily we made reservations because by 7/730, this place was bumping and it was a Tuesday!! We started off with a pitcher of the Yes, Chef. It was sweet, tart and not overly boozy but at the end of the dinner, I had a nice buzz going. My girlfriend told me she enjoyed the apps over her entree on her last visit so we decided to follow suite. We shared the: - Caribbean bacon: delicious, hot jerk spice was put on top of the slab of bacon. It was on top of spicy, pickled beets. My #2 - Chicken and waffles: My #1. This was phenomenal. Crispy, moist, chicken to complement a perfectly made waffle. Really enjoyed the chicken pate that came with this - Braised short rib: good, but nothing too special. The ribs were marinated in coconut milk and served with roti - Blackened catfish: really enjoyable! Loved the black eyed peas too Overall, a very cute date place. The bar area is very stylish. The ambiance is lively but not too loud. Loved the salsa music playing in the background but wish I was there a night that live music playing! Lastly, its right outside the 125th subway stop!
(4)Leon W.
The best supper club that I have been in ?????????????????????? Love the show remains on my bucket list to stay
(5)Kristen S.
The food is amaZing . The wait was way too long an we had a reservation. Foyer was crowded with people no one directed us to the lounge. Mixologist drinks overrated but Love love love the music and the food.
(4)Vincent Y.
Chef Samuelsson's Harlem outpost is one for the ages. Step inside and you're instantly transported back in time. It's like you're in a movie. The decor and ambiance of this place is like none other. Soulful, artsy, elegant, classy. I could go on and on. And that bar! Gorgeous - the most beautiful bar I've seen in recent memory. The fun doesn't stop there. The menu comes and there are so many intriguing dishes. Wings? Chicken and waffles? Deviled eggs? Vegetable jar? Yes to all, please. Everything we ordered was very good, but a special shout out to the chicken and waffles. They were quite something. How do you make chicken and waffles better? Add chicken liver butter! When you're done with your entrees (and even if you're too full for dessert), order the sweet potato doughnuts. You won't regret it. I will definitely be back to explore/eat my way through the rest of the menu. P.S. - The bathroom there is really cool.
(4)Jennifer K.
My husband and I ate here last night for dinner. Upon arrival, the hostesses and bartenders were exceptionally accommodating with checking our coats and serving drinks while we waited for our table. But when we sat down to our table, that's when the service disappeared. Our server took more than 10 minutes to approach our table and ask us for a drink order. Then we waited another 10 minutes to get our drinks. We weren't in a hurry, so we didn't focus too much on the long wait. But when we finally had her attention, she simply asked if we were ready to order, without any explanation of the menu or suggestions. She was just an order taker - a huge pet peeve of mine - that's not service. We ordered deviled eggs , cornbread, peanut chicken, and the burger. The cornbread was delicious, but all the rest was far below expectations. We didn't eat the peanut chicken at all after the first bite, and we just had a couple of bites of the burger. Our server never returned to check on us after we got our food to make sure we liked everything or ask if we needed anything else. We just asked for the check and decided to give up. On the bright side - upon leaving, the manager asked how everything was, and my husband said "It was okay." She could tell we were unhappy and insisted we share our experience with her. We explained, and she insisted we let her make it up to us, offered to refund our $, and offered to have us back again. She made a great effort to turn us around. We didn't take her up on a refund. We ate some of the food and we enjoyed the drinks. And we told her we live so far away, that we probably just wouldn't be back. But she gave us her business card and asked us to reach out personally if we want to return. She did all she could, except walk around and check on tables during the dining experience. Good effort by the manager though. Overall, this restaurant has a great vibe and fun ambiance (reminiscent of DBGB) with good music, and a fun U shaped bar at the front of the space. Drop in for a drink at the bar, and move on for food.
(2)Haven J.
Tuesdays are Latin night. This place has a nice open atmosphere. The patio is open in the front for some outdoor dining where you can enjoy the energy of Harlem. As soon as you walk in you see a big horseshoe shaped bar. Grab a stool and order any drink you want or check the daily drink specials. As you move further into the restaurant there is the dining area. It has an intimate feel. I would suggest limiting your party to 4 people so you don't feel jammed into a corner. The menu is pricey but gives a good twist on what you would expect from "soul food". This place is worth a visit at least once when you're in Harlem.
(4)Mary M.
What I had: Cornbread, Cauliflower & Oyster Soup, Helga Meatballs, Mac & Greens, & Sweet Potato Donuts Would I go back?: Yes Story: Came here for dinner during restaurant week in winter. This place has been on my list for a while but during the last few restaurant weeks they havent offered a dinner option only a lunch option for those of us who work for a living kind of difficult to trek it up with Harlem for a 3 course meal. Regardless i was happy to see this time around they did offer a dinner option. Service was really pleasant and helpful. Soup was delicious had a moussey-whipped consistency very flavorful and light for something i wouldve thought would be so heavy. Helga meatballs were delicious but the bites i had of my friends Mac & Greens was delicious. The pasta was cooked perfectly and there were 2 dimensions to the cheese - a cheese sauce that was creamy yet light and the melted cheese on top. Awesome. Donuts were delicious but nothing to rave about. Overall really enjoyed the experience and food and I got to meet Marcus Samuelsson which was awesome.
(4)Ori F.
We had reservation for 5:30. Got there few minutes early, got seated as soon as we got there. The service was excellent. We ordered kale salad and corn bread. one order was enough to share between the three of us. It would have been nice if the kale salad didn't have so much romaine lettuce in it. The entrées were delicious. We had the yard bird, the bass and the Mac and green work lobster, which was full of lobster. Everything was cooked to perfection. We were too full to eat dessert tho. Will definitely go back again.
(4)Yecca Z.
LOVED the ambiance soon as I stepped through the doors. Service, and more importantly food drops it down to 3 stars. I would rather come to the bar to enjoy the live music and a good cocktail than eat a full meal. When the bf and I walked up to the hostess (Sunday, 1:30pm, sans res), she quoted a 20-minute wait for a 2-top (even though she said 30-min to the guy in front of us...). 30 minutes later, she comes to apologize for the table taking an "unusually longer time to finish". 40 minutes later we finally get sat. The waitress brusquely asks bottled or tap and then 5 minutes later the busboy comes to ask the same question. We got our starter and entrees before our cocktails even made it to the table. She never came back until we asked for the check. Service was not unpleasant, just a bit spotty and not the friendliest. BUT I just loved the atmosphere. Jazz music playing and memorabilia cluttered on ubiquitous shelves. A lively soul singer started warbling "I can't give you anything but love" and as I sipped and listened there was nowhere I'd rather be. We enjoyed 2 lovely cocktails: harlem shake (starr african rum, coconut milk, pineapple, mint, lime) and strivers rowers (raspberries, sage, peach, honey, bourbon, prosecco). The different jugs of infused bulleit bourbon on my right was a nice touch and I liked the shape of the bar. It just felt different from every other rustic-y restaurant I tend to go for and reminded me of New Orleans. Food-wise it was a big letdown. The cornbread was not very moist and didn't really taste out of the ordinary. Jack's Chedbred is still solidly my favorite purveyor. The triple-double burger looked VERY promising at approximately 6 inches tall but the flavor just wasn't there. My helga's meatballs were just okay as well. Love that Marcus's Swedish influence is present especially with those delicious lingonberries, but I liked everything about the dish except for the actual meatballs. Mashed potatoes were solid and even the pickles.
(3)Denise M.
Finally made it to the famed Red Rooster. I went on a Monday night, which was great because the band was in full swing in the front of the house. Interestingly, there was a stark contrast between the front bar area, populated by dancing, drinking folks, and then the back dining area populated by ogling, eating folks. Outside of this juxtaposition, I much preferred the live music experience to the dining experience. I found the Yardbird to be bland and uninspired. I'm sure that better fried chicken can be found around the corner on 125th for 1/4th the price. [[And, as another commenter mentioned, it gets incredibly hot in there due to the open kitchen and close quarters.]] Despite the blah food, I still give Red Rooster 4 stars because the live music was Oh So Good. We were singing and swinging and getting merry like Christmas (Maya Angelou reference). I will totally go back for that and take my drinks and appetizers/desserts at the (crowded) bar.
(4)White S.
Do what the locals do - have a drink, enjoy the buzz and when you get hungry, head over to Sylvia's next door or the new Madiba down on 116h St. for real soul food or something more interesting. (Keep your coat on though, because they can't keep the cold wind out of the bar.....) Maybe this place was once inventive but now its been watered down to mayonnaise soul food and you'll quickly notice there are not many locals around, except at the bar. You will quickly see this place is all about tourists and luckily for management, they are oblivious. That means you'll have a hard time getting a table and the front desk, while sweet, is also clueless about finding you one. Luckily for you, they just might be doing you a favor and leaving you a soul survivor. The Yardbird is OK, the catfish is OK too, though hardly inventive. The chicken salad is a mess with ugly chunks of meat. The signature meatball dish - five bland balls on a bed of sauerkraut with a lingonberry type dip for $21 is a bit of a joke. Any grandmother anywhere could knock the socks off this - and do it for free. The one dish that received a divided review was the Mac 'n Chesse. You dont get much but what they have done is take a comport food and make it discomfiting with the sharpest cheese they could find. Some at our table liked it and some like me hated it. You decide. All I know is that wild Roosters couldn't drag me back to this overpriced tourist trap that's just resting on its old mojo.
(2)Kavi-Yuvraj R.
They were really busy when I went so the experience was not all that great. The food was okay. I had the lobster Mac n Cheese. It was decent. The best part was that they had Carib.
(3)Rosemary V.
Came here on a Saturday afternoon around 6. Atmosphere: Trendy and modern. Crowd was mixed from young to old. Service: The host was quick to attend to us and the waiter was friendly and attentive. Food: We had the chicken and waffles, the wild, wild wings, corn bread and parmesan fries. I wasn't a fan of how the fried chicken was seasoned. The cornbread was delicious, especially with the side tomatoes sauce. The wings were crispy and tasty. The fries were good as well. Overall I think everyone should go here at least once. I would come back to try some of their other dishes.
(4)Dee C.
I was anxious to try this place since I've been to Aquavit and loved it. Red Rooster is a gorgeous place! Bustling with life and art and music! Menu was very interesting as was their cocktail menu. We ordered the Hendricks cocktails with mint/cucumber. EXCELLENT and sneaky...... **hiccup** Menu - we ordered a bunch of stuff. Started with the lamb tostados .... OMFG I could eat this every day. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING Unfortunately that was our climax and it all went down hill from there. Chicken and waffles. Good chicken but the chicken liver butter was gross. Totally didn't fit the dish. The chicken wings were missing something. Maybe heat? the buttermilk blue cheese was like water and not very flavorful. We also had the crostini sampler. Fig/cheese was the best. Tartar was blech. Salmon/pickled fennel was good. Service was spotty. We sat at the bar - The bartender (who was lovely) was overwhelmed with his happy hour crowd and just had a hard time playing catch up. I'd go back to this place in a heart beat but would pick some of the other dishes.
(3)Kerry A.
This is all I need to say: "CORN BREAD". Keep it comin' Mr. Samuelson. I bow to your craft and this flaky, moist, corny slice of heaven adorned in honey butter. Now ... onto the "yardbird" ... fried chicken perfection. Ohhhh that crust. I think some saliva dripped out the side of my mouth just typing this. Mashed potatoes ... outrageous. Greens ... just the right braise and spice and heat. My dining partner and I both agreed that we're glad too we tried the Swedish meatballs but would not have ordered them again ... were just ok. Wanted to totally love the mac and greens, but a bit too decadent for me in terms of cheese sauce. The service was impeccable. From the gals doing seating to the guys bussing tables, the charming, knowledgeable servers and maitre D. They made us so comfy and welcome, treated like long last family members who they wanted to care for through a good meal. I will most definitely be back here and will also want to check the downstairs jazz cafe, Ginny's.
(5)Em G.
Red Rooster is a perfect example of why I've made the best choice for myself in 2015: to become a serious, hardcore foodie. Because THIS is what it's all about. My honey and I came here for Restaurant Week (Summer 2015) and ordered from the Prix Fixe menu. Wait...I'll stop right there. Let me talk about the ambience first. As you walk up to the establishment they have outdoor seating which is splayed out in a beautiful, classy manner. We arrived there early (before they opened) and we were treated with two glasses of water as we waited outside for them to open. As soon as you walk in there's a beautiful horseshoe bar with beautiful art and pictures displayed on every wall. The place was smaller and cozier than I had assumed it would be (which I am totally okay with and actually appreciated). Though, we did see stairs that may or may not have lead to another dining or showroom area. Regardless of that, the size of the place was great. My baby ordered the Watermelon & Heirloom Tomato salad to start off, followed by Blackened Catfish followed by their Red Rooster Donuts. As for me I started off with their Charred Tomato Gazpacho that literally blew my mind and got me legitimately angry as to why I do not incorporate any gazpacho at all in my life. I followed that up with their Helga's Meatballs with the donuts hot on its trail. We were beyond satisfied and impressed with EVERYTHING we had. Marc Samuelsson should be proud of this restaurant. And I'm pretty sure he is. The staff, by the way, was absolutely lovely and were accommodating to the fullest. Within half an hour of the restaurant being open there were a ton of people already packing the place. So even though you might plan to one day get there early a reservation is definitely recommended. And if you're going there in the evening for dinner then calling ahead of time and reserving a table is a must. All in all it was a FANTASTIC place which we're going to make sure to visit again very soon.
(5)Kate H.
This place is a hit or miss for me. Yes we all love the cornbread and the grits but when it comes down to the meal - I'm just not lovin it. At my recent visit, I had two friends join me and we all ordered separate items. The first thing I want at brunch is a Bloody Mary and it better be bloody good - it's all about proportion and by no means does it ever mean serve me a v8 juice. I'm not going to make a big fuss with the Bloody Mary simply because this isn't the St. Regis but I will however make a big fuss over my catfish sandwich. So you're schlepping to harlem for some good modern soul food cookin and what should you expect? I expect my catfish not to be soggy that's for one. Two, I didn't expect a 2/3 ratio of breading and old bay vs fish. I could not find the taste of catfish. I could have been served fried breadcrumb sandwich for all I know because I cannot recall a fish in there. Lastly, it was bland. My recommendation is to just drink at the bar, get your cornbread and walk down to Sylvia's next door.
(2)April B.
The restaurant is good. However after hours the upstairs Bartenders are terrible. If they want to do after hours club like events hire bar staff that can handle it.
(1)Brooklyn H.
Went to dinner here on a Thursday evening. The restaurant was packed, outside and in with a very mixed, eclectic crowd. The music was loud, but very enjoyable. A mix of old school R & B played in the background. We waited at the bar until our table was ready. The French Martini I ordered was PERFECT! The bartender shared that it was his favorite too, which is probably why he made it so well. Fortunately, we only waited about 15 minutes for a table. To our surprise, the two of us had to share a table with four others, two parents and their teenage children. I enjoyed the food, although the vegetables were a tad bit salty for my taste. The macaroni and cheese mixed with collard greens were tasty. The steak was too small, but good. All in all, my favorite dish were the wings. They had a kick of spice and were flavorful. We had to request for "wings only" because the original dish was "wings and oysters".....yuk. Would definitely visit again to try other dishes, and have some wings and a French Martini.
(4)Rachel A.
I've been here twice, when it first opened and again this past Sunday for brunch. I really wanted to like this place but it always disappoints miserably. First there was a really obnoxious singer, actually using the term singer is a bit generous, as far as I could tell she was squawking off-key at an obscenely high volume into the microphone. It was so loud it was hard to make out what the "song" was (or think straight) but it was jingle bells. I find Christmas songs slightly annoying during Christmas time but downright offensive to be subjected to them in July!! We almost left but then the squawker announced she was going on a break. Which was good because besides the infernal racket she was making, she was also panhandling!! I think I've had better experiences from the really talented singers on the subway -whom might I add are a lot less pushy than this disaster of a person. On to the food: Meatballs - I would have assumed a Swede would at least know how to make meatballs. They were really only so so. Small and dense with no particular flavor. The only saving grace about this dish were the mashed potatoes which were delicious. Deviled eggs - again nothing special Bloody mary - really the worst bloody mary I've ever had. Cheap vodka and poor quality tomato juice.
(1)Mel M.
Great food but completely horrible service ! Servers were rude, they acted like they hated their job. Cannot even stress how horrible the service is . Would not come back
(2)Daniel G.
While visiting my best friend for the weekend, she made it a point to take me to some place she thought I would enjoy. Of course, I mean restaurants. Now, I am not a city person. I don't get a hype from visiting downtown and I don't get swept up by the grandeur of New York. Its fun to visit, but the mere presence of a restaurant in NYC doesn't automatically make it great. This place earns it own stars. On this particular day, we stopped for lunch at the Red Rooster. It was within walking distance of her workplace and she had nothing but good things to say about it. Trusting her opinion, while starting to form my own, we stepped into the Red Rooster and I felt excited. The place is swanky. I will give it that. The staff is alive with pep and eager to please their guests. Looking at the menu I had no idea what to order, and she had no idea what to recommend. It all sounded good. She did however promote the corn bread which I will turn around now and do the same. Its very good. I settled on ordering the Jerk Chicken, mainly because I had it one time in a carryout container that this very friend had given to me from some restaurant unknown, and that it was so good I am determined to find out where it came from. While this particular Jerk Chicken wasn't as good as my original, it was very satisfying. Even its presentation was memorable. *I couldn't help but notice the group of women sitting next to us. About 4 or 5 of them all taking pictures of their meals in unison, a trend I seem to have started among my own friends.
(4)Roza S.
I'm in love! First of all I love that whole area of Harlem and how it is full of soul food spots. However I would say this is my favorite spot so far! Heads up, if you're trying to eat inside you need reservation it gets packed! I went on a Thursday night with only one other person and we had to sit outside. Luckily the weather wasn't too humid. The ambiance and atmosphere is beautiful! I love the decorations especially on the inside. It is very artsy. The host and hostesses that greet u outside by the door are very friendly, good looking and dressed well. We definitely felt welcome. The service was on point, I have no complaints. The menu has so many delicious options! I have to come back to try other things! We ordered the corn bread and the shrimp ceviche for appetizers. The cornbread was made perfectly sweet and soft. It came with this read sauce that complimented it well. The shrimp ceviche came with plantain chips and this dish was perfect! For my main meal I had the catfish which was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Melted in my mouth. I will definitely recommend it. For drinks we ordered a pitcher of Red Rooster sangrias. Cant go wrong with that! It was delicious and I would say about 5-5 1/2 glasses total. They have a live band inside. Next time I will definitely make reservations and eat inside and order something else on the menu. Must go!!!
(5)Winsome C.
After a year of planning, we finally made it to Red Rooster for brunch. I've been dying to try the brunch menu at celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson's Harlem based restaurant. Featuring items that combine Chef Samuelsson's childhood in Sweden and Harlem's soul, the brunch menu at Red Rooster is a culinary delight. A combination of luck and the fact that we arrived fairly early Sunday morning had us seated pretty quickly. The dining room was bright and lively, and the live jazz music just added to the ambience of the restaurant. We started with the cornbread, which was served with honey butter and tomato jam. It was so light and perfectly, crumbly moist, and adding the honey butter and tomato jam on top of the cornbread just made it that much more delectable. We both ordered the spiced sweet potato and apple French toast with a side of smoked bacon and pork sausage, and when our entrees came out our jaws dropped. And when I had my first bite of the French toast, topped with the cinnamon whip and dipped in the maple syrup, it was a flavor explosion. The crispy sweet potatoes on top added a nice crunch to a wonderfully fluffy French toast. The pork sausage was also a burst of flavor, juicy and with a hint of rosemary. The smoked bacon was succulent and perfect when dipped in the maple syrup. All in all, the trip was definitely worth while. I just can't believe we waited so long to go. I am decidedly going back, especially to check out the Ginny's Supper Club right below Red Rooster.
(4)Scott S.
My wife took us up here for Father's Day. Glad she did, it was such a nice time. The cocktails are terrific and the scene is great. Food is pretty good, but nothing you couldn't find somewhere else but everything else makes up for it, especially the staff. Not sure I've ever come across a nicer group of people. I definitely recommend the trek uptown to spend a nice evening here.
(5)Sarah W.
Suuuuch good food! Get the meatballs and the cornbread and you won't be disappointed! They have a great take on a whiskey sour called the Uptown Sour too!
(5)Crystal C.
My only issue is the dirty rice & shrimp appetizer. They need to make that bad boy an entree! This place was great, and I mean GREAT. I am a tough critic, but honestly everything was on point. My boyfriend and I came on Valentine's Day and had 8pm reservations. We arrived on time and we were immediately seated. The hostesses were very welcoming, which does not happen often in NYC restaurants. Everybody around us was attentive (the water guy, our waitress, the servers). Our food literally came 10 minutes after we ordered. (Mac & greens, dirty rice & shrimp, chili soy glazed wings, crab cake and cornbread) PLEASE TRY THE CORNBREAD, it is amazing (and I actually dont like cornbread)! The Red Rooster Punch was pretty good too. In the middle of our meal my boyfriend said he was going to ask me about the ratings I'd give Red Rooster on yelp, but he told me he took a bite of the cornbread and forgot to ask. That says a lot :-)
(5)David N.
Our waitress Jodie ( best server I've ever had , and I know good service) knew the menu and artwork inside through and through. We started with cornbread and deviled eggs which were simple, but extremely tasty. Our party ordered the yard bird, double triple burger and the catfish, everything was laid out beautifully, and tasted even better. Thank you Jodie for the awesome experience we will be back soon enough.
(5)Erin W.
We went to Red Rooster for lunch during Restaurant Week, I ordered off the RW menu- which seems to be the same as the daily lunch Prix Fixe menu- but the hubs went a la carte based on the limited offerings on the RW menu. I got Helga's Meatballs and let me tell you, they are fantastical. The mashed potatoes made the dish for me, with every bite of meatball I got some lingonberry and some potatoes for a perfect morsel. Seriously... the mashed potatoes... seriously! The market salad and the sweet potato doughnuts were nice accompaniments to the meatballs, but I wouldn't order them on their own- the value just wouldn't be there. The hubs fried chicken was really good as well, even though I could only negotiate a few bites lol. I would definitely say it is worth going out of the way if you want a unique variety of options and well executed food.
(4)Carl-Fredrik M.
Fantastic! We went for The Sunday Brunch and it is better Than it's reputation! Live Music great Food, My daughter Said it was The best breakfast she had ever! We had omelette, French yoghurt juice etc. A must when in New York!!
(5)Clare C.
Food was excellent and creative. I had the RRR appetizer, which was a very fun take on pastrami sandwich with beautiful presentation. For main course I had the seared bass, which had a crispy skin and was flaky and buttery. Sadly my joke about it not being ill-tempered went over my dining companions' heads. They split an order of the cornbread, which could have been a meal unto itself. The best part of the night however was the band playing inside. Incredible music.
(4)Randy S.
Good food, especially the salmon and that butternut squash soup, oh my. Service can be a bit slow, in fact very slow, BUT very very friendly. I suggest going on the early side so you don't have to wait. At all. Like at 11:30am when they open. This way you can get a seat without the dreadful wait. While the food is very good, its not worth more than a half hour wait at the bar, especially if you are hungry!
(4)Leah E.
GO TO THIS RESTAURANT IF YOUR ARE IN HARLEM!!! The food is fantasticly creative and the energy is popp'n!!!! You are missing out if you do not try this restaurant! From the caribbean bacon, to the steak and frite and drinks... this was our most memorable night from our NYC trip. Hats off to the staff members here, you are on top of your game! We will meet again Red Rooster!
(5)Tiya B.
I decided to try this place for brunch after my girlfriends warned me that dinner menu wasn't that great. I have to say that I was not impressed at all by the brunch. The side of potatoes lacked any flavor. My omelette was fine but it's pretty hard to mess up eggs. I've had better cornbread at places half the price. The live singer was the best part of the whole experience. Surprisingly the place was packed. Definitely wont be back for the food.
(2)Ashlie M.
I've lived in Harlem for almost a year before I got a reservation at this place . Honestly it is over rated , but I think this is because there are no places to go in Harlem so it's always super packed . The super Ginny club downstairs is great though , but red rooster is just okay to me. I had the pork and it was very dry to me, the serving size was really small in my opinion. I left there hungry and underwhelmed . We ordered a bunch of sides because that is what the waiter recommended and we also ordered the meatballs . Don't get me wrong the food was not horrible but no where near worth the hype . I would just go to the downstairs lounge and order a drink at the bar if there was an event . But , I guess I'm glad we went to see for our selves.
(3)Rod O.
To sum up this place "I see why tourists flock here & I see why locals avoid this place." Atmosphere great. Food tasteless & bland. It's as if the Chef wants all his patrons on a low sodium diet free of taste & desire. Enjoy
(3)Bruce C.
Cornbread, deviled eggs, chicken and waffle to start. Then on to meatballs, yard bird, lobster mac-n-cheese and shrimp and grits. All exceptional. Ignore the negative reviews, this place is great and the food is outstanding.
(5)Jason B.
Loved the Swedish meatballs and the coffee. Everyone I was with enjoyed what they ordered.
(5)Kyle K.
Style over substance. Food is fine but not amazing, overpriced, I suppose an analogy of the gentrification of Harlem.
(3)Ariel B.
Very good dining experience. We came for lunch and found the service and food quality to be great. Also I noted that the iced tea was very good, although they give only a small glass of iced tea with no free refills (which seems pretty standard at most places for iced tea). The s'mores bar was a tasty dessert option. Fixed price lunch was a good way to try multiple dishes.
(4)Calvin C.
Came in for the first time after hearing for so long about this place. I was surprised at how quickly I was able to get a table for 3 people on a Sunday morning based on the restaurant's reputation but we were quickly seated. The restaurant has a great decor with live music band in the corner. The music was chill with an ambiance to match. My wife and I ordered the fried chicken and waffle and Helga's meatballs. The meatballs were awesome. Really loved the lingonberry sauce. The fried chicken/waffle was great although I actually preferred the red eye gravy with the fried egg that was on the side of the entree. For the fried chicken, I would have preferred if they had given a bone-in piece of chicken rather than a boneless piece. But everything was still well-prepared. Based on this first visit, I'd love to come back for another meal, especially dinner. Funnily enough, our friend who we were dining with mentioned that he had seen Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) several times while eating there and as soon as he said it, guess who walked in? Why wouldn't he want to eat at such a fun restaurant.?
(4)Clifford S.
Do not miss a visit to this superb little gem in Harlem - well worth the trip from Manhattan; the menu is edgy and eclectic , the food absolutely first rate; from fried chicken waffles to meat balls - to Sunday brunch with live music - Service to match - everyone smiles , super friendly and accommodating.
(5)Emily W.
Even though it was pricey, everything was delicious. I has the Harlem Mule to drink and it was perfect. The lamb tostadas were super flavorful and unique. The corn was good but not amazing. Overall I was impressed!
(5)Yvette C.
Our waiter, JAMES, was amazing and cute too! Our first time here, but not last. I love the NYC and now have added RED ROOSTER to my paces in the BIG Apple to love! The LIVE band stirred my spirit, the bartender was very good and her pour was exactly what the dr. ordered. I had blackened catfish and grits and it was GOOD, so was the Bloody Mary and Harlem Shake too. The 2 train dropped us off nearly in front of the place. Oh, and the bathroom was clean an added plus!
(5)Ebony L.
The food was okay but the cornbread, meat balls, and mac and cheese are pretty good. I got really full however the service is HORRIBLE the waiter checked on us every 30 minutes which was annoying I needed ketchup for my chicken. Oh the shrimp and rice isn't the best I wouldn't get it but everything we had was okay. However if you sit by the window you see all the Harlem people and how they interact. There was one lady out there giving an unofficial show and she was hilarious. If you have to wait and can wait outside of the restaurant do so, that way you can feel the people of Harlem.
(3)Linda F.
I'll rate it a 3. The Ambiance Is Great! But the kitchen was closed at 10:40. I can't even get a burger. Not happy! Gotta go to Corner Social!
(3)Mel D.
I brought my friend from out of town because she wanted to experience the "NYC scene". I usually hangout Uptown and Harlem is definitely poppin'. Red Rooster is very popular spot. I thought the ambiance was nice and my friend was LOVING the ambiance and the "beautiful" people she saw. We were not able to get reservations, which I now know I must call HOURS earlier not two hours before. We sat at the bar because it was too cold outside to eat. I was slightly annoyed with people reaching over me to order and receive drinks. But what annoyed me more was the food. Let's be real, the food is expensive. In my opinion, too expensive for Harlem. If you are going to charge alot of money, the better be spectacular. I ordered the jerk pork chop and my friend ordered the oxtail parradelle(sp?). My pork chop was....pitiful. First off, the cut of the pork chop was poor. It reminded me of the cheap assorted pork chop pack you would get from the supermarket. My chop was not the normal quality chop that I've come to expect from restaurants that usually serve the center cut pork chop with one curve bone at the end with a palm-sized piece of meat free of fat or sinew. That is not what I received, it was full of sinew. Aside from the poor cut of meat, the seasoning was NOT jerked. I have West Indian friends and relatives so I know what jerked anything tastes like. My chop just tasted like they threw some allspice and something else and grilled it. There was absolutely no heat, no carmelization of the brown sugar (because there was none). Then I realized that I paid $29 bucks for this sad chop. So with a poor cut of meat with no real seasoning, I was disappointed. At first I did not really make a stink because my friend was enjoying the place so much. But then one of the bartenders came over and asked me how was it, I think she noticed the look on my face of discontent. I told her frankly that I really wasnt feeling the pork chop. I didnt expect to send it back because I had eaten some of it. But she graciously took back the chop and offered to bring me back another meal of my choosing. I appreciated it and decided to go with the burger. I figured it couldnt be hard to mess up a burger. The burger was OK. Nothing special and probably just a regular hamburger meat. I've had much better burgers at bars for much cheaper prices. I think the other bartender was slightly annoyed with us because we weren't buying a bunch of overpriced drinks. I actually wanted something to drink but when I saw the prices and limited selection for the wines, I opted out. I'm not a super penny-pincher, but I've paid these prices at other locations in NYC and received my money's worth, especially with meat. I paid $29 bucks at STK Midtown for a steak but OMG was that steak good and worth the price. Another thing that annoyed me was the side dish that we ordered. It was sauteed kale for $8 but the dish was so small I think it should have been half of the price or $6 at most. It tasted OK but not worth the money. My friend said that her meal was tasty but OK. I think she wanted actual pieces of oxtail in the pasta instead of shredded meat. My friend loved the space and the people but I don't think I'll go back. I was really disappointed. I would recommend that you go if you have money to waste on drinks and you don't really care about the quality or price of the food. i really wanted to like this place.
(2)Gina M.
I'm pretty sure Red Rooster is the gateway to some kind of foodie heaven. This restaurant has it all: ambiance, cleanliness, great service, and delicious food. I really dug the modern farmhouse motif that Red Rooster was going for, it was very inviting and cozy. When we were seated up front by the bar we noticed that the owner, Marcus Samuelsson, sitting two tables away. Que EPIC FANGIRL freakout. Moving onto the food--everything was delicious. Mr. Samuelsson is very inventive, yet very traditional when coming up with his menu selections. I liked the juxtaposition of the old-school and modern cuisine. The deviled eggs were delicious. The chicken and waffles were hands-down the best I've ever had! Everyone at our table was constantly sharing and picking at each other's plates. There is no way you can leave Red Rooster not full. I'm pretty sure my husband had to roll me out--Violet Beauregarde style. It's definitely worth checking Red Rooster out if you're looking for an epic southern food experience. Who knows, maybe you'll run into Marcus Samuelsson. He's a really nice guy, very humble about his delicious and beautiful restaurant.
(5)Julian F.
I tried REALLY hard to take pictures of everything I had before I devoured it. Clearly, I couldn't do it because I was too busy enjoying every single detail of my experience. It's an experience. I don't mind paying the extra bucks because I know what this staff does is to make the guest happy. Every single move is to support the experience that is RED ROOSTER. The food...simply delicious. I could spend my time naming a bunch of scrumptious words but then I would rob you of thinking it yourselves when you try these fantastic dishes. The drinks? Ask for Deon at the bar. All the bartenders are amazing, but Deon will have an affair with you and pour you a drink at the same time. Drinks THAT good. The vibe? Sexiest people in Harlem. Maybe even in NYC. Music was more than I could've ever hoped for. Ask for the Rakeim Walker project if you want your life changed. That's it. The service? I felt like a King. A KING. Zamunda is my Kingdom. A KING. Go staff! Simply, make your way here if you are looking for a special night. I promise you....you WILL enjoy!!!
(5)Jesse F.
Second time here: Get the salmon tostadas and your life's mission is done. Had the oxtail pasta for the main course which was also excellent. As a treat ran into Chef Samuelson sitting at the bar table behind me and said hello to him and he was very friendly. First time here: I was in NYC on business and had a free night to jump on the subway and head to Harlem based on a recommendation from a friend that works at C-CAP. I was by myself so I wore my stretchy pants in anticipation of a pig out. Started with the cornbread which was good, but then tried the second bite with the red sauce that comes with it and WOW was that an awesome flavor combination. Had the Caribbean bacon as another appetizer which was also excellent and tasted best when everything in the dish is mixed together to make a complex flavor. Had the Yardbird for the main course. Nice crust on the chicken and comes with two dipping sauces. This dish was good but I was not blown away. My favorite was the gravy, but you can hardly ever go wrong with gravy. Pretty stuffed by this point (I wish I really was wearing stretchy pants) but made it through half of the pineapple bread pudding. This dish was good but again was not blown away. Overall really enjoyed the dinner especially the first two dishes, hopefully next time I can go with friends.
(5)Rita M.
I feel that I can safety say, this place is overrated. I have been here at least four times, and there has been only one app I have enjoyed, which I have not seen on the menu again. Overall,....ehh. We came to dinner a few nights ago, and something must have been going on in the kitchen. My uncle received his entree 10 minutes before our drinks came. Then the chef sent out two appetizers, 'with his compliments', instead of the appetizers we had ordered. The free appetizer salad looked like the kitchen threw it together. At least the second free app, the shrimp papaya salad, was tasty. 20 mins later, I received my order. My mother and another uncle waited for another 30 mins for their food. No one came to clear the table so by the end of the evening I had about 6 plates stacked on top of one another. The manager, however, was great with addressing the problem and the server tried his best with a smile. We appreciated that aspect of our dining experience. But the looooong winded wait for 'ehhhh' food, leaves me with the conclusion that Red Rooster is overrated. Womp womp.
(2)Bess F.
Food is awesome! Enjoyed a soup and a half sandwich immensely. You can tell they only use fresh, high quality ingredients. I ordered the hot and sour soup with mung beans and clams. It was out of this world! Soup was so creamy I assumed it had cream, but the waiter said, "not!"! The server told us they use an emersion tool to get that result. The sandwich, fried chicken with fresh cilantro was delicious and full of flavor. A must go to restaurant in Harlem!
(5)Ray W.
I heard about Red Rooster from a friend. I rarely go to Harlem but made the trek to Rooster. Was difficult to get a reservation for a normal dinner hour so settled on 530p. The ambiance, bar and waiters were overall excellent. I ordered the yard bird and for it's price I thought I would be blown away. Sadly it was average fried chicken with a few sides. I am in no hurry to head back. When I do I will try brunch.
(3)Shamaine B.
Went there for Easter Brunch with my boyfriend and had the best experience ever! Our waiter Samuel was fantastic and prompt. The food was to die for! Only had to wait 20 min to be seated. It was an overall great dining experience and would definitely go back!
(5)Marisela H.
We had a seriously bad dinner here last night. The service was trying hard, but the kitchen and bar were a mess. Took forever to get my drink. My husband ordered 3 different types of beer on their menu and they came back 3 times apologizing 'cause they were out. He then had to ask "what DO you have...?" Apps: I had gravlax (house specialty) and it was dry and uninteresting, with a sweet mustard that could've come from a bottle. My husband ordered the fried wings and oysters. Oysters were taste-less. The wings were so so spicy, they were almost inedible - and I like hot. Onto mains. I had the worst mac & greens with lobster EVER. Barely any lobster. No greens or caramelized onions visible (both on the menu description) It was Dry. No flavor. The mashed potatoes that came with the Swedish meatballs were the best thing we had. Finally we had expressos and the cookie plate. The menu said assortment of cookies. Our plate had 2 kinds only, seemed to have been made by the Keebler elfs. . We were looking forward to this for weeks. We felt like we were eating leftovers.
(2)Warren T.
I went to this place and had their seafood platter for two. It was not bad. My guest had the Yardbird chicken. Which was excellent. It's kind of busy and a lively atmosphere. It's a place that a lot of famous people visit. The drinks were off the hook. I had a drink that was modeled with grapes. It was incredible. The cornbread was incredibly awesome! We had a total of six drinks plus two entrées, and dessert. The bill was $300 for three which included tip. Although the food was okay the service was impeccable. This by far is probably one of the best run and organized restaurants I've been in. Although the bill was a little high I totally enjoyed myself and I would definitely come back.
(4)A S.
Ehh. Really not sure why all the hype. Had been meaning to go for years and finally made our way to Harlem for brunch. Everything was bad to OK and nothing even above average. Ambiance and restaurant were nice and a small band during brunch. However (and not to sound pretentious), 90% of the patrons were tourists. To start we had deviled eggs which were fine but entirely ordinary (like family picnic ordinary). For mains we had the Migas and chicken + waffles. The Migas was unforgivable - over-cooked dry scrambled eggs interspersed with crispy tortilla chips. That's it, i cant even say what they were attempting. The chicken was the shining star in an otherwise dark night, but even it was only good, not great. Side of grits was flavorless and dry (picture instant mashed potatoes) and "smoked bacon" was limp and flavorless. Overall, i cant recall a more disappointing meal in NY given all the hype. I gave them one star because we were not charged for the Migas - we bit our tongues when asked how everything was, but our kind and perceptive waitress noticed it was hardly touched and took it off the bill.
(1)J P.
I live in the neighborhood and I frequent this establishment. My fav is the lobster mac and greens. As it has become a big tourist stop I am mindful of the days/times I go. Midnight brunch is amazing. The crowd is mature and lively.This is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Harlem.
(4)Sefam A.
This was a sponsored lunch which was held at Ginny's Supperclub on the lower level. The cucumber/yogurt soup was amazing and I highly recommend trying this item as an appetizer! The rest of the entrees included grilled shrimp over rice, flank steak with hollandaise sauce, asparagus, and pomme frittes, and Cajun catfish over grits. The castfish and the grits were delicious! The grits looked and tasted like mashed potatoes which I have never seen before. Next came the strawberry shortcake dessert which was very dissappointing. It was a piece of spongecake with glazed strawberries with a side of strawberry sherbet. Had I been paying it would have been sent back to the kitchen. The cake was bland and tasted a bit stale. Overall the food was good and the resturant is a pleasant atmosphere. However the wait staff had a terrible disposition and were very unfriendly. None asked how we were doing nor described the dishes that were served, just placed on the table. When asking for things it seemed as though it was a bothersome to them where you just did not want to request anything. My other colleagues had the same sentiments.
(3)Zeinah I.
I went for a friend's birthday gathering at Red Rooster's midnight Brunch last week and it pretty much sucked. I ordered chicken and waffles, which was bland. Music was really loud (partly because we were sitting above of of the speakers), we asked them to turn it down several times and were told they would do so, but this never happened. I could barely hear my friend's brother who was seated directly across from me. Service was also shitty! They were so slow to serve, mind you many of our plates were sitting on the kitchen counter waiting to be taken to our table. I heard this place was good, so I was expecting a lot better. I may return during daytime hours... P.S Denzel Washington apparently arrived a few minutes after I left. Hope he had a much better experience....and maybe they were prepping for his arrival? Hopefully...
(2)PickyEaters T.
Ok so a little bit late in the review- was there for the thanksgiving prix fixe menu 2014. I am still thinking about the meal. The butternut soup with chorizo and pecans is still calling to me! Everything I had here was delectable. I can't wait for my next trip to NYC to try it again. Home run Mr. Samuelsson!
(4)Gesselle C.
I must confess the food is pretty good but the lack of customer service is a real turn off. I have patronized this location several times and although it has a lot of hip people working here, you get a full attitude from the staff. I went to celebrate my dad's birthday and they tried to sit us in a small table by the service station and when I asked for a new table, I was told it would be a 10 minute wait. The restaurant was empty. In an effort to not upset my Dad, we sat at the bar and waited out ten minutes. The bartender did not ask if we needed anything in 10 whole minutes. I just called to make a reservation trying to give them another shot and they turned me down because they don't take reservations. I am expecting 12 people, would I risk not having a reservation? No. I guess this restaurant doesn't care to make money or treat there customers right. I won't attempt to come here again and will post this to my social media. It's a shame because I really wanted to support this Harlem based restaurant.
(1)Seisei T.
Very disappointing. Had the korean lobster roll, not great. Looked like a flaccid penis (sorry, but it's true). Choucroute and sausage were good, not spectacular. Huge portions. Cornbread was DELIGHTFUL and so were the pumpkin doughnuts. Those two things alone served up an extra star for this otherwise overrated restaurant. Granted we didn't try the chicken, so we're planning to go again to have that. And the doughnuts. Mmm, fried deliciousness.
(3)Alicia D.
I came here for brunch on a Saturday before it got crowded. I had the French toast, my daughter had a burger and my godmother had some kind of cook up with collards, eggs and bacon. I really liked my French toast. It wasn't soggy or overly seasoned. I like a hint of cinnamon, I don't want to feel like I'm having a cinnamon stick crammed down my throat. I tried my godmother's food, it was good but I love bacon and greens so I'm probably biased. My daughter's burger was fantastic. Seriously, that was a good burger and I'm picky about my burgers. The service was lovely, everyone was friendly and accommodating to our requested menu changes. I would definitely visit again.
(4)Alexis N.
We really enjoyed Red Rooster. The crowd was GREAT, the drinks we GREAT, and our food was FAB. Our only complaint was that they were running behind so we had to wait a bit for our reserved table. Not a huge issue though. We asked the waiter what he suggested and followed everything he said. By doing this we ordered things we never thought we would enjoy, but honestly this is one of the best meals we have had in a while. We ordered the Carribean Bacon, Kitbo, Fried Chicken, and shrimp and grits. For dessert we got the smore bar and since it was my birthday they gave me some of their signature donuts. All were superb. I was so full, but I couldn't stop eating :). Definitely worth the trip to Harlem.
(5)Peter K.
Holy Tourist Trap, Batman! Did I really select this as our brunch destination? (smack) Seriously, this celeb-chef owned establishment left me absolutely baffled! First, the highs: The Bloody Mary: Peppery and Strong enough to numb/soothe the rest of your experience here (if this review didn't already send you racing toward an alternative). Then, the midpoints: The design of the restaurant - ooh, you so fancy! Honestly, the prim and proper chicness of this place reaffirms that sometimes the look of restaurant has no direct correlation on the quality or taste of its food. The service - the best attempt at trying yet failing. The staff is dressed well and try to maintain a level of arrogance as they move about the restaurant. Unfortunately, the operation is completely disorganized and undisciplined with multiple random people asking you for your beverage order (even as you sip your coffee and bloody mary while they ask), plates and glasses crashing about, food appearing in front of you that was meant for another table, and/or your table companion, and napkins being rolled up (as someone gets up) like a 3 year old would do it. Seriously, do it the right way (by not getting your hands all over the napkin, you know, the professional way?) or just leave it alone. Finally, the nasty bits: The coffee: Wait, really? You're serving me a no-refill cup of Maxwell House for the price of a Venti Caramel Frappuccino? Oh, I know it's from a bodega can; I used to use them to train new folks in my old Starbucks days so that they could understand the difference between something good and something crappy. The food: batched and pre-made to the max. Everything from our salads to our omelets to our (salty) yard bird was pre-cooked and just awaiting final assembly when we ordered it. Seriously, the food is lukewarm. The cheese or sauce that smothers it is what's hot. And how does a Top Chef All Star think it's okay to smother fried chicken pieces (that should be eaten by hand) on both sides in sauce? Chef, really, when was the last time you were forced to eat a drumstick of fried chicken with a knife and fork? I know, I know.. I could use my hands and wipe them clean later! If only the waiter didn't clumsily fondle my napkin when I stepped away to the men's room. The cornbread: Really? You're pulling a fast one on me Red Rooster! Asking ever-so-politely, yet so casually if I want some cornbread to mop up my salty entree - as if you were asking whether or not I'd like a refill on my tap water - without bothering to tell me that those two slices were going to cost me practically as much as my alcoholic beverage. GRR! Honestly I can go on. But I have other places to visit and other reviews to write. Never again.
(1)Gabriela A.
It took the bartender 40 minutes to finally get us our drink!!! 40 minutes!!! Not to mention she was rude. Then 10 minutes later, a fight breaks out and stools are flying !! Out of control!! Won't be returning and will definitely not recommend this place.
(1)Westchester Girl G.
So last night 4/3/2015 My friend and I went and stood in line at about 10:40 to go downstairs. The bouncer at the stairs let someone behind us go through. I said that's just not right. The bouncer kept on making comments like "if you want to get in this club I am the person you should be smiling with " I was so shocked and disgusted with these black business attitude. I really did not engage in small talk with him. Wait, he whispers in the hostess ear, and all of a sudden she said we should have RSVP'D online to be on a guest list otherwise we cannot go in. I was not going to get into uneducated arguments with a bouncer who thinks he works for the secret servicesl, and a hostess who had bad make up. This happened on Friday 4/3/2015 between 10:40 and 11 Fyi. I regularly party there and the guest list was made up. Sad.
(1)Ashwin T.
Red Roosters was one of my first forays into Harlem dining, but if its any indication, I have been severely missing out! While the upstairs dining room was completely full, we were able to comfortably secure a four top at the bar downstairs - i'm told occasionally reserved for live performances, but on this Friday night mainly an extension of the restaurant with a slightly modified (read restricted) menu. Service was delightful throughout, from the bar tender serving our pre-dinner cocktails, to the wait staff, to the manner in which our complaint about sitting under an AC draft was handled, all interactions were a pleasure. The food also did not disappoint, with fried chicken in a couple of different formats being the main event, but well supported by a variety of flavorful and interesting side dishes. Spotting Chef Samuelsson on the way out was a treat for the top chef fanatics among us (who isnt these days?); all in all, a great evening
(5)Alexandra S.
I'm going to give it 3.5 - and not sure it was worth rounding up. The ambiance is definitely upbeat and fun, a real mix of people from casual to dressed up. Very friendly. We sat at the bar for a good 2 hours enjoying drinks and some appetizers that came by before we actually got a table. I went with friends who had been here before but since it was my first time I had to order the fried chicken and mac & cheese and greens. The chicken was good but not extraordinary and the main problem was the 2 pieces I got had very little meat on them. The mac was delicious. The desert - a chocolate ganache of some kind - was really good too. Overall the food is quite tasty, the menu a mix of things, but the prices for what you get are definitely inflated, yes, even for NYC.
(3)Maia A.
I had an amazing experience at Red Rooster this Thursday. Carlos, the bald bartender with the suspenders, was absolutely amazing! I'll definitely be back.
(5)Gayle T.
Nice spot. Went for drinks and dancing at night. Loved the vibe, music and people. Bar service could've been better. Longer wait than expected to get a drink and when I got my Moscow mule it tasted nothing like it. When I addressed it with the bartender he acted as if I was crazy. He added more ginger beer, but it was totally the wrong alcohol that was added. Luckily another bartender was nice enough to replace my drink since this one didn't want to.
(3)Colleen J.
I would give this place 5 stars for the food and ambiance, but it will fall short of one star because of their service. Otherwise, one of the best restaurants you will ever dine at, amazing sense of community and you will find people from different backgrounds and walks of life, jammin' and groovin' to the live music and entertainment even on a late Sunday evening. We ordered the deviled eggs, fried yardbird chicken and oxtail pasta and it was pure foodgasms. Mixed that with some of their amazing drinks and great singers in the background - sitting on their patio outside, this was probably one of the best dining experiences I have had in a long while. Very down to earth and unpretentious but at the same time very classy. We will definitely return!
(4)Dina L.
Our run club had a catered event here after our run and I shook hands with chef Marcus Samuelsson. He's in damn good shape to run with the fast group and when we got to the basement level, we had a delicious buffet waiting for us (corn bread, collard greens, chicken, pasta, etc. and dessert was a mixture of different delicious cookies). When it was time to leave and we went back upstairs, it was a nice crowd with some nice vibe. I definitely want to come back here when I'm showered, dressed well and not stinky. He gives back to the Ethiopian community, so even if he and his restaurant are a success, he remembers to give back. I support him for that and the fact that he's absolutely good looking, can cook and has good food to boot! (I had to stop after 4 pieces of cornbread, the sweet butter is delicious with it).
(4)John P.
Ok... I've seen all of the negative comments... Not gonna come from me! I went here on Friday night with two friends. Prime time for this place and most places. No reservations, lots of people, and we got a great awesome table. It was a little bit of a wait, but hey we didn't have reservations and it was Friday. Sweet!! Table for 3 - nice. Food - over the top goodness. Manager gave us an appetizer to say welcome. I'm here for my cousins play. Lobster mac and cheese. Crawfish grits. Cornbread. Oh and a cookie! Drinks... Good! Service - superb! Decor - liked it, eclectic and cool. Harlem - YEP! I went, you should go!
(5)Renee M.
We were in the neighborhood and decided to stop in for brunch. It was 11:30am so no wait, and service was good. Now here's where it got bad.... What we ate: 1. Biscuits and gravy - much too salty, you couldn't taste anything but salt! 2. Catfish sandwich - they were trying too hard with trying to be upscale that the catfish just tasted like a weird mix between wasabi, mayo, and grease We were so bummed with the meal and the huge check...
(2)Terry K.
I'm surprised by all the harsh reviews of this place. In all fairness though, we didn't try the main dining experience. So I'll add that this just a review for their Sunday Gospel brunch. I'm a fan! We casually wandered into the Red Rooster around 10:30am this past Sunday. I had heard fantastic things about the all-you-can-eat gospel brunch they offered. I wasn't sure what to expect...and I ended up loving it! The hostess gave us a big smile and informed us that for brunch they could offer us a cozy booth and that we'd have the table until 12:30 - I felt like that two hour block of time was generous and perfect. I had a suitcase with me since I was heading back up to Boston. The hostess offered to store my suitcase away while we dined. I told her I'd put it away myself and to point the way since the suitcase was embarrassingly heavy. But she sweetly insisted on taking it for me. She then brought us downstairs. It's dark and dimly-lit. There's a nice brightly lit up little stage. The whole place had an old school, wonderfully retro feel to it...instantly whisking you away to another era. We were told the performers would go on in about an hour or so - we had plenty of time to grab our food and get started. The little nook where they had the buffet set up felt very intimate. It almost felt like we wandered into someone's house for a nice little brunch. I immediately spotted deviled eggs - it really was a party! They had chicken and waffles, bread & butter pickles. Pasta with greens, buttermilk mashed potato with a delectable (sausage?) gravy. They had a spring mix that had an amazing, amazing ginger-lemon dressing - I went back twice just for that salad alone. They had madeleine-shaped cornbread (so fluffy & soft) with a delicious little tomato jam/chutney and honey butter as accompaniments. They had these fun little Swedish-style meatballs with lingonberries. Gravlax. An array of desserts. All goodness. All delicious. The food was anything but a typical brunch fare. It was eclectic and thoughtfully prepared and yummy. Then the singing started around 11:30. A beautiful line-up of fresh-faced singers with amazing voices - the youngest singer was 14 and the oldest were in their early twenties. Would explain the crazy energy you felt when they were belting out their tunes...they were dressed all in white and had big voices that just filled the room with such a positive vibe. Singing so good you almost don't feel bad that you skipped church that morning! Singing so good it nourishes your soul! Someone had a birthday in the crowd - they brought her up and sang her the sweetest rendition of Happy Birthday. She looked tickled and everyone cheered for her. The performance was too short for my liking but I suppose they can't go on forever ... The buffet price is a bit steep at $40 for an adult, $20 for my 7 year old. (And babies are, of course, free.) But I figure that you're factoring in an invigorating performance into that price. I would come back here again & again! And I only found out post-dining here that this restaurant was opened by Chef Marc Samuelsson. Another bonus!
(5)Alison L.
3.5 stars. Bumped them up to 4 because all members of staff inside the restaurant have a sense of style that will shame whatever you happen to be wearing that night. Tip: Family style is the only way in which to enjoy this meal, folks. For the appetizers, we had the corn bread, lamb tacos, and watermelon heirloom salad. Each of us had a slice of cornbread, but if I were to do it again, I probably would have opted for half. I'm not such a huge fan of lamb, so I only had a piece, but it was super tender. The mains, we had the mac n cheese, shrimp n grits, oxtail parpardelle . The Yard Bird is pretty hard to share, but if you are with good friends, you should just tear into it. For the drinks, we had a pitcher of Yes Chef--super good, though on the weaker side. I came here with a party of 5 people, one of who was the birthday-girl, so she (obvi) didn't pay--and it came out to about 60 dollars per person. Pretty reasonable, considering the mountain of food that we ordered. And for the birthday girl, they gave her three small truffles with a candle stuck in one of them. That was nice of them! If you live south of 125th street, though Harlem seems like a trek, the restaurant is basically two steps away from the 125th street station, so it's super convenient.
(4)Frank H.
This is my fourth time here and it gets better every time. You are a fool if you don't get the cornbread and the fried yardbird. That had to be the juiciest thing I have ever eaten. Can't wait to come back!
(5)D T.
Sorry but, we won't be going back to Red Rooster. Of course this place is expensive, but we knew that going in. However, the menu outside advertised a Harlem Chowder for Two, which sounded delicious. We thought it would be what it said: a nice big bowl of 'CHOWDER': a thick soup or stew with a milk or tomato base. Some people might criticize us for not asking for the specific details---- but what we got was a whole bunch of shelled seafood just thrown onto a giant platter filled with some kind of salty juice and a few pieces of really burnt toast scattered on top. We were sitting low and this humongous platter was elevated so high that it was uncomfortable to get anything off of it, plus it sat between us blocking any conversation from happening. I don't even know how to explain this: it was just a disaster. In the shallow platter, the broth quickly got cold and we were stuck having to crack open lobster tails and pick mussels out of shells, etc., etc. NOT what we expected at all. It simply was not a chowder. Not to mention the bad taste that was left in our mouth from the burnt toast. So, we basically blew a hundred bucks and left wishing that we had just gone to McDonalds instead. Overall: simply a disappointing experience. And I would not go back again.
(1)Tracy S.
This was an absolutely amazing experience. Went for the first time on MondayMarch 9th, wow!! The food was a big surprise, I assumed it was going to be pretty good but it was incredible. The yard bird was to die for the cornbread and tomato jam was such a surprise treat. It's best to throw your diet out the window for one fantastic meal. However, friends got the sea bass and that too was magnificent. Our waitress Jodi was the nicest, friendliest and most efficient waitress I've ever encountered. Oh and there's a band there Monday nights in the bar area, the place was jammin. Loved it!!!! Looking forward to my next visit.
(5)Dana R.
This is a 3.5 star review. First of all, this restaurant DOES take reservations (I've made them) - there is a Red Rooster in Maryland that I accidentally called first (not looking at the area code) which is very small and does not take reservations. The cornbread is the best I've had (my husband said that too - and he doesn't typically like cornbread) -- silky, dense texture with kernels of corn and faint honey taste throughout. My husband started with the spring salad -- fresh, crisp greens, pickled baby beets, shaved radishes and a ginger/lemon vinaigrette. Nice salad, nothing special. My brother-in-law loved his deviled eggs -- creamy egg filling with the perfect amount of mustard heat. I stole one and concur. My dirty rice and shrimp was outstanding -- a sweetness to the tomato sauce in the rice and the shrimp were fresh and perfectly cooked. Didn't care for the grilled romaine lettuce leaves but did enjoy the yogurt sauce. My husband's oxtail pappardelle was just okay. Nothing special. My brother-in-law enjoyed the meatballs, but the star of that dish is the mashed potatoes (I had to order a separate side of those myself -- they're sooo silky and buttery with fried shallots to top -- I found them to be better than the famed mashed potatoes at Atelier Robuchon in Paris). My blacked catfish was very good, fresh fish, perfectly cooked, but my taste, the rub had too much smoked paprika and clove ... seemed a little out of balance. And, I really didn't care for the grits -- they seemed to sticky to me ... were definitely underseasoned (and I couldn't even tell there were "cheddar" grits ... I literally just looked up the dish online so I could accurately describe it and was surprised there was supposed to be cheese in the grits ... the menu type describing the particulars of a dish is so small I couldn't actually read it at the restaurant). The side of mashed potatoes made up for the underwhelming grits. We shared the ice cream sandwich for dessert, a soft(ish) slab of pecan maple surrounded by chocolate cake with a blueberry sauce (with whole blueberries) and whipped cream. Nice. The service started out well -- one of the managers came over to introduce herself and ask whether we'd dined there before (no). But then a deep-voiced and stylish server appeared and simply asked "are you ready"? We were, but it would have been nice if he had taken the time to introduce himself and ask whether we had questions (particularly since we had told the manager we hadn't been here before ... perhaps he could have told us some of the more popular/better dishes ...). We also told him we were celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday (I saw a dessert appear at another table and thought it would be fun to embarrass him slightly). We placed our orders and didn't see our server again, except in street clothes on his way out the door. The shift change was not kind to us ... we were left in the dust and when our new server finally arrived (also very stylish), he was friendlier but no more attentive. And, the birthday thing was lost in the mix ... so, no candle with the ice cream sandwich. The wine list is nothing special. My brother-in-law and I said we'd come back ... my husband, not so much.
(3)Michelle Y.
Oh Red Rooster. I wanted to love you as much as I love Marcus Samuelsson. However, your food did not live up to your reputation. I ordered the Rooster Punch-red wine, navan liqueur, brandy, and citrus. I guess it's supposed to be akin to sangria, but it just dropped the ball. It tasted literally like non-alcoholic fruit punch. I started with the Cornbread with honey butter and tomato jam. The cornbread was so dry. Without the butter and jam, it would have been inedible. For my entrée, I had the infamous Fried Yard Bird which is dark meat, white mace gravy and mashed potatoes. It was actually seasoned very well and the only good part of the meal. For dessert, we shared the Sweet Potato Doughnuts and Dulce De Leche Flan. They were both below-average and lacked flavor. The waiter was really nice and friendly so he saved the night for me.
(3)Paola M.
We went there on a Friday night. We booked ahead of time, but then 2 friends decided to join us. We were lucky enough to be able to add them to the reservation last minute (we tried to add them a couple of weeks before but that did not work - I suspect people book ahead and then cancel last minute when they get the reservation reminder). Anyway we ended up being 4. The place is incredibly loud and busy, something I would expect in a club/lounge kind of place more than in a restaurant, but once you sit down and the food starts coming it seems quieter. Maybe the table are well positioned, maybe your are more focused on the food... don't know it noise stopped bothering me once I sat down. We ordered some incredible fried green tomatoes and a delicious chicken and waffle that we shared. The sauce on the fried green tomatoes was a garlicky ranch-type sauce with just the right amount of kick and it paired beautifully with some sweet and perfectly fried green tomatoes. The chicken and waffle had great balance. I had chicken and waffle once before and thought it wasn't a thing I understood: sauce and waffle to sweet seemed to clash with the chicken, but here the balance of sweetness worked out perfect. For the main course, I shared the yard bird with a friend and the boys got the catfish and the fish and grits. I tried a bite of the catfish that was cooked to perfection and was surprisingly un-greasy.Also I tried the grits: good, soft, creamy.. from what I understand exactly what grits should be, but I still prefer my polenta (I am a polenta fundamentalist so take this judgement with a grain of salt). The yard bird was amazing. Don't know how you can fry a duck and make it taste so lean! I would order that again without thinking about it twice! We then had dessert. The donuts (thanks to the server suggestion) and the apple and fennel thing. The apple and fennel thing was OK, but the donuts were amazing. We fought over the last two even if we were stuffed and the donuts were cold by then. We also had good wine, attentive service and some good after dinner drinks. The bill was reasonable for what we ate and drank especially for NY.
(4)Racquel C.
Loves the ambience of the restaurant. The food was overall delicious. The service could've been better - it was average. My favorite item was the deviled eggs - beyond amazing.
(4)Linda S.
This place is seriously good. I'm not sure how they only have a 3.5 rating. My friend and I got the corn bread as soon as we got there because we were ravenous. The honey butter and tomato jam were both so delicious. If that butter came in a jar, I would probably eat spoonfuls of it. We were looking at the appetizer choices when the amazing angel woman next to us recommended the Caribbean Bacon, which we honestly glanced over and did not think much of. That Caribbean Bacon made the night and meal. The sweet angel was right. It's unbelievably good, and the bean tomato sauce has a pleasant kick to it. If you decide to pass on the plate, you are doing yourself a great disservice. For our main entrees we ordered the yardbird, and blackened catfish with grits. Both were delicious. The yardbird chicken was so crispy and fried to perfection It was accompanied with this amazing gravy, cooked to perfection collard greens, and smooth and creamy mashed potatoes. The skin had so much flavor in it, and you could see all the different spices being utilized. The blackened catfish with grits was a standout too. The grits were so creamy and the chutney relish on the fish tied the plate together while giving you a pleasantly sweet surprise. Lastly, we ordered the brownie sundae for two, which of course was amazing, but arguably a little too sweet. I think the peanut brittle pushed the sweetness a little over the edge, and trust me, I love my sweets. The atmosphere is great for any occasion, and the servers were friendly, professional, and very knowledgeable. You could argue the food is a little over priced, but the food definitely makes up for the price. MUST TRY and very much worth the trip!
(5)A B.
I've had drinks here once and brunch once as well. The cocktails at the bar are ok. There's an earl grey whiskey drink that I think is pretty solid, and the atmosphere is pretty good too. Like most places in Harlem today, Red Rooster is a caricature of itself. That's fine though. It's part of what I went there for. It just seemed to me that the staff there went out of their way to be unhelpful. I came with kind of a large group, and they don't sit incomplete parties, which I get, but 5 were here, and 1 was on his way, we asked to be seated as 5, as the table we would get would have an empty seat regardless, and when he comes, it wouldn't cause any trouble. They said it would only be ok but he couldn't order when he got there. I was a little confused with that. I ordered my meal, and he came in just as the appetizers came out. He asked if he could order an entree, no, the kitchen was closed for people dining where we were, even though it was steadily sending food out to the people eating at the bar and outside. He had to sit there sipping water. I ended up splitting my steak and eggs with him, which, credit where it's due, was amazing. little things, like having to ask for water 3 times and it not coming until I stopped a busser, was inconvenient. I'm probably not going to go back, mainly because I live in Brooklyn, but also because it's just not a great place to go.
(1)Donnie T.
I will keep it simple & 100 % real, this place is 10 out of 10. Extremely clean, Service was excellent, Food was Excellent, Price is just right. Take your special someone or your group of friends.
(5)Rob C.
Like so many successful restaurants in New York, this one has completely lost it. Lousy service now, even lousier food. I am writing this after my fourth return trip after my initial review in case the other visits were a fluke. Nope. I tend to eat early, and the restaurant was never full on the last few occasions I was there. The last time I went, one of my guests did not get any meat on her double cheeseburger. Cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, etc... But no meat. Seriously. I had the fried chicken which had been put in the deep fryer at least 3 times. Maybe 4 or 5, but at least 3. Rock hard skin, and dust dry meat. When I complained, they took it back and then re-served the two pieces I hadn't touched with a new one for the one I had eaten. Do yourself a favor and stay away.
(1)Lea R.
Yesterday night have a diner with my friends . The wine is delivious and if you love fish please take the salmon it's amazing !!! The service is perfect I think I'm gonna be a regular Cliente ! It's a little bit expensive but justified
(5)Subir G.
The space is beautifully restored and the bar is a visual treat. Service is quite polished, well above par for Harlem. It's well worth the visit. The dining room is always packed, the food is quite good with a couple of dishes knocking it out of the park. The bacon appetizer is ridiculously good. Gravalax is usually pretty good quality. The steak is very good, the fried yardbird as well. Chicken and waffles are excellent (and I've eaten a lot of chicken and waffles). Helga's meatballs and the shrimp and grits were liked by others at our table, I wasn't wowed by them. The wine list is extensive, when I was last there it read more like a midtown wine-list, especially on the reds. There are some values here, but few things under $50.
(4)Brian G.
I was able to make time for a quick lunch at Red Rooster during a recent trip to New York, and it lived up to all my expectations. Great atmosphere, impeccable service, and all of the food was spot on. The cornbread with tomato jam was outrageously delicious, and the Beef Kitfo (warm beef tartare) was also excellent. The catfish sandwich was was perfectly prepared and generous in size. I can't wait to go back for dinner!
(5)Seve' M.
Great place for events. I went here for an album release party youtube.com/watch?v=nE8z… . The artist had the entire floor to themselves and the servers and bartenders were first class. Great little place to grab a drink on the weekends and the vibe is always lad back chic. Great addition to Harlem and I hope it keeps up the great service.
(4)John S.
Had lunch with some family. Great food awesome service. Best money I've spent in New York. Thank you all of the staff.
(5)Jennifer K.
This was my second visit here since this place opened. I am still putting it in the mediocre category. I had my aunt and cousin visiting and they were eager to visit this place. We had the pre-fix lunch menu. I had the salad (meh), salmon (good), and doughnuts (ok). So many great places to visit with so little time..... not sure if I will return! Maybe for the crowd and a drink.
(2)Elodie T.
3.5- Thanksgiving meal My friend and I went for Thanksgiving dinner, since we were both away from home and didn't want to cook. Our original reservations didn't pan out, so we went to Red Rooster. We were informed that it was maybe a 30 minute wait, and we decided to just go for it. Coat check seemed a little disorganized, and we didn't want to deal with it. Surprisingly, we were seated within 5-10 minutes, but at a communal table. We weren't asked whether or not we wanted a table to ourselves or if we wanted to share, which was a slight negative. We sat between 2 couples that didn't seem in the best of moods, despite the holiday cheer. Seats were fairly close to each other, so I can understand (since I felt it too) the unhappiness at having to share a table with others on a holiday, because you don't feel like you have any privacy. Tried to put it behind me,and focused on the meal. Here is what we got: Cornbread ($4)- decent, came with a side of butter and cranberry sauce. Mashed potatoes ($8?)- best part of the evening! So rich and creamy that we weren't able to finish it on top of everything else. Thanksgiving plate ($28)- good, but I was a bit stunned by how much it cost. But since it was Thanksgiving, how can one not have Thanksgiving food? I thought the string beans were undercooked, but apparently that's how a lot of the chefs prepare them? Didn't quite like those. I wasn't impressed at first by the size, especially given the price, but it filled me up enough (not even close to oh-man-why-did-I-eat-so-much??, more like I-am-pleasantly-satisfied.) Overall, good. I had a good time despite the unhappy couples flanking us on both sides, and the food was good. I don't know if I'd come again unless it was a very special occasion, and even then I think it wouldn't be at the top of my list. 3.5, rounded down to 3.
(3)Renee B.
This unique restaurant merits a 6 ****** award. From the warm greeting upon entering to the sweet-potato doughnuts at the end it was an extraordinary experience. We were two for lunch. This is what we enjoyed: as an appetizer, we chose the parmesan frites with a flute of Prosecco, followed by barbecue chicken sandwich for him and squash soup with a catfish sandwich for me. His signature drink was Yes Chef and I had a glass of Trebbiano. For dessert we had the heavenly sweet potato doughnuts. The service was understated and on point, very attentive and courteous. Our water glasses were promptly refilled, our empty plates removed in a timely fashion after we were asked if they could do so. The decor of the restaurant is very appealing and original. There were quite a few patrons at the bar as well. The open kitchen is fun to watch with its dramatic flamboyant surge of occasional flames. I described it as unique as it melds Europe with New York in its offerings and degustation, plus it is perfectly located in the heart of Harlem. When we left, three people said goodbye to us...with a smile! (even if you don't need to,please visit the awesome restrooms where you'll find a multitude of family portraits all the while enjoying the pipe-in jazz music) This was a bright and uplifting couple of hours in the middle of a cold November day. Afterwards, we took a walk along Astor Row (130th Street). Bravissimo, Chef Samuelsson!
(5)Elisabeth L.
Love the vibe at Red Rooster. Beautiful bar, great bartenders and the music is great at night. The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is certain menu items but most of their food is delicious! Nice date place, family place, girls night out...etc!
(4)Sasha Z.
Went here with a group of 10 or so on this past Wednesday with a prefixed 4-course menu. It was paid for by the leader of the group I was with, so I don't know how much it cost. Pros: 1. The food was incredible (I had the cornbread that came with honey, butter and Tomato sauce on the side, deviled eggs, Red Rooster Punch (red sangria), Grilled Peach Salad, Helga's Meatballs (AMAZING) and Strawberry Shortcake and I recommend all of it). 2. The servers were very friendly. 3. The ambiance was very relaxing and cool. 4. There was a live violinist and he was fantastic. 5. All of the food came out at the same time. Cons: 1. We had a 6pm reservation but we were not seated until 6:30 2. Our food came out incredibly slowly and we ended up spending 3 hours at the restaurant 3. We only got one serving of Red Rooster Punch (which was delicious) and they never asked us if we wanted more. 4. Over the course of three hours we had our waters refilled twice and spent a large part of our meals water-less/it was impossible to track down our waiters. Overall I had a great experience since I came primarily for the food, and I would definitely come here again if someone else was paying for my meal and I had a lot of time to spare/good company to spend it with!
(4)Liz T.
Yum yum, we went there for brunch in Sunday and despite the hour wait it was well worth it. Great atmosphere and staff were super friendly and helpful. Get the cornbread get the cornbread, there were four of us and we gobbled up down as soon as it arrived at the table. It's fresh and light and the butter amazing. I ordered the catfish sandwich oh my so delicious, it had this yummy coleslaw and a pickled cabbage slaw as well. Yum yum. I am dreaming about it now. Great place to go, I would go back.
(4)Laksen R.
This rating is long overdue. I for one held off on going to Red Rooster because of all the hype but it did not disappoint. We went on a Friday for dinner and drinks. The service was great and the clientele was a mix of locals and tourists. We tried an assortment of dishes- our favorites were the oxtail pasta and the salmon tostadas. We also enjoyed the huge portion of jerk pork. Taking a star off because one of the bartenders was very heavy with the sweet and sour mix in all her drinks.
(4)Foodie X.
I HATED the crab cake: the crab meat, the bread, the garnishes, everything about it. Service was POOR. Hostess had a horrific attitude and my bartender was nice, but he was very overwhelmed for an early lunch on a weekday. He wasn't a new employee either. All hype. It is possible that I ordered the wrong entree, but feedback from friends who have eaten here is also poor.
(1)Jessica J.
Decided to get the fried yardbird and the oxtail pappardelle. Both were good dishes but I definitely think it was not worth the hype. Red Rooster seems to be on every NY top restaurant list but the quality of the food didn't match up to all the reviews. Maybe things have changed over the years? Slightly disappointed but glad I went so I could cross it off my food to-do list.
(3)Ifigeneia D.
I've been here multiple times with friends. It is a gem of harlem, in my opinion. Great food and drinks, and pretty fun music on a late night.
(5)Pauline B.
Went here for Brunch Sunday morning, and walked into a live soul sister entertaining the crowd. Great soul food! The corn bread was so good here!! The pork sandwich is yummy, the bread is super soft, it melts in your mouth! Don't forget to wash your hands... You will go thru a time warp on your way to the restroom ;) .... Enjoy !
(4)Arielle S.
The food deserves 4-5 stars but a few things took away from that. Took my date here as a birthday lunch treat and we decided to order off the prix fix lunch menu. Found it strange that they sat us up front despite all other customers being seated in the main dining area in the back. In the beginning, though, i thought it was nice to have the whole front area to ourselves. However, midway through our meal, despite there being many open tables, they seated other guests at our long table. If it wouldn't have caused a scene, I absolutely would have objected. That was not at all how i envisioned things and I did not like having to share the table. Before we started eating, they asked if we would like some corn bread for the table. I assumed it was complimentary and accepted. When the bill arrived, we had been charged for it. I find this to be extremely sneaky and again, had it not been a bday celebration, i would have opened my mouth and said something. Otherwise the food was very good. Way too much for me to eat in one sitting so i brought home leftovers. My bf and I both opted to start with the sweet potato soup, which was very good. For the meal, he had the salmon (delicious and topped with raisins) and I had the mac and greens, which had a small side salad and macaroni and cheese made with gouda cheese and I believe spinach. They also served little donuts as dessert. I'm not a big donut eater but I thought they were good. It's pretty expensive so I probably wouldn't come back on just an average day. Maybe for another special occasion but I certainly won't be sharing tables again!
(3)Kevan G.
The Red Rooster was the first "fancy" restaurant I ate at after relocating to New York. Really great Americana cuisine is what's on the menu. You can tell that the Red Rooster is a trend-setter. Marcus Samuelsson, the executive chef, was asked to cater President Obama's first state dinner, and it's evident that his cooking style has set trends on a very large scale. Before I moved down from Toronto, Canada, I was amazed at the prevalence of gourmet BBQ and American comfort food that was popping up across the city. Gourmet mac and cheese, and catfish and grits seem to be very en vogue everywhere, and that's exactly what we got at Red Rooster - probably where that trend gained traction. What the Red Rooster does better than almost any restaurant is this: 1) Incredible, warm, genuinely friendly staff. This was pretty much the best service I've had in any restaurant. 2) Cocktails. The cocktails were inventive and delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Earl of Harlem. 3) Atmosphere. With gospel brunches, live jazz, and eclectic décor, the Rooster is inventive and exciting without feeling clichéd. And yes, the food is very, very good. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because that style of cuisine seems to be very much in fashion, and you can get similar, equally delicious Americana cuisine pretty much anywhere these days. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Dina M.
This rate is really a 4.5. Yelp should really consider doing half points. Anyway the only complaint I have about the Red Rooster is the waiting time for your order, oh and the chili soy chicken wings were not as flavorful as you would imagine. Everything else was completely to die for...lol I order Helga's meatballs with a side of Mac and greens. My friend had the shrimp with grits. FYI: I hate grits, however when I shared a fork full from her plate, those perfectly seasoned, cheddar grits were heaven..... Just a little info, if you go please make reservations... By all means treat yourself the Red Rooster, you'll bee glad you did....
(4)Kiera S.
Place is awesome. Great decor-fun staff-amazing food-eclectic music. A def must-visit if you're in Harlem! Get the 'sweet potato french toast' that they offer during their weekend brunch! (And def plan this as a cheat meal spot!!) : )
(4)Jenn E.
Came here on a Sunday night with T for a celebratory dinner. Having been to Aquavit prior we had relatively high expectations but were trying to not get too excited. Immediately upon arrival we were greeted, checked in our coats and handed cocktail menus as we were a few minutes early for our reservation. After ordering drinks we waited, very pleased to find ourselves immersed into the restaurant and the lovely live jazz music playing by the bar. Red Rooster punch in hand we were escorted to our table, greeted by our server and presented menus. So far, so good. We probably over-ordered but wanted to try several of the bar snacks and entrees so ended up with the pickled veggies, spiced nuts, and tacos. All were delish but the nuts were especially addictive. The yard bird was hands down our favorite entree - juicy, succulent and massive in size, I would come back just to eat this again. YUM! T got the catfish which was also good but paled in comparison to the bird. Service was friendly, quick and understated, similar to the decor. Would definitely come again.
(4)George H.
Ambiance is great. Amazing live music, good looking and well-decorated space, attractive and smiling servers and staff. Seemed a little touristy, though. Food was good, but did not live up to the hype. Nothing we had was bad, but nothing was amazing, either. The fried chicken was really good, but it's on par with Blue Ribbon (if not worse). The pork chop was good and cooked perfectly, but it was just a pork chop. Same goes for the spicy chicken and shrimp and grits. Like I said, everything was good, but this place has a reputation for being amazing. In NYC, with so many crazy inventive restaurants, this just didn't cut it.
(3)A Z.
Sometimes I daydream about how decadent the mac and greens dish is, but it's still not enough to overcome the entitled staff and other dishes that don't look up to the hype. Additionally. 15 dollars for a cocktail in Harlem is highway robbery, even if you are Marcus samuelsson
(3)Tiffany L.
3 - 3.5 Stars. Had a part of this review saved from last Thanksgiving (2012), and never finished it...but think it's worthwhile to share some thoughts on this trendy, overpriced restaurant. So here it goes... A visiting friend and I came here for Thanksgiving dinner after there was unfortunately a mess up with my reservation at the packed Sylvia's next door. We debated a bit about if we should try Red Rooster, with me knowing it would be overpriced and a totally different style from laid-back, traditional Sylvia's. Anyway, we decided to give it a shot (I really just wanted a Thanksgiving-style meal and since Red Rooster was offering something along the lines of that...then so be it.) The wait surprisingly wasn't long...although I do still remember a hipster guy who took my name down, and me standing awkardly waiting as there isn't really much set space while you wait to be called. Also remember the service here being very whatever or blasé...not very "warm" for sure...but who expects that here? The Thanksgiving plate was $28...which is quite expensive...especially for the amount of food you get. We also ordered mashed potatoes and cornbread on the side -- they were both good quality and tasty, but nothing that is memorable or stands out in the long run. I tend to prefer carved ham for Thanksgiving, over turkey because turkey tends to be dry dry dry. They only had turkey, and I wasn't expecting otherwise. I don't remember this turkey being particularly moist or amazing, but it definitely wasn't bad. I do remember not having many slices though...By the end of the meal, we were both decently full, but not STUFFED, which was alright. The two of us were SQUISHED (really, could barely move arms and no room for purses or camera, phone, or anything) in a communal table, between two couples who did not seem to be very pleased at all...especially the older couple on my left seemed to be having the worst time with each other. It was a bummer, and of course being that close to each other, we could all hear whatever each was saying. I guess they weren't in the holiday spirit, and I think this experience didn't do much to help that. Friend and I did notice though that the couple to the right of me ordered the exact same dishes as us (Thanksgiving plate + mashed potatoes and cornbread). Anyway, there are so many good restaurants across NYC that I wouldn't bother coming here again, unless their prices lowered and portions expanded. For what it really is, this is just too much of an attempt at being current, trendy, and well, came off a bit pretentious.
(3)Summer J.
Had dinner and sat outside. Not only was the weather perfect but the food was too. I had the Mac & Greens. Oh my goodness! Smoked Gouda, NY Cheddar, carmelized onions, and greens. Priceless!
(5)Leen V.
Did not live up to the hype.. If your hungry, don't eat here. There portions are so small. Grits with shrimp was delicious but not worth $30, when did grits cost $30?? My boyfriend got the chicken and waffles, it was one small triangle waffle with a chicken strip, we laughed at how small it was and that was $17. The corn bread nothing special it comes with this tomato jelly (tomato sauce) didn't like it. We didn't even finish the corn bread. It was blahhhhhh. Not worth the money, I'd rather go to another spot in Harlem. The 2 stars are for the lounge downstairs, I had a great time..But the food 1 star for the super small portions... NOTHING SPECIAL, won't eat here again, My BF and I can cook better soul food... tourist spot....
(2)Melia P.
I don't know what all the fuss is about. I had a 9:30 reservation and wasn't seated until 10. The bar was ridiculously crowded on a Wednesday night. If you are a vegan, the options are limited, extremely limited. I had a choice of a salad or a coconut rice curry. I chose the curry, which tasted like something I could have made at home. My friend ordered the yardbird; he thought it was good. I probably won't be going back- eh oh well. The prices are a little steep; be prepared.
(3)Wayne R.
Way Over rated. Small portions. Cat fish greasy and over battered. No greens or black eyed peas! Fail in menu options! Good Corn bread Hostess super nice and very customer friendly attentive and professional!!
(1)Charles M.
I guess I expected a bit more. The food was good. The service was good. My wife and I did not experience any of the negative service that others on this site have complained about. I simply thought from the owner's reputation there would be a bit better food. Like I already said, it was good, just not great. The prices were rather inflated and as for the chicken, I believe you can do better on the next block by going to Sylvia's. I got the bacon and eggs with brown beans and my wife got the Mac-n-greens. We also got the corn bread and the cheese grits. All were good. The best part of my brunch was the beans. This place has the decency to whip their butter and not serve it frozen, like so many places do. The corn bread also comes with a very good tomato jam that really needs to be tried to be believed. Very good stuff. We might be back, but it is hard to tell, given there are so many great places to eat in NYC.
(3)Sanna-Mari J.
This has to be my most favorite restaurant in the world. The atmosphere is great, the food immaculate and the location in the heart of Harlem just perfect. Jazz playing in the bar takes me back to some of my favorite memories of New York. Also, being a great fan of Southern hospitality this place sure makes me feel like home. I especially love their Mac&Cheese with lobster and the crabcake starter. Much love for the New York wines on the menu. Have a reservation. Always.
(5)Denise P.
We enjoyed our dinner at Red Rooster but I had expected to love the food and, with the exception of the shrimp and grits and the apple fennel dessert, I thought it was good but not great. The yardbird was nice but I was expecting fried chicken and it wasn't. Sylvia's chicken and waffles are far better, albeit without the chicken liver butter. However, service was fantastic, cocktails were great and I love the vibe. Having worked across the street for a few years, I know how desperate the area was for dining choices other than Sylvia's (and I love Sylvia's). I'll go back.
(3)Stephanie C.
3- 3.5 stars. Been wanting to come to Red Rooster for a while given all the hype, and given how hard it is to get a table!! BF and I had some RR food at the Googa Mooga food festy; some banging roasted chicken and mac and cheese. I have to say, the food I had there was better than what I had for full on dinner on a Thursday night. We had a rez for 4 at 6:30 which took a while to get- thanks to public tranpo- I was 30 min late but fortunately, there was not much of a wait on the waitlist that we got to sit outdoors at 7pm anyway. Seems like most of their seating is outdoors! Nice to eat outside, but if you prefer views of the swanky bar, inside is better. As for the food- they change up their menu quite a bit (and they were walking around with passed appetizers not on the menu- like duck confit and whatnot which looked...okay.. just a strange concept to pass stuff around), but we shared the market salad (WAY too salty, but good and nutty- greens, onions...whatever's seasonal), the house pickles.. eh. i've had better. It was almost too soggy and vinegar but perhaps it's because I mostly had okra and carrots. The other couple we dined with had the goat app, which I think they enjoyed. For mains, bf and I split a side of cornbread, which was really good (though could have been better if it came up in a skillet :D), loved both sides of the whipped butter and tomato jam. The bread was warm, and the right mix of sweet and savory. I got the famous fried yard bird, which was a huge potion that Big Eater Me couldn't even finish. Love the dark meat as it made it so juicy, and plump. I also appreciated the fact that it was not overly fried and too greasy, so they probably used the right frying temperature. But the chicken itself was not fried with a ton of seasoning- they gave me some paprika (?) stuff to sprinkle on which didn't really make an impact. The side of gravy and mashed potatoes were just ok.. really not chunky, or creamy, or anything remarkable. Bf had the jerk chicken which was plump piece of half chicken - very juicy and actually much more flavorful than my own chicken! It was typically jerk chicken- sweet (which I don't like) but was cooked well and melted in your mouth. The other couple had the fish grits (reportedly VERY good), and the mac and greens (looked ok.. I've seen cheesier mac from them before that has burnt edges around it... yum. That was not this mac. ) It was not super cheesy nor did it have a ton of flavor... it was mild. A side of brussel sprouts were also present on our table- didn't try them but they looked really good; roasted with bacon. It's hard to mess up sprouts though.. so *shrug*. For desert, we had the sweet potato doughnuts which we all said could have been more "sweet potato-y" the actual sweet potato, I think, is whipped down to a cream filling, which was nonexistent in some of the doughnuts. Came with a whipped butter (I think) which was again, ok-standard, didn't add too much to the doughnut. All in all, it added up to some $50 pp which is what you can expect for the city at at top chef place though I'm sure the locals probably find that absurd and we felt we could have made our money's work for us more elsewhere. We did have drinks- a few draft beers (nothing too crazy), and cocktails- I had the savoy (not much of a vodka taste..but fruity, which tons of grapes inside), and BF had the Brownstarter (came in a martini glass, had a cherry-bourbon taste). Service was decent (our server very nice, but they were a bit slow). RR has been up here forever and yes the Obamas come here and yes they don't take reservations easily but personally, I think the novelty has worn off. Sort of the case for Marcus S as it seems because heck does anyone like eating at Aquavit these days? But honestly, even the dining partners we had said RR's been better as they've come a couple times. Something was definitely missing.. maybe we had an off night but the food was so standard that I don't know if it will ever warrant a second visit given the hassle of the commute up and the wait system. However: to the patrons who dined with us and may be reading, we loved, loved the company so the night was a happy one. :D
(3)Kenny G.
Absolutely amazing! After work on a Friday night during a recent trip to NYC, I just happened to drive by and catch a glimpse of their bright & open storefront; I was hungry and this place seemed quite inviting! Upon approaching the entrance I had promptly been greeted by the doorman as he opened the door, I realized then that I was dealing with an entirely upper level sort of establishment. The people here wear nice attire, some suits, some dresses, and some more casually dressed people such as myself wearing button ups and slacks; I believe they have a dress code, but that seems to come more into effect later in the evening as the night crowd rolls in, though it surely hasn't seemed to negatively affect sales! Mostly to avoid the line of guests waiting for a table (stretching well towards the door), I was looking to grab a quick seat at the bar which i had found to be also completely packed though conveniently located directly upfront, right beside the hostess' station, just before a openly arranged seating area with a straight-shot view of the Chefs at work in the kitchen all the way to the back (and the decor was on-point for giving the Red Rooster a completely unique yet hip style of it's own). Noticing I was about to be waiting for a while, I talked to the hostess and was pleasantly surprised to find out about an alternate bar and more privately arranged seating area located in the basement, Ginny's! Now Ginny's, is still a part of the Red Rooster, but it has a completely different & unique ambiance of its own; elegantly yet dimly lit, with the dark-wood tones of the woodwork accented by the warm reds within the walls, quite the classy feel! The arrangement of the seating and the bar there was very comfortable and the staff had been delightfully personable as well as the bartenders being well-versed in the art of making delectable cocktails (though personally, I believe the mixed drinks were slightly on the weak side for my alcoholic palette, they made up for any disagreement in quality by utilizing some of the many hints of flavors from a wide array of fresh ingredients like mint, berries, and spices displayed proudly at the mix station). The food is prepared with the craftsmanship and finesse of which any five-star chef would be proud, they do a nice job at displaying the dishes, but its the quality of the cuisine that really drives this five-star rating home! The meal portions are satisfyingly sized and the prices are competitively ranged whether you're drinking or dining out; especially reasonable when taking into account the superb quality. I came in for a quick drink and meal and much to my surprise, ended up spending the remaining hours of the night hanging out with friendly patrons while jamming along with a great sounding local Jazz band that kicked off the "night club" scene with some catchy live tunes around 10pm till I had left around midnight! What an awesome little spot to discover on a random drive through Harlem!! Sadly, my phone had been dead while i was there and I was unable to snap some current pictures to post, but I will surely be back there again to enjoy another night out come the next time I find myself around the New York City area; then, I'll make it a point to post some web worthy pics :)
(5)Karen S.
So I would give this place for stars for lunch and 2 1/2 or three for dinner. Dinner experience is just okay, went for a friends birthday and ordered a bunch of things. The shrimp were overcooked and tasted like mush. None of the other things we ordered lived up to the hype, even the mac & cheese was somewhat of a disappointment. Can't figure out why you can't get in this place, is it only for tourists that don't know better food? Lunch on the other hand is a different story. Excellent chicken sandwich and other yummy food items. Definitely a better option! Not cheap by the way.
(3)Mark K.
Like other reviewers, we don't understand the hype. The food was good. The peanut chicken was ... Baked chicken with a peanut sauce. The meatballs were good. The other entree were good, but none of us raved. The service was friendly but indifferent and a bit disorganized. Frankly, the four of us had better meals served better both the night before and the night after. As a whole, the meal was pretty average.
(2)Mike C.
Maybe I wanted to like it too much after just reading chef Marcus Samuelsson's recently released autobiography, "Yes, Chef". But something about the meal was a little bit underwhelming. I kind of groaned from the get go, when I saw that the prix fixe menu for $45 includes an autographed copy of his book. Thankfully I read it for free on my phone so I skipped his cheap ploy to hawk his book along with the weakest selections from the menu for too much money. Anyway, the food here is pretty good, but it's a little overpriced for what you get. We started with the Corn Bread with Honey Butter and Tomato Jam ($4), which was actually pretty awesome. Nice and soft and buttery, this was the one dish that was definitely worth it. For the entrees, we got the Fried Yard Bird with white mace gravy and mashed potatoes ($22). I'm not as big of a fan of dark meat for my fried chicken, which is another reason I wasn't so impressed with this dish since it was all dark meat. The skin also wasn't particularly crispy, which was also kind of a letdown. It did taste good though, and the mashed potatoes were nice and smooth. We also got Helga's Meatballs (with lingonberries and dill potatoes) ($18). These were delicious, but there were only 6 tiny meatballs in the dish, which was again disappointing. I wasn't a big fan of the potatoes, and they seemed like they were way too hard. We ended the meal with the Sweet Potato Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar ($8), which were actually really good, so the bookends of the meal really salvaged it for me. I enjoyed the atmosphere very much too. I don't see how this place is going to survive in this neighborhood though. It really does stick out like a sore thumb, but I hope it makes it, as I wouldn't mind going back to try some of the other dishes.
(4)Lindsey W.
Fantastic dinner. Great service. The Swedish meatballs were to die for. The desserts were only average, but the great entrees made up for it. Can't wait to come back!
(5)David P.
Food was above average but the service was sub par. As a restaurant owner, I immediately noticed their lack of customer service. The only time I felt welcomed was when my daughter and I interacted with the hostess. It was not busy at all so I can only imagine what it's like during peak times. The Hispanic (a little chubby) waitress was not personable. I had questions about three dishes and she couldn't answer them and was hard to understand. If it weren't for the hostess, I would have given this place 2 stars. The food is pretty decent. I had the Mac and Greens and the Market Salad.
(3)Maria N.
I had a bad experience at red rooster last saturday. The host told me there was a 20 minute wait and then proceeded to sit 4 groups of people whom arrived after i did. On saturday they do not take brunch reservations so i thought this was strange. I noticed all the tables that were sat were all white tourists and honestly felt the host had racially profiled me. After i noticed this a member of my party (white) went to ask about the wait at which point the host said there was none and sat us right away. I am very sad to share this news as i love to support my neighborhood and great places but cannot stand for a restaurant that would allow such a disgusting act. I had been to this place many times with my white husband and received great service and now will never go again. In my opinion go somewhere that celebrates harlem instead of exploiting it as a cultural experience for tourists while shunning those that live there.
(1)Collen M.
WALLET THEFT IS A COTTAGE INDUSTRY At RED ROOSTER After 21 years of living in New York, I had MY WALLET STOLEN for the first time ever at Red Rooster. I was at the bar and someone lifted my wallet from my purse. Management did everything in their power TO PREVENT ME FROM CALLING THE COPS to report the theft - I have renters insurance and needed a police report to file with my claim. Management said, "No, no, no, let us call the cops, they will be here in a moment." The leaned on me HEAVILY to prevent me from calling. I waited and hour for the cops who never showed and while I was waiting a bartender had her phone stolen at the bus stop after finishing her shift. I finally walked to the precinct and reported the theft. The cops to me that purse and wallet theft is RAMPANT at Red Rooster. They told me that pick pocketing crews target Red Roosters customers and that the local precinct receives at least one complaint per day, and that many other complaints go unreported. Management actively tries to prevent victims from reporting the crimes. They don't want to be known as a place where customers are targeted and robbed regularly, but that is what this place is. After all kinds of promises from management to review tape (there are security cameras everywhere) and follow up with me I never received any communication from them. I would have at least liked for them to say that security reviewed tapes and passed info along to detective, but they didn't. As long as Red Rooster can keep the flow of tourists coming through the doors the theft victims are just collateral damage for whom they have no care or concern. I would say don't go, obviously. If you do go, don't be surprised if you because parted from your wallet.
(1)Anaisabel G.
This place is the best gourmet/chic spot in Harlem that's always popping and is a scene to be seen. Their chicken and waffle with bourbon syrup is the best. Their Obamatini is delish. Everything there is great. So.. if you live uptown.. and going on a date.. this is where you take her!
(5)Astrid D.
Food is OK, but, to my opinion, for this money, you can go better.. The amounts are tiny, and I'm not American.. Atmosphere is very nice, as well as waiters and waitresses
(3)Jesse J.
Great southern comfort food selection. I recommend going with a big group so you can sample a lot of dishes. Must have, regardless: the cornbread! We tried the fried chicken, Mac and Cheese, gravalax pancakes, deviled eggs, and then finally the Harlem Chowder. Definitely a ton of food but it was worth it to try it all! Highlight for me was the Harlem Chowder just for sheer presentation! Dessert was the donut homes which weren't my favorite but weren't bad by any measure!
(4)Dena S.
I think this place gets more hype than it deserves. I have eaten here a few times, and while the food is decent, it isn't out of this world delicious. It's just OK. I have had the burger, and it's decent, but my mother still makes the best burger I've had for way cheaper. The fish and grits were good but again the flavors weren't as dynamic as I expected them to be. I also have had the fried chicken and wasn't impressed. The food here is simply good but not dynamic enough for the hype it gets.
(3)Nameeta K.
Why do celebrity restaurants always seem to disappoint me? I just don't understand... Came here on July 4th for lunch and it was surprisingly very quiet compared to their normal jam-packed hustle and bustle, so of course I had high expectations since there was no rush for the kitchen staff to use as an excuse. We started out with the cornbread, which was quite sweet and a bit on the greasier side. It came with honey butter and tomato jam, the latter of which I thought was a strange pairing for something so sweet. For entrees, I shared the Fish & Grits and the famed Yard Bird* with my sister. I felt that both entrees fell short, which was very disappointing given the nearly $30 price tag for each dish! I really thought at least the dessert would be something that we could end on a good note with, but it was just terrible! We shared the dark chocolate cheesecake, which really did not taste like cheesecake and the frozen raspberries just felt wrong, like eating frozen ice with a hint of raspberry flavor. Alas, Marcus Samuelsson, you too have fallen victim... --------------------------- * FYI - The white mace gravy that comes with the Yard Bird has bacon in it, which is NOT listed as an ingredient so for those of you who can't have pork, beware!
(3)Nai S.
I headed uptown last weekend for the Arts Festival. It was a snooze. So my gf (who I havent seen in two years) snd I decided to have a drink as we didnt want to part ways so quick. Both of us were coming from NJ and LI. She suggested the Red Rooster. Good choice. We got a seat as soon as we came in and wsd attended to immediately. We both ordered the Red rooster punch - a sangria. It did not disappoint! Not too sweet and just enough kick to it. The atmosphere was perfect, not too loud and the World Cup was on the tv. The bartenders were very handsome and quite professional. I can see this being a regular stop-in during my visits to Harlem.
(5)Vivian T.
Red Rooster! Finally got in by making an advanced RSVP- totally worth it. The decor is awesome with different styles of art portraying african culture. The bar in the center does a good job separating the dinner room from the bar in the front. The menu is southern with mixture of ethiopian touches. We got a couple of apps the the best was probably the cornbread. It was deliciously paired with warm spreadable butter and tomato sauce/jam. For entrees, our table split the mac and cheese, the fried chicken aka yardbird and the shrimp and grits. Mac and cheese was intensely rich/heavy and probably would be hard to stomach as a solo entree without sharing. The yardbird was amazing but how can we go wrong with fried chicken. The shrimps and grits were tasty as well. We were so full we did not have room for dessert. They were nice to provide some yummy dark chocolate truffles with a candle for us given that we were there for a birthday occasion! Service was great and we even caught of glimpse of Marcus Samuelsson talking to next table. This place has a fun, upbeat vibe and is great for any occasion. Heard there is a Ginny's supper club downstairs that has live jazz/music and drinks. Unfortunately it was closed for a private event when we were there but I cannot wait to come check that place out the next time I come ;)
(5)Amy R.
I've been excited to come here ever since it opened. I finally made a reservation and trekked uptown. I don't understand the reputation- not at all what I was expecting. Service was poor. Hosts were sweet but the server made us wait at least 5 minutes for an offer to get a drink. Ordered a salad at the same time as ordering a drink. The salad came before the drink! The salad came maybe 1 minute after ordering it and the drink maybe 4 minutes after that. And there was a fried egg on the salad- how was it all so fast? The salad was fine. Cornbread croutons though a nice touch are better in theory than in practice. My dirty martini was somehow sweet. Then we ordered the fried yardbird, mac and greens, and the meatballs. And I swear it was all on the table less than 5 minutes after ordering it. THIS IS NOT A PLUS! How on earth can they be making things fresh? Is it a reheat operation they've got going on? So strange! The chicken was delightfully crispy. Everything else was just ok and under salted. Decor was great, fun and lively crowd, but lacking in food and service. Will not be going back.
(3)Carlos J.
Solid spot, a lot of fun. very hip. the burger was great.
(4)Nycole K.
The drinks and food were out of this world- definitely worth the hike uptown.
(5)Alexis K.
Awesome lunch that didn't disappoint. Service was spectacular. The oxtail pappardelle was so flavorful. The kimchi lobster roll was light. Fried oysters and wings was a unique and enjoyable combo.
(5)India A.
I have wanted to eat here for a long time. I didn't have a reservation for one on a Saturday night (it was packed even at 6pm) so I waited about 15 minutes for a seat at the bar. I really love everything about this place. The hostess was lovely and friendly and the bar tenders were the same even though they were managing a lot. The prices are very reasonable for a nice restaurant. I ordered the oysters and chicken as an appetizer and the Mac and greens with lobster for the entree. With two glasses of wine I paid $48 before tip. Not bad at all. (I think I wasn't charged for one glass of wine though). The appetizer was great and Mac and greens just ok. Please note however that I don't really like Mac and cheese. I never have but I still try it from time to time to see if things have changed :). The men next to me were very friendly as well and we ended up sampling food from each other's plates. I really had a blast. I often eat alone because I am more foody than a lot of my friends. Eating out is my hobby. I felt very at home and welcome here all by myself.
(4)Jessica A.
From start to finish the meal was an array of flavorful succulent dishes that left you wanting more! We had the cornbread which was absolute perfection by far the best I've ever had! And that butter omg! Also started with the beef kiftko which was delicious and so tasty! Then for entrees went with the lobster Mac and greens and Fried yardbird! I've never had fried chicken so succulent juicy and crispy at the same time and the collars greens and mash were the perfect accompaniment! To finish it all off we had the Guatemalan coffee which is as close to my uncles coffee as I've been able to find in the states needing no milk as black with a lil sugar was suffice and the doughnuts with sweet potato filling were the perfect amount of sweetness and a perfect end to a wonderful dinner! Service and atmosphere were great! Marcus himself was present along with Nigella Lawson!
(5)Cecilia O.
Visited last night...love the Chocolate Martin's and the DJ was awesome...his playlist of music was the best I've heard in a while at Red Rooster....the vibe was awesome but music makes a party and you leave feeling good...Thank you.
(5)Juliet G.
Terrific!! Went for brunch on a Sunday - had to wait about an hour but totally worth it. Food was excellent (I had the meatballs and we also got cornbread and grits) and service was prompt and friendly. Also, there was live music! Will definitely return.
(5)Chris N.
We stopped in for bunch a few Sundays back and had a wonderful time. There was a bit of a wait (about 30 mins) for a table, but the live music made the time fly. Once we were seated we had excellent service by the staff. We started with the deviled eggs. They were good, but completely outclassed by the excellence of the yard bird and shrimp & grits. Easily some of the best fried chicken & grits we have ever had, and worth waiting for.
(5)Michelle L.
Please don't waste your time or money on the food. After weeks of looking forward to visiting this restaurant even before it opened I was sorely disappointed. My boyfriend and I visited this restaurant without a reservation for dinner on Sunday 4/3/11. We were told it would be an hour wait for a table...no problem...we were really excited and desperate to try it. After about 10 minutes the hostess asked if we would like a table in the bar area which we gladly accepted.... no problem... The waitress came promptly I ordered a Savoy cocktail. We were also told we could order our main coursewith the drink order if we liked. I ordered the Red Snapper w/Collard & Kale Greens and he ordered the Steak medium well with Sweet Potatoe Puree. Drink was delish! They sat 2 small slices of bread on the table w/a butter garlic spread...could've used a refill on the bread but not a problem. After a few minutes I received my Snapper....tasteless and bland...the juice in the plate had more flavor than the fish. Apparently I wasn't the only one feeling that way as the couple beside us didn't like it either. So ok, I think maybe I just chose the wrong dish...I sent it back and asked the waitress for a recommendation. She said the Yard Bird is one of the most popular dishes. She changed my order with a smile. I received my Yard Bird promptly....AGAIN...TASTELESS & BLAND... There was a very small amount of what appeared to be drizzlings of gravy and a splash of a red spicy sauce on my plate...even with dipping TASTELESS & BLAND!! And no salt or pepper in sight. My boyfriend did enjoy his steak although he said he's had better for far less of a price tag. The greens & sweet potatoe puree gave no excitement to my taste buds or our budget. VERY DISAPPOINTED but dont' waste your time on the food. If you like a trendy atmosphere, drinks only. Our bill was almost $100 with only one cocktail...waste of time and dining experience. Cocktail, bread & my date's since of humor were the highlight of the evening!Marcus Samuelsson should honestly critic his own restaurant.
(1)Damond S.
It was good, and the atmosphere and decor was great! The service was good, and probably the most impressive part of the service was the thank you I received by name on the way out the door! That was a "wow" moment. NOW the food. I had Helga's meatballs, it was good but just wasn't enough. I was expecting something more with the dish but the flavors were there! The disappointment was that they ran out of cornbread...How do you run out of corn bread in the middle of the day during lunch service??!! That was the biggest let down, but overall Good experience..May have been 3 stars if it wasn't for good service. I WILL BE BACK..I need to explore more of the menu!
(4)Michelle S.
Red Rooster makes you want to sit up straight and tuck your napkin in your shirt throughout the meal. A friend and I casually stopped by while walking through Harlem so were dressed pretty casually. The moment we got into the door the hostess very enthusiastically came towards us asking if we had a reservation. We didn't even think about this being a reservation spot at 1pm in the afternoon. They had more than enough open spaces though and we were seated. She just seemed so excited we were there and "being too nice" is a weird complaint but it was almost creepy/fake nice. We were sandwiched between a tourist group of midwestern white women and a young professional trio. I know white people love Harlem now but it's so strange to feel outnumbered in a soul food-esque/inspired place. The service here is almost too well trained where it feels like being served by robots. "Pardon my reach" was repeated every time the server had to pick up a plate or leave a drink like I know you have to be in the vicinity of the table to serve me, relax. It was just hard to relax when the hostess, the bus boys and servers are soooo tightly wound. The food didn't make things better. I had the groper fish and grits and cornbread. My friend had the yard bird with Parmesan frites and collard greens. The fish and grits was a pretty small serving but the yard bird was a nice size. Not soul food sizes but better than fancy restaurant/tapas sizing. The cornbread was the best thing with a tasty tomato jam I think. Fish was good but so lightly seasoned it didn't really leave an impression beyond 15 minutes. The greens were actually more memorable and probably a great vegan choice. I had a bit of my friend's dish and the chicken was bland even though I heard rave reviews about it. The parm fries were literally just plain fries with some sprinkled shredded parm. Nothing special. None of this would of been as bad if it wasn't so pricey. They had steak on the menu and it was only like $5 more than most entrees. Hmm...chicken or steak with only $5 difference? I hate to say "for Harlem" like it isn't worthy but still...they prices for Harlem are a bit unreasonable. They didn't serve hard cider so the server suggested a great muddled hot wine. Hands down one of the best drinks I've ever had. So the servers do seem knowledgeable even if a bit robotic. If I ever feel like having Red Rooster again i'll just head to Tribeca to spend the same amount of money for better food with more relaxed service.
(2)Tam R.
Absolutely flawless! Appetizers and dinner entrees were perfection. Service was outstanding and the live music was wonderful. Definitely lives up to the hype! Very impressed and we will be back!
(5)Christina L.
Red Rooster always has Great energy. Drinks and Food, I'm a fan of. Went on a Friday night and enjoyed great music and energy.
(4)Emily G.
The service was great! Our server Ryan was absolutely wonderful! He was friendly and very knowledgable about the menu. A friend and I shared the Chicken and Waffles, Dirty rice with shrimp and grits. Chicken and Waffles - Loved how the chicken was boneless and fried to perfection. The waffle was great because was great because it wasn't soggy and the syrup wasn't too sweet - almost had a taste of bourbon to it. Dirty rice with Shrimp - spicy and delicious which was a good dish to round out the other options Grits - The taste sooo good that you just know it's wrong lol as Nippy once said "It's not right, but it's okay" ***You will leave HAPPY!!!
(5)Kimberly P.
The DJ made this place very enjoyable. And the bathroom was very nice. The food not so much. Pricey for food that was just okay. Not really impressed.
(2)Wonok H.
Came here for brunch. Excellent food. Had shrimp and grits( caramelized onions and tomatoes tasted like Kim chi bok-em for some reason, it matched really well with grits and grilled shrimps. Probably not everyone's cups of tea though!) , spinach and goat cheese omelet(most fluffy omelet I've ever had) . Their coffee was great too. Will definitely come again
(4)Li J.
Went to Red Rooster last night with a friend and enjoyed myself. I think the Yelp reviews might be a bit harsh. Hostesses were nice, service was good, food was good. In all a successful evening. We started with the cornbread which was pretty good but nothing special. For our entrees I had the blackened catfish and my friend had the fried chicken. Both were yum! Dessert for me was the chocolate cherry cake (small portion and would have been better if served warm) and my friend had the doughnuts (she didn't feel that they were sweet enough). Overall, it was my entree that was the star or the show. That catfish was just soooooo good. I must point out again that our server was REALLY GOOD. I really appreciate the twist that the chef is putting on Soul Food. Creative and yet, you can still recognize the dishes. I will be back.
(4)Nikki H.
I had the opportunity to have lunch at Red Rooster today and I was not very impressed. The decor was great but the food was mediocre. Upon entering the restaurant myslef and a friend were notified that the dining area was closed (at 2:45pm) and that we would have to sit at the bar (first come first serve) which meant that we would have to "stalk" people for their seats. The hostess finally seated us in a separate section (after waiting 15 minutes - not bad). We both ordered a burger with fries which arrived in 25 minutes. When my friend asked the waitress for extra ketchup and mayo it took her 15 minutes to retrieve it. This was the same wait time when I asked for a glass of pineapple juice. I wouldn't visit this place again. Hopefully they will improve and add more dishes to their menu.
(2)Donald K.
Ever since I heard about Red Rooster opening up I've been waiting on pins and needles for a chance to visit this place. It was definitely worth the wait. Me and a friend got to visit Red Rooster the other night. It's a bit out of the way for me, but it's literally right outside the 125th st. subway station. The decor for me was a little confusing. I really couldn't tell what kind of look they wanted to have. The shelving by the bar filled vintage like books and props gives a more homely feel, yet the dining area felt more modern. The choices of art work on the wall, though nice, felt they lacked any kind of recurring theme. The service was quite friendly and charming. Our waitress was always very attentive, and continuously approached our table with a welcoming smile. Even the servers that weren't working out table were very nice. As we decided where to start with our appetizers one of the waiters slyly walked by and recommended we try out beef patties first. And boy was he right... The food was amazing. Per one the waiter's suggestion, we tried the beef patties first. The crust was fluffy and tasty, though the filling was a little sparse. The verde sauce on the other hand was perfect. I was quickly hoping we would be able to score a bottle of this. The sauce and the crust more than made up for the skimping on the meat area. We followed that with the cornbread. I'm using not one for cornbread because I feel that it's usually pretty dry, but the cornbread here felt more like a cake. Add on the honey butter and tomato jam and it's a winning combination. The red causer salad was quite delicious. I'm usually not one for salad, but I couldn't stop eating it. For entrees we ordered the mac & greens and the fried yard bird. I'm very particular about mac & cheese. I feel a lot of times many restaurants try to hard by smashing in as many cheeses as possible. Red Rooster opts for only 3. Which is the perfect number in my opinion. The gouda, cheddar, and comte was a fitting combination to go with the collared greens mixed in. The yard bird was just as tasty. It was fried just right. While the skin was nice and crunchy, the meat was incredibly tender. The white mace gravy just added to it's already rich flavor. For dessert by the advising of our waitress we tried the spice pudding. I'm not a big sweets person, but this was so slightly sweetened that I gobbled it all up. It had a great texture and the flavor reminded me of the the Filipino dish babinka. That's a good thing. It came with apricot and black currant sorbet, which complimented the pudding nicely. The only real bad thing I can say about Red Rooster is that it doesn't have much of an identity yet. I'm not sure it knows if it wants to be this new chic restaurant or a little more homely. I'm sure that will change once the hype dies down. Overall this was a satisfying dining experience.
(4)Traci W.
sooo, saturday morning brunch in Harlem with 3 of my friends..... Loved the spot, great atmosphere, nice patio-great for people watching...so why 3 stars you say? I feel like there were an equal amount of pluses and minuses. Drinks were on point-thanks to bartender Todd! Strongly recommend the Savoy or Small's Paradise. Service once we moved to the table was a little lacking. I ordered the Mac n' Greens, could've been creamier Mac and taste was just okay. 2nd dish at the table was the lamb meatloaf....ugh, it came swimming in oil/grease - yuckay! 3rd dish - hamburger, okay but not the sumptuous juicy deliciousness it could have been. 4th dish - breakfast food, eggs, bacon etc. The honey/maple syrup bacon was delish but it's kinda hard to mess up breakfast food! I feel like I should be praising this food from the rooftops knowing the culinary genius behind this concept! But alas, it was just okay. I'll give it another chance next time I'm in NYC though because I WANT to love it. Please don't disappoint......please.
(3)Sam A.
Nothing beats a good cocktail. Except for a good cocktail and good service! I recently popped into Red Rooster for what I thought was a quick drink with a girlfriend fast forward an hour and three Gimlets later! It was so warm and inviting (which was due mainly to the staff) that I simply didn't want to leave!! I recommend this spot for anyone who enjoys good drinks, good food and great service.
(4)Denise D.
I loved the biscuits, they weren't hot but were still delicious. My food was decent but for the price of the dish and reputation of the restaurant I expected more. The beans were a tad watery and the egg yolk was runny, not the greatest combination. The pickled cabbage was flavorful and definitely was a great addition to the plate. The jerk bacon was really pork belly rubbed in allspice. Although it was a nice cut of meat, I've had better. The Fried Yard Bird recommended by our waiter as the best item on the menu, was the prettiest i had ever seen on a plate until i tasted it.The chicken's amazing crispy crunchy exterior gave way to perfectly cooked meat with no flavor at all, devoid of salt or any type of seasoning. The negligible dollop of hot sauce and gravy did little to really take away from the lack of flavor. The kale was bland, sparse and cool. The shake was basically paprika which I was not interested in shaking on my chicken after the fact. The cornbread was disappointing at best, and my cappuccino was more like a latte. The service was friendly but slow. It hurt to see chef Mike seemingly effortlessly churn out chicken platters to the pass beautiful and most likely as flavorless as mine. I would go back just to see if maybe it was a bad day.
(2)Sheryl S.
Definitely a trendy hot spot for the neighborhood. Food is good but you need a reservation so that you can get in in a timely fashion.
(3)Sasha H.
Maybe if Red Rooster was rebranded as a great jazzy cocktail lounge that happened to serve food, it would get 5 stars in my book. But as a restaurant, it merits only 3. Great cocktails; great decor, music, and overall vibe; but mediocre, misrepresented food. Cornbread with honey butter and tomato jam - fine and dandy. Cocktails were great, I loved my Spicy Lady - innocently pink-hued but packing some subtle, smooth heat. The food - - Tacos and tostadas were actually delicious, but TINY. Garnered remarks such as, "what is this?! food for ants?! ... it needs to be at least... THREE times bigger!" But seriously tiny. I guess the most impressive thing is that they must be making the tiny hard-taco shells from scratch, as I can't imagine ones that small selling commercially. - Yard bird was pretty tasty, and came with a can of "extra seasoning" which smelled like a mix of bbq spices and paprika. Again, not remarkable and certainly not worth the hefty price tag. - Grilled cheese with meats. The grilled cheese was too bready, with not enough cheese and melty goodness. The meats were alright, but not sure how the two were supposed to be enjoyed together. Came with lingonberry jam and wet (soaked in something?) raisins. - Coconut rice was run of the mill, dry rice with mangoes, coconut, and herbs. - Truffle fries had NO TRUFFLE FLAVOR. We searched and searched for it - until there were no more fries left (alas, tis the nature of deep fried potatoes) - but no flava to be found. Bad Mr. Samuelsson, bad. - 5 Spice Duck Salad was pretty tasty. Fatty duck breast was flavorful and juicy, but was unimpressed with how little work they did to try to render out the fat and get some crispness on the skin. Service was unremarkable. Good people watching. That's about all.
(3)Rob S.
I am going to keep this one really short. The portions are outrageously small, the prices are outrageous, 18$ for a insipid hamburger, and the food is OK. Just OK. I am not sure what all the buzz is about but I don't buy it, literally.
(2)Ayanna F.
I Wanted to love it! The food was really subpar, by which I mean no seasoning had been added. It didn't help that they had no record of our reservation, but we sat at the bar and tried to make the best of it. The Fried Yard Bird ($17 at lunch) was a large 3 pieces of dark meat, and was set atop collard greens. I have had better at Atlanta's airport! I had to add a ton of salt and still the strong taste of nothingness was overwhelming. It was fairly crispy though. The Mac and Cheese ($18 or so at lunch) was not what you'd expect. It came swimming in a pool of grease, and not that little bit of buttery, cheesy grease that's in the homemade dish at Christmas. No, this was a mistake, as if they accidentally emptied the deep fryer onto the dish! This dish is ok when you combine the vinegar covered greens with it, but I wouldn't order it again. Heck, I am the leftovers queen and have some sitting in my fridge, and I might just toss them. The drinks are expensive, but the Red Rooster was strong and tasty. A solid way to start an evening before going elsewhere for dinner. My recommendation is to give RR some time before heading back, it can only go up from here!
(1)Lindsay F.
Being that both of us hail from the South, Rachel and I decided that it would only be fitting to kick-off our weekend with an early Saturday morning brunch at Marcus Samuelsson's recently-opened nouveau-Southern, Red Rooster Harlem. "Early" and "Saturday" are two words that should never be used so closely together in a sentence but, due to the fact that President Obama had visited the restaurant earlier in the week, I thought that a pre-noon arrival would be necessary in order to avoid a potentially heinous line and/or wait for a table. We settled on 11am. In true Lunch Belle fashion, I arrived at the restaurant about 15-minutes early and, to my surprise, Red Rooster was not nearly as crowded as I had imagined it would be. Since Rach and I did not have a reservation, there was no need to approach the hostess and inform her of my arrival. Instead, I made a bee-line to the spacious bar and ordered a caffe latte as I waited for my guest. Just as I began to get comfortable, Rachel arrived. As I paid my "bar tab," she approached the hostess stand and inquired about a two-top. Coincidentally, we were seated at a communal table, located just inches from my original bar stool. "You know," Rachel admitted, as my head was buried deep in Red Rooster's brunch menu, "I've already been here for dinner." I glanced up in shock - as if she'd just announced that she was going to move to Las Vegas to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a show-girl. "What?" I exclaimed. Rachel reassured me that, despite having previously dined here, this did not change the fact that she was eager to sample the 'Rooster's a.m. offerings. "OK Rach, but I don't want to hear about your dinner experience until after we're done with brunch. Fair?" She nodded. Cornbread I've never had cornbread shaped/sliced like pound cake, but this presentation made quite a bit of sense. I cut my portion down the middle and, on each half, spread a thick layer of the accompanying "dips": honey butter and tomato jam. The cornbread, itself, was very heavy and dense - almost dry. The tomato jam was incredibly fragrant, though not in a positive sense (or shall I say "scents" - hahaha) of the word. There were too many combative ingredients and textures. The honey-butter, however, was an excellent pairing with the savory bread. Rachel and I butter knife-fought over the last spreadable serving. Hearth Baked Mac & Greens I took one look at the skillet-baked macaroni laced with "greens" and turned up my nose. And this was pre-bite, people! "What the hell are 'greens' doing mixed-in with mac & cheese? Who does that?" I asked Rachel, as if she had all of the answers. She looked at me and shrugged - with an expression similar to what I probably made when she told me that she had 'already been here for dinner.' For $14, I thought, this entree was an ample amount of food for a relatively low price. Plus, I was not expecting a side salad to accompany the mac & cheese, but I was happy that it was there, nonetheless. Seeing more greens - whether or not they're doused with dressing - still makes me feel *a little bit better* about ordering a-la-lumber jack. It wasn't until I took my first bite that I realized just how compatible these ingredients were! If you're familiar with the Indian dish, Palak Paneer, then you are more than aware of just how sexy cheese and spinach is when combined. Well, "Mac & Greens" takes this sexiness further. Try 1000 times further. Imagine, if you will, the pairing of orecchiette (ear-shaped pasta noodles) and wilted greens, enveloped by a gooey melange of three cheeses (gouda, NY cheddar, and comte). After being folded in to a cast-iron skillet, this hearty blend is topped with seasoned bread crumbs and placed under the broiler for some well-deserved "sun bathing." I'm telling you, folks, this dish is out-of-this-world and worth the trip to Harlem, alone. Nuggets & Toast Having had the opportunity to sample some of Marcus Samuelsson's fried chicken at an event in October, I was really looking forward to his Nuggets & Toast (Nuggets = fried chicken chunks. Toast = French toast). Visually, the "nuggets" semi-resembled Chili's Chicken Crispers which, I'll be the first to admit, I love. Unfortunately, and very unlike that of what I tasted in October, this particular chicken was tasteless, greasy, and flecked with random bits of dark meat. Conclusion Aside from the mac' & greens, would I run back to Red Rooster? No. There are too many other restaurants in Harlem that I want to check out.
(3)Andrew R.
Excellent - the special whole black sea bass was remarkable.
(5)Elizabeth N.
We went to Red Rooster on May 12 around 4:30 pm to see whether we could have a drink on the terrace -- there were three or four people out there. The waitress said we we could sit outside but we would need to buy the drinks at the bar and bring them out. No problem! We got our drinks at the bar and sat out on the terrace. It was a beautiful day and we were enjoying our drinks. Around 5 pm a hostess came out on to the terrace and told us that the tables on the terrace were reserved and we'd have to leave. What? Really? Oh yes and then she scurried off to eject other patrons. Once my husband and I recovered from our shock and gulped down the last of our drinks we stepped next door to have a drink on the terrace of Chez Lucienne. We ended up having a very tasty dinner at Chez Lucienne and in the two hours we were there never saw the terrace next door at Red Rooster fill up. Why was it SO important to give two paying customers (who were almost done with their drinks for crying out loud!) the bum's rush? Unfortunately the answer is a profound lack of understanding of customer service which is becoming as much of a Red Rooster trademark as their tasty bourbon cocktails. My husband and I have lived in East Harlem for 25 years, own a home there, raised three kids there and are really thrilled at the prospect of great restaurants within walking distance. We really want Red Rooster to succeed, but we are a bit weary of being treated so poorly. The visit described above was my third attempt. I had gone there months earlier for a drink with a friend and was again disappointed. We found a seat at the lovely bar and waited for one of the three bartenders to take our order. After five minutes (a long time when you consider that there were three bartenders and everyone at the bar had drinks -- they'd already been served) and I finally asked to see a cocktail menu. We ordered drinks, which were delicious, and then waited and waited for another appearance of a bartender. After 15 minutes we finally flagged one of the bartenders down, got our check and left. Again, we went next door to Chez Lucienne where we sat at the bar and were waited on by a much more responsive and friendlier bartender (Jason) and shared an appetizer (which Jason had them split on to two plates in the kitchen) and had a much better time. Well I tried a second time to enjoy Red Rooster which was getting great reviews but I was again disappointed. My daughter and her husband had just closed on a house in Connecticut and we wanted to celebrate -- this was July. I walked over to Red Rooster and asked when they could accommodate four. I was told it would be 45 minutes. I walked home and returned 45 minutes later with my husband, daughter, and son-in-law and were told it would be a few minutes. We stood outside on the terrace waiting. I should mention that my daughter was eight months pregnant at the time and no one during the twenty-five minutes we waited, offered her a chair, a glass of water, nothing! We were then seated and the service was adequate, the food delicious but the meal was overshadowed by the abysmal treatment while we waited. My husband was ready to leave after 10 minutes of waiting and talked about the poor customer service all during the meal and vowed he'd never come back. I am taking the time to write this in the hopes that Red Rooster's management or Marcus Samuelson will address this issue because I cannot believe that they will survive if they don't treat their customers better and Harlem deserves restaurants with great service as well as delicious food.
(2)Marlon L.
Red Rooster has always been on my list of up and coming Restaurants in the New York Food Scene that I have wanted to come to especially since Chef Marcus Samuelson has worked so hard to make it a destination worthy of traveling to. We are a Food consortium from Baltimore, New Jersey, New York and Long Island. Made reservations three weeks for a group of 10. We had three birthdays to celebrate and were eagerly wanting to do it over dinner. All that was available was 11pm. We took the reservation but asked if something opened earlier to move us to that time frame. During this last week we were told it was canceled and moved to a waiting list for 8pm. After calling again we were moved back to 11pm and told that the Chef cooks till 1am and that the dinner menu would be available. We arrived as asked and taken downstairs to the supper club. The music was great, but the only menu available was tapas like items that are precooked and microwaved . The waitress was friendly but had so many tables to manage. After several attempts to get clarification on what type of food service was available manager Jeff Ruskaup got involved . He informed us the kitchen closed at 11pm and would try to see if the Chef had anything left over. I want to say that everyone was very friendly. After assessing the situation we felt that we needed to go. We went down to 116th street to Amy Ruth's and were taken care of immediately. Their overnight menu had hot complete dinner and breakfast entrees all prepared fresh. My concern about Red Rooster is that while it is enjoying tremendous popularity and no lack of clientele, the communication of what and when is available is not known by the staff. As I said the staff were very friendly. If the options were clearly made available we would of planned accordingly. Celebrity Chefs have done a lot for the food world and made great contributions. They have to remember that places with their name and involvement will always reflect on them when communication breaks down and expectations are lost. We're working people, and save, and spend money to have an enjoyable experience. Don't forget us. We put our pants on one leg at a time too.
(1)Katemari R.
Ok, I live in Harlem and had to check Red Rooster. I went there for lunch in a Thursday. The hostess wasn't friendly and although there were seats for two people inside, my friend and I was put in this tall tables with uncomfortable seats. I asked her if we could seat by the normal tables, but she said only if we were more guests. Ok. (For my surprise, when I went to the restroom (oh, their restroom is lovely, by the way) I saw this giant table where some groups of 2 were sitting. There was no excuse to leave us in those terrible seats. Anyway, let's go for the food. The menu was not impressive, we tried a sandwich pork and the meatballs. The meatballs were tiny! The sandwich, was open and pretty small. Not worth the money. The food was pretty good though, but definitely not a place to go if you are hungry. And I don't mean starving, just normal hungry during the day, by lunch time, having had a good late breakfast. My glass was dirty. I mean, really dirty. I had already asked the waiter to change my glass, for no ice, so I didn't even bother to ask for a third glass, and didn't finish my drink. When we arrived, the restaurant wasn't full, but it took ages until someone came to take our orders. And there was a lot of staff in that place! Finally, the environment. Definitely the restaurant is cute and cool and trendy. The music was too loud though, but the ambiance is fantastic. To sum it up, go for hanging out with the "cool people of the block", for a snack with the price of a full mean, and expect a so-so service.
(2)Kurt R.
Red Rooster was wonderful, as always. Great food, convivial atmosphere, fun watching the tourists AND the local celebrities. And by far the best bar near 125th and Lenox.
(4)Adam C.
I don't mind the month-in-advance reservation thing. You book it and then forget about it for a while and then it's nice to have something to look forward to a day or two before. So for me the hype wasn't the long wait but rather the expectation that recipes from the Top Chef Masters champion aren't likely to suck. So for the food: we absolutely loved the cornbread with honey butter. You'd think this dish would be impossible to mess up but this version made me realize that every other one I'd had before was a pale shadow of Red Rooster's. We also loved the other apps, in particular the dirty rice and shrimp - if you don't get this you're missing out big time - the smoky char on the shrimp and the crunchy rice are really great. The mains sadly didn't live up to the apps. The meatballs, while leagues ahead of lean cuisine or IKEA versions, seemed somehow too safe. I'll also say that the drinks disappointed. The ingredients on the menu sound awesome: earl grey, spiced coriander syrup, peanut-infused bourbon, jalepeno/rosemary....but I was left uninspired by any of the drinks we ended up with. None of the exotic ingredients came through. Perhaps they were just going for an exceedingly balanced drink but why bother with the crazy infusions if the flavors are so muted? Finally, as others have noted the service was uneven and rude in one instance. The hostess couldn't find our name right away and made us feel like we were imbeciles. So when she found our names, no apology, no "yeah I guess you guys weren't idiots after all..." This isn't the welcome that customers should be getting, regardless of price point.
(2)Amber D.
Went for post-reunion drinks. Nice underground spot on 125 where you get a diversity of people without the "ghetto" that can be Lenox. I'm a bit concerned about the level of security that's walking around, however it DOES seem to be highly effective. Crowd pleaser for the 30+ range.
(3)Roc S.
What a great spot in Harlem!!! Excellent service, excellent menu, & atmosphere.. The waiter was so elegant & cool . We loved all his recommendations. The yard bird is da bomb! Def will return.
(4)Laura C.
corn bread (yummy) yardbird (nothing special) greens and Mac-n-cheese (yummy, but nothing special) mud pie for dessert (yummy, but nothing special) Basically, don't go out of your way to go, but if you are in the neighborhood, good option for food/drinks.
(3)Walt N.
Red Rooster is hit or miss, and a recent lunch visit was definitely the latter. The Swedish meatballs (which my wife and I have had a number of times before) were terrible--they tasted of an acrid "smoke" flavor redolent of the "liquid smoke" you buy to fake homemade BBQ. The market salad was made up of unremarkable and overly refrigerated greens (and lacking any detectable dressing) crammed into a small bowl, which made it impossible to cut or mix around. It reminded me of the salads at Ikea or a college cafeteria. I love having Red Rooster and Harlem and have enjoyed Ginny's (downstairs), but I must say that, unless I hear from friends that the food has taken a major turn for the better, I won't be spending another $60 for a below-average lunch. I hope it was an off-day!
(2)Lars F.
Thought we got here late for a Sunday morning, but we arrived at the perfect time at about 10:20 AM. By 11:00 the line was out the door! The staff was super friendly. Everyone! Ordered the pancakes and the Red Rooster omelet. Both fantastic, although I thought they were a bit stingy with the strawberries. The cornbread was really good with the tomato jam as well as the honey butter. I will most certainly go back.
(4)Ninette E.
Upscale restaurant in Harlem. Beautiful, hip place full of beautiful, stylish people of all races. Great service and wait staff. Food was well-executed, but have I had better at like establishments? Yes. Is it still worth trying Red Rooster? Yes. I went to Red Rooster for brunch on Sunday. We got there around 1 pm and had to wait about an hour before we got seated. Not a big deal, as we jumped on some bar seats when people left, got some cocktails, and listened to the live gospel music. The bar area is chic and light-filled during the day. The people watching is fabulous. Once we got a table, we ordered the corn bread, yard-bird chicken, bacon and eggs (can't remember the name, but it was more interesting that what I just described), biscuits and red-eye gravy, and Helga's meatballs. The corn bread came with a yummy honey butter and tomato jam. The fried chicken was expertly cooked but a little skinny. The biscuits and gravy were to die for -- maybe literally, as we probably gained 10 lbs. eating them, but it was worth it. The meatballs were tender and well-seasoned. I didn't try to the bacon and egg combo with beans, but my tablemate really enjoyed them. The service was great, and the wait staff was very attentive.
(3)Lola K.
Came here on a Friday night and had a 7:30pm reservation, but didn't get seated until 8pm. Fortunately the scene at the front bar is so hopping and the crowd is so sophisticated and diverse, I didn't mind at all. I have to admit, the expectations bar was set pretty high, and Red Rooster met it in some ways, exceeded in others, and disappointed in a few as well. The service - 3* at best. What's the point of a reservation if you wait 30min? And no apology either. Our server was hard to understand and didn't explain the menu very well. Also, he never came by to check on how we were doing after we'd gotten each course. But he was very nice when he was around. The ambiance - 5* cute and hip decor, a great mix of people - harlem's upper crust mixed in with visitors from downtown. lots of models as well. if you're a young, single gal, be prepared for men prowling at the bar. The food - mixed reviews. I would come back for the appetizers, sides and desserts and would probably try different entrees next time. The dishes: Cornbread appetizer - 5* the honey butter and tomato jam went surprisingly well together. The cornbread was so moist and delicious. I could see myself sitting at the bar and just ordering the cornbread with drinks. Crabcakes w/curry aioli - 2* they had good flavor with the aioli but weren't a stand out. they were a bit mushy, without much shape, no crust on the outside, which would be forgiveable if they tasted great but they were just ok. Dirty rice and shrimp - 4* Really enjoyed this dish. Very unique twist on dirty rice and the shrimp was cooked and flavored perfectly. Yard bird - 3* i had high expectations for this dish but it just had too much paprika for me and wasn't as delectable and savory as i was expecting. I also don't like that it only comes in dark meat, no exceptions. 5* for the mashed potatoes which were pure perfection and the awesome white mace gravy that comes with - I would come back and order this side stand alone. Fish (sometimes bass, this night it was catfish) and grits - 2* it was just ok. but i'm also a shrimp and grits snob because i lived in New Orleans for 9 years. It just wasn't up to par for me. I also don't think fish holds up to a saucy grits dish as well as shrimp does, IMHO. Sweet potato filled donuts - 3* donuts are good warm and the fresh whipped cream that comes with is awesome. However, there is barely any sweet potato filling, which tastes like it has the same seasonings as pumpkin pie filling. basically its like eating cinnamon and sugar donuts. good but not inspiring. Chocolate fudge cake - 5* I don't know if this is normally on the menu because its not on the online menu but if you see it, get it. Best chocolate cake I've ever had. So moist. So delicious. It actually goes really well with the fresh whipped cream that came with the donuts. The ice cream that came with was just blah. But that cake. It was as moist as a cake can be without turning into a molten cake. So overall a very satisfying meal, and at the end, Marcus Samuelson came out to make rounds at all the tables. We also went downstairs to check out Ginny's Supper Club but music doesn't start until 11pm. The scene and room is very sexy though and I plan on coming back and checking it out another time.
(4)Ola F.
I'm definitely a fan of Red Rooster. I went here for lunch and had the salmon, which was excellent. Also had the donuts which were eh. Then I went here for dinner and had the dutch bass and grits. Yum. I wanted to lick the plate, but you know, it's not that kind of place. Lol. This place knows how to cook its fish! We also had the corn bread which was perfect. The server was also excellent when I went there for dinner, not so much at lunch. Then after dinner we checked out the new lounge downstairs. Very spacious and very sexy! I will definitely be back for the food and to check out the beautiful bar area. P.S. The eye candy doesn't hurt either!
(3)Matt G.
Went for a late lunch so no wait. Good service and the best Mac and cheese (Mac and greens) I've ever had. Also tried the salmon, which came out a little undercooked, but was quickly remedied. Only bad point, the iced tea refills were not free. And the tea, while very good, was very expensive. Fortunately they were able to take it off the bill after our surprise at seeing the check. Overall, recommended, but try to avoid the crowds and watch your drinks.
(4)Dani W.
Ugh the best bar so far in Harlem. Came here with some friends for a bday drink. Greatselections and good service and eye candy. Hello Patrick ;) sexist bartender ever
(4)Johanna L.
I've only been here once but I would say it was an excellent experience all around. Service, food, decor, and drinks were all great and the crowd and mood are exciting. It is expensive and we did have to make reservations in advance, but I don't think these are reasons to underrate a place. It's a unique dining experience and I would definitely return.
(5)Nyota W.
So I am torn on my review and wish that I could rate individual components separately. Ambience- pretty awesome. I love when the kitchen is exposed while you dine, it always gives me a feeling of something freshness and gret chef-work. The shared table (which most aren't) that I sat at - pretty cool and unconventional, the music playing in the background had me snapping fingers at the table, the bar in the front was pretty cool to hang out at and the service was on point, but not spectacular. That all would result in 4 stars. The food...just a bit disappointing. If I ever hear about Mac n' cheese with greens cooked together that has a strange resemblance to velveeta cheese it will probably be in a nightmare- totally messed up 2 of my favorite dishes. Moving on, we ordered the crab cakes as an appetizer- acceptable, grits with chorizo- delicious, yard bird- ok. Is this the worst meal ever? No way!!! Ofcourse I'd eat here again, but is it worth the crazy rave reviews...I don't think so! After dinner, we headed downstairs and there was a cool lounge and great dj. It seemed to attract an older crowd downstairs, but everyone was a having a great time, a no- fee coat check was offered and although it was as good as lots of clubs that you'll pay a cover for, there was no extra fee. Cudos for that. This place is pretty far from home, but I could totally use a place like this close to my home. So where am I overall...conflicted. The foodie in me won't let me go above a 3, but all of the other benefits push me to a 4.
(4)Asya P.
Who knew fried chicken for breakfast could taste so right? Especially this chicken - perfectly juicy, perfectly spiced, perfectly humungous (is that how you spell it?). This bird can feed two with room to spare. Thankfully, we didn't spare our tummies and got the corn bread and breakfast pastries on top of all that. Tip: get the bread and use the honey butter as dunking sauce. Nom nom nom. The great thing about this place is that, even in a simple meal of fried chicken and cornbread, you can go through the whole meal and never get two bites that are the same, thanks to the myriad of sides that come with your meal. Mix and match some chicken skin with cornbread topped with tomato sauce, or smash some gravy and potatoes with pickled peppers and put a little bit of chicken on top. Anyway you combine it, the bites are good. One thing: if you're expecting to eat and get out quick during brunchtime, think again. Service is sloooooow.
(4)Lama B.
George brought me here as part of my birthday celebration in December. We came in a little bit early for out 10 pm celebration on a Monday and the place was really hopping! Live jazz, a bar full of people eating, sipping cocktails, laughing and talking, this was the place to be in Harlem! We sat at the bar and had a few cocktails while we waited for our table. The singer could really belt it out and I could see how people in the area loved hanging out here. When our table was ready were were called back to the seated area. I have to say this was different from the area out front near the bar. It was also really nice, but the vibe was different. We sat down and ordered the cornbread and honey butter we were offered, which thanks to yelp, I knew was not free! We already knew we wanted the yard bird as a main, but at the recommendation of the waitress we added the dirty rice and shrimp and the uptown steak. Everything was pretty good but the yard bird I have to say is the best. It was juicy and perfectly fried. For dessert we had the malted chocolate tart and the apple caramel sundae and both were the best. The reason its a 3 star review is because the price is out of proportion to the food, as its good but not good enough to justify the price tag. Also it is not insanely creative. I have seen Chef Samuelsson cook on TV and I feel he is capable of belting out a more interesting menu. I would come by if I was in the area for sure but to venture out again? I dont know for sure. I'm on the fence. A 3.
(3)Maryam H.
sniff.. I was so excited... sniff....... the gazpacho was yummy... sniff... the cornbread yum... snifff... such a cute place.. weh... food poisoning. WAHHH :'(
(2)Kimberly N.
I love Marcus Samuelson! However, his manager and wait staff at red rooster are nothing to crow about. I went out of my way to go to Harlem just to eat at his restaurant. The service here was deplorable. It was a quoted 25 min wait. When talking to the manager about it taking 2 hours to be sat, he apologized but then the bad service continued! Not worth risking your life going to Harlem for this place. Utterly disappointed. The police came sooner than I got sat for a tourist getting her iPhone stolen.
(1)Maggie M.
My BF kept talking about this place and insisted that if we were ever in Harlem, we should stop by for a bite to eat. Since he is the all-knowing of everything hip and cool, I let him take me on a late Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, we had just missed lunch and was informed that the kitchen will be closed until 5pm to prepare for dinner. The hostess took our names and we waited at the bar. The bar was pretty cool. To the left of the bar were long wood tables. There was a huge bookshelf against the wall filled with books and nicknack that looked like you were in someone's home. The neo-soul music playing added a very cool vibe to the front of the house. Record-scratch- Ok. This is when stuff started to get real. A pretty pissed off customer approached the bar complaining that she has been waiting an hour for her food (she also stated a rep for Remy-Martin was part of her dining party and she was embarrassed - lol). As extra as she was, her sentiments were echoed throughout the night. It seemed there were alot of pissed off people who either walked out or was in the process of reprimanding the staff. My BF and I were planning our escape, when the hostess came up to us and told us our table was ready out side. We were seated and waited about 15 minutes for waiter to take our order. I ordered the yard bird and my boyfriend ordered the salmon. We also got the sweet potato as a side dish. We were given complimentary cornbread with tomato jam that was decent, but not all satisfying. My yardbird consisted of a thigh and drumstick with collard greens hidden under the thigh and a smear of hot sauce on the side. The chicken was above average. The hot sauce tasted like tomato sauce and cayenne pepper. The collard greens were ok. My BF small salmon fillet was decent. The sweet potato was a big disappointment. I kinda felt there was so much that could have been done to make the sweet potato more flavorful rather a small amount of syrup and a garnish of bacon. Overall the dinner (dinner/snack = dinack) was decent but definitely not worth the money. And please forgive the wait staff for spotty service, they literally do not know what they are doing.
(2)Tushar G.
I came here on a beautiful Saturday afternoon around 4ish. The lunch was just winding down. The bar was getting ready for cocktails (5pm sharp - and there were people ready to start drinking!). I sat at the bar and had a terrific small plate of Helga's Meatballs cooked to sublime perfection, and I got a cool glass of Austrian Riesling on the house while I was waiting for my check. Southern hospitality indeed!
(5)Tennelle S.
Had lots of fun here for my sister's birthday. The crowd is very diverse from old school to new. Dj was on point and my drinks was very strong {for a $10 drink it better be} Go there for some dancing, drinks and a great time!
(4)L. E. S.
Food was fantastic and exceeded my expectations -- highly recommend the jerk bacon & egg appetizer and the cornbread. Pork chop was also really good, and donuts for dessert.. a very indulgent meal so be sure to plan for it! Slight mark against the service/ambience, which I thought was a little too characteristic of overly swanky places in NYC. The "Claw" effect (have you seen Date Night? Hahaha).
(4)Tara M.
Went to this ever so trendy spot on a Friday night with 2 other friends. Sadly, we were unable to make reservations and decided to hope for the best and just walk-in. Upon arrival the hostess stated it would be up to an 1hr 15 min wait. Having solely making the trip out to Harlem for this place we braved out the wait. Unfortunately, after waiting over an hour and a half our patience withered ( there is only so many drinks you can have while waiting on a near empty stomach). Luckily, the bar staff was friendly and so were the other patrons waiting, which made the long wait more bearable. Finally about an hour and forty fives minutes after arrival we were seated at a hightop table next the bar in which we shared with another party of 4, not what we were expecting afterall we did wait longer than projected. Thankfully the food saved the experience. We ordered the two sides of greens yard bird, sea bass with grits, and the roasted chicken. All of our dishes were excellent. I have never been a fan of grits and I took a liking to these. One side of greens would have been sufficient for all three of us to share, and they were just ok, I would have enjoyed them more with a little kick of heat. Our waiter was attentive and curteous, answering any questions we may have had. After the wonderful culinary experience I excitedly placed an order for sweet potato donuts and was very dissappointed. They were dry from being overcooked and bland (guess they are a hit or miss), but the whipped cream that accompanied it was a good pairing. Overall we came to enjoy the ambiance which we did and have some good food, which was delicious so the trip was a success.
(4)Vanni P.
4 stars for the ambiance, 2 stars for the food, comes out as a 3 star rating. Let's start with the good first: went there on a Sunday and apparently that was a very good choice, because RR sports a great live jazz/ blues band in the bar area, making for a super lively crowd. The layout is perfect, allowing people to get drinks and dance around - or sit down and eat with a perfect view of the band, as in our case. The bad, i.e. food (and this should be a big deal for a restaurant that the NYT claims to be one of the best in NYC - but then again we all know that they understand zilch of food): cornbread was nice, especially the tomato-based chutney - but not free; white bean, kale, and Asian pear soup - completely unseasoned, had to add both salt and pepper, and definitely could not taste any Asian pear whatsoever; lamb bunny chow - doesn't do justice to the original South African bunny at all, very little flavor given by the curry, useless egg on top; curried rice with fava beans and peas - probably the best, this comes in a huge portion and is quite flavorful, but best indicated as a side to share. Wine list is horribly expensive and very poor in quality. So if you're into an expensive, funked-up version of soul food that doesn't really deliver, then this is your place... Otherwise just get a drink at the bar on Sundays.
(3)Ana V.
The best way I can describe this is Fusion Soul Food. We have made our way through all the Harlem staples, and this place is head and shoulders above the crowd. The food is not "traditional" soul food, and having eaten at some of the places that serve such cousine, this is a great improvement. We ate here at least three times: the mac and greens are a staple , as is the hen.
(5)Anabella T.
I went to RR with my mom two weeks ago on a Wednesday, I made a 6 o'clock reservation, to catch our 7:30 show at the Apollo. Cool decor and kitsch art behind the bar. We were seated promptly by the cold, snooty hostess, and they took our order for drinks. My mom had the Oysters as an app, I wanted to save myself for the main. Oysters were good. We ordered the food at 6:15 and it didn't come our out until 7:10!!!! I had the meatballs, which were OK in flavor but the some of the potatoes were lukewarm and other were just cold. My mom had the pork and it was on the dry side and didn't have a lot of flavor. We were both drinking water and coca cola and our glasses were empty most of the time. Absent service. We didn't have time for dessert, and we had to shove the food into our mouths. They were not THAT busy. The check was $104 : NOT WORTH IT Go somewhere else
(2)jim g.
Wow what a place. Great haute soul cuisine. We ordered too much food. No good young kid options. Harlem upgrades! At least compares to previous dining experiences which was ....zero Yard bird Wow. Yankee meat. Mucho amount. Enough for 4. Wine guy recommended a French Malbec (it's Origen ). Perfect. Even loved by mrs Chardonnay
(5)Devon P.
From the moment we walked in I was excited. I'd heard great things about this place from foodie friends downtown and local friends who frequent the bar for appetizers. I was pleasantly surprised by the decor; it almost felt like I was at a friend's house who happens to have really cool art and comfy chic taste. The bar area has a nice amount of seating and the center round design encourages patrons to gather around instead of making a long line down the bar. The cocktail list was nice - it had a nice array of base liquor choices with some funky mixology spins. I had the Earl of Harlem which was nice, but nothing too special. The hostesses were really lovely; personable and knowledgable. We sat down knowing we wanted to try as much as possible so after a quick review with our server we set the ball rolling with corn bread, oysters rockefeller & caribbean bacon. The corn bread was nice and moist, the oysters were really delicious set atop a small bit of creamed spinach & hollandaise, a lot of flavour and very fresh tasting. The caribbean bacon was awesome; tender and plated with kraut of some sort, amazing beans with shredded pork and an egg sunny side up. The trick of this dish is you have to eat all the components together, don't pick each part on it's own, everything really complimented each other. It was my favourite of everything we tried. While we were taking a breather between courses the band kicked off by the bar area. The vibe of the restaurant totally changed. The music was brilliant exhibiting a little bit of everything from funky jazz to tailored covers. A really nice addition to the already great atmosphere. Main courses were jerk chicken which was good, rooster noodles and a side of shrimp grits. The noodles were the only thing I didn't love. It lacked something for me and I can't put my finger on it but the texture of the noodles wasn't the best and the broth needed a little more of a kick. There were a lot of pieces to the soup and maybe a little too much in the end. The shrimp grits were the best grits I've ever had!! Out of this world. Superbly filling but worth fasting the next day for! The service was fantastic from hostesses to server to back-server. Ambiance was lively and comfortable. I would recommend highly & can't wait to go back again.
(4)Carole S.
I went to the Red Rooster last weekend with two girlfriends from out of town who wanted to go. I am from New York and never been as I have had friends who have gone in the past when they were first open and had very bad experiences. It was by far the worse dining experience I have had. The service was attentive but the food was mediocre at best with instances of very bad. One of my friends was extremely sick when she returned to her hotel. She had the yard chicken dish which did not seem to be properly cooked. I have read the other reviews regarding the food of this place and wonder if we were in the same place! Well if this is Marcus Samuelson's restaurant in Harlem NY then we were and I must say for a recognized award winning chef this food is absolutely not worth the trip or the cost. I wish I could give a negative star.
(1)Tiffany S.
We celebrated my birthday at Red Rooster. My other half made reservations a month in advance (they fill up quickly!) and we were SO excited. We're avid Food Network watchers and we were excited to try Chef Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant. What.a.disappointment. I mean, the atmosphere is amazingly pleasant. The people are friendly and sociable. But that's about it. We asked our waiter about different wines on the menu and he had absolutely no idea about any of them. Not even a "that one is more dry" or "it's fruity." NOTHING. We ordered the crab cakes and oysters to start. The oysters were fresh. The crab cakes were... soggy. Yes, they consisted more of crab than breading BUT they were soggy and flavorless. For entrees we shared the bass and grits (WAY too much pepper, grits were not gritty enough), and the fried chicken (I'd even argue that Hill Country Fried Chicken is better - not impressed at all). Lastly we had the apple crumble for dessert. Not impressed. Nothing special. Growing up in the south, I've had my fair share of delicious southern food. As for this place, tried it once - never again.
(2)Jessica S.
Been wanting to try this place for a while, finally came her for lunch on my recent visit to NYC. The vibe and decor are great, love the idea of soul food mixed a contemporary twist, plus some influences from the owner's background. The food was really good, no doubt. Was it spectacular? hmmm. I will say that it was memorable, but didn't wow me. Among the three of us we had: - Yard bird - Fish and grits - Jerk chicken All three plates were very tasty. But I didn't feel like I HAVE To come back and eat here again. What also puzzled me were the plates. I'm not saying they need to have expensive dinnerware, but at least plates / bowls that match? Without chips and cracks? I mean you'd think by charging $25+ for a dish you could afford better looking dinnerware?
(3)David M.
The atmosphere is great the food is ok. If you want southern cooking in NY this is not it. If you want a southern fusion taste then try it out and be open. I suggest order all the appetizers and share with your table.
(4)Maddy G.
Not very impressed at all with the actual food, especially with the prices. You can find way better food elsewhere in this city. That said, the atmosphere was fun and the server was incredibly friendly and knowledgable. Very small portions. I'd recommend the Mac&Greens and definitely not the fried oysters unless you like them with citrus sauce.
(3)Giovanni O.
One of the best restaurants in the city. I encourage the manhattan crowd to make their way up to our neck of the woods to enjoy this gem. Live music and great drink specials add the romanticism to this great menu that fuses African, Southern, American, French, Hispanic, European, and Asian cuisines.
(5)Shari C.
Every single time I have been there it has been hopping in there! The atmosphere is full of energy and the food has been delicious!!! Marcus did a great job with this one! We will definitely keep on going back over and over and over again!
(5)Lady S.
Great music on Mondays. Very welcoming staff. Rahiem Walker and Farrah are uber talented. Atmosphere and people are awesome. Food is just ok.
(5)Lydia C.
I liked Red Rooster. The vibe when you first step into the restaurant already made me enjoy being there. The chicken was NOT the outstanding dish of the night. Grilled pork loin was so so so delicious. We all agreed this was the best entree out of the four we tried. Smoked salmon w/ the fennel puree was very well balanced. This was my second favorite dish of the night followed by the mac & greens. Smothered in melted gouda..... cheese lovers, this is a must. While the berbere roasted chicken was moist, there was not much flavor to the meat. It could have been seasoned some. For dessert, we tried the sweet potato doughnuts. They were just alright. I will be back to try the other dishes on the menu (Harlem Chowder - the table next to us ordered it and it looked very good). As a matter of fact, next week! Did I mention the pretty bathroom? Call me a sucker for nice & clean bathrooms (there was a chandelier!!).
(4)Nikki P.
My girlfriends and I have been wanting to try Red Rooster for over a year so Saturday night we found an open reservation and rejoiced at our last minute luck! We were sat as soon as we showed up (15 minutes before our reservation) and promptly attended to by the staff. We all love deviled eggs, and these were hands down the best any of us had had, so much so we ordered another order. The entrees were equally pleasing! I'd recommend this place to others and look forward to going back...because I dream about the hot sauce served with the yardbird!!!
(4)Adriana G.
I cannot believe what I was just told on the phone. If you would've asked me a month ago what I thought of this place (this review is for the sunday brunch at the supper club) I would've said that it's a fun touristy thing to do. $39.99 is a decent price for an all you can eat brunch and the gospel performance. My boyfriend and I decided it would be a fun thing to do with his parents this Sunday- so I called to make a reservation. Apparently they now have a "new" reservation system where you can only dine for an hour and then you are asked to leave because they reserve the next time slot. So if you have a 12:15pm reservation you are asked to leave at 1:15pm. Who in their right mind would think that's a good idea? Who eats brunch and watches a performance in an hour??? This has to be the tackiest move I've ever seen a restaurant make. I unfortunately cannot back out of going this Sunday but I will not be patron after this. TOTALLY NOT WORTH THE MONEY ANYMORE, or the trek up to Harlem for that matter.
(1)Danny O.
Awesome food and even better atmosphere. Attentive service and very reasonably priced for quality of food and location (I'm from WI, so I'd expect prices to be higher in NY than they were at Red Rooster). One buddy was "adventurous" and got the Red Rooster Ramen bowl and loved it. He was very pleasantly surprised considering he said he'd normally not get a dish like that. Other friend got a burger and it was gone in no time. I got the steak, which was good but not great. It had a hollandaise sauce, green beans, and fries. Fries were forgettable and green beans seemed a bit salty, but overall, steak was cooked perfectly. I'd like to try something else on their menu, though, like their jerk chicken. I loved the music. I'd like to go back just to listen to whoever is playing.
(4)Karen W.
I am giving the Red Rooster a three star rating. Two stars are for ambience and decor. One star is for the food and service. We came to the restaurant wanting to like it. Harlem is a charming place and needs more restaurants like the up market Red Rooster. Unfortunately the missteps with the food and the confused service will make me not want to eat there again anytime soon. I may go again, just to the bar area, for drinks. The cocktails were expensive but very good. The food, on paper, seemed interesting, but in fact was weirdly executed. We were fortunate to get a brunch seating without reservations. A young pregnant woman took our orders promptly and then disappeared. She showed up again only at the end of our meal to give us the check. In between, we were served in spurts by the bus boys and cooks. The man who appeared to be the manager seemed preoccupied with everything except the guests in the restaurant. The first odd thing is that bus boys and cooks brought out our appetizers and entrees all at one time. There was not enough room on the table for all the plates. They then said they would take the entree plates back and put them under heat lamps while we ate our appetizers. I order Helga's Meatballs which were covered with a tasteless foam. Why the foam, I do not know. The meatballs were ok but not worth the price. The dish was over salted. My friend's mother ordered the Lamb & Potato Hash. She kept complaining the dish was salty and tasted strongly of cinnamon. My friend ordered the Rooster Scramble Eggs and said it tasted good but nothing special. I venture to guess the problem lies with management on the floor and in the kitchen. The cooks who served us seemed to be hard working and caring guys but they may not have a feel for the type of cooking they are doing. They may be use to comfort food/soul food cooking. However, the menu presents a twist on this and they may need guidance in order to execute the menu properly. I suspect there was no one in the back controlling the quality of what went out. Again, the guy who appeared to be the manager was not managing the floor. He should be terminated.
(3)Kelly B.
I had the pleasure of dining here on a Wednesday night. 1. The decor and ambiance = loved the decor, including the lighting, artwork, layout, everything, great. The crowd was very diverse. 2. Food = I must say I was thoroughly pleased with our selections. My date and I had the meatballs with mash, red snapper, collard greens, and corn bread. All the dishes were wonderful, no complaints on anything. The presentation as well as the taste were superb. If I had to choose a favorite, it would be the Red Snapper, it actually impressed me. The cocktail selection was better than wine selection. 3. Lastly, parking was easy to find. There is a garage right around the corner which charges $9 dollars when you dine with the restaurant, or you can simply park on the street. I would definitely go back to Red Rooster.
(4)Liz F.
Finally got here last Saturday (6/4) and fairly early for a last-minute dinner. We were seated in the bar area at one of the communal tables (of which I'm a fan for the most part). Loved the interesting mix of people - servers and guests. Our waitress started off on the slow side - 15 minutes to get two glasses of wine when the bar is only six feet away - really?! And then she was confused as to which glass was the chardonnay and which was the sauvignon blanc - um, based on the color and aroma of each it was obvious... My British friend who's fallen in love with corn bread since moving here insisted we order it - one piece was moist, flavorful and delicious while the other was dry and crumbled like a two day old sand castle. We each ordered fish and my catfish was yummy - lots of flavor, perfectly cooked and served with wonderful black-eyed peas. The snapper was equally deliciious. We also ordered grits as a side and hey were just okay - not terribly flavorful (and, yes, I know grits don't usually scream flavor but if done well, they can be an interesting canvas for a lot of flavor) We had the sweet potato donutd for dessert and they were wonderful - surprisingly "light" and perfectly cooked. Overall, a somewhat inconsistent experience and deserving of a second try.
(3)Dina C.
What's funny about this place is that AM NY busted them for having reviews written about their food before they opened. Pretty damned crafty if you ask me, I like their ingenuity, though. BUT THEY SUCK!!! I love how the French place next door was empty when Red opened next door...but now it is full again. WHY? Because they actually CAN COOK a GOOD MEAL!!! Go to Red Rooster if you want to be in a GORGEOUS ROOM with mediocre staff, beautiful people,in the heart of Harlem dining on food that is hit or miss on a good day, undercooked on an ok day&down right disgusting and not worth the price on a bad day. What is sad is that someone who won TOP CHEF and knows how to operate a stove....should have better quality food... It is equally sad how many people are rooting for this beautiful place with famous chef&awful food! There are great places to dine in Harlem...this is not one of them.
(1)Le Anne A.
The Red Rooster is really a great spot. I love the food! The hint of Marcus's (the Chef's) Ethiopian and Swedish backgrounds are so endearing as they pop up on the menu (Helga's Meatballs). I only dined upstairs, which was cozy and cute. Will defnitely do dinner to experience the downstatirs lounge. Their sidewalk seating in also very expansive! Great for Brunch on a beautiful day. The wine selection (for lunch at least) was very well thought out. And for the guys, the list of bottled beers is lenghty, you will have plenty of options! Another definite go to spot.
(4)A C.
Finally got a reservation here and the space is awesome, the service is great but the food was lacking. I had the Fish & Grits and mine was really good. Everyone else had the Fried Yard Birds, which was just okay. We shared the parmesan fries, mac & cheese (for 18 it was DEFinitely lacking) and the collard greens. All in all the food wasn't bad, the experience was nice but we likely will not go back to eat here due to the lack of availability of reservations. We took a look at Ginny's downstairs which was a swanky place and we will go there for drinks and a music show.
(2)Anthony H.
When is the speakeasy downstairs going to be finished? NBA player union offices in the same building. O yeah, the food is incredible. Corn bread baked in something with addictive properties. Right next to Sylvia's interestingly. The lamb and egg is delicious. My first 'African' tea, but I didn't care for it, tart, red in color and bitter. Very few complaints, nice atmosphere. A fine, authentic Harlem establishment.
(4)lauren l.
Marcus, do yourself a favor and get back in the kitchen where you belong. Your line cooks just can't do it without you. They are slow, confused and worse, don't understand what your food should taste like. The service was somewhat offputting, rushed, pushy in the upselling sort of way. Your famous chicken was practically inedible. I believe Yelp is a forum for food and service, as I'm not much concerned with ambiance. I'd much rather have delicious food in a dive than vice versa. Therefore, the fact that the place looks beautifful and has a great energy level doesn't weigh in on my reviews.
(2)Bridget P.
So glad I came :) the cornbread was delicious esp the tomato relish it comes with, I had the fried yard bird and the Mac n greens and everything was good...didn't get dessert, but I can't wait to come again and explore the menu some more!!
(4)Steven S.
Hype or no hype, I've been waiting for Red Rooster to open for months, which is a first for me for any restaurant above 14th Street, as they say, and I live above 170th, so I'm not one of "they" and this opening is therefore doubly-pleasant. And it's great! Exuberant, attentive staff (friendly and helpful but not overbearing, totally approachable and professional), eclectic food (think Ethiopian/Scandinavian/Soul Fusion), and a bright, gorgeous, sort of haute folksy space. A little bit of a downtown ambiance in an uptown space, though the huge front windows are a friendly and unexpected touch for both this neighborhood and this city. My father, partner, and I went in for a late afternoon Christmas dinner. Two of us waited for the third at the curvy, swooping, copper bar which has wines on tap, expensive house cocktails, numerous beer selections, and a separate menu if you want to munch on fried chicken nuggets. It was amusing to watch the well coiffed manager manage all the little details. He clearly runs a tight ship. Once seated, we were offered but declined a $75 fixed menu. No problem with it, just wasn't interested in the options, but such a thing may be a common occurrence on special occasions. Instead, we ordered the fried chicken, the salmon, and the red snapper with collard greens and yams on the side. My father, who almost never likes anything, thought the fried chicken was great. My partner and I concurred that the salmon, too, was excellent, and I myself don't normally like cooked salmon, but the way they serve it here is fresh, slightly tangy, and not at all fishy. My red snapper was fine, too, especially the spicy tomato broth base it sat in--very unique--which I wish had been more thoroughly infused into the fish itself. The collard greens were powerful stuff that we couldn't finish. The yams/sweet potatoes were divine and near perfect. I am tempted to revise up to 5 stars and may very well do that on a repeat visit in the near future. They are clearly serious about quality at this place (delaying the opening several months says as much), so it's worth keeping an eye on. Given its location, I'll definitely be back soon. Might even come here regularly to drink, it's so convenient. On a personal note, the highlight of the evening was when Marcus himself came out to ask how we were doing and thank us for coming. He was even happy (I daresay delighted) to pose with us for a photo. And the highlight wasn't just that he did that, but that my father recognized him from the Food Network and was himself delighted by the experience. Anything to reduce the curmudgeonliness on Christmas!
(4)Allison T.
FInally got over to eat here for a birthday brunch. I had a preview tasting with Epicurious a year ago, so I knew sorta what to expect fried-chicken-and-mac-and-greens-wise, but I wanted to see the place, and dine in the space. Waiter, Ephraheim, was real cool. Funny. New Yorker tip-desperate, but in a cute way. The way the bus boys rolled their eyes at him, I figured he was eccentric. Pick him if you can. Nice that you can see the kitchen, and its dedicated cooks, preparing, shouting, dealing with heat and kitchen drama. Kinda felt bad they had to work, while I sipped on a drink. I ordered a Spicy Lady cocktail. Gin, jalapeno/rosemary syrup, lemon juice and creole bitters. Don't frown, it was awesome. Pink, with a nice lil kick, and livened me up for the rest of the meal. $13 seemed a lot, but for the originality of it, and brunchy appropriateness, I didn't mind. Bread on the table made me mumble under my breath about starch and carbs, but I did manage to cut off a piece of cornbread. Lovely perfection. Heavy, buttery, yet light and able to work with the honey butter or tomato jam on the table. I could see it on plate in a puddle of maple syrup, but that's probably my own diabetic dream. The lingonberry mini muffins, mini croissants and other breads, I didn't try, but I did see 2 people at my table fight over a croissant. My main dish was the Lenox Smorgasborg, to which Ephraheim gave me a hi-five. fabulous gravlox sprinkled with caviar and red onion, smoked trout salad on a mini bagel, creamy n yum-yum, country ham sliced thin like prosciutto with a plop of country mustard, and pickled veggies, baby carrots, okra, onion. It was a perfect summer brunch-ish dish, everything done well, and with attention to flavor and texture. Free whiskey fudge was brought to the table, and not many people liked it. It was too bitter, sorta grainy, and the nuts didn't add anything to the taste. A couple of folks at my table told the waiter to keep that off the menu, and filled out a comment card about it. yikes! I had a scoop of chocolate ice cream. My reward for being carb savvy, and to end my meal with a smile. HEAVENLY. Best ice cream I've had in years. I'd go back just for the ice cream. I do not know what made it so incredibly good. just get it. It was $3, but I'd pay $10. BTW: The restroom was sooo nice! felt like peeing in my fashionable grandma's house. painted all antique white, auto-flush, pedestal sink, and piped in music. The walls had old photos from the 60's, 70's just taped up, no frames, of people, who knows who they were, not sure anyone knows, I never asked, but I instantly thought I would do that in my own bathroom, cuz it added such a homeyness, and warmth. Nice place. Outside it's nudged in with the other spots clamoring for trendy Harlem patrons, but inside, it's a whole different vibe, a nice loungey, homey, bring a date, or bring ya mama kinda vibe. I'd go back. and get the chicken next time.
(4)Angela B.
My friend and I were able to get outdoor seating without reservations this evening. While we waited briefly to be seated, I noticed that the bar and the rest of the indoor area were buzzing. The lively salsa music and the chatty crowd gave the place a welcoming vibe. I really liked the flavors of the blackened catfish and black eyed peas. The crab cakes were delicious, too. The cornbread was great, with just the right amount of sweetness. The meal went well with Prosecco. Every aspect of the service--from the people who greeted and seated us, to the waitress and water servers--was very good. They were attentive and friendly without smothering us.
(4)Brian B.
This could be great restaurant and an asset to the neighborhood, with lovely ambiance and nice decor, but as it is in March 2011, it's very disorganized. The service was terrible, the kitchen lost our check and we waited for some of our order until the rest was cold. The waiter didn't have a busser to refill water glasses and coffee cups during a very busy brunch, and the entrees were too small, expensive, and incomplete as a meal. I feel hungry thirty minutes after eating and spending $100 on brunch for three people. Also, the rude hostess was a complete idiot. After waiting a half hour for the refill of my coffee, I asked the passing hostess if she could get me more coffee. She gave me a nasty self-important look and said "NO, but I'll find you a server." But she DIDN'T. I waited another 20 minutes for my waiter to come back to the table. I guess he was on a break with no one covering his tables. When a restaurant doesn't pool the tips among the staff, no one helps anyone else. That's when the kitchen lost our order and we had to start over. On a better note, the breakfast bread basket was great, along with the honey butter, and the fries in truffle sauce were delicious. The bar was attractive with friendly no-attitude bartenders.
(2)Noodle M.
Cornbread and sweet potato donuts! Exclamation mark says it all.
(4)Marlo M.
From the moment we entered until the end of dinner, energy, service and quality of food was excellent. I especially loved our service providers: Danielle and a gentleman that was training her. Courtesy and attentive are words that describe the personal service we received.
(4)M P.
Red Rooster has amazing atmosphere. Polite staff. All around lovely dining experience. However, the food didn't blow me away in terms of taste and I was rather confused by the lack of creativity with the menu. Otherwise the beverages are amazing and the spot is always busy. If you are looking for a great time to experience it all go during dinner. Brunch isn't that great by any means considering the competition. You will be a tad underwhelmed.
(3)Julia E.
TL;DR: food is really good, but not worth the trip from downtown Manhattan. I'm a little on the fence of whether to leave 3 or 4 stars as I'm kind of in the middle, but I'll round up to 4 because the food was really good. My boyfriend and I split the biscuits and gravy, burger, and mac and cheese (yes we are fatties, get over it) and everything was delicious. However, I didn't think it really lived up to the hype and the trip from downtown. We came around 1:30 on a Sunday and the wait was about an hour. When we did get seated, it was RIGHT next to the band, who was AWESOME but a little loud. I'd have expected to get seated in the dining room, but I guess not. And while the food was good, honestly I don't think it was better than anything I've had elsewhere. Burgers are just as good at 5 Napkin, mac n cheese is just as good at S'Mac or the Smith, biscuits and gravy... well OK I have yet to find a decent place for that in NYC. In any case, I don't think I'll be making the trek back up anytime soon.
(4)Cregsty B.
We were really excited to finally try Red Rooster and were surprised when we showed up without a reservation and were seated right away. However, the much anticipated visit left us unsatisfied. The food was mediocre at best and it came out so fast (yes, that can be a bad thing) we didn't even have time to enjoy our cocktail. We drove all the way to 125th street for a 45 minute dinner. Bourbon Negroni cocktail: strong and tasty, 4 stars. Mac n' Greens: loved the idea of having smoky greens mixed into my mac n' cheese but it really didn't do anything special. Portion was small and I've definitely had better mac n' cheese. The side salad was the best part with a beautiful heirloom carrot, 3 stars. Red Caesar Salad: red because it has red romaine leaves in it. The description said a smoky vinaigrette and honestly this Caesar dressing didn't taste any different than the kind you get in a packet at a fast food chain. The whole salad was drenched in this dressing and covered in a blanket of finely grated cheese. No croutons or romaine hearts to break up the richness of the dressing and cheese. It also came in a diner-type bowl, which made it even less appealing. I get what they were trying to do but the salad was so bad there was nothing ironic about that. This was recommended by the server, not sure why, 1 star. Red Grits side: this was supposed to be a side of grits with chorizo, crab and shrimp. It was tasty but swimming in some sort of broth, so not your typical grits. Chorizo was nowhere to be found but I guess that's what was giving the grits their red color. I'll give this 3 stars. Sweet Potato Donuts: these are filled with sweet potato cream, the dough isn't make with sweet potatoes, just to be clear. The filling was cold, which I wasn't expecting considering these supposedly just came out of the fryer. They were just fine, 2 stars. I can see this being a decent place to stop in for a weekday dinner if you live in the neighborhood, but don't make a trip here from Brooklyn and expect an amazing Saturday night dinner.
(2)Leizl M.
Oh, Marcus Samuelsson, how I admire you so. I've wanted to try Red Rooster since I first heard Chef Samuelsson was building a new restaurant in Harlem, and I wanted even more to love everything about it. Sadly, after having dinner there last night with my friends, I discovered while there is a lot to like, there isn't nearly as much to love. The bar at the front is very trendy and lively, surprisingly crowded for a Wednesday night. Chef Samuelsson was actually walking around and greeting various customers around the bar while we were waiting, and at one point he was a foot away from our group. I froze like a total fangirl as he brushed past us, but I always find it very cool when a famous chef is actually in his own restaurant, saying hello to people. Once our table was ready, we were led downstairs to a separate dining room, which offered a very cozy feel. Our waiter was friendly and fabulous, and tried to be as helpful as he could with the menu. He asked if we'd like to start with some corn bread, and we figured we might as well while we wrestled with our menu choices. Being from the south, I have certain expectations when it comes to corn bread, and Red Rooster's version didn't disappoint. It was very moist and full of flavor, the tomato jam was interestingly savory and spicy, and it's impossible to argue with honey butter. After some debate my friends decided on the mac and greens and the chickpea dumplings, and, being in the mood for the ultimate comfort food, I went for the oxtails. (My favorite Filipino dish is kare kare, which is oxtails in peanut sauce.) I actually was fairly pleased with my dish, as it came out with three huge pieces of oxtail on a bed of what I believe was pureed plantain, as well as a grilled piece of plantain and a few plantain chips. The braise was simple, juicy and comforting, which was all I was looking for when I ordered the dish. My dinner companions felt very differently about their dishes. The chickpea dumplings were underwhelming without much flavor, and the mac and greens were a huge disappointment. I took a bite of the mac and cheese to see what my friend meant when she said it was the worst mac and cheese she'd ever had, except for maybe Velveeta. Initially it tasted like mashed potatoes, but as I chewed I could see what she meant: It wasn't creamy or cheesy enough. I could see the idea behind using more subtle cheeses, but the execution was lacking. Mac and cheese should never be that flavorless. She managed to eat all of the greens, which she said were okay, but she got through maybe 1/4 of the mac and cheese, buried it in salt in hopes that it would improve the flavor, and finally gave up. She let the waiter know how displeased she was with the dish, and he was very understanding and apologetic. He mentioned that the menu was still a work in progress, and that they'd actually had complaints about the mac and greens early on but had tried to make some improvements the week prior. He took her dish off of the final check, said he would pass the world along to the executive chef, and brought us each a piece of whiskey fudge on the house, which was delicious, rich and with a great salty/sweet combination. Overall it was an underwhelming experience, but we chalked it up to the fact that it's a risk you always take when you try a new place in New York, especially one that's so new and still in a discovery/experimental stage. It's quite possible that had we ordered two different dishes, the experience would have changed vastly, but alas, it was what it was. I appreciated the way the waiter handled things at the end of the meal, and since I thought my dish was fine, I'd say three stars with some definite room for improvement. I'm hoping over the next year the menu will evolve and we can give it another go.
(3)Alicia S.
I am torn between a 4 and 5 star. The food was excellent, but the service was AMAZING. The restaurant was packed from the moment we arrived for our 7:30 pm reservation until we left around 9:45 pm. The restaurant is location right outside of the 2/3 at 125th St. When you walk into the restaurant there is a large bar area bustling with people. It took approx. 30 minutes total from the Village to arrive via subway. The hostess is just past the bar, and is super friendly. We were sat about 10 minutes after 7:30. We were attended to every step of the way. Never an empty water glass or a need left unattended (not that we had that many needs). Our server was Aaron, and I will request him again next time I go. If you make a reservation request Aaron he was just nice, helpful, and had some great menu suggestions. They have been only open for 3 weeks, but you would have no idea. There didn't seem to be any kinks with the service or food. Chef/Owner Marcus Samuelsson even took time to come out and shake everyone's had and thank them for coming. My mom lives out of state and is a huge fan because of Top Chef. Even though it was embarrassing I asked if I could take a picture with him for my mom. He was so nice and had no problems letting me take a picture with him. Items we had: 2 Lenox Cocktails Served in a Martini Glass - Cocoa- & Vanilla-Infused Bourbon, Tawny Port, Rhubarb, Maraschino - I thought the cocktail was good just a bit strong for me, but my friend LOVED his drink. Corn Bread with Honey Butter, Tomato Jam - YUMMY!! The tomato jam was awesome. Shrimp with Red Grits (Shrimp, Basil, Sausage, Poached Egg) - this is the dish I had, which I enjoyed. It was just the right amount of food not too much and not too little. The shrimp tasted steamed. They were served in the middle around saucy red grits. There was a cheese crust next to the poached egg. Great flavors and not a heavy dish. Fried Yard Bird (White Mace Gravy, Hot Sauce & Shake) - my friend ordered this, which I tried. It was quite tasty. There were 3 pieces of chicken with gravy. The Shake is a mixture of chili powder and Ethiopian spices that is comes on the side in a shaker like salt or pepper. 2 beers (1 Rooster Special and 1 Keegan's Mother's Milk) - the rooster beer is an amber beer that is brewed specially for the restaurant, and mother's milk is like Guinness. 1 warm apple pie with a Soft Cheddar Crust and Vanilla Whip - yummy apple pie with a top and bottom crust served with some whip cream very good. The crust was a bit difficult to cut, but it still tasted good.
(4)Jenny S.
Overhyped, and very disappointed. Had the corn chowder that tasted like a salt lick that ruined my entire experience. It has a cool atmosphere, but would not go back for the food.
(2)Gail J.
While visiting NY this weekend for a Girlfriend's celebratory gathering, my friends and I had a fantastic time dining at Red Rooster in Harlem! Upon arrival, we were greeted by Andre, the handsome matrade. As we passed guests enjoying the evening at the outdoor dining area, we were escorted through the front door, and greeted by Co-owner Derek, who welcomed us with a chilled glass of sparkling wine to toast to the milestone birthday we were gathered to celebrate. We'd just missed Marcus, but Derek welcomed us out-of-towners in NY Style! The bar area was filled with patrons laughing, engaged in lively conversations while listening to energetic music. As we marveled at the architectural design. It was clear that a great deal of thought and creativity went into desiging the former church into this five star restaurant and entertainment establishment. Our wait was relatively short. Once seated, our waiter took great care to ensure our service was friendly and efficient. While waiting for our drinks, he brought over sweet corn bread for us to sample. We began our dinner with spicy crab cakes and very cheesy mac & cheese as appetizers; followed by orders of blackened cat fish and melt in your mouth short ribs accompanied by a dish of mixed greens and shrimp bbq'd grits as our sides. All items were paired with the perfect red and white wines. Mmmm... Finally, for dessert, we shared Red Rooster's signature Sweet Potato Donuts topped with a delicious honey whipped cream. Absolutely devine!!! The atmosphere and decor was fun & eclectic and full of life. Many guests continued their evening with dancing in the lower level. I highly recommend Red Rooster as an evening destination in NY. It offers everything you'd want in a great dining experience! A real treat --- Don't forget to check out the menu framed near the kitchen which highlights the dinner served to President Barak Obama during his recent visit to Red Rooster!
(5)Salt L.
Great venue and ambience. Food is very good, the menu is a little limited. I hope it keeps evolving. I am a fan of the fish plates and the appetizers. Some of the entrees are way too heavy for my taste but I understand the Southern theme. Drinks were great!
(4)Saejin L.
What a disappointment! Went here for my bf's birthday and it was such an unspectacular meal. It was just totally not worth the money and mediocre food. Food Corn Bisque: Too sweet, came to the table not hot. Dirty Rice: The shrimp was good, the rice was awful. It was so bland. Duck Salad: I don't remember this dish at all, if that says anything. Blue Corn Fish Tacos: These little bites were alright, nothing to write home about. Whole fish: The fish was moist and good, but the ramen was a strange combination. The ramen was overcooked and lacked any depth of flavor. Crab cakes: This was pretty tasty. The bf and I really enjoyed these. Panna Cotta: I really really liked their panna cotta. It was creamy and declicious. This was one of the high points of the meal. The food that came out wasn't very hot. Our crab cakes came out way after all our other apps. When we asked about them, our server came immediately with them, which made me think that they were just sitting and waiting to be brought to our table. The server was nice and plates were quickly cleared so that's something. Totally unrelated to our meal, but.....the couple next to us had a partially cooked roasted chicken dish, which didn't seem to alarm the server until they mentioned the threat of salmonella. Then the couple had 4 different people come by with apologies which seemed to be too much. Even the couple was over it by the time the fourth person came by with apologies. Guys, we get it. You're sorry the chicken wasn't fully cooked. Say it once, bring them something to show them you care, then let them eat. While Marcus Samuelsson seems like an amazing chef, his restaurant is definitely lacking. Definitely won't be coming back and wasting money on overpriced whatever food.
(2)Vern W.
The restaurant gets five stars for ambiance. It has tables for folks with reservations and a Community table which accommodated those of us who did not, and didn't want to wait. The staff was friendly, helpful, and professional. The food was good, but not really right for my palate. The yard bird was spicy as advertised, but I think I would have liked it better with a little less heat. My dining companion had the shrimp and grits and felt that there was not enough grits. It did look a little sauce heavy. The thing to remember is that this is not going to be traditional soul food. It is Chef Samuelsson's take on soul food. Not a bad thing at all. And he actually came out from the kitchen and mingled with the guests a bit, very nice touch!
(4)Monica S.
Red Rooster for a Saturday afternoon brunch is a very pleasant experience. The big airy room, chatting diverse crowd, nice staff, cool jazz, strong bloody mary and generous omelet left me and my friend feeling positively upbeat by the time we left. I fully recommend it and I can't see what any naysayers are saying nay about! As a Brooklynite, it takes a lot to get me uptown but this is a beautiful addition to Harlem and I will be back...
(4)Irene C.
Love the ambience! It has a funky vibe with live music starting around 8 pm - if I lived in New York, I would definitely come here to have drinks at the bar or dinner with friends because the atmosphere is perfect for both. I wouldn't necessarily come here on a date - a bit too noisy. The food overall was good - not great - gravlax, jerk bacon and eggs, however the mac and greens was delicious. Pricing for food and drinks isn't anything more than what you'd expect in NY and at that type of restaurant. Our service was very good - the server was friendly and attentive.
(4)Jabari H.
I was skeptical at first because I have been hearing so-so reviews of the food here. Mainly that the fried yard bird was bland. I was smart enough to not get that and instead had the Red Snapper: best decision ever. This may be the best red snapper I have ever had; it was seasoned to perfection. The only complaint is that for the price, the portion size was small for Red Snapper. The size was what I would expect for Chilean Sea Bass. I had Oysters for an appetizer and was not impressed. They were no briny at all, and when you are paying $8 for three, I would expect them to be very good. For dessert, I had apple pie which was quite good, but not amazing. The wine list is quite extensive; likely the best list in Harlem, and that's including the numerous wine bars popping up. I had a '08 Oregon Pinot Noir which was excellent and fairly priced. My date had the oxtail, which was fine, but I have had much better for a third of the price from random West Indian takeout restaurants. Basically, my 4 stars is for my Red Snapper and my wine selection. I can't really vouch for anything else on the menu. The decor is nice and there is an open kitchen, which you don't want to sit right next to because the expediter in there is yelling the whole time. The staff is attentive and generally helpful. When I was choosing my wine, the sommelier was nowhere to be found, but he ended up bringing out my wine and then was all over the place (maybe he was on a break when I was ordering).
(4)Dimitri S.
A friend and I went over to the Rooster last night to try out the food as we both have been hankering to try the upscale soul food of Chef Samuelsson. When we arrived Chef Samuelsson was making his way around the bar, shaking hands with his patrons and making small talk, definitely a genuinely lovely man. He has a great presence and charisma. Great bar scene with some creatively made drinks which were professionally made and tasty. As a former bartender of many years I enjoyed seeing the variety of out-the-main-drag cocktails. I had the Gin and Juice (marmalade made a surprisingly welcome appearance) and the Earl of Harlem, with my meal. After the meal we each had one of the infused bourbons that are very nice touch. Wanted to love it and hand out the stars but the one dish I had, the "yard bird" was nicely seasoned in terms of flavorful spices but was overly salted. Just could not get past the overly salted chicken. I would also consider a small dollop of something creamy (mashed potato, mac, or parsnip puree) with the chicken as the greens were not enough to satisfy the soul and balance the saltiness, if that is how they do it on the regular. I know bowls of sides are available but $23 for a thigh and a leg, one could smack lil extra love on the plate. Everyone is a damn critic today but I think I'm making sense. Want this place to be successful! About time we had a place to chill at in the hood. 3.5 stars in the end, I'll be back to give it another whirl as that catfish dish looked proper.
(3)John C.
So I have been to Red Rooster three times in the past week. Why? It's the people. I always meet very interesting people at Red Rooster. The front area of the restaurant is very friendly -- both the tables and the bar area. I always end up talking to people next to me, and in every instance so far, I have really enjoyed the conversation. At this point, I have no reservations about going to Red Rooster by myself. I'm there quite a bit these days, so if you recognize me from this review, stop by and say hi!
(5)Katie S.
The good: The space is wonderful! Kudos to someone who finally figured out that the waiting/hanging space should be large so you don't get bumped around drinking and waiting. The bad: The food is mediocre at best. Anything that's good is because it's deep fried or has syrup on it. I've said it once and I'll say it again: everything tastes good fried with syrup on it. We had the nuggets with toast and the sweet potato lamb hash. It was uninspired and really just oily. I mean it tasted good, but this isn't fine food. The lamb hash was little cubes of beets, sweet potato and the cheapest part of a chewy lamb sitting in some oil with a cream sauce. It tasted like left-overs. Ok, I guess. I had a vodka drink that had muddled grapes in it. Again, it was fine, but not finely done with any great care or effort. I feel like this is another restaurant that doesn't have the chops to create quality food with care. Instead, they are using deep frying as an out and calling it soul food or American Traditional; and serving it in a beautiful space so we think we're getting some amazing new take on American food. Who knew sloppily prepared, oily, uninspired cooking was an American tradition? Thanks for opening in Harlem though. The space is incredible and the neighborhood could use this beautiful place to draw people in. Please go back and work on the menu and recipes. You're a celebrity. Surely you can find some real skill and put it/them in your kitchen?
(2)Sharifa A.
Went to Red Rooster on a lunch date with my mom... the appetizers was soooo good we were really thinking we would be WOW'd by the entree's... NO! We had the shrimp & rice and crab cakes & cornbread as an appetizer... great! I ordered a drink that was kind've like a mojito, minus the mint & added grapes, which was pretty good, but definitely not strong enough for my taste... Entree's: I ordered the steak frites & asked that my steak be medium well, unfortunately it was well done, but I dealt with it. My mom had the red snapper & it was dry. It was disappointing, because we really expected some great food.It wasn't great, it wasn't horrible...it was just OK. Pros: The Atmosphere The Staff The Appetizers Cons: Dry Salmon Medium Well Steak, Clearly Well Done
(3)Azah A.
Loved it here. The decor is beautiful, the mood and setting is great and the drinks are fab but pricy. Came here on a Saturday night and the ages ranged from young working professionals to older divas in fur coats. A had a great time and though the mood seemed a bit grown and sexy (emphasis on the grown), I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here (22 year old here). I would definitely go back. This is a great spot in Harlem!
(5)Edith B.
The ambiance was nice, the portions were too small, smaller than a frozen entree and just as tasty. I would go back for the tacos, crab cake and a drink.
(2)Marin G.
It's really hard to judge this place as I never thought in ONE MILLION YEARS that I would ever get a table here. Luckily, I know someone that knows someone that know someone. A friend used a big in and we went for an extremely early dinner (yes, that's what an in will get you). The place started off hardly crowded and by the end of our dinner, circa 8pm, it was packed. We started with the red caesar salad. Then I got the mac 'n greens and she had the blackened catfish. I rarely order a dish as decadent as the 4 cheese mac 'n greens but it was amazing. Very rich but not to the point where I could only eat 4 bites. I ate most of it. My friend said she really liked the fish but she hardly ate 1/2. I tasted it and it was super flavorful - maybe a bit overpowering on the spices, Marcus. We had the mashed yams (sans bacon) on the side and THAT was dessert worthy sweet and smooth. My biggest complaint is the service. For that price, I would expect impeccable service. My friend was served her iced tea before we even had water glasses. They were not very attentive but the waitress was extremely friendly and helpful in explaining menu items. So it's not that it was bad service, it just should have been 10x better at this caliber. Honestly, my favorite part was the people watching. You could tell people come from ALL over (the city and otherswise) to eat here and I really like when a place draws all kinds. i think I need to try brunch here. And cocktail.
(4)Brittany B.
I really liked this place, even though getting a table can be impossible. The drinks are fantastic and the half price happy hour makes them affordable. There was nothing I tried here that I didn't like. Just make a reservation if you want to sit down to enjoy your food.
(4)Kevin B.
I agree that the vibe and staff are very inviting, but the food is sub-par. Went to lunch today and had the spinach salad (had only a bitter sliced radish and four caper berries in it), corn bread (so dry I had to ask for another liter of "homemade" sparkling water), and Roasted Yard Bird (also, incredibly dry and lacking flavor). The best part of the meal was the swiss chard that the chicken was served on. I expected more from Marcus, especially when you consider the prices.
(2)Paul C.
We got there dead on 5:30pm, no reservations meant it was packed but I liked the fact it rewarded truly interested locals. Oysters - very nice, reasonable at $9 for 3 Shrimp and grits - We so wanted to like this, the shrimp were perfectly cooked but grits swamped by the sauce Steak frites - excellent, perfect char, fries a bit puny for my taste, I wish they were a tiny bit thicker cut. Nice pepper dipping sauce Apple pie - nice, too much cinnamon for me. A great asset, wonderful staff who were all informative and seemed very cheerful. I also got to get a quick picture with Marcus, he was very generously walking around even in the bar shaking hands etc. A great start, we will be regulars for sure.
(4)Michael N.
WOW !!! Not normaly a fan of celebrity chefs, but I have never had such flavor Staff, all of them were so spot on , you could tell that they all enjoyed what & where they were working. EVERTHING WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD !!!!! We had ever app, Turnip & pumpkin soup , corn bread . Mac & cheese was the best I ever had, blacked cat fish . Sweet donuts for desert out of this world . Easy access from sub way . Find time & explore this place .
(5)Esilat G.
Red Rooster of Harlem NYC is PHENOMENAL! I had dinner there tonight and I will definitely be going back. After walking in and being greeted by the hostess she promptly took our coats. My dinner reservation was at 6:30 and I was seated immediately. Our waitress (Onika) was helpful and took our drink orders without delay. I had the signature drink of Red Rooster the- The Big Red Rooster which is a cinnamon infused bourbon, doulin rouge, averna amaro and orange bitters. Whoa! It was a fabulous and strong drink served in a martini glass. I ordered as an appetizer the red caesar salad made with Bottarga, smoked vinaigrette with shavings of parmesan cheese. My husband ordered the crab cakes which were AMAZING! My main entree was the shrimp and red grits and I LOVED IT! I don't eat sausage and Onika (waitress) was able to ensure there was no sausage added to the dish since I don't eat it. My husband ordered the Fried Yard Bird which is fried chicken with a special twist to it. Can I say DELICIOUS? You may want to order one of the side dishes to go along with this entree. Halfway through dinner guess who came out to greet the patrons? none other than Chef Marcus Samuelsson!!!! I almost choked on my shrimp. He shook hands with everyone in the restaurant and showered us with his million dollar smile. For dessert I ordered the sweet potato donuts. The mini donuts are coated with cinnamon sugar and have a light sweet potato filling. The donuts were served with fresh whipped cream (with vanilla bean) and lemon sorbet (delish). The kitchen is open with full access for diners to see Marcus and his staff work wonders. The entire waitstaff was amazing. All in all it was a great atmosphere. I saw many people dressed casually. Red Rooster is an awesome addition to Harlem USA! I hope this review helps ya.
(5)Olaf K.
Went there for an event downstairs this week and there was NO air conditioning?!?! How can you operate a restaurant/dance club that does not have functioning A/C on a 85+ degree day?! There were no apologies. Not even the offer one free drink or so for patrons. Ridiculous. We're sticking with the 1 star review until we go back to try the food after the AC issue has been addressed. After that we'll update the review.
(1)Larry R.
I went there on November 16 2013 with my son and wife both of whom were celebrating their birthdays. When I read the prior reviews I was somewhat afraid of what type of restaurant this was but I was pleasantly surprised. The people who run are so friendly the restaurant exudes of friendliness. From the greeter to the hat check, from the waiter to the bar staff to the server to the end. We had cornbread,mac and greens dessert and drinks. As we were leving one of the hosts came over and gave us a bag with coffee and tea. A finishing touch for an exquisite meal. I am sure we will be returning.
(5)Will S.
We ate at Ginny's which was an additional; $15/person because they had a jazz quartet. The service was exceptional but the food was just average and the music was kind of flat. Probably won't come back unless its to eat upstairs which we haven't done. Our appetizers included mac & cheese (unusual spices, tasty but not your typical gelatinous starch which I actually enjoy), kale (pretty bad), corn bread (too heavy/dense - l like it flaky and crumbly), and garden salad (very good, vinegar/pickled vegetable flavor). I had the catfish (too spicy, couldn't taste the fish) with a side of mash potatoes (so-so, I like mine thicker and chunkier - these were lighter and fluffy). My friend had the salmon (big portion but not very good). For dessert we had the sorbet which was a nice contrast to the heavy meal. I did enjoy the environment, Very diverse crowd. Dinner plus 4 glasses of wine was $168 including tax plus $30 for the music but before tax/tip.
(3)Jasz J.
Buzzing name of Marcus Samuelesson, this joint was quite happening. We came here after dinner one night and wow, it's a place to be! Although we were only at the bar section, the dinner plate items look good. From one dinner claiming that we have to try it sometime. Marcus came from Aquavit which I enjoy and now Red Rooster got it going on! On top of that, Marcus himself came out to greet the customers which I think is splendid! Totally a place to hang! Yes, to Red Rooster!!! FYI drinks are pricey here, just like Manhattan although this place is located in the Harlem.
(4)Dulce Q.
The place is nice don't get me wrong .I noticed that during after-hours you see too many tourists. At night its bit more different.. you can shake yo' booty downstairs .They are expensive, but if you think that you want to venture in Harlem, and see what Harlem is NOT really about then go ahead.
(3)Alycia M.
I was privileged to have a wonderful culinary experience at a new restaurant that hadn't even opened to the public yet. I know, cool right. To think that I considered not going in order to focus on my half marathon training. That thought left my mind quickly when I considered the Chef that's name is a attached to this gem in Harlem. Here's a hint, 2 words, Ethiopia and Sweden. Most recently, Chef Marcus Samuelsson, born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden is best known for his winningthe Top Chef Masters on The Bravo channel. He isa world renowned chef, and the youngest chef to receive a 3-star review from The New York Times (at age 24). The fact that his name is connected to anything related to James Beard(named "Best Chef: New York City" by the James Beard Foundation) was reason enough for me to make the trip from Jersey to Harlem in rush hour traffic. Needless to say just knowing those little tidbits, I was not missing this Monday evening event. It was a star studded event with Cicily Tyson in attendance and Chrisette Michele performing, to close out the evening. But I must say, the star of the night was Marcus Samuelsson's food. Though the space is not finished, with exposed drywall, and unfinished walls, the place was jumping with excitement and anticipation. The evening began with cocktails served in the basement of the restaurant. Mini-mini fish tacos were passed, as well as shooters of what tasted and looked like butternut squash soup. Following the cocktail hour we took our seats and the food experience began. I have shared the complete menu for the evening below. I could go on and on about this food, but what you need to know is that if you are in Harlem when Red Rooster opens, you need to visit. Red Rooster will be a space that is unique to several of the other restaurants in the area.There will be a breakfast cafe, communal table, horse shoe shaped bar, and grocery. The basement will house a jazz, gospel open mic type experience as well as cooking demo's and classes. The executive chef of Red Rooster is Andrea Bergquist bringing experience from other famous eatery's like Tabla, Merkato 55, and Gramercy Tavern. Appetizer Crab Cakes Lump blue crab, spiced mayo Pickled Beets Manchego, spinach hazelnuts M'hudi Sauvinon Blanc 2008 Entrees Fried Yard Bird White mace gravy Roasted Salmon Apple cider glaze One World Pinotage 2008 Sides Herbed Couscous smoked Collard Greens Mac and Greens roasted Cauliflower Dessert Assorted Red Rooster Desserts red velvet cupcakes, donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar with banana filling Seven Sisters "Odelia" Bukettraube 2009 Taste big Dream Bigger Foodieengineer
(4)Tina K.
Its been a lill while since I've visited this spot but I can't imagine its changed much since last summer. The location is in the heart of Harlem, so if you're new to the city you should enjoy all the famous landmarks around. This restaurant/lounge can get pretty crowed & very noisy depending on the time of day of your visit. I've bin advise the best time to go is for late brunch or lunch. I went last late night on a Friday and there was def a lengthy wait for seating. The food was really good, the drinks also but I wasn't to happy with the space, mainly because of how crowed it got. My friends and I did check out the under ground lounge, which was even smaller & tighter than the bar and dinning area upstairs. You can def get your freak on in one of the corners (if ur looking to) because its super dark and the music is blasting. I personally prefer this spot as just a restaurant but to each their own. Regardless of minor disappointments, the food was good enough to redeem them from a bad review in my book. I went back once more on a sat afternoon as recommended and enjoy the major differences in the scenery from my previous din [lounge was closed off].
(3)Richard D.
The wait was worth it. The 125th street 2/3 Subway stop in Harlem now has a good restaurant *not* operated by a pretentious idiot (see my review of Chez Lucienne, which, for now, still hangs-on next door to Red Rooster). Fear not, downtowners, you can come back to Harlem and eat without being insulted. The first thing that struck me as I walked in this place for Sunday brunch was that every beautiful woman in Harlem must have wanted a table when I did. This place reeks of money, both in decor and clientele, but lacks the pretense which usually accompanies such an investment, to the credit of those responsible. It is thoughtfully designed, the food is outstanding, and the service top tier. Marcus was at the door when I arrived, and the General Manager introduced himself before I left. If this place is not a huge success, that will be because of something I didn't encounter on this visit. Having worked in the restaurant business for many years, and having been heavily involved in the opening of three restaurants during my career, I know what a task it is to get that done. For that reason, I generally don't visit new restaurants, particularly not those with as much buzz as this one generated. Why? Generally things are effed-up, many mistakes are frequently made, things are poorly-planned and it can really ruin you on a place that may end up being pretty good once they get their sea-legs. Bravo, Red Rooster. You're getting it right. My companion order the steak and eggs, I had the shrimp and grits. The food is Southern Soul Nouveau, if there is such a category (there is now), and the genius of Mr. Samuelson is brightly evident. The cornbread app was served with a tomato chutney that I now have to re-create for myself at home. I could have made a meal of that dish alone. My companion's steak was expertly prepared rare, as she wanted it (a rare enough occasion alone--a rare steak actually served rare), the shrimp with my red grits were *not* overdone (another frequent error) and the presentation was beautiful. The bar serves a number of delicious cocktails designed around infused bourbon, we sampled The Lenox, The Big Red Rooster (they must have been tempted to call that The Big Red Cock, but wisely demured), and The Brownstone. One of those was comp'ed because it came a few minutes late, also the sign of a business dedicated to the customer's experience. I will be back, frequently.
(5)Jason M.
Hot vibe always. Place is like a block party on the inside. Jumpin! Food is good, but not great. Anyway, I would highly recommend the trip to Harlem to try it once.
(3)Gregory G.
I went to Red Rooster the other day for brunch...there were some positives and some negatives. The best part of the day was the Gospel music...it filled the space with excellent energy and the lady who was singing was a doll! We ordered a variety of dishes...the standouts were the crayfish grits and the collard greens (also a great option for vegetarians as they are not cooked in/with any meat). These dishes had good flavors, but they could've been hotter...my pet peeve is eating lukewarm food! My entree was called the Harlem Fry; they refer to it as a baked eggs but I would say it's closer to a frittata. It had very little flavor and was kind of dry. Usually, baked eggs are baked in some type of broth/cooking liquid, which allows them to absorb flavors. The food was okay. I wouldn't go back for brunch, especially since I live downtown and it's somewhat of a trek. However, I would be willing to give their dinner a chance to see if perhaps I just ordered something that wasn't very special. The other thing that perplexed me was that it is a Marcus Samuelson restaurant...considering his past restaurants and the fact that he has no background in Southern cooking, I found it somewhat strange that he was trying yet another concept that doesn't seem to align with his culinary background.
(2)Allie K.
This place is amazing! We went for dinner and were happily surprised to find out there was live music- not sure if that only happens on certain days. Service was good- the waiter was knowledgeable and attentive. We tried a few of the drinks, as the drink list was quite creative, but our favorite was the Yes Chef! Have tried to make it at home many times since eating here and have yet to recreate it sucessfully. The food was also a great mix between Southern, Ethiopian, and Swedish- we tried the pork belly with egg, the fried chicken, and the swedish meatballs! Everything was flavorful and cooked well, and I loved the mixture of the different spices- I would definitely recommend all of the dishes we had and can't wait to try some of the other things on the menu. Also love that Ginny's Supper Club is downstairs- worth checking out if you have some time before or after dinner! Added bonus: got to meet Marcus Samuelsson, who was dining in the restaurant with his wife.
(5)Patrick M.
I have to say I was very excited about going to Red Rooster as I have been waiting for it to open for quite some time. I went to the early seating on New Years Eve. The restaurant is quite attractive particularly for a Harlem venture. The only drawback I saw was there wasn't alot of seating for two, mostly four tops. I had the salmon and my dinner guest had the steak-frites. We both really enjoyed the food. My salmon was a delicious blend of the fish, mashed parsnips (which I luv) and apples. The flavors blended together beautifully. We both had dessert, I had the pudding which was phenomenal and my guest had the apple pie which for some reason they kept pushing at all the tables close to us, but it wasn't so good. The food runner that brought out the apple pie stated that next time we should order it with ice cream, a la mode. Why didn't our waiter suggest it then? On to the personnel. There were in fact a lot of people working that evening and most of them were extremely nice and personable. The first gentlemen we enccountered at our table poured water into our glasses and spilled water on the table. Didn't say sorry or attempt to wipe it up even after I pointed it out to him. Mr. Sammuelson came by and shook everyone's hands and thanked them for coming out, nice touch. Although most of the people working were very nice we had possibly the worst waiter I've had in a long time. Not sure how he got the job. He was so inattentive. The others made up for him but when I go again ( and I will) if I'm seated in his section I will probably ask to be moved. Good luck to Red Rooster and Mr Sammuelson I hope you're around for a long time and welcome to the neigborhood.
(4)Brea S.
I am from MD and I drove up to NY on the whim to try this restaurant I was very disappointed. We didnt have reservations but they seated us in a timely manor the waiter was very nice and the female bartender was as well. The male bartender that fixed our drinks made a good drink but we had to wait 15 min and call him over to even give us any attention didnt like that. So as I said we drove 4 hours we were going to get allot to eat I ordered the Yard Bird, my friend order the mac and cheese with lobster and bacon and we both shared the steak house row. The yard bird was high overrated the first time it came out it was dark so i sent it back the second time it was a little better but the skin was so crunchy i couldn't enjoy it. the mashed potatoes tasted like instant and the greens tasted like glory greens. My friend said her mac and cheese and salad was ok. the steak we shared was good the Parmesan potatoes and the butternut puree went perfect with the NY Strip and short rib. I defiantly would not go back.
(2)Mona L.
Like modern museums and new American food? Well, this is the place for you! Last week, my coworkers and I had lunch here to celebrate our birthdays. From the moment I stepped in, I couldn't believe the amount of art/history displayed at the restaurant. With so much to see and marvel over, the space felt like a homage to Marcus Samuelsson's persona and the Harlem Renaissance. It's crazy but food became the last thing on my mind. Let me paint a quick picture. The restaurant is set up so that the semi-circle bar is located in the front. Next to the bar are cafe-like seatings bordered by an "antique show" bookcase. The bar's liquor wall serves as a divide between the front and the back dining space, a French bistro/speakeasy style dining space with an open fire kitchen. As far as the food is concerned, the limited lunch menu was a stark contrast to the library of artwork on display. We ordered the meatball and current dish, the hamburger with truffle fries, the gravel-ox sandwich and blackened cod. The meatballs and the burger were the best of the bunch. For dessert, we ordered the flan, yes, it was creamy but the best thing about the dessert was the complementary amazing coconut ice cream! Loved that we also got one dessert on the house-- warm sweet potato donuts. The size of donut holes, each bite gushed out some yummy sweet potato cream/syrup. Mix it with its sidekick lemony sorbet, well, you have another a la mode concoction. Great drinks and service, decent food and very charming bathroom, this place is a refreshing addition in the neighborhood. It's worth checking out as long as you don't mind the overstimulating decor and likelihood of dining with Harlem's powerhouse and New York's political staff. Can't wait to come back for dinner and see what eventually unfolds downstairs!
(4)Eric C.
I believe I originally heard about this place on NPR (maybe The Dinner Party Download), and the combination of gourmet southern cooking with some Swedish flair was definitely something that I wanted to try. The Swedish side may have been a little light, but the ambience of the restaurant, the service, and the food were all first rate. A large outdoor seating area in front gives way to a large bar once you enter the restaurant. The dividing wall between the bar and the restaurant itself has many glass bottles filled with various fluids, all brightly lit and creating a nice backdrop for the U shaped bar. On the far side, the jazz band performed beautifully - not a note was off, and while it was loud from the bar area, the volume was just right for a lively dinner atmosphere in the restaurant. Once you make your way back to the seating area, you see that the kitchen is open - perhaps a bit loud, but it gives you a great view into the beating heart of the restaurant. Of course, it also gives one the opportunity to take a look at many of the food options before they're brought to their tables. We ordered iced tea as we looked at the menu, expecting them to pour us some Nestea or premixed Lipton. Not so. Each cup of tea took 10-15 minutes to arrive, apparently brewed, mixed, and chilled as needed. The results were fantastic - and this is not something I would ever have expected to say about iced tea at a restaurant. We ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes, Crab Cakes, and Cornbread to start. The cornbread didn't have the crust that I'm used to seeing on skillet cornbread, and given the shape, I can only assume it was baked in a traditional pan. I prepared myself for a dry and crumbly product, only to be greeted with a moist delicacy that almost melted in my mouth. Given the sweet flavor and good moisture of the final product, the lack of crust can practically be overlooked. The crab cakes suffered from a similar predicament - good flavor, consistency, and internal texture, without the ever so slight edge one expects on the outside. This leaves the Fried Green Tomatoes, which were undoubtedly the star of the appetizers. Crunchy outside, moist inside, not too salty, and a joy to chew on with just a bit of the sauce and a smattering of bacon bits; I could eat these tomatoes for a whole meal - and I generally give most of my tomatoes to my girlfriend. The Yardbird and Jerk Chicken came next. The Jerk Chicken stands out in my mind - the yucca mash was unique, though not particularly memorable, but the chicken was moist and flavored with the sweet and tangy broth it came in - obviously, the pineapple came to the forefront, but not so much as to make one conjure up memories of Hawaiian pizza, but more like honey roasted turkey. If only honey roasted turkey tasted so good. The chicken is served with skin, and despite sitting in the broth, the skin was, for the most part, still crisp. Not sure how it was done, but it added to the experience. The Yardbird however, was no delicacy. A honkin' half a chicken, deep fried and gravied, sitting next to a pile of mashed potatoes that would pay for an Idaho farmer's boat payment (do they have lakes in Idaho?). As American comfort food as a meal can get, and yet, still surprisingly good. Unlike fast food fried chicken, it managed to feel significantly less greasy than it looked - mind you, not that it felt healthy, but it definitely felt better than half a deep fried chicken had any right to. We had the Sweet Potato donuts for dessert. Dunkin Donuts sized munchkins with sweet potato filling, crusted in brown sugar, and served with fresh homemade vanilla whipped cream? Yes, sir, I would like some more. A little bit chewier than I would have thought, but definitely a delicious end to the meal. The vanilla whipped cream was so good we kept the cup after the donut plate was taken away. If you're looking for a lively environment and some great food, Definitely try this place.
(5)Steve M.
Red Rooster's strong suit is definitely its atmosphere. The vibe is relaxed and cozy - it's a great spot to enjoy a dinner with a couple of good friends or a significant other - especially if you don't get uptown much (which I don't). Despite the fresh paint and shiny, unscratched bar, Red Rooster still possesses a weathered aura that conveys authenticity and sincerity. It had me hooked long before I took my first bite. For example, our waiter was very attentive, but not super-friendly, and that was absolutely fine. About the food: it's delicious. The pork belly with fried egg was expertly executed, it arrived atop a mound of savory pink beans and pickled onions. The crab cakes app featured two extra juicy, tasty patties. The braised short rib was delicious if a little small (the most pricey entree). I tried the yard bird with a side of shrimp and grits. The chicken was really moist, but not particularly flavorful. I had better fried chicken at Pies n Thighs, and much better fried chicken at any number of ordinary fried chicken places. The shrimp and grits was actually billed as "shrimp and grits and chorizo," but there was no sausage to be found/tasted. Dessert was straightforward and scrumptious, and the house cocktails are really cool. "The Brownstoner" had nutmeg-infused bourbon and rocked my world.
(4)Alexis R.
My 5 star rating is really less about the food (although tasty) and more about the service. Went in on a Sunday night around 8 for some drinks. The place was packed, so we decided to take our drinks outside while keeping our eye on the bar for two seats to open up. As soon as they did, I swooped in. We sat at the bar and ordered another round of drinks and the crabcake appetizer. Before the food was served, a waitress approached my boyfriend and told him the "bar stool" he was using was actually a chair for a high top table right behind us, and she'd have to take the seat for a reservation. We were a little aggravated. Now he was left drinking and eating standing up. Within the minutes the manager approached us, apologizing for the mix-up, got us a bar stool from the basement and a round of drinks on the house. This is the way you do business!!! For this reason alone, I will return. The crabcakes were delish, and we followed them with an order of the cornbread that was the perfect ending to our meal. Great live jazz band, the bartenders were friendly and attentive and the crowd was awesome. I'll definitely return.
(5)Leigh F.
Everything was absolutely delicious. Starting with a $5 mug of glogg, then on to cornbread, through meatballs and jerk chicken and fish 'n grits, and ending with sweet potato donuts and truffles and mud pie. You know when you have to ask for more bread 'cause you don't want the beautiful sauces that are left over on your plate to go to waste? That was Red Rooster. Minus one star because the service was a bit slow (the place was PACKED) and one piece of chicken was a bit undercooked (but then they sent out several desserts to make up for it). I will definitely go back.
(4)Matt D.
I ate at Red Rooster last friday night and I have to say, I really liked the food. Why then you say...why are the stars so low? Well let me tell you my friends. Service in the age of celebrity chefs and come to my little bushwick restaurant in the middle of nowhere and get served by a guy who doesn't care you're there is not in right now. I don't want to go back to Pete Well's experience at The New York Times but the man has a point. But I digress...let me explain. We got to Red Rooster excited. I mean I live in Cobble Hill but I came to this place in Harlem with bells on excited about the comfort food. We were greeted nicely. Bartender was awesome. We loved the decor. We got seated promptly and we were really happy. Then the waiter came over. I had already looked at the menu online but my girlfriend asked the waiter what he would recommend, she said she was thinking of getting the mac and greens. He replied that the 100 dollar steak for two is what he would pick. DUDE, SERIOUSLY? The most expensive thing on the menu? My girlfriend was cool though and said nah, I'll have the mac and greens. I had the yardbird (because of so many good yelp reviews). Food arrives in 7 minutes. Really, it was that quick. We were like awesome, let's dig in. Now the waiter never came to ask if we were doing well. He didn't deliver the food. He didn't even take the food when we were done. The next time he showed up was to give us the menu for the dessert. My girlfriend again asked for his suggestion and again the guy picks the most expensive thing on the menu. DUDE! We say hell with it and we order that. Then 5 minutes later he shows up and asks if we could move to another table so that they could merge the tables for another group. We say that's totally ok and we move even though we're weirded out. This is fine dining right? The waiter doesn't bring the dessert and in fact we have to flag it down because the runner with our dessert is confused when we're not at the right table. The dessert was pretty good (not awesome) but yeah, there it is. We pay and we're done. The food? Stellar. But the service...come on! Remember when great restaurants used to have the waiter deliver the food and explain to you what the dish is made out of? They give you a little information and the whole process seems more enjoyable. This is missing and Red Rooster, guys, you have to do something. Cause your food is good! So please please please, if you work there please fix this cause truthfully, you're worth more than that....
(2)F D.
This is not your grandfathers Harlem. Red Rooster shows that we can live, eat and drink together. Bloody Mary's are nothing special in spite of $13 price tag. But Yard bird is to die for. Go for gospel brunch on Sunday if you want to feel good about the future.
(4)Sheryl F.
Just like a bad after dinner coffee can sour a great meal, so too a poor reception before a meal leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. Full disclosure: we were running a few minutes late for our 8:30pm Monday reservation. To be courteous, I called the restaurant as we were walking from the train only to be curtly told that tables are only held for 15 minutes, so D and I made a run for it. Out of breath but relieved, we arrived at 8:42pm. But, they're running behind and our table will not be available for another 25 minutes. Something tastes funny when I mention that it would have been nice to be told this on the phone! However, a live band and a big bar with lots of cocktails to discover calmed us for the moment. Wrestling thru the other delayed reservations, we tried the Big Easy (Lovely and lemony, although wish it was a little sweeter) and the Yes, Chef (Yummy and strong). Drinks in hand, we grooved to the female singer who made rounds around the bar and restaurant and the swooned to the male singer. After a half hour, I checked in with a host to be informed that not only were we still waiting for the other patrons to "finish up", but that two 2-tops were also waiting ahead of us! With rumbling tummies, we kept on toe-tapping and were finally shown a table a little before 10pm. I understand waits - but it wasn't right to keep leading us on without even a kind word or a comped glass of wine. Sitting at our table with a view of the kitchen (at least for one of us), our sweet waiter shortly appeared. Marcus and his wife were making some rounds to the regulars, which seemed to just delay things a little bit more. But enough complaining - was the food worth the wait? Probably. The food was delicious and comforting, and just different enough to make it interesting. To start, we had to share the corn bread - absolutely perfect, just sweet enough and filled with juicy corn kernels. Couldn't stop slathering on the tart tomato jam accompaniment. Appetizers were the 5 Spice Duck Salad (a house specialty it appears), which surprisingly based on some fave ingredients, did not have me squealing with glee; perhaps the proportions or the slightly over cooked duck. Second app was the Smorgasbord - since I can never resist a tasting dish - and pretty perfect for sharing it was, with just about two of everything, albeit a thimble portion of each. Highlights included the house cured gravlax (although I wished it was cut a little thicker) and the tiny ceviche tacos. Entrees were the Mac and Greens - probably one of my favorite foods - for which they did a respectable version, and the Bunny Chow, our favorite dish of the evening - their take on the South African dish featured lamb stew on an open bun with ricotta on one side and fried egg on the other. Flavor packed, and fun to rotate different combos in each bite. We also shared a perfect Saison on tap as well as the "new" White Peach Sangria, which was good, albeit a bit of a misnomer since it tasted more like strawberries than peaches. Believe it or not, I couldn't manage dessert, although the look of the sweet potato doughnuts (and the looks on the faces at our neighboring table), we may need to trek back to Red Rooster, although hopefully at an earlier hour.
(3)howard T.
so I was taken to lunch here, it wasn't my first choice, I wanted to go to Sylvia's, but the mob rules... We got there kind of late for lunch we'd had a reservation at another establishment but when we got there they were closed, so we were all very happy that red rooster said they could take a reservation for 10, Like a lot of people we had to wait when we got there, but hey it was a last minute reservation, after about twenty minutes we got seats, we started wit the corn bread appetizer, moist chewy dense, the tomato jam was more like salsa though, but it was OK, we all ordered drinks, pricey for cocktails, when did any mixed drink start at $10, I got a double espresso my drink of choice but it had a decidedly over roasted taste, I drink a lot of espresso, this one was just OK, they have a pretty extensive bourbon based mixed drink menu, if you roll that way and I tried the unsweetened iced tea which was just OK, a little mint would have made it better, we all ordered mixed bag, a lot of yard bird, a lot of cat fish, some oxtail, a Swedish meatball, a lemon chicken, I got the gravlax, it took a while we nursed our drinks, our food arrived, weirdly mine the only non cooked item was the last to arrive, portion size with the exception of the lemon chicken was tiny, 1 small fillet of catfish, 4 pieces of oxtail, two pieces of dark meat chicken, 4 tiny pieces of gravlax on black bread with a hardly discernible dill based cream cheese and a weird plum based sauce that didn't belong on the plate, all were disappointed except the person who ordered the lemon chicken, with the portion size, we tired, passed, shared, the fried chicken (yard bird) OK, I though it was under cooked, it was pink and tough near the bone, most of the people ate what was cooked and left the legs with the overly pink meat, the oxtail was OK, non descriptive sauce, tasting a little tomato like with a caramelized onion quality, the Swedish meatballs, where about the size and quality of IKEA, in fact the whole plate reminded me of the plate you get at IKEA, only it $5 at IKEA and $20 at red rooster, I've already described the gravlax, again over priced for what you get, the salmon was extremely fresh but tiny, the catfish was overcooked, the lemon chicken was huge, mostly white meat and dry, with a lemony slightly gritty sauce, all the sides where OK, mashed potato's, yams, collard greens, standard far the most disappointing the truffle fries, no truffle taste what so ever, and for the price, overcooked shoestring fries would be a better description, everybody ordered desert except me, diabetes is a bitch, the whiskey fudge, tiny over priced nothing great, the apple pie with cheddar crust greasy, good apples but they left the crust, the sweet potato donuts, good, Ben ya like, dense, on the whole another way to cool, overpriced eatery for the she-she who want to be seen, I'd skip it if asked to go again, the meal was serviceable, nothing more, and with the built in 20% tip the meal for 10 was almost $450.00 with only half of us ordering one drink Oh and on the handicapped accessible front only saw the mens room which would have been OK to move a wheelchair in, but I would have had a hard time with the beaded curtain hanging in the doorway to get there getting stuck in the chair, and the aisle where all to small
(2)Randall S.
Everything is very good, but nothing was extraordinary. I had the corn bread, the Fried Yard Bird and the Sweet Potato Doughnuts (with excellent whipped cream), the Whiskey Fudge and the Chocolate Ice Cream. With the exception of the ice cream they were all very good. Surprisingly, the service was very good and I liked the atmosphere. Even the bathrooms are worth checking out.
(4)Rebecca K.
Delicious! Definitely more upscale than I thought. I had a wonderful evening here with an out-of-towner. The cocktails were excellent, the service great (and very stylish), and most importantly the food was delicious. Surprisingly, I wasn't blown away by the fried chicken (aka yard bird, what they're known for) but the blackened fish with grits was excellent * 100. When I go back, I'm definitely ordering that again. We also ordered a side of collard greens that were excellent and some appetizers (corn bread, tomato heirloom salad with watermelon) which I would recommend. We sat in the back near the kitchen and seriously everything coming out ( basically a counter in the back) looked SO good. I want to go back and try the crab cakes, the pork loin, the chowder special....
(4)Christine M.
thid place gets 5 stars for the staff. Adrian is an amazing host and rolled out the red carpet for my friend and I. i can only vouch for the lounge area but my experience was stellar. i love the ambiance and the fact thar chef marcus actually hangs out here. we arrived after the kitchen was closed and wanted to try the donuts. bummed out adrian goes to the back and like magic presents us with the heavenly creations with a smile " welcome to the red rooster" i had goosebumps oh and the sweet potaoe donuts were delicious!
(5)Jennifer L.
My boyfriend and friend and I made a reservation about a month ago and could only get a 9:30 seating. We arrived last night around 9 PM for a drink and were told that they were running about 20-30 minutes behind so wouldn't be seated until 10. It was ok, since the bar was cool and packed. There was a DJ spinning good music by the door. We ordered 3 of their cocktails. I had the Savoy, the only vodka based cocktail and it had muddled grapes and agave nectar. My boyfriend had the punch and other friend the dillio. The round cost $38 dollars and all the cocktails were yummy. I went in to buy another round of drinks. This time from ordering to signing my credit card statement, I waited 20 minutes. It was really annoying. The bartender was making my drinks, making others, finished one of my drinks, made others, finished another one of mine, made others... you get the picture. By the time I signed my bill the rest of my party already sat down and figured out what they wanted to eat. So we decided to share everything. We really wanted the suckling pig, but they were out!!! We also wanted cornbread, but they were out for 20 minutes (we did get it 20 minutes later and it was worth it). We ended up ordering the jerk bacon and egg (amazing) and the dirty rice and shrimp (also amazing) to start. We got the steak frite w/ bone marrow (steak tough, but bone marrow amazing), sea bass (so yummy and only semi-healthy thing we had) and the yard bird (fried chicken and it was served with a spicy sauce that looked like sriacha). The bass and the chicken were the best. To end it all, we ordered the summer shortcake... drizzed in amaretto. Delish! The bill was about $150 total (w/ 1 more cocktail added) + tip. All in all the food was really good and I'd come back. We liked the atmosphere, but the service was only so so which is why I took away one star.
(3)Teju A.
This place earned a 3.5 stars in my opinion, but yelp can't accomodate that yet. Stopped by here because of its famous chef and was nicely surprised. Lots of BBPs and definitely a lot of waitstaff. The main issue I had with this place was that the staff seemed butter-fingered; our seating was delayed because a waiter broke a wine goblet right at the place we were supposed to be seated... Maitre D was nice about it thought and apologized.. Less than 30 mins later, another waitperson broke a plate.. again beside our table.... made us consider moving in case something flew out of the kitchen given our close proximity to it. On a positive note, our waitress was super nice and accomodating thought the kitchen was almost closed. We ordered an assortment of dishes: Fried yard bird - excellent fried chicken! crispy on the outside, very juicy on the inside Crab cakes - tasty, tasty, yum! Oysters - wish they served some lemon / hot sauce with this Beef patties - tiny scrumptious bites of flaky pastry and delicious filling Dirty rice & Shrimp - most disappointing of them all.. the shrimp was great but the rice tasted like wood shavings or something... tasteless yet overpowering at the same time. Drinks were strong ( heavy on the alcohol) but fair. Decent experience overall and great ambience.
(3)Tsvika K.
After trying the place for couple of times , the verdict is in. Its good !!!! And its worth the subway uptown . The atmosphere , the staff , the food which i had , all is perfect !!! Their hamburger is excellent but the seared salmon is even better , soft ,the right medium cooked , heaven ! Add a glass of not so fruity (they way it suppose to be) chardonnay and this great meal worth any single cent! And as the ex gov used to say - I will be back !
(4)Jeanne T.
I am on the fence about this restaurant. I have been itching to go since I heard Marcus Samuelsson opened a place in Harlem. But with a six-year-old, it has to be the right time. That time came last weekend when friends flew in from California and wanted to explore Harlem. I suggested the Red Rooster for brunch. There has been so much hoopla about this place, that I expected to be swept off my feet and brought into culinary heaven. Well, I wasn't, but it could very well be that my expectations were too high. Let's start with the pluses. Love the atmosphere. As others have written, the vibe is cool and hip. Walking in, you feel like the coolness of the place transferred to you, making you swagger when you normally shuffle. You can get drunk on that feeling. The staff was similarly cool and very nice. Our waiter offered suggestions and gave us his favorites. It's nice when the staff have tasted everything on the menu and can speak intelligently about the food. The ambiance was relaxed, comfortable, not rushed at all. The music wasn't too loud, and the tables were far enough apart so you can have a normal conversation. (Keep in mind, this is brunch, however.) Now for the food: a little disappointing. The waiter spoke so highly of the lamb hash that he convinced me and my friend to order it. It was unusual, which is not to say good. It was very spicy and saucy. The poached egg on top was overcooked, so the yolk wasn't runny, which would have helped mitigate the spiciness of the hash. The lamb and the sweet potatoes in the hash were just the delivery system for the aggressive sauce. The beets did not add anything to the dish. It was sprinkled on top as if it was an afterthought. My other friend had the jerk bacon and egg with brown beans. He didn't eat it all or mentioned it was good or bad. I take that as it was so-so. On a better note, the cornbread starter was excellent. I could just had three orders of that and called it a meal. I intend to go back, and order something else. I am not giving up on Samuelsson, but even with tempered expectations, I want to be wowed next time.
(3)Whitney B.
Oh how I really wanted to love this place. I was so happy to hear it arrived that I could not wait to go. A reservation was made. We arrived and were promptly seated, so far so good. Then the food came. We ordered the oxtail, the chickpea dumplings and the fried yard bird. The yard bird was good. Very juicy and my friend was happily eating away. The oxtail and dumplings eaters (myself included) were not so lucky. I never tasted more bland food in my life. I had to pour so much salt on the dish just to add a bit of flavor. I almost asked the waitress for seasonings so that I could try and create the taste this dish is supposed to have. The oxtail fared no better. I will say however, the social scene at the restaurant is great. For a Sunday evening, the place was crowded like a Friday night. While I was very disappointed with the food, I would return and hang out at the bar and enjoy a drink with friends. If you want better food head north 129th/Lenox to Jacob's. If you want a great place to have a drink Red Rooster is the spot.
(2)Beth C.
I was excited to try Red Rooster since I've heard great things from friends. I wanted to love it, but unfortunately there was a large slip in service. We went on Halloween and arrived at 5:45 on the dot for my 6:00 reservation. My boyfriend and I were very promptly seated, so let's assume we sat at 5:47. The dining room was mostly empty since it was early. Here is where the slip up was. Nobody greeted us until exactly 6:10. Not one person said hello, we'll be right with you, or offered us water. It was bizarre. I'm not at all uptight about service, having been in the restaurant business for years. However, 23 minutes until someone approached us?! It was actually offensive. I'm not sure if there was a miscommunication between the staff on which server had which section, but it was pretty bad. My boyfriend and I actually thought we were being approached a few separate occasion and then the staff member would just pass us by. We were at a very visible spot- the center of the dining room, surrounded by almost all empty tables. In the meantime, a four top who was seated after us went through the entire process of being greeted, watered, ordering and receiving drinks, and ordering their meal. When our server arrived ,I didn't say anything or take it out on him, as it simply may not have been his mistake. If I had noticed a manager on the way out I may have said something. It was just so strange to feel invisible. As far as the rest of the evening, our server was friendly and helpful. Cornbread was delicious, as was my fried yard bird. My boyfriend's pork loin was quite chewy, so I'd recommend to maybe opt for something else. Our drinks were very tasty as well. Not sure if we'll return. I kind of want to because we did really enjoy the food, but beginning of our experience made us feel pretty uncomfortable.
(2)Andy D.
Popped in last night for a quick nightcap. Beautiful space--warm, inviting, relaxing, comfortable. Drinks are good, but not cheap at $11 for a nutmeg infused bourbon and St. Germain martini (called a "Brownstoner"). In short, I'm psyched it's around the corner from my apt., but it certainly is an elite establishment accessible to those with cash, which is not indicative of the population of the location (or me!).
(4)Kemi T.
Have not tried brunch here but visited this place twice now. Atmosphere is one of the strongest points here. Food is interesting but maybe not the best that I have had. Sometimes the different approach that they have to food can be a little hit and miss. However, I would recommend it to others and I feel brunch may be the way to go if you are trying it for the first time.
(3)Kaiser K.
I really liked the bar area. They had a nice selection of signature cocktails. I was impressed by the staff, they were very friendly and helpful. I had the yard bird which was good not great, my girlfriend had shrimp and red grits which was "bland, watery n gross". I was hoping for a nice soul food restaurant that I would want to frequent but sadly I will not be going back anytime soon.
(2)Ann A.
Horrible service and served cold food after a 45 min wait... The fish appetizer shouldn't even be served to customers, it was that bad. We complained to manager and he really didn't care. Went next door to Chez Lucienne - had a great meal with terrific music.
(1)A W.
We really enjoyed our first experience at the Red Rooster. The atmosphere was very nice. The staff was quite friendly and professional. The decor was definitely fun and filled with an array of items to keep your mind occupied while you wait for your table. We went for lunch (made reservations online) and did not have to wait for our table. Keima (request her - she took good care of us) was our server and she had a great knowledge of the items on the lunch menu. We started off with the cornbread, which was excellent and I would definitely recommend that you try. Then we had the crab and spinach soup. My lunch mate was not crazy about the soup, but I loved it. The soup had so many flavors that were nicely balanced. Next up, we shared the mac & greens. We both thought this dish was nice, but not the best that we've come across. Our main course was the Fried Yard Bird. The portions were huge. The chicken was perfect, and probably the best fried chicken that I have ever eaten in a restaurant. It was really that good. The main course came with collard greens that were cooked just right (not boiled to death and loaded with salt and sugar -- like how another famous restaurant in Harlem cooks their greens) and seasoned with a little extra kick!! Nice. For dessert we had the sweet potato doughnut and the banana bread. Both were very nice. The sweet potato doughnut was a little on the dry side, but overall very nice. The fried yard bird, is worth me coming back to Red Rooster again!!!
(4)Maryann J.
Great night out!! Didn't mind the hour + wait for a table, the bar was terrific. Totally worth the wait. Great vibe, awesome people, and hip DJ. We loved it!!
(5)Brian K.
The ambiance was nice and the drinks were pretty good, but I must say I was disappointed with the food. I was surprised that it just was not that tasty and not seasoned properly. The tacos were amazing though! However, the entrees were just okay. I had the meatballs and my girlfriend had the red snapper. The red snapper was good, but the meatballs were like Ikea's. I was excited to try Marcus Samuelsson's food and was let down--what a shame, he seemed so confident on Top Chef.. ha! I don't think I would go back...
(3)Matthew H.
I recently attended an event at Red Rooster. I stayed for a drink before leaving. The ambiance is fantastic. The interior has a great aesthetic, with only one complaint. The restaurant is by no means large, and half of the customer area is devoted to the bar. I am sure diners would appreciate a few more tables. But then again, the bar was packed and I am sure they were doing good business. On a weeknight, they were busy but not lining people outside. The beer selection has a nice variety and my Prohibition went down easy. After examining the menu ( redroosterharlem.com/men… ), I will give it another shot. Perhaps when there isn't a 30+ day wait for a reservation. Obama visits have their uses...
(3)Mahrin R.
Where do I even start? The food here is awesome. A bit expensive, yes, but then again, we are talking about a celebrity chef. This is a nice spot if you want to splurge. We started off with some personalized drinks - the drinks we wanted off the menu weren't available, so the bartender made us something off the top of his head. Pretty good. Also pretty awesome that he was kind enough to whip up his own concoction based on us describing what we thought tasted good. After being seated, (be prepared to wait, even with a reservation...) we started off with the cornbread, spinach and crab soup and pickled beet salad. WOW. The amalgamation of seemingly random flavors totally blew me away. Who would have thought - pickled beets? Yep. Awesome. For the main course, we ordered the red rooster burger, blackened catfish, and fried yard bird. The burger was cooked perfectly, and the fries came out in this cute little decorative fryer. With an extra bottle of cajun spice, we just dumped that all over the fries to give it an extra kick. The catfish came with black eyed peas that complimented the main dish perfectly. The yard bird was fried chicken taken to a whole other level. The food is supposed to be an inspired mix of southern/ethiopian (if I recall the waiter saying) and the flavors tasted like they were coming from all over the place, but melding very nicely together. We thought we were finished after the main course. We were SO full. But, gotta try that dessert! We split the condensed milk flan, sweet potato donuts, spiced pudding and ice cream. Can't rave enough about the dessert. My favorite part of the meal! Oh, and by the way I'm a total fatty. This whole meal was lunch, no clue if the dinner menu is different!
(5)Queen G.
I'm a big fan of chef Samuelsson, so I definitely wanted to try this place out. I went for a dinner on a sunday night, and we didn't have to wait at all for a table, but I've heard reservations and tables are hard to get on other nights. The decor is really nice, it had a causual but modern vibe, and the bathrooms are really pretty. My friends and I weren't that hungry so we didnt order tons of food, but there dirty rice with shirmp was really YUMMY! best cooked shrimp I've tasted so far. Their chicken with cous cous was really good, so good that I tried to make it at home. It was my friends birthday and they gave us a complimentary cupcake, which was delicious too. Their wine and beer selection is really great to, mostly imported beers. The staff was helpful, the only downside is their ventilation. It was a really hot day and they had no AC. They did have a fan to get some breeze in but it was not working. It's a chill place, the food was great, I'm def. a fan!
(4)M. S.
Fairly good food, slow service, pricey, tries to pad already pricey bills. A pointless experience. Food wasn't good enough to compensate for the overall experience.
(2)Christine N.
Went here to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. Did not have reservations, but got there at 6 on a Saturday night, and had to wait 45 minutes to get seated in the front section reserved for walk-ins. The seating area there is cramped - 6 stool seats to a table so we were sharing the table with two other couples. I would prefer more space, but the entire restaurant was pretty packed with a ton of people waiting for seats, and at the bar, so it didn't seem that bad. The energy of the place is great, and the decor brings a homey warmth. On to the food: we ordered the spiced pumpkin, turnip soup, yams and sweet potato puree, creole red grits, collard greens, and the Swedish holiday plate (includes meatballs, Jansson's Temptation - a potato gratin with herring). We enjoyed everything we ordered, but really loved the holiday plate, and the puree, and I love all greens so the collard greens were a hit with me. As other diners have noted, the menu is somewhat an odd mixture of items, like Swedish meatballs and collard greens, but that didn't really bother me. We really loved the apple carmel sundae dessert - the combination of the bourbon caramel on the cinnamon cream on apple sorbet really worked and was not too filling after a big meal. One thing - I think they charge too much for their drinks - esp the beer and wine. They are charging $13 for a glass of wine when you can find a bottle of the wine for about $10 -15, and $9 for a Weihenstephaner Hefe Weiss seems high.
(4)Latoya S.
Atmosphere A+, Service A+++ (my waiter(s) were fast and efficeint and very attentive) Cocktails A+ (strong and delicious) Food B+ (Some items were a LOVE AFFAIR and some were MEH- it's all subjective) Crowd A+ (The crowd was very mixed for Harlem) Prices: D (cost too much for two people to eat there- THAT coming from a native NYKer!!!) Overall, I'd go back. On payday. hahahaha.
(4)Brian H.
Very disappointing experience. Several patrons around the bar seemed fed up with the slow service. Didn't help that one of the bartenders refused to engage with certain patrons (and readily with others) and would vanish for long intervals. I was beginning to think I was the wrong color or something. Food was underwhelming. Fried Chicken Caeser Salad was limp with too much dressing and topped with an egg that verged on raw. Your standard cup of coffee with 1 refill came in at $7. Hip decor aside, really not worth the premium prices. Head to Sylvia's instead.
(2)Kristin N.
We went on a Tuesday night for a birthday. The place was packed but in a good way. The atmosphere is very inviting and has a homey feel to it. The staff is simple amazing. We informed the manager that we were there to celebrate a surprise birthday and they were very excited and accomodating. Our waiter was a gem, he was extremely friendly and personable and he sings! The music selection in the restaurant was great, awesome RnB tunes and our waiter would sing along every now and then...great voice too! As for food... Steak frites - delicious, steak was cooked perfect (medium) and the fries were perfectly seasoned Mac n cheese and greens - VERY yummy although the mac and cheese needed a little salt Chicken nuggets - very good Meatballs - another good dish, very tasty And in addition to all that Marcus, the owner, even came out to greet us. Very nice guy. The place is truly awesome.
(4)Kimberly J.
The 4th star was earned being that the ever handsome Samuelsson passed my gaze 5 times in the 2 hours I was there. I went on the 19th and the food was OK, but I definitely believe in time, the food will greatly improve. I had: The beef patties (OK. The filling was good, but the crust was a little underdone) Shrimp and Red Grits (Disappointing. While the shrimp were perfect, the grits were watery and bland.) Warm Apple Pie (Awesome! Loved the cheddar crust) My friend had the pumpkin donuts which were amazing. I ordered the Yard Bird to go for my grandmother who enjoyed it very much. Super crispy and juicy. The drinks were delish and the atmosphere warm and hip. I plan on returning, but in a couple of months after they've found their groove with the food.
(4)Jackie P.
Can't believe I have not written a review for this place yet!! Red Rooster is fantastic! Marcus Samuelsson does it again! Took the hubs here for his birthday last year and we thoroughly enjoyed it! It also happened to be election night, so it was a particularly festive atmosphere which we enjoyed. The bar area is one of the most beautiful I've seen in awhile, and the dining room is bright and comfortable. We had the meatballs and the pork chop if I remember correctly. I love that the waitstaff comes around with little tidbits that are off menu during the meal. We got a cupcake at the end which was great. Marcus even passed by our table to wish my hubs a happy birthday! The second time I've shaken his hand and he is a gem. I've been to Aquavit many moons ago, and he is still as humble and charming as ever. It was a great evening, great food, and a much-needed addition to the Harlem/Uptown food scene. For a more casual meal I would definitely hang out at the bar - it's very friendly and lively. If I didn't live in Brooklyn, I'd be here all.the.time!
(4)Joseph F.
I'm diggin' the Red Rooster cocktail! i'm diggin' that Marcus was there greeting us. Not every day you have a Top Chef Master shaking your hand and thanking you for being there!!! Catfish was the BOMB!!!!!!!!! brilliant use of the spices...was that cumin and cinnamon?
(5)Dana A.
I'll update very soon...because I'm definitely coming back. Stopped in with my homegirl from Brooklyn tonight. No noshing, just cocktails. I loooove the spiced Bourbon creations. Biggest win: the Spiced Glogg. Don't play with me, Marcus. This warm little mug took me back to the outdoor markets of Italy. The decor is fab. Single men make conversation without getting clingy. The women are fly and confident. At this point in Harlem, Red Rooster is the spot to see and be seen.
(4)Kemi K.
Went here for Brunch on a Sunday at about 2pm/3pm 'ish for a friends birthday. They do NOT take reservations for lunch and they also require your entire party to be present before you can be seated. It was a very spring-like day for winter and the outside seating was all taken but when everyone arrived we were very quickly seated inside by the amenable staff. We had to sit at one of the high tables instead of in the proper dining room. But it worked out just fine and was comfortable enough. The menu is an interesting fusion of Marcus Samuelssons version of soul food and pickled swedish veggies and the rest of his culinary background. The mac n' cheese was divine, the pickled veggies actually very very good and cut the richness and the salad was excellent. Cocktails were inventive and really tasty and well made! Kudos to the bartender. Yes the meal was a bit pricey but it was meant to be a special experience and it was. Bottom Line: Try the brunch, enjoy the cocktails, bring your extra cash and go on an off time like 3pm.
(4)Shari D.
OK, so I'd heard great things about this place and loved the look of it, as I'd walk by at least once a week. I decided to take the mom out for a pre-birthday dinner and this was our place of choice. Immediately we were welcomed with warmth at the entrance as we had the option of sitting inside or out. We opted for inside as it was blazing hot out. Since we didn't have a reservation, we were offered a private table for two with no wait. The decor was funky as we expected, but still felt homey. Our server offered many suggestions, and we eventually went with the crab cakes and dirty rice for mom, and the chicken and waffles with cornbread for me. My chicken had a unique flavor, but was COLD. I don't like scalding hot food and this wasn't warm, but so cold. I was so disappointed because it had potential to be great. My waffles were even worse as they were tough. The syrup was runny and VERY BOOZY. Might enjoy if you're into eating your liquor and getting drunk in 5 minutes. Mom's dirty rice started out OK, before she was attacked by salt. After three bites, she said it wasn't edible. Thankfully we had a darling server, and he replaced that with some grits & shrimp. Mom enjoyed the cheesiness of those a lot more and was satisfied. Her crab cakes were a different story though. They were definitely panko-y crispy on the outside, which was nice. But the flavor was very meh. Mom thought it was full of breading, but I was convinced they used canned salmon as a binder. We really didn't enjoy our meals. The overall experience was OK, hence the two stars. The live music and vibrancy of the place almost made up for the fact that the food was so wack. Plus I loved the service, as even those who weren't directly serving us would constantly check on us and refill our glasses. The chef even came out to visit as we were deciding on what to order. Think I'll bump it up to two and a half stars for that.
(2)Victoria E.
I've been told this place is overrated. It snowed tonight. Going to Harlem from Midtown was a bit of a schlep. 30 minutes late. No signal underground so I couldn't call. 2 train was late. All the things could go wrong, went wrong. They held the reservation. Told them that I have a 8 PM show time to attend to and has about an hour to eat. They served the dishes quickly, expertly, and absolutely amazing. Jerk chicken was great. It reminded my time in Jamaica. The pickles was a pleasant surprise, it hit the spot. Never had pickled okra, and boy, it was amazing. I think the restaurant is underrated, not overrated. I want to try their version of fried chicken next time. Yes the staff seemed to all look like models dressed in waitstaff in disguise. I will come back, in a heart beat. Hopefully 2 train won't be late next time. I'm told that Marcus has a restaurant in Stockholm. I'm going there in July but I think I'll skip it, it's apparently American food, with Swedish twist. This is soul food, with Swedish twist. I'll take the later, again and again, please.
(4)Minnie N.
Prohibitively expensive - save it for your anniversary. Amazing atmosphere with live jazz and top notch dishes. Think classy soul food. The cornbread is a gift from heaven; I have no idea how they got cornbread to be smooth in texture, but they did. Good fried chicken of course and the chowder is huge.
(5)Daniel L.
Late afternoon drink stop while walking the streets of Harlem, this place is a bit of regular stop for locals, just ordered drinks at the bar which was very busy and popular nice staff and well priced.. want to come back as the food looked great..
(3)Ryan M.
Alright, Alright. I hear you. There are a few things in need of fixing at Marcus Samuelsson's Contemporary Soul Food joint. That said? Most of the super negative reviews are just a bunch of Haters. There is a ton to like here. Don't dock a restaurant 2 stars because you made a reservation a month out and expected the moon. Just head up right after work and sit in the bar area, on any day of the week. It's actually pretty damn easy. Let's go over the Pros and Cons... DRINKS: Pros - For me, this place serves the some of the best drinks in Harlem right now, even if the bar is a bit limited. Granted that's not saying much as there is very little competition. Please do not mention 67 Orange (holy crap that place is WAY overrated). Red Rooster focuses mostly on their infused Bourbon's and has some great originals. Personally, The Dillio is the best thing on the menu (Peanut Infused Bourbon, Canton Ginger, Lime and Muddled Dill). Close runner ups include the Brownstoner (Nutmeg Bourbon, Cherry Herring and St. Germaine) and Big Red Rooster (Cinnamon Bourbon, Dolin Rouge, Averna and Orange Bitters). The Peanut Bourbon is amazing though, and I had a Peanut Bourbon Old Fashioned made off menu that was just awesome. Cons - It's a restaurant bar, and as such the variety of bottles is somewhat limited. Earl of Harlem Cocktail looks like it's stirred but it's a shaken drink with Lemon that is not mentioned on the menu. Drinks are downtown pricey but not quite at the level of a good downtown cocktail bar. FOOD: Pros - Food tastes pretty bangin! First of all, the Fried Chicken Caesar is a total revelation with Smoked Vinaigrette and a Runny Egg on top. Also love the Fried Yard Bird. Good Fried Chicken with an almost candied crust. The Mac & Cheese is delicious. The cornbread is unbelievable. The Meatballs are very tasty as well, and I love the lingonberries that come with it. Best of all is probably the Whiskey Fudge for dessert, which is intensely packed with flavor and topped with Macadamia Nuts. We also enjoyed the Coffee & Donuts. Overall, not one miss on taste. Cons - Yes, it's pricey for the portion sizes. The Meatballs (you only get 6) and Cornbread (2 pieces) are probably the biggest offenders here. Definitely coming back when I hit the neighborhood. If nothing else, I would come here repeatedly for that Caesar, Peanut Bourbon, Mac & Cheese, Cornbread and Whiskey Fudge.
(4)Amy C.
I've been dying to try Red Rooster for the longest time, and I was able to drop by during lunch. I hear that it's almost impossible to secure a reservation at this place...even a month in advance. Luckily, one individual in our party has some major connections, so we got in. I highly recommend the following: - corn bread w/ honey butter and tomato jam (yum!) - spring pea soup - fried yard bird Service was very attentive. The decor was impeccable - very cozy and comfortable. Very Southern chic. I loved the large farm tables and the shelves adorned with cookbooks and little knick knacks. Marcus Samuelsson was also walking around talking to folks. Very friendly and approachable.
(5)Dwight M.
Red Rooster is as good as it gets, or at least in recent memory Ok, heart break. I couldnt eat the yardbird (allergic to diary and it is marinated in milk) but food and service is great. If you visit ask for Ebony, she is a great server. Love love love her. Ebony is great. Great vibe
(4)Alyvia M.
From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night... Downstairs at the Rooster, an extension of Marcus Samuelsson's Harlem hotspot, was bumping last night! Marcus brought his uptown swank and so did the crowd. Dancing through a sea of beautiful people including Karl Lagerfeld, (not really, but the costume was impeccable) Catwoman and Lindsay Lohan, I felt the energy of the Cotton Club come back from the past. The vintage feel of the evening brought people from all over the city. Jonathan Bodrick of JB b.o.r.n Vintage brought his swagger to the dance floor, donned in gold leather pants, black mesh top and gold sequined jacket. While the crowd boogied to Sly and the Family Stone, guests at the bar munched on a delicious array of meats and cheeses, a cornucopia of tricolor cauliflower and lingonberry jam, spinach tartlets with fresh cheese, ceviche bites, ham & cheddar biscuit sammys with onion puree, fried chicken bites with blue cheese and soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese drizzle. Remy Martin cocktails flowed and the crowd danced 'till close to tunes from the 80s, 90s and today! With live music and the recreation of mixing supper and entertainment, from a live funk band to Jazz standards, he is on his way to recreating a lounge that is sure to make beautiful memories for years to come! Marcus- thank you for letting me be myself again!
(5)Charles S.
A great selection of drinks for happy hour (all of the cocktails are quite good and innovative). The atmosphere is fun and lively. Cool mix of people of all backgrounds. Typically crowded due to the hype this place has been getting and the fun regulars have here. In terms of food, the yardbird is really good. Other dishes are pretty good as well, but nothing that blew me away. A bit pricey, but what do you expect for a Marcus Samuelson resteraunt.
(4)Gianni G.
I'm not sure why everyone is so critical of Red Rooster. The only thing I can agree with some other reviewers is that some of the food is a little over salted, but this is supposed to be southern comfort food- which is typically on the saltier side, so I didn't mind. After hearing that the portions were on the smaller side, we ordered a ton of food- bad idea, the portions are huge. Snack: Corn Bread with Tomato Jam and Honey Butter- perfect start Apps: Country Ham- this is basically a glorified gouda grilled cheese with onion marmalade. the country ham is similar to a prosciutto, but a bit smokier. the two spreads were great. We would have been better off with out this app, not because it didn't taste great, but because we had too much food. Mains: Fried Yard Bird- this was the two biggest portions of thigh and drumstick portions I have ever seen. The Shake and hot sauce are a great combination and the chicken is crisp on the outside and tender in the middle Grilled Salon- Miso glaze, citrus broth goes together perfectly with the light peanut crust. Sides: Creole Red Grits- this was the one dish I think was too salty, but when you combine crab, shrimp and chorizo into grits I guess you should expect a salty dish. I thought it was pretty good though Yams and Sweet Potato Puree- had a very interesting taste and was not too sweet. Dessert: Apple Caramel Sundae- nice twist on a classic with the apple sorbet, very good. DISCLAIMER- we don't typically eat this much, took half our mains and sides to go. Overall I had a great experience, the atmosphere was great, the crowd was diverse (lots of tourists), the presentation of the food was well done. Good meal.
(4)Antoine W.
Location: Right off the 2/3 train. Great for us straphangers. Atmosphere: Very nice atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Definitely attracts a "Who's Who" of Harlem and African Americans. Great place to network, if you're the social type. The tables in the bar area are communal, so if you don't want to sit next to people in another party, be forewarn. Reservations are highly recommended. Service: Service was fine from the waitress. The water boy made sure our glasses was NEVER empty. Food: Overrated and not too tasty. It's supposed to be "soul food", but I feel like I get more "soul food" in my grandmother's kitchen. I ordered the "Red Ceasar" salad and the "Dirty Rice & Shrimp". My salad was spicy!!! Weird, I know! And the rice was crunchy: on purpose or by accident, I don't know. However, there was 5 shrimp in it and, for an appetizer, that's a lot. You're definitely paying for the atmosphere, location, and the reputation of Marcus Samuelsson because you're not paying for the food.
(2)andy t.
After an urban hike in the wilds of Riverside Park, my amiga and I were hungry for a bite to eat when I suggested we continue our walk to the Red Rooster. Grabbing two seats at the horseshoe-shaped bar just north of 125th Street, we immediately ordered a couple of beers (Sugar Hill Golden Ale and Southampton IPA) and started soaking in the atmosphere at this Harlem eatery. The walls were adorned with art and mementos reflecting this neighborhood's role in American and African-American history -- while certainly powerful the decor was subtle enough that it didn't knock you over. Five stars there. After ordering a couple of dishes to share, we chatted with the folks sitting around us, which included a family of three generations and their 91-year-old matriarch, who told us the secret to staying young is having some bourbon (Jim Beam, to be exact) while watching "the ponies run at the Kentucky Derby." Our food arrived and we both agreed that the Fried Yardbird (2 giant pieces of beautiful fried chicken) and Helga's Meatballs served with truffle fries were winners. As my chica said, "If you weren't here, I'd dive into the meatball gravy and sip it with a spoon." Fully satisfied from a great meal and dining experience, we laced up our sneakers and headed back into the wilds of NYC. And no, to the woman sitting to the left of us, I really didn't love your hat.
(5)Cyrus G.
Maybe we got lucky, but my brother and I enjoyed some awesome food at Red Rooster. First off, I love the look of the place including the decor. The service was great as well. To start, we ordered the Corn Bread and it was amaaaazing. The best corn bread I've ever had, especially with that honey butter. We ended up getting another order and taking it home.. it was that good and the price is reasonable. We also ordered crab cakes which were excellent (pomegranate was a nice touch), but quite pricey so I'm not sure if I'd order again. For entrees, my brother got the mac & cheese which was OKAY and nothing worth writing about... but the Yard Bird.. oh my. This isn't traditional soul food, but it's still some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. I'm disappointed they didn't have shrimp & grits on the seasonal menu (even though it's painted on their window), but I still would definitely return for the corn bread and yard bird.
(5)Riz H.
This is a brunch review. Five people. Saturday, the better day for brunch without a reservation. Got a table in the bar area right away by a gracious hostess. Seating is on high bar chairs on communal tables (I think), since we were five, the table was all ours. For brunch this seating arrangement gives it a casual, yet stylish and most appropriate ambience. I wouldn't have sat inside if they paid me. For drinks the spicy bloody mary was bloody good, the bourbon negroni (absolutely perfect concoction) was sooo good I had to have another and ..... Got two corn bread plates (hot off the oven, porous and very accomodating for the honey butter which melts right into it and tomato jam) be careful you could ruin your appetite with these and daily market greens (not boring at all especially since u get pickled beets, sherry vinaigrette for that tartness and gooey delish pecan puree for the sweet tooth, amazing). Those were our shared starters. Now onto the mains. Helgas meatballs (signature dish, ever since discovering lingonberries and swedish meatballs in Ikea it was not to be resisted and proved to be amazing with braised cabbage and dill potatoes), Spiced bacon with some beet relish (thick spiced bacon had jerk spices wowee!), Baked Macoroni and veggies and delicious cheese tasted terriffic, Scrambled eggs come with mozarella and tomatoes and a spicy chicken sausage (heavenly when done soft), French toast was fine. Coffee is really good too. I gave it five stars because the food had a great blend of salt, sweet, tart and spicy, for my taste just amazingly perfect. But this earned it 4 stars the other star went to our server, Joann and the great morning ambience of the bar room. Best damn brunch in the city!
(5)Tim G.
Great place. Worth a trip into Harlem. Food outstanding. We were visiting friends in the area and we got in on a whim. Amazing food, service and ambiance created an enchanted evening.
(4)T S.
The food is good, but doesn't seem to me like award winning Soul food. I'm a fan of Marcus Samuelsson so I plan to check out his other restaurants. My server Ernest was awesome, very attentive, and did a great overview of the menu for me. I heard the best time to visit the restaurant is in teh evening for a drink. It's quite a scene then.
(3)Audre L.
My palette gives the food 5 stars. The service was a little rushed and generally off, so I'm taking away a star. Yard Bird was tasty. Catfish was good, but I'd recommend the Yard Bird chicken. The black eyed peas and collard green sides that came with our dishes were delectable. The fudges were a nice desert, along with the sweet potato doughnuts (although they could be a bit more sweet potato-ey) Drinks were strong - Brownstoner had a nice holiday season feel
(4)Baby G.
Currently not enough variety for vegetarians.Food is overpriced. Example: Coconut Rice & Curry Peas $21. I mean really? (Consider the low cost to produce such a meal). Nice decor. I love Marcus Samuelsson, but not crazy about his current selections for a vegetarian like myself. I'm also not crazy about the dessert menu. I wish him success nevertheless and hope he or his management read this and consider revising the menu to include more options in terms of apps and entrees (and not just sides) as well as lowering the prices.
(2)Miss A.
the crowd is very "united colors of bennetton-ish". some of every kind of yuppie hangs out at Red Rooster. the menu is a little limited, but ok. I had the mac & greens. the "mac" isnt actually macaroni. its orecchiette, not that it matters though, just sayin. they add lemon to it which makes it taste uniquely "bright". the "greens" are salad greens, not collard greens. bummer. the vanilla ice cream that my date had for his dessert was outstanding. I had the sweet potato donuts. pretty cool when warm & fresh. not so much when heated up the next day. the vibe is LOUD. I couldnt hear anything my date was saying and ended up just nodding politely throughout most of our conversation--which was a lifesaver because he was chock full of stupid date-y questions. If invited again, I'd go again but its not a place that I would recommend or jump for joy over. I get the impression that R.R. is a place everybody has to at least try once just to say they did. October 2012 update---So as it turns out, I was invited again but this time it was to the Saturday night party downstairs. Sorry, but there's just a certain level of bourgeouise that I cannot cross. Dudes with ascots on? C'mon, son! And Im 99.9999% certain that the old man who invented the two step was there. I will not be returning to the Red Rooster, it is not my type of hype.
(3)Mariam A.
I had the Mac & Greens and shared the Corn Bread and jams with a friend. The mac was okay, but the greens were so salty I couldn't finish them. I think its the type of cheese they put over them but it felt like I was biting into sea salt. The cornbread and jams were okay, but weren't terribly flavorful. My friend had the Shrimp & Dirty Rice which was pretty good but terribly over-priced, especially considering the portions. I visited Merkato 55 when it was still open and was similarly disappointed and underwhelmed, but Red Rooster will probably continue to be a huge success anyhow.
(2)Holly B.
Best drink: Yes, Chef. It's like a mojito but tastier! You MUST try the Yard Bird. It's the best fried chicken I've EVER had! The skin is flavorful and the meat is super moist. The cornbread is also a must. Tomato jam? Um, yes! It made a savory experience to the cornbread vs the good ol' salty butter. Fried green tomatoes could have been better, but the bacon sure helped.
(5)Terry F.
I'd say 3.5 stars, but I'll be kind and round up. I've been here three times over the past couple years -- the first couple visits were 4-5 star caliber, but the most recent visit last week was a tad disappointing and more like 3 stars. I shared the goat appetizer which was quite good. Had the mac & greens and cornbread for an entree -- solid enough, but nothing spectacular, so this was a little bit of a letdown given this is a high-end pricey restaurant. Then I shared the sweet potato donuts for desserts -- on a least one previous occasion these were sublime, but last week they were just okay, kind of like glorified DD munchkins. Another drop-off was the service -- I recall at least one other time the service was perfect, this time it started out fine but got slow, which is a turnoff given the $ signs. We were seated outside which was okay but it kinda lost something atmosphere-wise vis-a-vis inside. SO all-in-all this is a good place, I won;t write them off based on one somewhat disappointing dining experience. But if I do go back it needs to recapture its former glory, otherwise it gets 3 stars, and 3 stars aren't enough for this price point.
(4)Steve D.
Red Rooster is trendy spot in the heart of Harlem that specializes (purportedly) in a more refined version of soul/comfort food. While aspects of this were certainly evident on the menu (mac n cheese, fried chicken, grits, etc.), the overall theme/concept of the place seemed a tad confused to me (oysters, crab cakes and steak frites all make an appearance as well). Because the menu didn't really come together in any sort of cohesive way, my expectations were a bit jumbled: Should I expect fine dining, or just well executed southern fare? Unfortunately, Red Rooster missed both marks for me. Realistically I think this place probably deserves a 2.5/5.0, but I'll be generous because of the great ambience and overall vibe of the place... We started with the corn bread which was, as most have previously stated, awesome. Warm, savory, and delicious. I didn't particularly care for tomato jam, I think this dish is best paired with simple butter. We then moved onto the chilled yellow tomato soup. Instead of being a refreshing dish befitting of a muggy summer night, the only real discernible flavor was that of the spicy sambal- everything else was effectively lost and as a result the flavor profile was very unbalanced. I then moved on to the fried yard bird: Despite the rather clumsy presentation that was more befitting of Fred Flinstone than urban professional, this dish was relatively successful for me. Skin was very crispy and not particularly greasy. Could have used a bit more seasoning, but a seasoning mix is (oddly) served in a separate shaker along with the rest of the dish. And then, we move on to the red grits: I wish I was articulate enough to describe just how salty this dish was. After looking at the menu online for purposes of writing this review, I just discovered that there were apparently crab and shrimp in the grits... In all seriousness, I had absolutely no idea that this was the case. Literally this thing tasted like a pile of salt. I'm really not sure what else to say. In general, I find it odd how binary the ratings on this place are... some give it 5 / 5, others 1 - 2 / 5. Given how supposedly talented and experienced chef Samuelsson is, I wonder if the success of the dining experience is mostly predicated on whether or not he's working the line that particular night... I have a near-impossible time believing that he would taste the grits that were served to me and give the server the thumbs-up for pickup. Just a thought... maybe I'm still bitter about paying $10 for a glorified salt lick.
(3)ANIA J.
I was not impressed by food so much. However, I really like this place. I like the ambiance and the crowd and the dim light and the feeling of being somehow in the eighties/"Mad Men" fifties bar...Where ladies wear fancy dresses and look so fatal, and men care about how they present themselves. Where echoes of old good jazz traditions from Harlem, never die. Downstairs is all about dining and listening to music, upstairs is a cool bar scene with people mingling and enjoying their drinks. Harlem really needed a place like that and I am so glad I finally found my way to it.
(3)Julie B.
Man, I hated this restaurant. I usually list the dishes that we've had and give a run down, but I can honestly say there wasn't anything that I liked. Even the wine was terrible and bland. The food was generally overcooked, bland and incredibly disconnected and uninteresting. What an utter disappointment. There are SO many better meals one can have in New York and in Harlem - please don't waste your time on this one.
(1)Sara Z.
Food and atmosphere was great here! I've been a few times and I really think it's worth the price. Yes it can get expensive, but I don't feel like anyone goes to Red Rooster for a great cheap bargain. First off, a little hard to get reservations as they're normally pretty packed. A few of my friends and I just sat at the bar until they had time for us downing some martinis. The drinks are a pricier (10 or 11 bucks I think) but it was what I expected from a trendy establishment. The ambiance is very trendy and cool, everyone seems to be dressed up for a night on the town even if it's a weekday. My friends and I got the chicken and seriously ate it to the bone it was so good. Very filling as well. And our waiter was attentive enough, I never felt like he was being overbearing or ignoring us. All in all, 4 stars for Red Rooster!
(4)Amanda R.
I went for brunch on a Saturday and loved absolutely everything about this place! The food was fantastic, the service was quick and pleasant, and the atmosphere was laid back and comfortable while still fairly sleek. Between my food and that of my companions I was able to try a good number of dishes and loved each one more than the next. The mac and cheese with collard greens was very satisfying, and came with a bright salad on the side to balance the heaviness of the pasta. The scrambled eggs are light, airy and perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs. The cornbread is amazing- not too heavy, just slightly spicy (warm, not hot) and wonderful with the honey butter or the tomato jam. The two stand outs from our table, however, were the lamb and sweet potato hash, which seemed almost like a blend of a hash and a mild curry, as well as the biscuits with red eye gravy. These were unlike any biscuits and gravy dishes I have ever had in my life- not heavy or flavored only with pepper as with your typical white gravy, but instead had a deep, complex and layered flavor. To me, Red Rooster also seemed a good value for your money. Some dishes are served in smaller portions than others, but the portion size of the smallest (the lamb and sweet potato hash) was still plenty large enough not to quite finish, while that of the largest (the biscuits and gravy) was easily large enough to share among two people.
(5)Elizabeth T.
I really wanted to like this place more than I do but, they drop the ball when it comes to entrees. If you go in for drinks & apps, you will love this place. Their is an incredible vibe full of happiness, success, & excitement. The bar is happening & you'll definitely see a celeb, politician, or some one you recognize. But, hey, where else would you see all of them gathered at the the same time uptown? Like the NY Times writer said, I saw a diverse crowd in regards to ages, incomes, ethnicities, fashion, locals & tourists, singles, families, etc. Great mix that you couldn't get better anywhere else. Everyone was laughing or smiling & having a wonderful time. I've never seen a restaurant except, at the tony ones in Soho in the 1990's with a better type of energy. It was simply electric. I went down there, yes, I'm further north in Harlem, with a group of 5 and the drinks at the bar were a little slow. They were busy so, I understood. Mojitos were very good. A lot of people were eating at the bar which is a good sign. The bartender suggested a few apps for us to try at the table. We didn't have to wait long for our table, another good sign. A glimpse of Marcus Samuelson wadling through the dining room upped the excitement of the evening. The server was excellent. She was patient & answered all of the questions we had about the menu with aplomb. She was extremely professional & utmost courteous. We really felt welcomed from the moment we entered the door to the time of our departure. We had the crab cakes- too die for, the country ham (my favorite), & dirty rice & shrimp. I can't remember the other 2 apps. For entrees: I had the lemon chicken, hubby had the steak frites, someone else the catfish & we were all slightly disappointed. Other people have told me that the entrees were dull, boring, over cooked, not up to par, etc. My suggestion, stick with the apps since the entrees dissapoint. Marcus needs to make a choice: lower the ante on the apps because they were so very good or my & everyone else's suggestion-make the entrees stand out (give them some va va voom). I'll definitely return hoping that the entrees are better next time around.
(4)Dwight B.
Major staff changes have resulted in incredibly poor service and a menu that is sub par for a non tourist or someone who does not think dining is defined by price. As a monthly lunch regular for almost 2 years I decided to take my family and friends there for an impromptu dinner and was quite disappointed. Although the restaurant was crowded, they accommodated my party of 5 quickly but ignored us after we we opted to forgo alcoholic drinks and sparkling water. The iced tea we ordered came after our entrees and only after reminding the incredibly boojee and daft waitress that we were missing our beverages. She could not correctly pronounce pappardelle and indignantly corrected me. The shrimp was improperly cooked. The blackened catfish (which I've had on 3 prior occasions for lunch) was too salty and left an odd aftertaste. The watermelon and tomato salad was acceptable but nothing spectacular and the oxtail and "ParPaDell" dish tasted like the ox-tail was frozen, not properly cooked and was also over seasoned. Poor staff communication and really poor management. Great for tourists and people looking for a "Real Housewives of Altanta" scene.
(1)Crys Y.
marcus samuelsson, you have some awesome takes on classic dishes but i dont think its worth your prices! (but i still love the way you carry yourself and market you restaurant so i hope we can still be friends) what i ate during brunch: 1. cornbread - the tomato jam and honey butter that comes with this is awesome but the cornbread itself was kinda hard. 2. fried chicken - a nice and unique spice in the batter and a good texture/crunch but for $22, i want to eat half a chicken, not 2 pieces of dark meat. (i love dark meat so im not complaining, but could it at least be giant pieces of dark meat? can the drumstick not be the size of a lollipop?) service is sweet. restaurant itself is nice. but i wouldnt trek an hour from brooklyn to come here again. unless they have a fried chicken sale, in which case i will be the first one in line.
(3)Mama G.
I want to like it. I've said that before... I wonder if the chefs of the restaurants I want to like would come to my job and give me a good review because they want to like me? Prob not. I'm hovering between a 2 and 3 stars because some of the things that happened were OK and some meh. My friend and I got there at 3:30 last Sunday. I had looked at the website which said that brunch is served until 4. When we arrived the waitress told my friend that brunch ends at 3. When she told her that it said 4 on the website, and saw the looks of confusion on our faces, she said that brunch was still being served until 4 at the bar. OK. We sat at the bar and had a nice enough server. His mom was sitting next to us at the bar. She was nice I guess. He took our food order and then our drink order. The food came out in less than five minutes. before he could give us our glasses of house wine (the house wine was listed on the menu at $7 - I'll come back to that). The obvious problems that arise with food that has come out quickly because it obviously has been sitting there and clearly would have been thrown away had we not come in arose. Our food was pretty cool in temp. I had an omelet that was supposed to have spinach in it - that's what is listed on the menu. It had chives in it. I like chives so I was OK. My friend had cinnamon raisin French toast. It was also cool but tasted OK otherwise. While eating a server came up and asked if he could clear our plates. We told him no thanks and kept eating. Once we were finished eating our plates sat and sat and sat. The server we had had left with his mom he left her plate right there too...interesting. The hostesses asked if we had dinner reservations. We're the same two who just wanted brunch an hour ago so no...thanks though. When we went to pay we were charged $8 for the house wine despite the listed price of $7. The server comped us one glass and said that there were some old menus floating around. That was nice enough but I expect to pay listed prices so really it was the least he could do. We hung out there so long waiting for our plates to be cleared that I started to get hungry again. I realized that's one of the side effects of eating an omelet with a tiny biscuit. The lack of potatoes or any starch to anchor the meal left me hungry. We ended up leaving and going to Dino BBQ and eating again. I don't eat a lot so the fact that I had room for a whole other meal two hours later says a lot. All in all I'll probably try again for happy hour. Maybe dinner. Service was scattered but I guess I was served most of what I wanted so I'll stick with 3 stars. If they mess up though...2 ** it will be.
(3)Darren M.
Red Rooster is a restaurant very much in need of getting its legs. As a newly opened establishment, it is currently suffering from some serious jitters. Honestly, if I were rating the food alone, I would be giving 5 stars. I found none of the blandness or under-seasoned fare described in some other negative reviews - rather, everything except dessert (a rather dry chocolate cake) was a home run in terms of flavor. Unfortunately the service and simply the restaurant itself leaves a lot to be desired. Met the GF here a few nights back - she had put our names down and sat at the bar, the hostess having told her that the full party must be there before she could reserve a table, but that the wait would be around 45 minutes (I was confused as to why there was a wait at all, as the dining room was almost completely deserted, but we'll get to that later). So fine. When I arrived I approached the hostess to let her know that the rest of our party (me) was here. She busily chatted with a friend for about 5 minutes at the hostess stand. I patiently waited for her to finish her conversation, after which she then turned around and walked into the dining area, where she milled around for another 5. It's not like I was hard to miss, standing at 6'2" directly in front of the hostess stand. Finally I was able to let her know I was there and joined my GF at the bar. The cocktails were interesting, but unbalanced. One in particular with fresh muddled dill was nice if you like dill and only dill, as you wouldn't know anything else was in it. Standing at the bar I picked up on several things by overhearing the servers' comments as they came and went: 1) The restaurant and bar are both currently understaffed. 2) Many customers dislike and send back their cocktails, even when made to the specifics of the recipe. After 80 minutes of waiting, the GF decided to check on our table. The hostess said, "Sure! There's a table open right now!" Ok...so did she have our name down or not? The "table" mentioned, was in fact two stools at one of the communal bar tables. We never confirmed it, but I can only guess that the dining room is actually for reservations only. It would be nice if they let you know that when arriving. I'm as happy as the next person to eat at a communal table, but these were so packed as to not even fit each diner's plates. One previous reviewer's description of a "mechanical bull of a bar stool" is really pretty accurate. The stool I sat on had a solid 2 inches of vertical wobble. Service was full of holes throughout the night. Huge gaps of time between courses (35 minutes between app. and entrées), no bread for the two of us, multiple failed requests for water (to the point where our neighbors to the left were also trying to remind the servers on our behalf), a trashed set of leftovers that was supposed to have been boxed up, multiple errors on the bill, etc. etc. All in all we spent 3 1/2 hours (not including wait time) on a dinner that should have taken 90 minutes tops. I will say that the servers have a major challenge with the communal tables, as they are packed so tightly that it is very hard for them to get to the inner seats. I actually felt bad for our waitress - she seemed genuinely embarrassed about it. No restaurant should try to pack so many seats in as to be virtually unable to physically serve all their guests. Finally, I will mention the prices. As good as the food was, it simply and truly was not worth the cost. My plate of shortribs, while delicious, was $32. These are short ribs we're talking about - a humble cut of meat, that is not hard to get, and which was certainly not prepared in any sort of insanely lavish manner. And they are not even the most expensive dish on the menu. The food was great, but it simply is not special enough to warrant the prices. No, despite how some are describing it, Red Rooster does not serve Soul Food (maybe a distant, rich third cousin to Soul Food that only met Soul Food once when it was little) so I did not expect cheap prices. But consider this: our meal, with two app.s, two entrées, one side, one dessert, two cocktails, and an ass-load of physical discomfort and poor service came to over $200 with tax and tip. For the same price, one could enjoy a four course lunch, plus dessert and drinks at Jean-Georges. Sorry Red Rooster, I think next time I'll go to the 3-star Michelin restaurant instead, which, oddly enough, carries much less pretense.
(2)Eric K.
Glitz, Marcus, and a cornucopia of cuisines...Red Rooster's got it all, and after dinner here, I had these impressions: 1. It's worth taking the subway up to harlem for a visit (or multiple visits) to RR. RR is not the case of a restaurant that seems unique b/c it's the only one of its kind in its neighborhood. It's unique b/c it's the only of its kind in new york...just look at the menu. While RR's price point is more midtown/downtown than uptown, I couldn't think of a place that had the amalgam of soul, swedish, ethiopian, and fusion dishes that RR did. RR gives you the opportunity to take a comfortable first step into a cuisine you may have been curious to try...and yet if you're not in the mood, it still has mac and cheese, doughnuts, and FRIED CHICKEN 2. There's a definite buzz here on a saturday night...there's a reason why we had to make a reservation almost a month in advance. I walked in and the attractive semi-circular bar in the front was packed with people waiting hours for tables to open and to catch a glimpse of marcus doing his thing in the open kitchen. The buzz also had its drawbacks, the biggest being that despite our reservation for 8 people, we still had to wait an hour and deal with unapologetic hostesses. 3. The must-eat dish is not the fried yardbird. We shared several dishes including the fried yardbird at dinner and the one that sticks out to this day is the chicken and the egg...pulled chicken, spicy sauce, seared foie gras, and ethiopian injera bread served in a cute cast iron plate with a fried egg on top. it was the one dish where the fusion of cuisines unanimously succeeded, and the flavors of all the elements were as bright as the bulbs shining in the front of the restaurant. An unforgettable dish that outshone the fried yardbird (which was solid), the mac and cheese (a little too crusty and dry), and even the small doughnuts stuffed with sweet potato creme.
(3)Tina Y.
Finally got a chance to dine in the Red Rooster today! My husband and I went there for the restaurant week lunch. We loved everything from the appetizers(salad) to the main courses ( Fried Yard Bird and blackened catfish) and to desserts (apple crumble pie and pecan pie)! The Yard Fried Bird was crispy outside and moist inside, and full of the aroma of spices. The meat was a bit bland by itself, but went well with the sauce. The blackened catfish was also aromatic of complex spices. We also got an extra order of the famous corn bread. The corn bread was moist, and the sauces were so delicious! The service was good. We particularly like the ambiance and the vibes of the restaurant. The whole restaurant was still full and lively at 3 pm! We asked about the Gospel Sunday Brunch. They don't take reservations, and we were advised to arrive by 11 am to avoid the crowd. We will definitely try it!
(4)Veronique M.
This is a delicious and stylish restaurant. The food is perfect. The service is exactly right. That's all I'm going to say. go.
(5)D M.
Really not all that...
(2)Jim K.
Big disapointment. Heard the hype. Got reservation 6 weeks in advance. Waited for an extra hour anyway. Had pretty crappy food. Paid a bundle. Won't go back.
(2)Victoria M.
First off let me start by saying I am born and raised in harlem,literally born on 114th street ,anyway Red Rooster by far is the best restaurant in harlem,when I bring my friends to visit that live downtown this is the impression that I want them to have of harlem,when it comes to food ,ambiance,wine,and service there is nothing to compare Red Rooster to in harlem!dont get me wrong there are fabulous places to eat and have fun,get a drink hang out in harlem but none like Red Rooster, the last 2 times I was there Lenny kravitz performed and Liza Minnelli walked right by me,and the prices are just fine compared to some of my other favorite places like stk or phillipe .they also have one of the greatest general managers ever !!!his name is Don, I mean seriously he is one of the most poised,graceful,intelligent ,handsome, and just all around nice people that I have ever met!!i don't go inside without requesting to say hi to him!anyone that gives this establishment less than the well deserved 5 star rating is out of their mind!!
(5)Megs T.
This review is for the lounge on the lower level on Saturday nights ONLY. My gf and I were looking for a laid back, chill spot in Harlem to grab a drink. Headed in to Red Rooster around midnight expecting to just have a glass of wine in the restaurant, but instead we were transported to a downstairs,candlelit Harlem juke joint! The DJ was fabulous and spinning old school soul, funk, house, hip hop and the people were feeling it! Adorable space. Cool crowd. I do feel like I am letting out a secret here, but this spot was IT!
(4)Cali D.
Very very good food, nice ambience and I would definitely recommend going on sundays for the live jazz. The food came quickly and from the time we entered, we felt welcome. The host and hostess were very nice and professional and our server, Leon, was awesome! He checked on us regularly, knew the menu to the t, and everything that he recommended was good. I will definitely be back.
(5)Rachel W.
Good mashed potatoes...good greens...good chicken...good music. Good gravy.
(4)Dee C.
cold food + disorganized staff = 0 star We came here for saturday brunch, and we were the first group to arrive at the restaurant. It took no time for us to get seated, but it took an hour for our food to come after we ordered, and all the dishes were cold, because they have been sitting on the counter for a while. The staff didn't even show a hint of apology. Are we suppose to pity and understand them for being so disorganized since they only opened up since late Dec? They shouldn't have opened at all if they don't know what they are doing.
(1)Sarah Z.
I have been wanting to check out some good soul food in harlem and have seen so much press about red rooster, I had to see what the hype was about, I happen to be up there on a Monday night with friends and our luck had it that we got a table right out front - it was meant to be. Entering the place, the energy is great. For a Monday night, this place was buzzing and there were lots of people at the bar enjoying cocktails. Ok, good sign. So we decided we wanted to sample a little bit of everything, so we got the chicken and waffle pre fix that came with chilled yellow tomato-coconut soup and strawberry shortcake-cookie desert, the shimp and grits, crab cakes and a bottle of wine. The apps were simply delicious, the soup was really tasty even when it is served chilled like a gazpacho. The crab cakes were the best, and the shrimp and grits although small in portion had great taste and texture. The chicken and waffles were disappointing. For $35 (pre fix)The waffle was too crisp and overcooked, dare I say burnt? The chicken was good, but not out of this world, no where near hill country's mama els recipe...but the sauce at least was homemade and spicy-delish. We asked for more sauce to make up for the burnt crispy chicken. I feel like the executive chef pays attention to the sides and they train some idiot who burns the entrees. The syrup for the waffle was good too, love and attention with maple and bourbon, not sweet at all - try it! For the prices of the entrees, I'm surprised they dropped the ball on entrees. Not worth the $$$$ I even saw marcus the chef-owner saying hello to some folks, and it confused me for a second because maybe he wasn't watching over our waffles and that's why the were burnt.... All in all, I will return but only order the sides! If I want chicken and waffles I might as well go to sylvia's next door...
(3)Peter M.
I agree that people are a little too harsh on the RR. If you really want bad service, I have some other Harlem spots to recommend. I've been there about five times in the last few months, including for two Monday night dinners, with live jazz. Last night we arrived and immediately were offered a table outside. That was a coup. The table had a perfect balance of street watching (who's that getting out of the Bentley? The 1%) on one side, and jazz on the other. It took a while to get an actual waitress, and more time for the cocktails. The table next to us did not get served at all for about 15-20 minutes. Listening to their wedding plans was excruciating. Really, a photo booth? How original. We fired back with an obnoxious phone call to my sister. We ordered three cocktails: the Smalls one, the Spicy Lady, and the negroni. Inexplicably, the Smalls was spicier than the Lady. Both the smalls and the negroni were quite strong, spice- and liquor-wise. Spicy Lady was the most balanced. The cornbread rocks. The turnip soup was very tasty, I believe with balsamic vinegar. The green salad was alright, but a bit salty for some reason. Yard bird looks and tastes great. My father, unaccustomed to southern food, ate it all up. The striped bass suffered a stretchy skin, which made it difficult to cut and a little unappetizing, but tasted savory and a sweet mix of soft baby cherry tomatoes and veggies. Another 15 minute wait for the check, which we hounded some sort of manager to get after the waitress disappeared.
(3)Mike B.
I really wanted to like Red Rooster. I did...really. Very Much. The ambiance was really lovely. Beautiful hard woods and high ceilings make for an open and inviting feel when you first walk in. The bar is sleek and large...with ample space for large groups to hang out and wait. Which is good...because wait you shall. I really can't knock the staff too much...the bartenders were adequate...although I am still flummoxed as to how it can take nearly 15 minutes to get a cup of hot tea when the place wasn't THAT busy at 11:20 on a Sunday morning. They weren't serving alcohol yet. Anyway... On to the food. At the bar, while we waited for our table ( and again, not complaining about the wait, we ASSUMED we'd be waiting at least an hour, and we were right ), we ordered a basket of breakfast bread. This was probably the highlight of the meal, in hindsight. I particularly liked the mini muffins with lingonberries. Nice touch. Once we were finally seated in the main dining room...it was like bedlam on steroids. WAY too many busboys and runners...too few members of the waitstaff. This lead to us getting 5 cups of coffee delivered for a table of 4...and only 3 of us ordered coffee. Our waiter was friendly, quiet, and absolutely in-over-his-head. Just before taking our order, he had knocked over something liquid filled and scream-inducing at the table next to us... Our meals were bland and really unimpressive. Their "Nuggets and Toast" might be intended as a play on Chicken and Waffles, but they tasted like dry batter and wet bread. Saving grace there was that my wife was given a little bottle of Red Rooster syrup to take home. I had the Baked Eggs and Mac 'n Greens. Bland, tasteless, and not how I ordered them. The Eggs were ordered soft...they came out close to the consistency of hard boiled. The eggs were served in some kind of weird "sauce" that I'm assuming was supposed to be a custard of some kind...but it was mediocre at best. The Mac 'n Greens were oily and not creamy, but the added bitterness of the greens were truly appreciated to cut all that grease. Our friends had the burger ( served medium rare, ordered medium well ), and the blackened catfish sandwich ( meh...fish seemed fresh, but the blackened seasoning frankly wasn't blackened enough ). The overall seasoning theme of the food here, seems to be "timidity over taste." One note about restaurants that don't have salt and pepper on the table. STOP.IT . I hate asking for it, and if you're going to be that pretentious about it, damn well make sure your food is seasoned properly. I was desperate for flavor...my taste buds were craving actually tasting SOMETHING...but with the craziness of the service, I opted to just dive in, eat fast, and get out. Sure, we could have sent things back and asked them to be redone...but it was so bat-shit crazy in there, we just wanted to get a move on. Let's face it, even if we sent stuff back...would it really have changed THAT much? The restaurant itself WANTS you to stay...to sit back and relax and sip a nice cocktail or two and enjoy your meal. The service however, screams Cheesecake Factory during dinner rush. In, out, on to the next table... This place has a decision to make...embrace what you seem to want to be; an upscale take on classic soul food, catering to an eclectic and diverse cast of characters from the neighborhood and beyond... Or accept what it seems like it's actually becoming; a tourist destination, 80 blocks too far to travel to really be worth it.
(2)Maulana D.
This is the sum total of my experience with the Red Rooster, this was an email I sent today: Please disregard my previous email regarding my friend's brunch, your staff person was kind enough to let me know that it is not Red Rooster's policy to seat parties of more than 8 on Sundays. I apologize for my persistence, my friend has been dying to come to the restaurant for years, so I wanted to be absolutely certain that there was no way of celebrating her birthday at Red Rooster however, I was not aware of your establishment's policies. Might I suggest that this policy be reflected somewhere on the website or communicated with clarity to your staff so that they might be able to relay as much to your patrons or potential patrons? As of this afternoon these are the various responses I have received from your staff regarding this event: 1. Yesterday morning a young man kindly told me (after I told him the date and size of our party) that it must be sent through you despite the fact that it was not a private event 2. After sending an email and receiving no reply at the end of the traditional business day, I call again. The young lady who answered the phone this time informed me that you had left for the day. After explaining my situation to her she told me I would have to leave a deposit, fill out paperwork and a pre fixe menu would need to be established (which was fine with me) or we could risk showing up (the 15 of us) but then we would risk having to wait an undetermined amount of time. 3. I call again this morning to be told that you are currently running the brunch but would be back in your office between 2:30 - 3:00. I work as well so I was not able to call during this exact window of time, I called at 3:30 after the appropriate vetting (spell my name, what is my email address, did I email you already etc.) the same person who answered the phone informs me that you will return my call at some vague time in the future (um she'll probably call you back this afternoon). I'm sure given the track record you can understand why I immediately felt like this was an exercise in futility but I thank her and take my leave. 4. Immediately following my last phone call, I call back not in the hopes of actually speaking to you but in the hopes of getting a definitive answer about your establishment's policies. I was lucky enough to reach the young lady who told me in no uncertain terms that you do no seat parties of 8 or more for brunch on the weekends as no reservation are taken for weekend brunch, the maître d would only be able to tell us if he has seating once we take the chance of the 15 of us showing up on Sunday, and the only way we could be seated is to come on a Monday or Tuesday. So much for the contract and the deposit. I realize that Red Rooster has gained what must be a following of epic proportions but I for some inexplicable reason thought it would be a combination of the customer service and the food, I stand corrected. Ms. xyz I want to thank you... Thank you for your absolute lack of time, the unanswered emails and the unreturned phone calls.
(1)D Z.
This is chef Marcus Samuellsons restaraunt and the food is great! It is soul food with almost a Dutch essence. Th ambiance is great and in the summer there is outdoor seating right on Lenox. They also have a new addition called Ginnys and it is like a "speakeasy" with drinks and live music. Overall I loved the place which is why it was one of my favorite Friday not spots when I lived in Harlem.
(4)Nicole O.
One thing I hate about bubby's in TriBeCa is that it's always crowded, (hold on, red rooster comparison coming soon) and I usually have to suggest a better table at least once when being seated by the hostess. But the one thing that I love about bubby's is that no matter what you order, any time of any day, you can guarantee a strikingly delicious meal EACH and EVERY time. I've been to the rooster a few times and have repeated the same items on occasion and the inconsistency of their food is a problem for me. Amazing sweet potato donuts if you get the right batch. But dark brown microwaved little wastes of money, if you don't. And that's just one example. I did enjoy their catfish and if you're a fan of pulled pork, skip their rendition. Read: open face on Texas toast with mayo and cucumbers. There are too many cooks in the kitchen and I think Marcus should rearrange his schedule to be on the scene more because everything's sooo much better when he's around.
(2)Mary S.
Average. Not great, life changing food but not bad for the price. Very nice atmosphere, especially after a show at the Apollo.
(3)Angel K.
Had a late afternoon birthday brunch. Indoor seating closed at 3 so we took their outdoor option. The live jazz was absolutely wonderful / so soothing. They really need more waiters for brunch. Everything took a ridiculously long time to get to our table. Makes no sense that the starter corn bread came out after our entrees and even worse, we got our cocktails midway into our brunch entree (both items ordered immediately after being seated). We had the corn bread, hearth baked mac and greens (split as a taster among 3 ppl), the fried yard bird, lamb potatoe hash and the red rooster burger with truffle fries. The best best best out of all the entrees had to be the fried yard bird and truffle fries. The bird was ridiculously juicy, skin super crispy, and the meat had an enormous amount of flavor. Definitely will return to eat JUST the fried bird and truffle fries again. I was a bit surprised to see how pink the center of the chicken was but it was absolutely way too delicious to complain.
(4)Jamal P.
The spot is great for drinks. The food is so so. The steak tasted liked like a dry boot. My girl friend said the crab cakes had no taste. The waitress was good though. I guess it is great if your a tourist. But for the price they really need to do better.
(2)Leilani R.
Why does Red Rooster get good hype? Because there's nothing else really to compare it to in Harlem ... I wanted to love it since it's close to me, but truth is, it just isn't worth the hype. The food is ok, but seriously, nothing to write home about... Something weird happened when we were there ... I ordered a beer off the menu & it hadn't been delivered before the food. I asked the waiter & he said that the bartender went out to get another pack & was icing it down. What? Lie to me ... or just tell me you're out of it & let me order something else. Don't tell me you don't actually stock items on your menu... Someone told us that you can't get a reservation for dinner for 2 months .... really?
(3)Phil L.
So, I've been waiting for this place to open for quite some time and after waiting a month for my reservations to come up, tonight was THE night. Right down the block from Sylvia's, Red Rooster invites guests with their prominent red signs. Upon entering, the large bar beckons those waiting for tables to your right and directly in front of you are the hostesses. The interior decoration is modern, warmly lit, and surprisingly wide open with tall ceilings making for a very welcoming space. Along the walls are various pieces of art and murals of course the rooster is a recurring theme. We were seated at the bank along a communal table right in front of the pass. Allowing us a full view of the kitchen and it's surprising calmness. Given the fact that I had the entire month the view the menu before actually eating here, I knew what I already wanted. A fried yard bird, gravlax, corn bread, and sweet potato doughnuts. Everything almost turned out as planned except I ended up getting the blackened catfish in order not to order the same dish as my dinner companion. First out were the gravlax, cornbread, and of course the standard bread that every restaurant gives out. The gravlax was laid atop a rye cracker and cream cheese, topped with pickled shallots. Combined together made for a delightfully subtle appetizer. In sharp contrast, to the Scandinavian dish, the cornbread was a more in your face southern soul food. Dense, very gritty cornmeal (good thing) and loaded with butter, accompanied with the tomato jam making for a perfect savory bite. I definitely avoided slathering the butter on the bread as it became quite overwhelming. The blackened catfish came out next, laid on top of black eyed peas and collard greens. The catfish's natural flavor was definitely covered up quite a bit by the seasoning and black eyed peas/collared greens. I do wish that catfish flavor came out a bit more, but I can certainly understand why some would be put off by it. A mouthful of the hot peppers, slaw, collared greens, and catfish together was absolutely delicious. The catfish had a nice light heat in the seasoning and boy could I eat an entire bowl of those collared greens and black eyed peas, they were incredibly flavorful and hearty. The sweet potato filled doughnut holes was paired with a vanilla creme and lemon sorbet. My palate definitely favored the doughnut and vanilla creme combination rather than the acidity of the lemon and the sugar. Dinner was also accompanied by a bourbon negroni and an americano coffee. The negroni was worth the $13.00 as it was loaded with booze (hate it when they water down my drinks) and the coffee was a nice dark roasted flavorful cup. It still didn't beat the best coffee I've ever had (Desert Truck Works) but a good cup none the less. So I was worried about all the negative or so so reviews of Red Rooster. But I believe they set the bar far too high and of course were sadly disappointed. Yes I've had much better food from the other famous chefs, but I don't categorize this as fine dining. It's comfort food and in that I think it does well. So, I give it a solid 4 stars as a place I would definitely return to. The prices are reasonable, the atmosphere is nice, and the crowd is eclectic. You have families coming here for dinner, couples on dates, and really a nice mix of New York. Whether it's the interracial family sitting at the booth, the gay couple enjoying the night out, older couples in the 60s, to the younger crowd in their late 20s. Also a nice touch is the bathrooms where there are family pictures further emphasizing that this is where you can get some good quality home cooking. Although I will mention that the arbie sitting on top of the mirror in the bathroom was a bit weird. Unfortunately, I did not get to see Marcus Samuelsson, but my girlfriend did only after a few minutes after I left to get the car. I guess that'll have to wait till next time!
(4)Georges F.
I went to Red Rooster recently for a solo dinner and the experience was ok. I walked in around 9pm on a Monday night and the room was packed and lively. They had a Jazz Band playing by the bar area which was pleasant but not too loud. I did not have a reservation so I was expecting the wait for a table for one to be extremely long. I put my name in the walk-in lists and I was told to wait bar the bar. Both, the MD and hostess were very friendly and welcoming and surprisingly I was seated at the communal table next to a nice southern family celebrating a birthday within less than 10 minutes. I ordered the "Dirty Rice & Shrimp" as a starter which was good. I really liked the flavors and combination in the dish but I thought the portion was very small for $18 and the rice a little bit dry. Service was ok not great; the waitress was nice but not attentive. There was a table seated in front of me most the staff stopped by to chat with for a few. Perhaps, the distraction of the band and the camaraderie of friends may give such result. With my appetizer I ordered the "Berbere Roasted Chicken and a side of Fries" as my entrée which took 40 minutes to hit the table. The manager brought it over and apologized for the wait. The Berbere Chicken was a great dish, original, simple, juicy, yet flavorful. I didn't care much for the fries but that's just a personal preference. For dessert I had the "Rooster Cheese Cake" really light and refreshing a good ending. Overall, it was not a bad experience but there's lot more room for improvements that has to do mostly with service. I wasn't expecting anything for the long wait but a gesture of a cocktail would have been nice (I don't even drink alcohol). I think I will go back again to try more dishes.
(3)Arnaud C.
Heavy dishes, everything is fried. The added fanciness does not cover from the fact that fried stuff hardly makes fine cuisine. The ones you get at your local fast food is not much worse.
(2)Alessia W.
It was ok. It wasn't super impressive. I wasn't super let down. I went with a friend and we basically tried appetizers and people watched the whole time. The bartenders have great attitudes which makes ordering even easier. I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was pretty calm. I would probably visit again but it won't be at the top of my list of places to go when in Harlem...
(3)Ann K.
I absolutely love that they have live jazz. Came in for a late brunch so we were seated outside. I would have to say that even though their brunch service was winding down, we were neglected for more of the time. We ended up getting our meal before the bread or cocktails. But I have to say that the food was pretty good. We had the mac and green, fried yard bird, lamb and potato hash with egg and a rooster burger. The yard bird was clearly the winning dish of the lot. Kind of sad to see that Chef Samuelsson got eliminated so early during the next iron chef.
(3)Christina M.
Sauntered in on a weeknight for a private dinner party on the lower level. Walking in, you're immediately greeted by Harlem's posh and fab - everyone's beautiful and the place feels good. I'm not a drinker, but the bar was buzzing so much so that I felt like I wanted to order something just for the heck of it! The downstairs area is pleasant - I'd totally book it for a baby shower, bday dinner or something similar. Decor was modest but homey. I enjoyed. The Food: I had shrimp and dirty rice...nice presentation, but I've had better. Heck, I've MADE better. Dessert was lovely though - a salted chocolate something or other. So what say I? I'd return if for nothing more than getting dainty and posting up. Thats all.
(3)Jesse S.
Food alone probably deserves a 3.5. Giving it a 4 because the atmosphere for Sunday Gospel Brunch is fantastic. Live music from a fantastically gifted duo. Corn Bread was delicious, with a bit of butter. Truffle fries also great. Red Rooster burger was tasty but nothing to write home about.
(4)Lindsay S.
I think we missed out on something spectacular coming here for brunch instead of dinner. Or so I can tell by the reviews. We were definitely not blown away by this Harlem hot spot's meal. I had the baked eggs with mozzarella and tomatoes. The eggs just tasted like a tiny cast iron skillet of hard boiled eggs with 2 tiny pieces of stale baguette in it. The tomatoes and mozz on the side with some balsamic was tasty - together though? Not so much. My wife had the chicken nuggets and french toast. She liked the nuggets fine - said they were nothing special fried chicken - but the toast was a bit much. Service was great though and we were expecting quite the line. From 10a to about 11:30a on a Sunday there was no wait and empty tables. Maybe everyone was waiting for the clock to strike noon for the alcohol to start flowing? I don't know what we missed out on but next time I'm in Harlem I think I'll hit up the oldie but goodie Sylvia's one more block away!
(3)Jamie B.
I think I was just disappointed because of all the hype over this place. Maybe it used to be better but so not worth going to now. I planned my boyfriend's birthday dinner here because he's been wanting to go and loves southern soul food. Besides the fact that we had 8pm ressies and weren't seated until 9, the food was not that good, especially for the price. He got the yardbird which was decent but you can't really screw up fried chicken. I had the catfish which was insanely small and not even cooked well. Also was supposed to have corn and tomatoes with the black eyed peas but really it was just a tiny soggy piece of fish over a bed of mushy peas. The peach cobbler seemed promising and looked tasty, but seemed to be drenched in some sort of liquor. And that isn't too pleasant when you want a sweet dessert. Not alcohol. The only good things were the cornbread although expensive and our waiter was very nice. Although he led me in the wrong direction with the catfish. I highly do not recommend going all the way to harlem for this subpar experience.
(2)Holly M.
I wish I could give 4.5 stars since I can't quite say it was a 5 star experience but it was awesome all the same. We were a very large party of 7 and the place is really small and very busy. We had to wait about an hour for a table which isn't that bad considering we were there for brunch. They even had live soul/jazzy/blues music and a fabulous singer who walked around the place singing. We started with some bloody marys (so good!) and cornbread (also great) and then had a variety of dishes like the Migas, French Toast, Harlem Fry, Red Line Burger, and the Fried Yard Bird. I had the Harlem Fry, which was tasty but had too much egg for my tastes. I would have liked either less egg or a bit more of the hollandaise sauce. The fried oysters on top were perfectly seasoned and cooked though. The highlights were the French Toast which came with a selection of dipping sauces like strawberry sauce and nutella and the Fried Yard Bird. They can make some seriously delicious fried chicken here. I'm knocking off the half star because our waiter forgot about us for a while. Not too bad since the place was extremely busy and we were a big table. I'd recommend heading here for some delicious soul food.
(4)Corey N.
A friend and I try out a trendy restaurant every couple of months... this month's "Supper Club Adventure" was to the Red Rooster, a restaurant we have had on our list to try for a quite a while. I was beyond excited for the experience. We got there a bit early to have time to sit by the bar (which has amazing drinks). Although there an hour early to enjoy the ambiance, the hostess sat us 15 minutes after our reservation time without explanation. Our waiter was less than attentive and forgot to bring us one dish that we ordered. The menu had many good selections, but the actual dishes were a little disappointing. The corn bread was good but dry. The relish and butter complemented it well. The crab cakes were also good as long as you like a little spice. The yard bird smelled delicious, but sadly I was stuffed once the plate reached the table. Overall I would have enjoyed the experience more if the hostess and waitstaff bad been more friendly and attentive.
(2)Lila R.
Decor and atmosphere were excellent, but everyone I have spoken to about this place says the same thing - the food is way off the mark. The menu was replete with seemingly imaginative dishes that were completely devoid of any meaningful flavor. While I understand the need to cater to a wide variety of palettes,I think it is safe to say that everyone would like their food to have some sort of taste. Drinks were good and service was unpretentious. Great for pre dinner or after dinner drinks, but I would not eat here again.
(2)Lateasha S.
The ambience here is soulful and rich however the service was less than stellar. The food was eclectic, I had the chickpeas dumpling which I did enjoy. The crab cakes were also delightful. While my portion was acceptable, I found my friends' dishes entirely too small for what they were charged. This place is great for drinks, crab cakes, cornbread and the DJ who never fails to entertain. Eat before you come. I will give this place another go round to see if maybe it was just a bad night. After all, it was on a Sat night that I came here. I'll update if there's a change.
(2)Juli-Ann H.
Honestly I don't know what all the hype is about over this restaurant. Yes, the service was great. As a matter of fact the service was better than the food. Lord Jesus. I had the restaurant week special. Why did I get that. I should have ordered the fried chicken and mashed potatoes like my friend did. Actually I had a taste of it and it was Devine. But back to my food, i had the market green salad. Did not like that at all. I couldn't decide if I wanted the grilled salmon &gazpacho or the Mac &greens. The waitress recommended the salmon. It was very salty. I sent it back and got the Mac & greens. Not very impressed. I'm glad we looked at the bill because the waitress charged me for the salmon. TIP: ALWAYS CHRCK YOUR BILL. Oh I forgot to mention that my Long Island ice tea was the best ever! So to summarize the service is excellent, my cocktail was excellent, my food was not good. Over rated food and prices. Didn't bother to eat my desert. I was too disappointed.
(2)David B.
3 stars. Ordered Corn Bread which was sweet & Mac and Greens (pasta and gouda cheese) for an appetizer. They were both very good. The cheeseburger was nothing special and had little flavor (would not recommend). It came with fries which were thin and crispy. Everything was kind of expensive and the service was average at best.
(3)Dana H.
Walked in here for an impromptu Sunday brunch that turned out to be satisfying in every way. I didn't really know much about the place, but was visiting my friend's 'hood and she suggested we try it. No problem getting a table since we walked in right before 11am. Great service, great ambiance, live music and delicious food... not really the soul food type but the cornbread and that whipped butter, those biscuits and any of their egg dishes are delicious. I had the omelette...it was so fluffy yet so (goat) cheesy...By the time we left, the place was packed, standing room only. I know why. I'd go back.
(5)Wesley H.
The fried chicken and the cornbread were good. The service was hurried and overbearing. Other dishes were just okay.
(3)Eccezionale M.
The bar area is on a first come first serve basis so why is the hostess, the lady with the tattoo on the neck is seating people at the bar without considering the guest that have been standing there waiting for a seat. If you do not take the name down for the bar do not seat your friends by jumping the line or because they are tipping you. The bar area is a joke!!!!!!!!! Left the restaurant without even trying the food after a 40 minutes wait..........................
(1)Feebee A.
The best thing about this place is the way it looks. everything else is a complete fail. My friends and I went on a Monday night with prior reservations and we still had to wait for a table. It took 25 minutes to get the drinks we ordered, and one of our friends never got her drink. Dinner menu is pretty small, pretty hard to choose from given that its only a few options to pick from. when the food FINALLY arrived it failed all exceptions. Salmon was not pleasant, oxtail gross, lemon chicken was ehh, and mac and cheese never arrived. Sweet potato was good tho. service was extremely slow!!! the decor was nice and that was about it. Huge disappointment.
(1)Sei S.
Being a lifelong New Yorker, I've seen many celebrities and have hardly given a second look at most of them. But when I saw Chef Marcus Samuelsson, dunks and all, going around the bar and shaking hands with patrons (totally shook hands with him!), I admit I was kind of star struck. That's probably because cooking shows make up half of my TV watching. Also, the restaurant was handsomely designed and decorated--among other things, the rustic shelving had an ABBA vinyl and a playboy featuring Pam Grier. Not out of place given Samuelsson's background and excellent taste. Basically, he had me at hello. The food was good! and I say that heartily. Even though the portions were slightly scant, the dishes were comforting and complex interpretations of soulful classics. The fried yardbird had a flavorful skin, moist meat, and was well-seasoned. The Swedish meatballs and mash, named after his grandmother, blanketed me in warmth. But yo, the foie gras ganache was fucking ethereal! I was and still am at a loss of words to describe that unearthly dish of salty, sweet, and creamy. One taste of this dish, and it'll be head-slappingly obvious how Chef Samuelsson married a supermodel. Our server/bartender was totally cool. He kept hooking me and my friend up with cupful after cupful of Glögg, a hot aromatic Swedish drink made of wine and spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. They also carry Hitachino beer, and if you're in the know about your Japanese beers, you'll have just nodded in deep approval. Even though Red Rooster is headed by a celebrity chef, the prices are quite reasonable. Two appetizers, two entrées, two drinks, (and unlimited Glögg) came to around $50 each. And that's WITH tip. A generous tip. Tell me that Harlem is having its second renaissance and I'll tell you that Marcus Samuelsson is among those leading it.
(4)Nikki W.
Giving this place a 4 for the party downstairs! Very nice! The people are 35+ and are from the old school Harlem before this new transformation take ova. I danced the night away like it was 1997 :) and I was at the Tunnel...For real, the music took me back and Anthony Hamilton came through which was a nice treat! I'll definitely be back next Friday. On to the food :( We were told 45 minutes for a table and waited and hour and a half but the time went by so fast because we were downstairs at the bar and that was entertaining...ohhhhh yeeaa Oh! Back to the judging...ok so, it was pricey for soul food that I grew up on and the flavors lacked. I had the blackened catfish and black eyed peas (dry fish and over cooked peas) and the other 2 people I was with had the steak and salmon. The steak was ok, the bone marrow was tasty (well, it is bone marrow...so that was to be expected). The salmon had a strange spicy drizzle on the top that did not mix well with the fish. I didn't try the corn bread; it looked too dense for my liking. After spending 25 on that fish I was not about to have dessert so I can't tell you how that was. We finally went back downstairs to drown our disappointment in martinis which were nice and strong thanks to the bartender!
(4)Denean P.
Go for a fun experience. It is a beautiful space with a great vibe and fun DJ area in the entrance. I went for brunch and loved the fried chicken, a spicy gin drink, (I believe it is called a Pink Lady), and had a great bloody mary. I'd def go back for a group brunch, although it is a bit out of the way and a bit pricey.
(4)