St. Nick's Pub

Elite '08

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416

Laurel B.

San Francisco, CA

Unbelievable music on Monday nights (jam night in New York at lots of clubs).  It's world-class jazz.  Unbelievable.  I could not believe that I was sitting 2 feet away from the musicians (not that any place in the very small house is bad).

Can I just say again that it was unbelievable?  It was great.

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57

Gina S.

New York, NY

St. Nicks, like everyone else has said, has absolutely amazing music.  I went on a Sunday night and was completely blown away by the musicians - the soulful bassist on a 6-string electric base, the spot-on drummer, the eclectic and guitarist, and the man-of-all-trades who played flute beautifully, sang and looped sound experimentally with his looping pedal, and used several other musical implements (whistle, maraca, harmonica, etc.)

However, I sat there enjoying the music with a tinge of anger from feeling ripped the f&*K off.  Straight up.  It's $7(!!)  for a normally $5 or less beer (I prefer red stripe) plus $3/person to sit down at a table - which they don't tell you until you sit down.  Plus tip - which the waitress demanded from us AND money for the band - they go around and collect it in a silver bucket.  You would think the high prices to drink and sit here would go to the band - but maybe they don't.

Nevertheless I have to say it was a worthwhile experience.  Feels like 40 years ago in here - kitchy christmas light decor, painted music notes on the white brick walls, low light, with a still-cool vibe - truly Harlem.  

Next time - I'll just stay at the bar and skip the table service fee and make sure to pre-party beforehand or skip the drinks all-together.

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8

35

Dan R.

New York, NY

This is my new neighborhood spot.  This is THE music venue.  I've already seen a few amazing musicians & bands and I've only gone twice.  The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is the service.  The bartender is not a nice person.  I watched her pour me bottom-shelf liquor and then she charged me for top shelf.  They also put bottom shelf vodka in the top shelf bottle.  I KNOW what Grey Goose tastes like, and it don't taste like that crap!  I also experienced a little attitude here and I'm praying it was a fluke.  It gets PACKED in this tiny place on a Saturday night but the music is easily worth the hassle.

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129

Tree S.

Long Beach, CA

This was the highlight of my week in NYC. And my friend, who's been living there for three years, said it was the best night he'd had all year. We went from Williamsburg trendy hispter-ville (Monkey Town) to a place with real soul, friendly clientele, and approachable, mind-blowingly talented musicians. Highly recommended.

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1

14

Taeko F.

New York, NY

Good thing this is still sorta underground. I chose this local for my 21st birthday celebration and I was not disappointed. Amazing live music, fair prices and just a few block stumble home. Monday night jam sessions amazing, and legends could be sitting at the table next to you. Perfect place to bring a friend or two and have a brew on a weekday or weekend night. Always low key, back patio for air, and makes for a magical night.

Downside? I have been hassled a lot on some of those darker streets around, so walk home w/ someone you know. If you are taking the train, no worries because it is literally steps away from the ABCD.

Take the A train. It's definitely worth the trip.

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77

NaN K.

San Francisco, CA

This IS Harlem!...St. Nick's Pub is the last true bastion of the BeBop in New York City & it's no coincidence that it's located in the quintessential "Jazz" neighborhood of all the 5 boros, Sugar Hill, Harlem. Sugar Hill was home to such Jazz legends as, Duke Ellington, Sonny Rollins & Billy Strayhorn. It was also home to yours truely, Mr. NaN K for the past 7 yrs.

C'mon and take the A train if you want to find yourself in Harlem...Stepping down into the pub you can feel the history. A small non-descript awning that simply says "Jazz Pub" is really the only thing that sets the entryway apart from the rest brownstones on the block.

to be continued...For now I just want to let you know that you should go to the Jam Session which is held every Monday night from 9pm-3am...$3 table cover, FREE to sit at the bar, and there's a FREE home-cooked buffet for all patrons. Cash bar only!

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Belle M.

San Francisco, CA

This is one of the reasons I would move to NYC, great jazz joint in Harlem. You walk down some stairs into a smoky room, dim lighting and with the sounds of saxophone and base drawing you towards the small stage.  It was something I'd picture back in the day when Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington and many other jazz greats would come for  jam session.  

We went on a Monday night jam session, actually right before the transit strike last December.  It was so cool just to be around talented musicians.  There was also free food- chicken, rice and beans- that someone prepared.  We felt like being invited to someone's home, everyone was so nice esp the waitress who called a cab for us since we couldn't take the subway back to Manhattan (transit strike).  She even invited us back for her birthday the following Monday.

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168

Paula H.

Brooklyn, NY

Twinkling party lights, linoleum and licks galore are just some of what you'll find at this Sugar Hill jazz spot.  It's all about jazz here ... the jukebox is jazz, the clientele is jazzy ... Monday night jam sessions are an institution, and they feed you.  I went on Tuesday and the jazzers were still jammin, but the chicken was all gone.  There's a nice little back yard, the bartender is solid and if you leave your seat unattended, just impale a napkin on a little red straw and everybody will know you haven't gone far.

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