Shrine in New York
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New York, New York County, New York, US
Site: http://www.shrinenyc.com/
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:12–3:45AM
- Wednesday:8PM–3:45AM
- Thursday:8PM–3:45AM
- Friday:8PM–3:45AM
- Saturday:8PM–12AM
- Sunday:6PM–3:45AM
Shrine in other cities:
The act that was meant to start at 8pm never started and no one said anything. The recorded music playing was way too loud, to the point that my ears and head hurt and it didn’t make for any atmosphere with maybe 10 people there.
Its a nice laid back vibe with either a live DJ or live musicians playing. People will usually dance so it can get lively. Even though its primarily a French African spot theres usually a diverse crowd here of white, black and mixed folks here. A good beer tap selection and pretty decent simple cocktail menu if youre not too picky. Overall a nice dive bar.
Me and my group Grupo Aurora had the honor of performing at this venue and I have to say its an amazing place to perform and get exposure if youre a musician and a great place to vibe out and have drinks with friends!!! There is live music every weekend and I believe on the weekdays as well. The service here is great the staff is very friendly and welcoming and wont have you waiting forever on drinks or appetizers.
Dope Vibe and great drinks.
This is a great place great atmosphere drinks is OK If you like live music or you like jam sessions this is the place where you would like to go to its only only one of the few places in Holland that you can actually hear live music and go on the stage and perform
Awesome live band!! If you like Ole skool everythang, this is the spot. The band was outstanding! On my feet the whole journey❤🎤💥🎉
Fantastic food and great, friendly staff! The decor is really cool. Terrific music venue. The only thing I could say that can be taken into consideration is the chairs. Theyre a bit low to the ground.
Excellent place to go see New York Citys live music with Maria Davis Mad Wednesdays once a month with the Celebrity Live Band with Karl Browne (Musical Director) Tony Stevenson (Bass Guitar) Thomas Felder (Drums) Co Hosts Wallace Gary and Skotch Davis. Maria Davis is the Founder and Host of Mad Wednesdays.
We got to sit near the stage which was fun but they kept blasting the AC which was not fun. We spent the hole time frozen, even after complaining a few times. The overall vibe and music was fun.
Outstanding food and entertainment!
Great vibe good music excellent service place was full didnt have to wait 30 sec for my drinks
Great place to go to hear good music. My brother and his band plays here often.
I love this place! Excellent music & service!
Im a regular at the lounge. Its such a great place to enjoy music culture, its a whole vibe ! Sunday theres amazing free comedy from 4pm to 6pm the Host is usually Ishmil hilarious ! like to get there a bit early to grab a sit because its no joke how fully committed the show can be which is great . The staff is awesome so down to earth and enjoy having a conversation with attendees. The live music is a mood different genre for anyones ears . The food is delicious different comfort / bar foods highly recommend!
Happy hour specials are a steal! Wings with a side for $7! Service was GOOD and I ask for a lot of water 🤣. Lots of sperate bathrooms downstairs; which is well light. Accomedating to events and live music. Nice mix of friendly patrons.
Nice spot. Cool interior. Fully stocked bar. The type of music changes daily depending on what is booked. Limited seating but more room than you would think to stand around and enjoy music.
Great small room for live music. Funk, jazz, rock, soul in a nice variety of acts. Good food, too with very reasonable prices! Try the Fela Burger or the Mediterranean platter. Friendly service and a cool vibe. The walls are decorated with African masks and old record album covers.Bands also seem to enjoy playing here with a decent back line and good sound and lights.
Great spot to catch a variety of genres of music. Good food menu and good drinks. Terrible parking situation, so youre better off taking a cab/car service to get there.
This isnt just a bar or venue, Shrine is an INSTITUTION!! Much love to all the staff and owner, who keep this incredible spot going. Its a joy to find queer-friendly African gathering spaces in NYC. Beautiful community cornerstone and a great spot to make a friend or share your story with someone between sets 💕
Guys buy you drinks here! They ask you to dance instead of just staring lol, music bumping! Love it here.
I love this place. Its a lounge/restaurant. The food is great, but I mainly go for the entertainment part. Live bands almost every night, and on the weekends it gives club vibes. It is a go to place for me in my neighborhood. Almost everyday of the week offers a different vibe. I always meet great people while sitting at the bar drinking their delicious henny coladas. While sitting to drink or eating at one of the tables you might be unknowingly served by the owner. Hes great and keeps a low profile. Overall an eclectic crowd with amazing vibes. Check it out.
I want to give this place no stars but to leave this review, this place gets the single star that it doesn’t even deserve. The security guard who wears The North Face black coat was rude to my cousin. I was en route in a Lyft. That man’s rudeness led to us not frequenting your business. My cousin, visiting from Atlanta, wanted to give a Nigerian-owned club business but,…
Really chill vibe, music 7 days a week a great place to hang out and check out local and international entertainers. Nice from a musicians standpoint too! Good place to play.
Shrine is a neighborhood stable. It has a dive bar vibe and it features live musical performances just about everyday. The live performances are pretty varied, from rock, to jazz, to rap, and everything in between. As a result, the crowd is usually pretty diverse. Their happy hour consists of both food and drinks. There two most popular drinks are the frozen Pina Coladas and Margaritas. So make sure you try one of each! In addition, if you go on Friday and Saturday nights, it basically turns into a nightclub in the back with everyone dancing. If you are in Harlem it is a must visit.
Sometimes its good but too much guys that make the place too packed
It was first time attending I never go out because Im a single mom but whenever I place to go that will be the place I had a blast
Every final Thursday of the month, Pumkin Escobar and some of his very funny friends take over the Green Room for a two hour stand-up comedy show that is ALWAYS the best way to get your weekend started early.
The comedy show was amazing, and the live band was nice!
Awesome comedians. Dipples and the crew was awesome
Attending a viewing party her for run the world. Iconic harlem venue highlighting black and brown creators and artists.
Great music, vibe, and food! Staff was friendly and service was quick. Check out this hidden gem in Harlem!
I went on a Sunday had a great time listening to Caribbean and African music. It was crowded but you could still move around and dance.
Nice place to chill and get great vibes. Friendly atmosphere. Overall I enjoyed the experience. Will visit again
Music in Shrine would make you pumped, thrilled, and excited. If you want to forget a bad memory, be there. You might be all right even if you were a wall flower of an unfamiliar genre. They’ll be willing to invite you to a new music.
Strong drinks. Live performances. I havent been here for a while. A Harlem African soul gem. A multi-Ethnic crowd with African vibes. A place where u can catch a very good performance. Had a Decent burger fries & good music vibes.
Nothing like amazing comedy on a Sunday the show is one of my Favorites!!!💙💙💙💙💙
So much fun. Greta vibe. Good music
Great atmosphere, great music, very versatile dj, and the prices for the drinks is very inexpensive especially for those on a budget. Would deff go again on a Friday night.
Drinks are good. Its a great after spot
Great music spot, Decor with vinyl albums a wealth of past artist, new talent and echoes in the room. Variety of musicians right in the heart of Harlem
Great atmosphere bathroom needs updating.
Fun place to socialize and dance. The music on a Saturday is top 40 and reggae which is awesome. People actually socialize and talk to each other which is great for a pick up spot. It gets dark in there though. Drinks are mediocre, so dont expect much. Its really a place for dancing.
Good place to hear some amazing jazz music. I visited this past Sunday and there were some really talented folks performing. It’s very dimly lit so if you order food just know you won’t really be able to see much of what you’re eating. I actually took one star away because of the food. The food was meh, but it’s not an attracting factor of the place so I suppose I don’t want to complain too much. The prices weren’t bad but if I return I’ll most likely grab a drink, top performers and eat elsewhere. Definitely a great spot to visit nonetheless is you like music and are in the Harlem area. 💜
Great music, nice crowd, healthy drink pours... Hot as hell tho
Great atmosphere, went for comedy night, the comedians were pretty funny and the host were great.
Only thing missing is hookah. Great music and good service
This is a great neighborhood bar with live music. On weekends after 9pm, they have a dj that plays afrobeats, dancehall, and hip hop outside of the bar. Most people are spaced out and social distancing. The only thing I don’t like about it is the people. Some of the older men are very aggressive or some ppl are sketchy and ratchet. Other than that it’s good vibes!
Performed here last month. It was excellent.
I visited this place for the first time. I found it to be like a typical bar. However, it was not just a typical bar. On that Wednesday, they had live music. The happy hour was great!! The wings & fries were excellent & the bartender was awesome. I will definitely be visiting again!!
Hidden gem in Harlem. Wonderful service, food and entertainment
This is what Harlem is all about, a throw back with good, music food cocktails and a mixed crowed.
With a nightly lineup of acts, a cheap or non existent cover charge and a friendly vibe, places of this ilk are a dying breed. I went in by myself and felt comfortable and at ease. I met some really great people, had a reasonably priced beer and enjoyed some quality tunes. Visit this place soon. We need to keep musical gems like this alive in Manhattan.
I had a blast here with my girls. The music is bumping. The drinks are decently priced. The bathrooms are small and typically reminiscent of bar bathrooms. The DJ let me charge my phone. Id be back! It was a great place to end the night at! Close to the trains too
So cute local club with live music. We ordered 8 alcoholic cocktails and the barmen treated us to 4 free tequila shots. I would recommend Muslim Jew cocktail if you like something milky (with Baileys liqueur) and NYC cocktail ( little bit sweet). Only good vibes.
I went to the comedy Sunday. Stop by they are hilarious 😂.
Had a great time. Great music and the bartenders are stellar!!!!
I absolutely adore this place. I came here for my birthday on December 17th of 2017. The staff was amazing and allowed me to try the wines they had to offer before purchasing a glass. The prices were pretty food and the location was amazing only a 5 minute walk from the subway. The comedy show we attended was amazing. I over all had an amazing time.
Diverse talents showcased in this low-key music venue. The ceilings and walls are covered with vinyl sleeves. Gritty, but still well air conditioned and comfy. The exact atmosphere to cultivate up-and-coming musical talents. Beers on tap. Cocktails available. Didnt even heck the venue, just showed up and a good show was at hand.
I always have fun here! At one point I became a regular. It’s rlly just worth a visit. It gets better after 1am. Sometimes the DJ is crazy and doesn’t play African music till 1am, that’s what I came there for is Afro beat. But aside from that the drinks are good for the price and I always end up having a blast.
Nice place, jus lack of parkin....
Very nice calm environment full of dancing fun and entertainment I would recommend it all over the world
Hi Judah_13x here and I sing for 2 live bands DUBCORPS and Khasha Macka and the sound has always been good at the Shrine...1
I enjoyed it a lot! Its full of fun music and cool vintage art splaterd all over the basement. Their drinks could be a little better but over all I love the tunes and moves the people bust on the dance floor 😎 👌
Great casual spot 4 live music. Love the rotating musical line-up of different bands. The drink prices r good & no cover is great. Staff is friendly, but cash only is a little out dated, especially w/a lack of banks in the area. But overall had a blast afterwork.
Best place for live music and dancing
This place is worth going to. The atmosphere is awesome and the drinks are delicious. They have a comedy thing on the weekend with live jazz afterwards. And reggae nights on sundays with no cover.
My date and I took a short walk from Renaissance Harlem and landed here. I didnt know what to expect from the visuals online, but this spot is pretty awesome. The decor is super eclectic and so are the people youre amongst and I love that. There was a live band that did different renditions of reggae and latin music...THEN the hype man arrived and let loose with dancehall, soca and afrobeats (my music :). Honestly, it was one of the best nights out Ive had in a while!
Nice people great music and a nice atmosphere.
Great Local bar in Harlem.. The only place I know where they play cool and groovy African music, great to dance. The DJ set typically starts at midnight, and goes on till 4, before they have local bands playing live. Awesome!Too bad they have a cover and the drinks are pretty expensive, compared to the places nearby
Id heard from a couple of my friends from NYC that they enjoyed going there; but they mostly went during the week. They would go have a drink and some food. My one friend said the name came from like a Fela type Shrine vibe with cool music from Africa and that they had a stage for live music. I was excited to go during this trip to NYC. Im sad to say that I was disappointed, especially for a Friday night. The physical place was as I expected, so no surprise and no problem. My friend was surprised at the cover charge because theyd never encountered that, but there was a loud rock type band there that I didnt enjoy. The music didnt fit the style and vibe of the place and there was nothing Fela like about them or the music. Another gentrification fail! I gave it 3 stars because I hope it can be turned around based on my friends previous experiences there, but I dont think Ill go again when visiting NYC.
Ok neighborhood establishment, a more mature crowd is usually there
I remember the first time I stepped foot into Shrine: someone told me the owner worked the bar w/his employees and pointed him out to me. I walked over and introduced myself. Warm, hospitable man. Btwn mixing drinks, he made sure that my friends and I were good throughout the nite. And this we were! The setting was vintage and comfortable. Nice live, evening performances! But after midnite, I had the best time! Like nocturnal, crawling creatures, tons of people from mixed backgrounds came in. The bands left and a DJ mounted the stage. Everyone was ready to shake a leg. Absolutely, my favorite lounge in Harlem!
Wonderful LIVE MUSIC 🎶 was EXCELLENT !!
Fabulous venue for live music, and such a wide variety! Its spacious for Manhattan, has relaxed/slow service, and delicious chocolate mousse (& light entrees). Im looking forward to my next visit.
Great vibes. Local hole in the wall, will have a great time. At least I did
This place is very small. In addition to being a music venue, it is also a night club on some nights and weekends. Drinks are priced at what you would normally pay in New York City. The music is mostly hip hop and reggae. The scene is for older people in my opinion, mid to late early to late 30s, and even older.
Came here for an open mic event but arrived early and had the pleasure of chowing down on some really tasty wings...they were delicious haha. I was definitely not expecting to have wings at all but im glad i did!!I would definitely reccomend :)
This is now my new favorite spot to party. Let me be honest, I dont party much, but when I do decide to party... its definitely going to be inside of Shrine. If you love afrobeats as much as I do and you dont want to travel all the way to New Jersey to go to Abuja International Restaurant, they also have great music, stop by this place. I went on a Thursday night between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 12 a.m. I heard about this place from others who recommended me to come here after I told people about my love for afrobeats. I held out for a long time, hence the fact I told you I dont party, but I finally showed up and baby... IT WAS WORTH IT!!! I was thinking that they wouldnt card me at the door since its a Thursday night. Most places dont really do the whole let me check your ID thing until the weekend, but Ive learned that this spot gets crowded even on a Thursday night. My definition of crowded versus your definition of crowded might be a little different. I believe my anxiety probably has something to do with that. However, once I made it past the front door, I walked into an afrobeats Paradise. From the time I walked through the door, afrobeats was blasting in my eardrums. Then again, I take that back. There are some people who actually loathe blasting music and I dont want you thinking it was entirely too loud. Screw this!!! I freaking love loud music and if you dont, something is totally wrong with you. Theres a difference between putting ear phones into your ears and simply hearing it out of massive speakers. Anyhow, the crowd wasnt too crazy in size when I entered, but I do remember the dance floor getting packed. Theres nothing more I love about a venue than to see people dancing and having fun. I get giddy just from seeing others having a good time. It makes my soul come alive even more and I just find myself full of happiness. My love of music coupled with my love of dancing makes for a very happy customer in a place like this. The two apple martinis that I ordered from the bar were absolutely delicious. The bartender was very cordial and respectful. She presented me with a smile that I found to be very genuine. She didnt try to be all extra (the bartenders who will do everything short of backflips to get a tip). She kept it cool, calm, and collective. I eventually made my way from the bar to an area near the DJ. I checked the website prior to coming to this spot and the calendar mentioned that there was going to be a DJ from Ivory Coast. I wasnt too sure about what night they played afrobeats, but once I saw that information, I was elated because I knew for sure that my ears were going to be blessed with afrobeats. Anyhow, the DJ was on point and my ears were definitely pleased. My eyes and my ears, those two senses were definitely in override. My eyes were focused on these two specific women. When I tell you that these two women moved their waist like a freaking snake and grinded on the laps of men as if they were auditioning to be a stripper as if their lives depended on it... Ooh weeeeee!!! The DJ played a lot of afrobeats, but he also made sure to throw in some pop hits along with rap hits. If you are African or have a great love for afrobeats, this is your place to be. If you truly love good music and love to dance oh, this is your place to be. If you are looking for a delicious apple martini served by a positive spirited bartender, this is your place to be. Im still thinking about the experience as I write this review and I am looking forward to returning there soon.
Went with a friend on a Friday night the crowd was cool and lively. The DJ played all the songs you would expect to hear. The crowd was a good mix of guys and girls so if youre looking to mingle you should feel comfortable.
2 floors of music. Usually hip hop downstairs, afrobeats and reggae upstairs. Dope spot it you like to dance and have a good time. They also have live bands before midnight and thats always fun as well!
Amazing place and amazing people! We went there for my birthday and we had a reservation. When we arrived, our table was ready and nicely located in the bar. The music was great and the staff so nice and sweet. I would definitely recommend this place!
I spend a decent amount of time here. The staff is friendly. Theyve done a lot of renovation to make it larger and more inviting. Theres now performance space on two floors. I love looking at the album covers posted along the walls.
Always a great time... Multicultural all the way, Europe, Africa, Asia, America and all around are united thru music in one place..I love it! U get exactly what they advertise..🙏🙏👌👌 I need a place like this in the LES... Respectful, safe, fun, classy... Amazing and cheap drinks and food... Perfection
I love the shrine for its comedy and love music. However the food and drinks are great too. And the hospitality is nice. The bathrooms are gender neutral, which is a plus. You literally can stop in any day of the week and find something going on.
Love the atmosphere. We visited on open mic night with a few features. The level of talent and performances varied from ok to exceptional. I had a mango mojito and Alma salad and our table shared a side of fries. The draft beer was flat and warm. *Shrine, if you read this, get that fixed*The salad itself was delicious except the grilled chicken was over done and the fries were salty. We didnt have a chance to stay to the very end but we enjoyed the time we had. Youll find independent artists, undiscovered talent, and ppl who just love to entertain.I would definitely return.
Every time feels like a fantastic first experience! The music, people, and atmosphere for an affordable amount, $10. (Cocktails are about same price).Def recommend to come shake off any stress
Enjoyed myself, clean with great music. Small setting with a decent sized dance floor. Security is serious, so come correct. Drink were nice, and the fellas were looking good!
Went here as part of the Harlem Jazz crawl! Really enjoyed the jam session between multiple jazz artists. Overall, great music and chill vibe!
I loved it. Mad fun. Full of beautiful ladies who were down to have fun and just go wild. I would visit again and again and will introduce this place to whoevers is looking out to have a great time on Saturday night.
Very Nice Family atmosphere... Full of history... You never know what Music Legend will walk true the door... On the night I went I felt like I was @ the Apollo.. You can tell Shrine is definitely a key stone in the community.
Honestly wish I couldnt give one star, but the place was unique on how it was designed and the atmosphere was cool. But what messed up my whole first time experience there was the bar tender downstairs, young black female who had an attitude. So i politely went up to the bar to order drinks, said thank you to every movement and gesture to this young lady while she was making my drink, so I order two more drinks and she had the nerve to blurt out in a nasty and rude tone that next drink she deserved a tip. It surprised me because ive never experienced such tacky and tasteless manor with a bar tender. Although I gave her a tip, I just thought her whole approach to the situation was very unprofessional and tacky to say the least! This is the main reason im honestly skeptical when it comes to black owned businesses. Honestly will never go back or recommend to any of my friends or family......
I am disappointed with the service. I went to listen to good music and it was horrible! I requested a song to the DJ and he was very rude and disrespectful for no reason. He refused to play the song I requested Bc it didn’t fit with his playlist. I was upset and went to the bartender who was also rude. I am disappointed I. This spot and WILL NEVER GO BACK ! And I hope you avoid this place because it is not worth your tine or space! It is horrible!
Drinks were good, entertainment was good. The only thing I would recommend is having air conditioning throughout the venue, not just one section. Other than that, its a great time. Definitely will go back
Went here to celebrate a friends bday. We thought wed be grabbing a bite to eat bcuz we heard the food was good. To our surprise, there was no where to sit and eat. Soooo, we went across the street and grabbed some IHOP (or IHOb ) then came back and danced the night away. People were super friendly, music was great and the drinks were okay. Very nice chill vibe in this place. Mostly African dance music was blazing out of the speakers, which was fine by me.
Went here a few times and always had a Great Time. Spent my 30th birthday here in August and had the time of my life!! I love the Music, the people and the Vibes inside and outside. Its nothing but Love.
Good Live Music by Locals of Harlem
Good food (yummy plantains), fun atmosphere, great music from poetry to reggae to avant garde jazz. 1st Sunday of the month at 9pm is the awesome Shrine Big band... gotta check them out!
Good food good drinks good music!And excellent happy hour 😃!!!
I randomly went to Shrine for the first time in July. It was awesome! From the djs, to the locals, & audience was great. The drinks wasnt bad either, and the prices was good. I got to dance my Afro beatz on stage and the crown was very diverse and welcoming. So was the music. To enter was like between 5 to $15. Overall, me and my girlfriends will def be going back soon. 😊
Awesome place to go, hang out on the weekend and get some art. Laid back atmospher with cool resturants and other bars in the area. Better to get there by public transportation, parking is a pain but it is easy from bart or muni.The different pace for venue is a postive change then hanging out at a bar.
Down home neighborhood experience. Great bartenders. Has a DYI feel of a 70s era punk club, with a groovy vibe. A perfect live venue for a dinner date.
Best spot for late night Afrobeat, African music vibes
Shrine is a GREAT Music venue the food and drinks are awesome. If there is a fee at the door I pay it because the experience is worth every dollars you spend. Its also Black owned and that is a big plus for me.GODS Blessings.....Maria Davis
The Shrine is a fun place to stop for a drink while you see who is playing. I have heard some really interesting music unlike anything I previously was exposed to (from Nigerian rap to Balkan soul). You can check the lineup on their website to see who will be on, or just stop in and check it out. It is usually standing-room-only at night, and extremely loud, so not great for conversation. The food comes from Yatenga next door (in fact, there is a door leading directly between the two) but if its food you want, I would just go there before or after. There is a great selection of beers ($4-7) and never a cover charge.
I went there twice but my experience wasnt great. Its overwhelming when people act aggressively trying to dance with you and also it was pretty much overcrowded. Well on the bright side, the young lady at the coat check downstairs was sweet though :)
A little bit of Old Skool here very quaint and lots of artists come in and have jam sessions drinks are good I am a native New Yorker this was my first time there i recommend this place for those people seeking a jam session. It is like walking down memory lane
I lived a few blocks away when I lived in Harlem a few years back. The Shrine is the real deal! One of my absolutely favorite places to hang and meet up. Great happy hour and amazing music from all around the world.
Crazy joint, but in a good way. Extremely cool music (jazz, rap, musical crossover, accordion) great beers, noce stuff, crowd was interesting, from 18-80yrs! Superb atmosphere
The owner was very rude. No customer service whatsoever. He kicked us out.Se were doing the same things neighbors do, but were happened to be white
A very cool spot, very chill, a vibe. Definitely a gem in Harlem. The Mac and cheese was done RIGHT! I would recommend people visit at least once if theyre ever in the area.
1st time there. We are in from Chicago. Great atmosphere. Fantastic music. Amazing company. Well visit again when we return to NYC. Thank you for the hospitality.
Always an eclectic mix live music and funky DJs. The kitchen is consistently good, too. A wide variety of good food. A years long favorite!
Is the very unique place in Harlem were all types of races and cultures can get together and party you side by side. The only bit about it that I dont like is that its so small I recommend making this one of your first stops of the night to get your party started and going somewhere else bigger to keep the party going.
Not a bad place like that. Jus need a little upgrade and reorganizing. Nice music
Shrine is so dear to my heart, I love everything everything about it. Music is awesome, great owners, dj is always on point, decor is cool, crowd is mixed lively and beautiful. And you cant beat the solid beer selection. Its perfect in its execution, makes sense why its been there for almost a decade and is still the go-to joint in Harlem.
I went for happy hour at shrine. I enjoyed the ambiance and the music; however, the food and drinks were not up to par. During the happy hour time, the beer and soda were flat. The alcoholic beverages were very weak. I had the fulu burger and it did not honor the man at all.
Only came here for an event: Pancakes and Booze! Art gallery plus free food plus two bars? I would be here every night if there was a place that did it regularly. Looking forward for it to come back to sf!
I love this place for live music! They always choose really great and unique music. I’ve never had a bad time here!
Went to attend the July 4th celebration..the Ivorian DJ rocked the house..the reason why we love Shrine.is because it is very cosmopolitan..different ppl from different nationalities rock this place and ppl dance together as if they have known each other for decades..VERY UNIQUE CLUB❤
The best place for have great time
Dope spot back in the day, havent been in a while so I gave em the 3. When the live performance are in, they are ON! Little pricey imo for the quality but again, still worth a visit .
The Nigerians that own this place run a tight ship, and thats a good thing. IDs are scanned, and if you dont look right, theyll run a metal detector over you too.The place is a step up from a dive, and just seedy enough to keep it Harlem real, but safe. Youll find a mix gentrifiers and locals alike, all more than willing to participate in the live acts, most of which feature local talent. The menu could be better. What Nigerian spot doesnt offer pepper soup? Dont expect the best service. Youll keep going back, regardless.
Great nightclub but the music is mainly Nigerian on saturdays. Francophone west and central (mainly congolese) african music is played on fridays. Youll also hear some carribean hits. The crowd is multi cultural. The cocktails are sinfully delicious.
Went to Shrine last night for the first time and WOW! I couldn’t believe how much talent was in one room. Awesome atmosphere and great energy. Won’t be my last time that’s for sure!
Just an amazing venue in Harlem!! The sound is phenomenal and the staff is awesome!!! I have had the pleasure to play 2 times here! And just look forward to another show!!
Good vibe, great food, drinks, and happy hour. My harlem go to spot for live music and dancing. One of my favorite spots in NYC. Come prepared to dance.
Good vibes . If you come to fight and act ignorant this is not the spot for you . The dj and hype man make the party. The bartenders are on point. This is a go to spot for the grown and lovely ppl . African night Id every night they are open...frrsking fb love this spot. Oh and the live music...love
Great hang out spot with delicious frozen margaritas
Live music, reasonably priced beer! What more do you want? Place turns into a dance floor after 11.30. Id come here again.
I went for the first time this weekend and had a really good time. There was a good vibe about this place and of course the music was great! I will definitely go again
Welcoming cozy great atmosphere great performances dj too i loved the vibes thank you
Nice place to chill at the bar or grab a table and listen to live music. Happy Hr till 8pm on most days. Music varies; check website. No cover till 9pm
Great food... great music especially on Friday nights. Dj Birane plays the best of Afrobeats among other international beats. The grilled fish is the bomb!
If youre into live music, youre love this place. Live shows 7 days a week from up and coming bands or older musicians who are onto jamming. Variety of genres with focus on afor, reagge and jazz music. Funk and RnR are not lacking as well. Staff is really friendly and food is delicious. Behind uncommon names youll find pretty simple and really delicious meals ranging from toasted sandwiches (Yotenga toast; yumm!) to grilled lamb. Great cocktail list tooMango mojito is great! Theres a lot of old LPs on the wall and ceiling and big poster of Fela Kuti. Great touch!
Great music late night (afrobeats, reggae, soca). Food is very good from next door. Little small inside but worth the price ($10 cover late night)
Never thought Id find a place like this in Manhattan... No cover, and $3 draft beers. (Good beers, too e.g. microbrews) The vibe is chill, and live music begins at 6 pm.
Mrs. Davis & her son Skotch are simple a great asset to the community and beyond. DJ Frank Nitty is a party starter who knows his music & shows out on the 1s & 2s. What a amazing performance from those that were bold enough to bless the stage. 💪🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤
What can I say about this place. Great music, a mix of hip hop, and african music. The crowd is always mixed nicely with a good selection of eye candy. LIve in the neighborhood, so I often stop by.
Good rep for jazz. Always something or someone to discover. The music is way ahead of the food. Drinks are nice. Focused on the tropics!
Pretty cool happy hour with margaritas and Pina coladas in the summer. And u can sit and hear some live music. Decor is okay, depends on your taste.
Love this place... like the CBGBs of present day Harlem. Went on a Saturday night and the music got increasingly better after 10pm. Was there on a Saturday night. Really good time.
One of the best venues in nyc. Def a good place in Harlem. Good beer selection. Food is on point. The sound is great.
African dive bar to have fun dance and have a really good time. Thanks
I was a little hesitant because the outside wasnt what I expected. I almost missed the opportunity I came in to hear live music enjoy a cesar salad ans coffee then continue to listen to a wide array of DJ music. I will surely come back with a crew.
Non-judgemental and credible music and dance venue. Authentic West African live music with DJ after midnight on Saturday nights. My go-to place to dance in NYC
The Sifer is such an incredible event every third Monday. Fantastic Food, great musicians, staff is very friendly, and the drinks are strong.
A pretty dope spot.. live music and a DJ on the lower level. 4 stars because they charge a $10 cover when 98% of spots in Harlem are no cover.
JAZZ NIGHT! WINGS AND FRIES! PINA COLADAS!Ummm... what else do I have to say for you to just go there and enjoy yourself?Shrine is always a nice time. The space is dimly lit and gives positive vibes only. Crowd is multicultural. Live music always. Drinks are great. Yes... there’s more then just Pina coladas and wings.I say go and check them out after work. There’s nothing to lose.
Great place to hear some classic funk and soul music.. neighborhood bar with vinyl records on the wall and lots of good cover bands paying respect to the greats
I looove the viiibes in this place!!! The most beautiful place in NYC!!!
DJ Take got me hooked and its become my go-to. It has Great great music, afrobeat, reggae, Latin. If you love to dance till youre tired. Shrine is the spot
Went last year with a friend and the music was great, they played Caribbean music most of the time. Some African music as well, my friend and I had an awesome time.
Friendly staff, welcoming environment, laid back feel with good music.
I love the music. The people are live. I really enjoy my time here
Youll feel at home in the first 5 minutes. Great music and entertainment!!
Very nice little bar. The decoration is great and artists play live music in the evening. I had a really nice time!
Great music and food
Awesome live music and the drinks were on point👍🏾
Great venue! Wonderful music
Great music all the time. Especially live reggae on Sundays. Culture Connection reggae band rocked it last Sunday. Awesome
The food was good and we enjoyed our drinks. The music was a tad too loud for my taste. The staff were accommodating and the service was decent.
I was there twice and it felt home! Yaaakkoooo all my African vibes in one place ! Ca fait bouger dhé et lambiance est un truc de malade 😍 I strongly recommend it, its World Music people 😄
Music was on point. Such a great time!
Very interesting place to listen jazz, real jazz in a genuine environment in NYC Harlem. Its possible to eat or drink something while enjoying a jazz session played by local musicians
Took over a hour for them to bring my hookah out . The manager told me I would get a refund still waiting on that . Other then that good vibes .
Great selection of incredible live music event & beers, solid dancing, and a highly diverse crowd. Doesnt hurt that Yatenga is right next door either.
Live music! OMG some the beat artist and live music I’ve heard. Shrine is a must when visit Harlem
Usually go here for the Sunday afternoon jam session. Friendly bunch to be found here, on and off stage. Havent tried too much of the menu, but seems decent and reasonably priced.
Harlem landmark. Classic live music venue with NYC style that is hanging in there. Decent bar food. Good sound. Go and support live music.
Shrine is the big brother of Silvanas on 116th st : famous spot of Harlem, you have tons of concerts a lot of concert every night , showcase, comedy shows and turn to be a club at 12am...Familial ambiance due to the staff and a lot of regulars...and of course you can eat, the food is excellent.
Great music and atmosphere. Ran into a bartender from another place in Harlem that told me to check it out. Im glad I did. Will definitely be back
The music is great and the drinks are strong. Its an entire vibe, a music vibe, and I love coming.
Sound is not balanced and way too loud for the venue.They should get some professionals in here. Interesting spot. Good happy hour. 3 dollar drafts
Great music, sound, and bands, fun people, good food, and reasonable prices. One of my favorite places to play!
One of the best gems in Harlem. I’ll be there a week straight after they reopen. I need my live music fix now!
Great live acts, saw some really memorable artists.Good service and nice vibe. Definitely recommend to all
Great venue. One of my favorite places in the city for live music. Cheap drinks during happy hour.
Awesome spot. Black owned bar, Live music, decor is dope, food is good. Chill people.
Casual and trendy with some of the best small jazz and r&b outfits anywhere. great music every night of the week!
Great live music! Came here with my girlfriend and had an awesome time listening to rock music!! Will definitely be back!!
The BEST spot in Harlem for reggae, soca and Afrrobeats! Big LOVE!!
Surprisingly the best fish in New York. The place itself is a landmark in Harlem. Wonderful music if youre lucky!
Cool, welcoming atmosphere, great music & food! We had fries & the house red and it was fantastic.
This place sucks...The owner ousamsne was a racist..i had a sition with The waitress at The bar sje was ride ...i explained eahst happeped to me to The owner he was yellong at me like i was a child..if i was white he would not have done that....i told him i was goinng to report him to my senater keith wright..and i will...i work for harlem hospital im gonna tell my coworkers Dont go to shrines
Music is off the hook and everyone loves to dance. An the drinks are on point. The owner is very cool dude. Love that place.
Great local live music venue with a funky decor. Old album covers are everywhere. Nice dance floor and friendly crowd.
;o) Simply put...FELA would be proud of this beautiful, cultured, yet AWESOME venue, The Shrine. I am a native New Yorker who grew up in Harlem. I moved away 25+ years ago to the UWS, and discovered this breath taking venue on Saturday by a dear friend of mine who lives in Harlem now. What is mind blowing is that the VERY TALENTED BANDS that performs at the Shrine are playing their heart out passionately for FREE. Other than the crowd going crazy of pure jubilation, their compensation is tips, and its not a lot. Much love to ALL THE BANDS that come out and share their LOVE for music in the Harlem community. This will be my regular Saturday night hang out spot. ITS A MUST DO!!!! ;O) Peace, LOVE, FELA & the Shrine!!!
Cozy hole in the wall to listen to some live entertainment. No food only drinks here.
Africa!In Manhattan!The awesome kind of Africa. Oozing with culture and character.Great live music, cool setting, and a lot of exotic patrons to mingle with.Love this place!
Total reviews rating 4.5
199 Reviews for Shrine 2023:
Review №1
2021-10-18Stopped in to The Shrine randomly and had an amazing time. I showed up on a Friday night and the live band was amazing. The stage design and lighting is also unique.It’s a mid size space with not a lot of seating, but the environment calls for standing and dancing. The service at the bar was good.The aesthetic is very artsy with a lot of personality and homage to afro and Caribbean talents. Great for a solo outing, date night or small group outing.
Review №2
2022-02-06Always a great time and a celebration of the African diaspora through music, singing, and dance. Live music and good drinks. They are checking IDs and vax cards at the door for each guest. They also have coat check in the basement for 2$. I love that their bathrooms are single stalls and gender neutral. A gem of Harlem over the years ❤️❤️❤️
Review №3
2022-01-24Enjoyed the comedy show I definitely got a steal pertaining the price. Great comedy low price tickets makes you wanna tip the comedians for a great show. Drinks are ok as well. Shrine is a hidden gem in Harlem. They also have jazz karaoke and singing performances small revenue but good shows. I go for the Brown Sugar Comedy will be there again.
Review №4
2022-02-13Dive bar bistro on one side with good atmosphere and music and stage on other side with some great live music. I happened upon Michael Veal & Aqua Life afro beat band, and I was awestruck at how incredibly authentic the vibe was! People were really having the time of their lives! Will definitely be back!
Review №5
2022-02-18A long time fav watering hole! Great to see local talent and live performances! Always good to be around different energies and ages just there to enjoy the vibe. Everyone is friendly and the staff are helpful! Great place to hear local DJs spinning, the cute lil underground section sometimes has smaller intimate events, so that keeps it interesting. You never know what to expect if youre just passing by, but there is always something going on at Shrine that is to be enjoyed! Drinks are strong and decently priced! Please tip the bartenders! If youre a fan of dancing and being surrounded by people who love dancing as well, this is a great place to shake your tail feather!
Review №6
2022-04-13African theme spot. African arts, decor in an African chaotic fashion. Street art style. Complex, vibrant, meaningful and busy.Dance and performing artists venue. A cultural intersection for artists, music lovers, visitors and locals led by afrobeats. Modern piece of ancient #ouagadougou. Love that.The french onion soup I had was unexpectedly good here. I cant wait to try the African food they have at dinner time before a show. I know its going to be exquisite.Excellent spot!
Review №7
2022-05-07Shrine is one of my favorite places in NYC. Shrine is dedicated to Fela Kuti and The Shrine in Kalakuta, Nigeria. The ambiance great; its adorned with album covers, African artifacts, and vibrant colors.They have great service and the drinks are never watered down. The sound system is great and there are always eclectic bands with great music. I have performed here several times. The DJ is the absolute best!!!! His playlist is topnotch! The menu is simple, but the food is good. I dont go for the food, though. I go for the fun!SOOOOOOO MUUUCH FUUUNNNN!!
Review №8
2020-04-12Awesome live music venue. There’s an open mic every second Monday of each month. Very vibey spot with good drink & food options. There’s amble room in the venue for performers, the audience and the bar area as well. Will definitely be back!
Review №9
2022-05-31A rare, truly low key venue in a high key city. There is usually no cover charge, and all different kinds of music happens here. I saw Danaya Band twice here (world class afrobeat, similar to Antibalas, Fela Kuti, Orchestra Baobab), and they were out of this world. Truly a place to hear people who are passionate about making music make music. The sound quality is amazing, and the Jamaican Ginger Beer is an excellent non-alcoholic option.As a note: set times are loosely interpreted. A band listed as playing at 10 pm might start at 10:30 pm, thats just how it goes here.
Review №10
2018-01-27I love this place! Been going here for 6 years! Outdoor seating in the summer. Live music EVERY night. Delish frozen margaritas. The kalzieta is always Perfect!High server turn around tho. Only negative.