Restaurant

Red Rooster Harlem

HarlemManhattan

4.4· 7,610 reviewsOpen until 11PM
Red Rooster Harlem — restaurant — in Harlem — Manhattan — NYC
Red Rooster Harlem interior — Harlem

Harlem

Manhattan

The brief

About Red Rooster Harlem

Popular, stylish comfort food eatery with creative cooking from celeb chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Community Rating

4.4

out of 5

7,610 community reviews

Rating aggregated from community reviews across platforms. Read full reviews on Google or Yelp for detailed diner experiences.

Community-sourced rating

Reviews

What diners say about Red Rooster Harlem

15 verified Google reviews · 14 with owner responses

4.9

15 reviews

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Alondra Alberti
3 weeks ago

I went to Red Rooster for the first time in over 10 years last night, and I was beyond impressed. There’s honestly no other word for it.<br><br>From the moment you walk in, the entire experience feels rich, vibrant, and alive. The space has been beautifully remodeled — exquisite wallpaper, ornate millwork, thoughtfully curated artwork throughout, and even chandeliers made of real rooster feathers. Every detail feels intentional and full of personality.<br><br>The live music was absolutely electrifying. Joyful, soulful, and magnetic. They actually build out a proper stage for a live band, and the energy in the room becomes contagious. I only planned to stop in for cocktails and a quick bite… and somehow ended up closing the place down.<br><br>The food was superb, the cocktails were popping, and the entire atmosphere felt like a celebration of culture, music, design, and community.<br><br>I especially want to recognize the general manager, German, who greeted every single guest with such warmth and genuine hospitality. He came to my table several times throughout the night just to make sure I was enjoying myself — and I absolutely was. He has that rare gift of making people feel truly welcome and at home.<br><br>I rarely leave reviews, but this experience genuinely inspired me to write one. Red Rooster is not just a restaurant — it’s an experience. I will absolutely be back, and next time I’m bringing all my friends.

Response from the owner

Hi Alondra, thank you so much for sharing this beautiful reflection on your evening with us. It truly means the world to hear how the music, the atmosphere, and every thoughtful detail came together to create something so memorable. German and the entire team will be thrilled to know how welcome you felt throughout the night. That's exactly the kind of energy and hospitality we hope to bring to every guest who walks through our doors in Harlem. We can't wait to welcome you and all your friends back soon.<br>Best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

srt8 VenumLocal guide
a month ago

My first coming to this restaurant and I have to say I had a good time. I ordered the chicken and waffles w fried chicken breasts. The waffle was on the larger side had a nice taste almost like cake, it was cooked to my liking ( lightly toasted soft in the middle) the chicken was nicely seasoned and had a light crunch and juicy white meat, it was seasoned all the way through(7.5). The drinks werent that good if u order a Pepsi, I think its made in house(2). The banana pudding was ok (5), sister like it and finished hers (7). The burger and fries were good also(7) The service is great and the kitchen is fast (friday/7pm) (9) The live music was good and entertaining (8.5) I will return for sure but I won't drive, ill take a cab as parking isn't great.(2)

Response from the owner

Hi there,<br>Thank you so much for the detailed feedback and for spending your evening with us. We're thrilled you enjoyed the chicken and waffles and that our live music enhanced your experience. It really is the heartbeat of what we do here. Your feedback about the drinks and parking was taken to heart and passed along to our management team. We hope you'll take that cab back to see us again soon!<br>All the best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Erin O'QuinnLocal guide
a month ago

I went for dinner on Jazz Sunday, at it was definitely a vibe. Both a shot to special occasions or a local place to gather. The good was great, refined and slight twists on soul food classics. Great cocktails as well

Response from the owner

Hi Erin,<br>Thank you so much for joining us for Jazz Sunday! We're delighted you enjoyed the food, cocktails, and fun energy of the evening! We hope you'll come back and see us again soon.<br><br>All the best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Cam ELocal guide
a month ago

We were here for a Pre-Mother's Day Reggae brunch and to hear the music of the fabulous BROOKLYNERS Reggae band.<br>Good brunch menu - Deviled Eggs, Cornbread, Fried Chicken on waffle, Red Velvet pancake topped with eggs and maple bacon, and Double Smashed Cheeseburger with Fries. Good list of beverages and libations.<br><br>Friendly staff and servers.<br>Happy Mother's Day! Irie! 🇯🇲 💚 🖤 💛 🌴 🎸 🥁 🎷 🪘 🪇 🎼 🎶

Response from the owner

Hi Cam,<br>Thank you for joining us for Reggae Brunch! We are so glad you enjoyed the food, beverages, and hospitality. We hope you'll join us again the next time you're in our Harlem neighborhood!<br>All the best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Atlas M.Local guide
a month ago

This place is a true landmark and it’s almost always packed for good reason. We walked in after an opening at the Studio Museum and ended up waiting about 45 minutes for a table. Honestly, I didn’t mind at all. Between the great cocktails and the live music, the time flew by and the wait became part of the experience.<br>We ordered a Caesar salad to start, followed by the lobster with French fries to share, and let me tell you, what a satisfying surprise that turned out to be. The portion was HUGE and the whole dish felt like an indulgent, grown up feast. My picture really doesn’t do it justice. If I owned a hotel with a restaurant, this is exactly the kind of dish I’d want front and center on the menu, the type of thing you recommend without hesitation.<br>We couldn’t even finish all the fries and considering how much I love French fries, that’s saying something. I loved every bit of it, and I can’t wait to come back and do it all over again.

Response from the owner

Hello JC,<br>Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're thrilled that the live music and cocktails made your wait enjoyable, and that the lobster and fries left such an impression. Your kind words about it being the kind of menu centerpiece you'd want in your own restaurant mean the world to our team, and we hope you'll come back and see us again the next time you're in the area.<br>All the best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Angel FowlerLocal guide
a month ago

I am a huge Marcus Sammuelson fan from the food network. My husband surprised me by making a reservation here for my birthday trip. The food was good. My drink was delicious and strong. Our waitress seemed to have a lot of tables but all was well. I would go back. I loved the okra stew.

Response from the owner

Hi Angel! We're so grateful your husband chose us for your birthday celebration, and we're thrilled you enjoyed your food and drinks. We hope you'll join us again on your next visit.<br><br>All the best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Eric BencsLocal guide
2 months ago

I can't express how funky and diverse both the food and the atmosphere is here.<br>You got mix of "juke-joint" with a little bit of island tropical vibes., witch also marries with the cousin.<br>Marcus offers an in your face punch of afro american and island tropical tastes to his creations as well as his approach to his local american favorites.....Our Server Sailor was exceptional....<br>We enjoyed the yard bird sandwich and fries, the salmon with bulger wheat, pari-wings which were incredible. We also ordered the oxtail as well, which was in my opinion beneath Marcus to feature something that was so atrocious that is considered a delicacy everywhere, but this was absolutely inedible. They were cut inappropriately leaving bone fragments throughout the dish as well as unseasoned and way too much browning liquid.<br>I will give you a recipe for free just to take that off and replace it.

Süreyya KurtLocal guide
3 months ago

Do not miss this opportunity to dress up and meet a wonderful crowd. Music will definitely will make you dance.<br>There is an adjacent chess and backgammon room which was full with men who were fully concentrated on their games.<br>Fantastic southern cuisine,<br>I had a roasted fish on black-eyed peas , it was excellent.<br>We took the subway on the way and back to our hotel, it was very convenient.<br>Interiors decoration is very impressive. While music and fun going on in the main room.

Response from the owner

Hello Süreyya,<br>This is wonderful to hear. We’re so glad you enjoyed the music, the energy in the room, and the chance to take in all the different moments happening throughout the space. It’s great to know the food and atmosphere made such an impression, and that getting here was easy as well. Thank you for spending time with us in Harlem, and we hope to welcome you back again soon.<br>Best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Kawang ShockleyLocal guide
3 months ago

Saw this restaurant after leaving the Studio Museum. It was a restaurant one of my friends has mentioned previously. We weren't super hungry. We sat at the bar, had drinks and appetizers. The empanadas and the deviled eggs were delicious. I had the Banana Smoked Old Fashioned.....chefs kiss! If I lived nearby I would go for that drink! It was Superbowl Sunday so there was a TV there to watch (no audio), however no one was really paying it any attention. Worked for my friends and I. There was a DJ playing some familiar jams and then changed over to a live band - Nate Lucas All Stars. We were able to meet the vocalist, Ms. Debra! During her break she greeted us and took a pic. Very kind and beautiful. Bartender and server were excellent. I will be back for dinner and a live music show!

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for choosing to dine with us after your visit to the Studio Museum Kawang! We're thrilled that you enjoyed our signature deviled eggs, and we're especially delighted that our Banana Smoked Old Fashioned made such an impression. It sounds like you experienced the perfect blend of what makes our Harlem location special ~ great food, exceptional drinks, and the vibrant live music that brings our community together. We're so glad you had the chance to meet Ms. Debra and the Nate Lucas All Stars, and that our bartender and server took wonderful care of you. We can't wait to welcome you back for dinner and another live music show soon!<br>All the best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Lotta Rygaard WalshLocal guide
4 months ago

It was a perfect Harlem night ✨<br>Red Rooster Harlem really does have that rare mix: soul, warmth, and authenticity.<br><br>What made our experience especially beautiful is why you went:<br>• Eric — those personal connections always elevate a place. Knowing he once worked there gives the visit heart, not just flavor.<br>• Marcus Samuelsson — a powerful reason on its own. His vision of food as culture, history, and community truly lives in that space.<br>• And the music 🎶 — yes. Red Rooster isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a living, breathing celebration. When the rhythm hits right, the whole room feels alive.<br><br>Coming from Havana Bar in Gothenburg to Harlem, that connection across cities, cultures, and people is quite something. Almost poetic, really.<br><br>We didn’t just eat there — we experienced it.<br>Those are the nights that stay with us always 💛

Response from the owner

Hello Lotta,<br>This truly touched us. Thank you for seeing and feeling what Red Rooster is all about. From the music to the food to the connections that tie it all together, nights like that are special for us, too. We’re so glad you experienced it the way you did, and we hope Harlem welcomes you back again soon.<br>Best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Kamris McDoleLocal guide
4 months ago

Red Rooster 10/10 yes…. I said it 10/10… five stars is not enough!!! and before you see the empty plate picture YES it was that good! The corn bread was great, it is an appetizer but paired it with the fried chicken dish. The it Immediately upon entering I was greeted by the host Kayla and a nice warm heat as it is extremely cold here in NYC. Our server anfernee was quick and kind. I also met the manager German who was nice and explained the venue set up and the event venue space. Now let me walk you through the dishes the yard bird fried chicken was PERFECTLY crispy , hot, and had a bit of sweetness to it. Paired with perfectly whipped mashed potatoes, and the collard greens were fantastic star of the show honestly to God. Now the lobster roll , beautifully presented , the lobster was juicy , flavorful, and perfectly buttered. The side of cornbread was something that I’ve never tasted before in a cornbread but none the less very good. The consistency was great, soft, like a cornbread with a different spin and I love that it was paired with a roasted tomato and corn butter sauce. The Chicken and waffle of course was incredibly delicious , I mean who doesn’t love fried, sweet, crispy chicken on a waffle? Paired with a maple hot sauce and syrup! Now for dessert….. drum roll please… a mango sorbet topped with toasted coconut on top of mangos and strawberries. I deem this to be healthy haha. Anywho, I CAN’T wait to come back, as this place was incredibly delicious and the service was excellent!!

Response from the owner

Wow! Kamris, we are absolutely thrilled that you experienced everything we love about Red Rooster Harlem! Thank you for taking the time to share such wonderful details about your visit with us. We're so grateful that Kayla, Anfernee, and German provided you with the warm hospitality that defines our Harlem community, and that our yardbird fried chicken, lobster roll, chicken and waffles, and mango sorbet dessert created such a memorable dining experience for you. Your enthusiasm for our cornbread with roasted tomato and corn butter sauce, and especially those collard greens, truly warms our hearts. We can't wait to welcome you back soon for another incredible meal!<br>All the best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

KamalLocal guide
5 months ago

My wife and I went here on 1/3/2026 and had a great time. The choice of songs by the dj was great and the live performance was outstanding. The server who unfortunately I forgot her name was amazing. My compliments to the chef is in order for the meal we ate. The oxtail was made to perfection, and the catfish was delicious. The brussels sprouts were charged and seasoned to my liking. The only thing that we had that we did not enjoy was the dessert and that was the apple pie and ice cream other than that everything was excellent. I should also mention that the whole staff from the waiters, servers and other employees were tremendous.

Response from the owner

Kamal, thank you so much for visiting! We're thrilled that you and your wife had such a great time with our DJ's music selection and live performance. It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed the Braised Oxtails and Fried Catfish, and that the Crispy Brussels Sprouts were seasoned just right for you. We appreciate your feedback about the apple pie and will take that into consideration. We look forward to welcoming you both back soon!<br>All the best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Rebecca MartinLocal guide
5 months ago

This restaurant was wonderful. The live band was fun and did a lot of improvised jazz. Some people were even dancing. The food was also delicious. We ordered the catfish and black eyed peas, greens, deviled eggs, seafood pasta, and empanadas. The mix of ingredients isn't quite soul food, since it has some Scandinavian influence, but it still tasted great.

Response from the owner

Rebecca, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're thrilled you enjoyed the live jazz and the dancing atmosphere; that's exactly the vibrant energy we love to create at Red Rooster. We're so glad our unique culinary blend hit the mark for you. We can't wait to welcome you back for another memorable evening!<br>All the best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Sharon BellLocal guide
5 months ago

This place is BEAUTIFUL don't get me wrong. But they need to pay attention to details. I want to thank Ms Zee for taking great care of me but I must be honest. They said they were short staffed and I had to wait a good 15 minuted for water. My first table was super wobbly. I know servers are wiping the tables, and feeling the table rock. No one wants to eat on a wobbly table. I was moved to a different table. Guess what....WOBBLY.<br><br>I am a crab cake snob. I don't understand covering delicious crab cakes with breading and adding so much filler. I was going to send it back but decided against it. It was good. I won't order it again. The side salad was DELICIOUS. My Bucatini Piccadilly wasn't bucatini at all. More like thick spaghetti. Bucatini is supposed to be hollow. This was also DELICIOUS. The cornbread was good and the spread was different. Roasted tomato and corn butter spread was top notch. And my Pom' in Paradise cocktail sealed the deal.<br><br>My first experience could've easily been a 10/10. I say its a solid 8.5/10

Response from the owner

Sharon, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're thrilled you found our space beautiful and that Ms. Zee provided excellent service. We truly appreciate your honest feedback about the table stability and wait times; please accept our sincere apology. We're delighted you enjoyed the side salad, Bucatini Piccadilly, cornbread with our roasted tomato and corn butter spread, and the Pom' in Paradise cocktail. Your insights about the crab cakes and pasta are valuable, and we'll share them with our kitchen team. We hope to welcome you back soon!<br>All the best,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Macy JudkinsLocal guide
5 months ago

While on a recent trip to the city my fiance planned a brunch here and it exceeded our expectations.<br><br>The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and fun with elements of historical references.<br><br>We ordered hush puppies, the salmon, fried chicken, mac and greens, and French fries.<br>Everything was cooked perfectly and was very flavorful. The service was exceptional and we never wanted for anything.<br><br>We didn't partake in any alcohol, but the drinks looked delicious.<br><br>Definitely recommend for a great meal and experience.

Response from the owner

Hi Macy,<br>Thank you so much for sharing this lovely review. We’re thrilled to hear that brunch with us exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed the warmth, history, and energy of the space. It’s wonderful to know the food and service both hit the mark, and we truly appreciate the recommendation. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another great meal and experience.<br>Warmly,<br>The Red Rooster Harlem Team

Reviews sourced from Google. Displayed for informational purposes. Ratings reflect reviewer opinions at the time of posting.

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