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    Clay

    4.2 (235 reviews)
    PriceyNew American, Bars
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:30 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order Clay Takeout or Delivery

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    CLAY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Clay

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    Reviews With Photos

    Bucatini
    Vishnu G.

    This was decent upscale American food in a nice space. Beets - solid. The mix of different types of beets gives varied textures, and balanced tartness and sweetness with earthiness. The miso cream was a nice creamy and savory note, and the orange slices brightened everything up nicely. Mushroom chickpea burger - not bad, but I've had better. The chickpea party was well seasoned, but it and the buns fell apart really easily. I also felt that the burger needed some pickles or other sour element - the sauce on the side provided some, but it also added a ton of richness as well. The fries were nice, but not as crispy as I would've liked. But overall it's a hearty portion. Budino - rich and chocolatey, plus some crunch from the crumb and the airy meringue, and some fruitiness from the berry sauce. I loved the decor here - there are books everywhere, which makes it feel like you're just eating inside someone's kitchen. The meal came to about $109 after tax and tip, which is about expected for a slightly higher end meal for two.

    Grass Fed Burger w fries
    Tony J.

    Great service, excellent ambiance and nice menu for drinks and food. They carry small batch liquors and beers so not your big names but great curation of flavors. Perfect little bistro vibe and feel. A must try uptown!

    Sojourner E.

    Absolutely, yes! Immediately, yes! What a lovely American restaurant located in Harlem! Dimly lit, perfect for a date night with an intentional menu in a staff that knows their business. The upstairs area was full, so we dined in the basement which gave off upscale wine cellar vibes, very chic. We ordered the pork belly and beets as our appetizer, and the duck and steak for our entrées. I'm not typically a fan of beats, but these were prepared deliciously with a vinaigrette accompaniment that really set it over the edge. I'm also not a big port eater, but the way I tore into that pork belly would have you thinking that I keep swine on my fork. It was seasoned and cooked beautifully. My date had the steak and ate his entire thing. But the real star here was my duck leg. Aside from duck confit that I had in Paris, this is the best duck I've had in New York. The waitress told us that they have a very special cooking time and process for the duck, and I tasted every bit of intention in every bite. Crispy, tender, juicy, just an all-around absolute yes. Couldn't recommend Clay more!

    Burrata
    Connor M.

    I've lived in NY my whole life - and NYC for 2 years - and honestly this was one of the best restaurants I've been too. The ambiance is amazing. Dimly lit, not too loud, perfect for a "catch up" evening with friends or even a date. Everyone is dressed nice (I'd say business casual) , which also adds a nice touch. The food is amazing. Can definitely tell it is very fresh - was nice size portions however did not feel gross after eating so much. The drinks were also spectacular. I will definitely be coming back again. This is a perfect spot if you are looking to celebrate a special occasion. I took my friend here for his birthday last night and we couldn't stop raving about it!

    Pia L.

    really cute place that's unassuming and has two floors. All of the food is formed to table and extremely fresh. The service was great, and all of the drinks were also delicious. Everything tasted really fresh and they changed their menu seasonally so you can always go back and try something new.

    Chicken liver
    Gab G.

    Clay is a fantastic spot in Harlem near the Apollo. Made a reservation for dinner for 2 on a Friday. We ordered an incredible Spanish white, then tried: + Chicken liver + Radicchio with pear and spiced walnut + Paccheri with pork sausage, broccoli rabe + Gnocchi with butternut squash + Chocolate budino The highlights were the chicken liver and paccheri. Definitely want to return to try more dishes (and wines)! Vibe was great, too.

    Joash O.

    Wow wow wow what a surprise! I was really impressed with Clay. Every dish we had was excellent and hearty. I really enjoyed their food and wine selection! If you make a reservation you'll likely get to sit downstairs which is a really magical and private spot. Couldn't recommend this place enough! It's a smart place to come for a date or special occasion.

    Mini Doughnuts
    Christy M H.

    Clay has become one of my favorite places overnight... 5/5 all around. The space itself is beautiful and very modern. It gives a woodsy vibe in the middle of the city, dimmed private feeling space. There's a downstairs, which is where I was with my family and an outside space. My family decided to have a private party here last night and they were SPECTACULAR, PHENOMENAL, OUT OF THIS WORLD. All the waiters were extremely on point with pouring our drinks and ordering our food on time as a group. They did a marvelous job at controlling our group of 15 and everything was beautifully timed because of the staff! The food was perfectly cooked. I had the best steak and the best watermelon salad (that I am now obsessed with). I recommend ANYTHING on this menu. Including dessert. Everything was so delicious and worth every penny! Thank you again to the staff and to the cooks for making our time so memorable. I cannot wait to come back here on a regular day with my friends!

    Duck Confit
    Josephine L.

    I never wrote this review because I don't want the mindless masses to discover this place and start trekking up to Harlem when Clay inevitably gets a rave review, Michelin star, or some other well-deserved accolade. So I'll whisper this next part: The Chicken Liver appetizer is rich and divine. You literally can't go wrong with a single entree but pasta lovers will love the unique Calamarata, duck lovers will drool over the Confit Duck Leg, beef lovers will squeal over the succulent Grass Fed Strip Steak, and pescatarians will swim for joy with the Red Snapper. Or, you can do what we did, and share a bunch of entrees family-style. Want sugar? Both the donuts and the fruit tart are made to perfection. Simple ideas perfectly executed...What more could you want? Complement all that deliciousness with the frothy Traveling Light, and you've got one of the best farm-to-table restaurant meals the city has to offer. Now shhhhh! You never heard me type!

    Mocktail

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    4 months ago

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    11 months ago

    Business owner information

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    8 months ago

    Sat at the bar, had amazing service. Care was taken with my gluten intolerance and Jay provided great wine suggestions.

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Love this place. Great happy hour offers and an especially good choice for eating at the bar. Excellent bartenders!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Food is absolutely incredible! All homemade, locally sourced and perfectly delicious dishes. Would highly recommend

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    Page 1 of 6

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    Ask the Community - Clay

    Is there a table big enough for 8 people?

    Yeah Girl, downstairs. It's perfect for a big get together. Make a reservation though well ahead of time. <3

    View All 2 Questions

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    If you're uptown or in Upper Manhattan, skip the trip to Soho -- this place brings world-class…read morecocktails, vibes, and energy right to the neighborhood. The Vibe Cozy, comfortable, and full of surprises. Some nights are mellow and chill, perfect for catching up with friends. Other nights, you'll walk in and it feels like a Colombian street festival -- music pumping, people celebrating, energy everywhere. The Drinks This is a cocktail-first spot, and their selection is next-level. If you don't know what to order, just tell the staff what flavors or spirits you like -- they'll craft something spot-on every time. Presentation? Always . The Food Yes, they have bites -- but don't come hungry. The small plates are designed to complement your drinks, not replace dinner. The Extras Live DJs, curated sets, and even surprise performances -- this place keeps things fresh and exciting without losing its cozy feel. The Staff Absolutely outstanding. Friendly, knowledgeable, and they make you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. Good vibes in, good vibes back. Overall, one of my favorite spots in the city. Whether you want a low-key Tuesday or a Saturday night that feels like carnival season, this place delivers every time.

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    Harlem Hops - Swipe Right - Old Fashioned

    Harlem Hops

    4.5(166 reviews)
    0.6 miHarlem
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    Wow!! Completely blown away. The beer selection, both draft and in cans is incredible. By far…read morethe best selection of beers from incredible breweries that you can't get anywhere else. If you enjoy hazy IPA's this is especially incredible. Taylor the bartender was fantastic and met owner Kim who was so welcoming. This is must visit if you're on a beer trip to NYC or a beer fan in the area. Can't say enough good things. Cheers!

    I am genuinely proud that this establishment is still open and thriving after all these years. It…read morehas become part of the community now. I remember when it first opened and the buzz was real. It was the spot. It had that energy where you walked in and felt like you were exactly where you were supposed to be. The space has an elongated design, a warm atmosphere, and a backyard that gives it a little extra charm. The ceiling even spells out Harlem in lights, which is a beautiful touch. Over the years, I have watched the vibe evolve. It used to bubble with nonstop energy and then it mellowed out. At one point I joked to myself that it was quiet enough to be a library. But in a good way. When I walk past now, the clientele still looks cool and laid back. An associate of mine used to DJ there once in a blue moon for special occasions. I am not sure what their current social calendar looks like because I do not follow them on Instagram, but I know they are still relevant and respected. And I am happy they are still here. Truthfully, I want them to get that original buzz back. Harlem needs establishments like this. That whole avenue used to be the place to be. You could spend an entire night out without ever leaving the neighborhood. Restaurants, bars, lounges, everything right there. But Harlem has changed. Rent has skyrocketed, and it is tough for businesses to stay afloat. That is why places like Harlem Hops matter even more now. I hope they continue to grow, promote themselves, and attract the kind of supportive clientele that keeps the doors open for many more years. They deserve it. Peace.

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    Bar

    Clay - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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