Have been coming to Lorraine's for a while before the current revamp and I feel like the revamp made it better! It is Black & family-owned. The bar is a casual setting, keep in mind that there isn't a dress code! I've seen people come in after weddings! There are different themed nights and they bring in different DJs. The staff is either family, friends, or Harlem locals, and you can even bring your own food if you need some backup for those strong drinks. Drinks are fairly low, a Don Julio Margarita is $15, and if you have Laray or Tracey make them be prepared !! There are even nights where there are $100 bottles of Moet. The bar can get packed, so there is sometimes a bit of wait, but the bartenders never forget! There is a homey aspect and the bartenders even remember names and orders. The vibe? Local, chill, and all about dancing! The crowd can be mature but to be honest between the drinks and the DJ you will be moving! The music is mostly Hip Hob & R&B, with a sprinkle of reggae or AfroBeats. The music gets louder to make it a party vibe during the later hours on the weekend. Whether you're pre-gaming, winding down, or just want a casual night out (weekends or when DJHoody pulls up), this is the spot! read more

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Love this spot! One of the last of real community based spots, love the vibe, the people, the atmosphere and the bartenders were fantastic. Even when busy, attentive and friendly! The only place I want to go when I want to have a good time and feel the beautiful vibes, One of the last places left like this. I support them 100% and hope they keep it going forward! read more

The music was old school all the way. It was a birthday Celebration for my niece. The crowd is 40 and up. The barmaids were Amazing. It's not a really big place more like a neighborhood bar. They also give food so the make sure you eat and not be drunk in their place. read more

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Great music great drinks great service ambience wonderful Mellow Monday is excellent day to hear old school and more. read more

Thursday nights with DJ Knuckles is the only place to be. The drinks are affordable and the bartenders are great!

I passed here to go to another establishment & saw myself circling back 20 minutes later. Talk about an old school house party on the block. Just Lorraine's Place is that with just enough space to ensure you have a good time. The DJ was jamming as he mixed up the last few decades of R&B/Hip Hop. There's a small corner space that's dubbed as the dance floor..actually people danced where they stood. Towards the back you can play cards & board games. The bar seats about 15 people in an L-Shape. My perceived downside was the petite lady behind the bar who couldn't swing it in taking orders & making the drinks quick enough. Her interaction with the customers came off as banter as she asked for money 1st before providing the orders...didn't seem like the normal patron accommodation. I actually met the "super star" Bartender who was dressed in all white & may have been off due to her celebrating her birthday. She gave me a friendly hello & welcome to JLS, before jumping behind the bar to lend a hand. During my entertaining hour, I learned Just Lorraine's Spot is a black owned family business & one of Harlem's neighborhood Gems who proudly opens their doors for community events. I'll absolutely will be back with each visit to NY. read more

Super nice atmosphere!!! This is a social bar!!! A lot of Harlem residents come here !! Much older crowd!!! My girlfriend had a small gathering her and she was able to grind her own food !!!! Drinks are on point!!! read more

Just Lorraine's Place - The birthday girl - Sports Bars Near Me - New York, New York

A little hard to find, but glad we found it!! Strong drinks, friendly people and laid back neighborhood bar vibe.

I tried getting a drink. The young bartender kept passing me over. I don't know if it was the girl that I was ordering the drink for. That she didn't like. The service sucks.. read more

Just by walking you could tell this is the community bar. Lots of old timers conversing, killing time watching sports. The Black Cheers. Everyone knew each other and here you go walking in like an intruder. Folks were friendly though. My husband was really here to peak at a Syracuse game so we ended up seating ourselves. The waitress, a cute little old lady (maybe Lorraine herself?) fixed us these really really strong drinks. My husband barely touches his after a while. Like it was 100% straight vodka. We might as well have ordered our drinks on the rocks. Despite all that, the drinks were dirt cheap. I totally understand now why some people (see alcoholics) are drawn to this bar. read more

A true locals bar in a neighborhood riding the gentrification wave. You won't find any obscure whiskies and beer here, just reliable, old school staples. They have a TV and a bartender. Emphasis on the olllld schoooool. Even the patrons, who I'll assume are all regulars since the bartender knew their names, are true Harlem OGs. They have tequila (patron), whiskey (jameson/crown), scotch (JW), a plethora of vodkas (flavored and unflavored) and I even think I saw a bottle of Alize hiding behind the Tanqueray. No beers on tap, but bottles a-plenty: Bud, Amstel, Heneiken, Corona and the ever-mighty Red Stripe. Music was cool: a mix of true R&B and hip-hop. I may remember a Yolanda Adams joint but at this point I was three drinks in. I'm no lightweight, so I'm essentially telling you the drinks are strong AF here. I ordered a jameson and seltzer (because if you don't drink whiskey straight or with a splash of H20, you're doing it wrong) and she filled the cup to the very top and gave me the can of seltzer on the side (10 dollars). YAAAAAS. Because we soon realized we were among true professionals, shots of tequila were to be had. And you guessed it, the same exact pour as my jamo. At some point, a regular came up to us and started speaking to us in rapid Spanish (?). What we made out: he was originally from an island in the Caribbean and lived in LA....where he used to hang out with some cholos. "Soy la muerte" was his catchphrase. I dug it. No longer in the neighborhood but I do miss this place. Great for when you are over Corner Social/Cove/and the wannabe fancypants places west of ACP. HARLEM USA! read more

Every time I'm in town I make it a point to stop by. Great people and strong drinks #goodtimes

My best friend and I stopped by after leaving Chocolat and Corner Social this past Saturday. Cool doorman, efficient bartenders, strong drinks, and a slamming DJ. Drawbacks? The ladies' room has no door for the toilet stall, and if you're fashionably dressed (I had on a BCBG asymmetrical cocktail dress), the little scutter bugs (code for broke females looking for a sugar daddy/captain save a h**) will hate like crazy and roll their eyes and try to block you from the bar (You'll know them when you see them, they usually sit at the end of the bar going towards the bathroom). Dress trendy. Overall, worth it if you're looking for some fun. read more

What more do want? Old school Harlem joint. Good food..Good peoples..good energy. Took me back and had me reminisce on things. Watched the yankee game and chopped it up with good people. Service is top notch and will be back. Lorraine is wonderful. PS The music is on point as well. read more

This is a great easy going bar - we were reading poetry on the street as part of a poetry/pub crawl and the regulars from inside came out to make sure we came in for some tasty beverages after (we were planning on it anyway, but it was nice that they showed interest in what we were doing, and then wanted to invite us to their local) the bartender poured a VERY stiff drink. cheap prices for a gin and ginger ale that was poured like a large triple gin and the slightest possible hint of ginger. she was not fucking around. it was so good that when the crawl was done, we went back there to finish the evening off read more

Lorraine's is a great Harlem neighborhood bar. I love their stiff drinks poured by mixologist, Tracy. A must-stop in Harlem.

I had my street naming reception after my grandpa Harlem Renaissance producer Leonard Harper inside "Just Lorraine's Place". The owner Lorraine Drayton was wonderful and very supportive throughout the entire experience. I can't thank her enough God Bless her. The affordable drinks were flowing ever so nicely and the atmosphere was like a down home Harlem family house party. read more

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Lorraines has the most bang for your buck when it comes to drinks. They have TV's to watch the game and if you want that mature old school Harlem atmosphere pre gentrification come chill in Lorraines. It reminds me of a few spots on the west and South side of Chicago. I bet all of the Harlem legends frequented this place at one time. read more

Just Lorraine's Place is one of Harlem's best kept secrets. It's on 7th Avenue and 132nd Street and is a wonderful place. The drinks are reasonably priced and free poured. The atmosphere is kind of old school Harlem. She caters to an older mature crowd and constantly surprises her patrons with free food and no-charge parties. 2 flat screen TVs are usually showing all regular sports programming, Knicks, Giants, Jets, etc. This is a bar full of regulars who go out of their way to welcome and embrace newcomers. If you don't believe me, try it for yourself, you won't be disappointed. read more

Everytime we touch down we always make sure to stop by and mingle with the regulars and have a good time. The Drinks are good as always

Watched the Mavs Heat game with the locals while staying at the Harlem YMCA. Everyone was friendly. I was drawn in by the smell of chicken grilling outside. There was a card game going on in a table in the back with food provided for the regulars. Definitely a neighborhood bar but not completely closed off to outsiders. read more

Looking for a good bar where I could watch a Knicks game. Found it on yelp and loved it! Very relaxed and the people who worked at the bar made my vodka tonic very nice and strong. People go to the bar are very nice too. Spoke to a guy about the Knicks and sports for an hour. Also bonus treat....met Marcus Samuelson. He walked in to have a drink and relax. I was the only star struck person there. You want a cold beer or a strong drink, sports and good conservation, check this place out read more

Was in Harlem last weekend and went to Just Lorraines for a book signing. A book signing in a bar? YES, the author was signing copies and they were selling like hot cakes!!!. The place was packed with all kinds of people, from locals to Staten Islanders to visitors from out of town. Everyone was made to feel right at home and the great drinks didn't hurt. It appears to me that Lorraines is not just a B.A.R. But more of a place where folks not only come to drink, but catch-up with friends, and learn about what's going on in the community. You might bump into local politicians, TV and radio personalities and community leaders (as I did). It's a reminder of what Harlem was and could be again. read more

Dynamic sis doing her thing. Just Lorraine's is one of the best in Harlem, there aren't too many left. Family atmosphere, good service & Lorraine has a heart of gold, not speaking what I heard, speaking what I know. Keep on doing what you do Lorraine you have been a blessing to the community & the community recognizes you. read more

With so many local businesses being pushed out by large franchises, it's important local residents support their neighborhood small businesses. Just Lorraine's Place caters to the Harlem community with love! The waitstaff are friendly and long time residents of the Harlem. I live in the South now, but make it my business to stop in. Just Lorraine's is a busy but cozy hub of entertainment and recreation. The proprietress hosts Barbecues, birthday, retirement and anniversary parties. She's also been a co-hostess for cruises and bus trips for her patrons. Did I mention the cocktails are reasonable and STIFF!? Drop in and see for yourself! read more

A Great Place..Down Home "Watering Hole" Type Of Feel...Friendly Folks..And Welcoming Atmosphere..A Place To Kick Back and Relax While Listening To The Sounds...Drinks Are The Real Deal..And Great On Your Pockets..!!..Love Lorraine And Always Making Sure You And Everything's Copeastetic ..!!..O And Did I Mention Conviently Located..Center Of Harlem..Don't Take My Word..Check It Out..!! read more