Saturday, 9th May 2026 Harlem, NYC Rainy day 60s We were here for a Pre-Mother's Day Reggae brunch and to hear the music of the fabulous BROOKLYNERS Reggae band. It was wonderful to see customers get up to dance! Red Rooster's brunch menu had much to enjoy and we tried as many items on the menu as we three could. Of course we required 'doggie bags' to take home leftovers. - For Brunch we indulged on their: - Deviled Eggs, Cornbread, Fried Chicken on waffle, Red Velvet pancake with eggs and maple bacon, and Double Smashed Cheeseburger with Fries. Yes, we will have to work off the calories tomorrow, but so worth it! Good list of wines, beers, cocktails and various libations. Friendly staff and servers, although often moving at a slow pace. However, each were very friendly, warm and helpful with inquiries. Irie! read more

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Great food and drink choices. Just catch them on a non-busy day. Bathroom: *** (average) Quality: *** Quantity: **** Presentation: *** (okay plating) Price: $$$$ (a bit pricy for what you get) Ambiance: Loud/Casual/Busy/crowded Attitude: **** (very nice staff and attentive) Overall: went on a Friday, packed. Not that I didn't expect that but, it was too loud to even hear your table side guest. Things were pricey, and some food items weren't available. Maybe try again but, it's iffy. read more

I really looked forward to dining at Red Rooster during my trip to NY, but it missed the mark. I've visited Marcus Bar (another restaurant owned by Marcus Samuelson in ATL) a few times and really enjoyed it. Red Rooster is gorgeous and is filled with beautiful art. They had a live band, which was nice. I ordered the Savoy cocktail to start. It contained grape infused cognac and was very nice. To eat, I ordered the crab cake, fries and peri peri wings. The wings were excellent. Crispy and a tad bit spicy. The crab cake was a complete joke. It was almost inedible. The fries came out cold. My friends who've been to Marcus Bar as well agreed that Marcus Bar is more enjoyable. Our server was great and was very attentive. Sadly, although we did enjoy our evening here, the food overall didn't meet expectations. read more

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I'm not sure why it took me so long to make it to Red Rooster, but I finally did! I love fried chicken, and this outpost in Harlem is legendary. I took the 4 train and walked over (14 minute walk) - it was a tense walk - the neighborhood has completely deteriorated. If you decide to go, take the 2 train which is across the street from the restaurant. I ordered the Yardbird Fried Chicken, with a side order of Stone Ground Grits. I asked for white meat, which has an up charge. The two breasts were thick and juicy - the flour crust was crunchy and balanced out the tender chicken. Red Rooster uses a process called 'beer-brined', using a lager with the brine overnight. It helps the chicken retain its juiciness and adds a unique flavor. I will admit there was a good amount of salt in the chicken-not to the point it was objectionable, but it was heavy. Nonetheless, it was an excellent fried chicken. I hesitated getting the garlic mashed potatoes since I was getting the grits - but I decided to get them anyway. I'm glad I did - they were very good. The grits were delicious - the menu states 'Creamy Stone Ground Grits'. There's no mention of cheese, which I found unusual, since they were cheesy. They were very creamy, not too salty, nice and hot, and with each spoonful, very thin strands of cheese would be trailing on the spoon. Truly excellent grits. The venue was very warm and beautifully decorated. I had read several reviews where the staff is very friendly...and they are! read more

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I feel like this place is a staple in Harlem. I finally made it to Lynchburg the family. We had their lunch specials. I ordered the coconut, sweet potato soup which was lovely. Then I ordered the fried catfish over black eye peas, this was just okay. The catfish could have been crispier, the peas needed a little more flavor. Then my father had the steak sandwich which he said was okay, but the side of greens was tasty. The service was very good and the vibe was warm and inviting. I imagine this place is good for drinks or happy hour, while listening to music. read more

Red Rooster Harlem - FRIED CATFISH - American Near Me - New York, New York

The live band was amazing and definitely the highlight of the visit. The $10 cover charge felt fair because the music and atmosphere were chill. Unfortunately, the food didn't hit the mark for me. I'm not sure if it was because I tried something new, but the dish just wasn't good to my taste. My waitress noticed that I wasn't enjoying it and kindly offered a replacement, which I appreciated. However, when the bill came, I saw that the original item was only taken half off, and I was charged full price for the replacement. When I hear "replacement," I usually assume it means swapping the item out, not paying for two separate meals. So that was a little disappointing. Another surprise was the lemonade. It tasted more like water with lemon squeezed in it, and I didn't realize refills weren't included. I ordered a second one thinking it was a refill, but it ended up being another charge. Overall, the music and vibe were great, but the food and unexpected charges made the experience a bit disappointing. The portions also felt a little small for the price particularly the hush puppies. Because of that, I probably wouldn't return, but if you're going just for the live music, you might still enjoy the atmosphere. read more

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Super classy interior with a live music stage evoking southern charm and opulence - but in the heart of central harlem. Walked in at opening for lunch and was lovingly greeted. Only had room for one dish and opted for the $22 Yep Chicken & Waffles ~appetizer~ which was enormous and most definitely not an appetizer for one. It came out soo quickly! They did not skimp on the chicken, it was unbelievably tender and seasoned throughout. The waffle was thin and light, but the dish was still pretty heavy. Happy I got the chance to dine here while watching their feature almost a decade ago on Worth It. A great place to spend an evening in Harlem but not sure I would make a dedicated trip. read more

Red Rooster Harlem - YEP- CHICKEN & WAFFLE - American Near Me - New York, New York

We came here for lunch on a Friday and there was no wait. I did not have a reservation but the host was very friendly and sat us down right away. Our waitress Dicksy was so friendly and knew her menu. The food was really good and mimosa as well. They played 90s music and I was in heaven :) read more

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Seemed to be a good place for music and drinks but I was in a private room so the experience was different. While the service was amazing what I had was just ok. I wished there were more healthy options, if it wasn't fried it was heavy. People in my group liked the hot honey fried chicken, the collard green Mac and cheese and the catfish. I wasn't crazy about the cornbread (it was baked in a Madeline (sic) shape but the taste was just meh. I must say I was somewhat disappointed after seeing the owner on Chopped so many times. Perhaps I need to try his other spot downtown. read more

Number 1 fav is absolutely Shrimp & Grits. All the textures in there work together so well and don't cancel each other out. I usually avoid ordering Chicken & Waffles since most menus have this but it did indeed smack in the best way possible. Waffle was anything but plain. The Mac & Greens is a must order. The thick, wide noodle really makes this side dish stand out amongst the whole table spread. So creamy, so rich. Sangria was really strong! Not a complaint whatsoever. Loved our waitress too--very sweet and explained her recommendations really thoroughly. Not sure if live jazz occurs every day, but I got to experience that and it was a lovely touch for a Sunday brunch. read more

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The service was great - everyone from the door to the table were attentive, friendly and professional. The ambiance was nice - the chairs were hard on the body but the chandeliers and lighting along with the digital photo frames with pictures from past times really make the vibe. There was a live band, so it was loud, making it a little hard to conversate but we intentionally choose our meal time around the entertainment experience. The food was just short of great! To drink, I had a Pom in Paradise which was delish. For dinner, I had the Sweet Potato Coconut soup, the Cornbread with tomato butter, and Empanadas - all of which was quite tasty. I was able to try some of the Black Eye Pea Stew... again really good, I brought my Mac & Greens home and had them as next day left overs and thought they were a bit too salty. If ever in the area again, I would definitely look to go back. read more

Stopped by one a walk around Harlem looking for a new restaurant to try. When we walked in the staff was nice and friendly and sat us right away. I ordered the appetizer Yep! Chicken and waffle and I have no complaints. The chicken was cooked well and was nice and seasoned and the waffle was cooked perfectly in my opinion. I also ordered the Roo Roos red sangria which was nice a refreshing and got me red to get back out there and walk around. read more

I've been a fan of Marcus Samuelsson for years! From being a Chopped judge to Top Chef to Iron Chef to No Passport Required this guy is a wizard in the kitchen. Finishing up some business here in Harlem with my son, we were ready for lunch and just for fun, I said let's see if we can "walk-in" and get a seat at The Red Rooster, Marcus's restaurant. Eureka - we scored. Going through his menu, everything looked good so choosing a plate or plates was difficult. We picked: * GRILLED CAESAR & SHRIMP CEVICHE - with green chile, cucumber, avocado, red onion, cilantro, plantain chips * YEP! CHICKEN & WAFFLES with fried chicken leg, maple hot sauce, pickles * CRISPY BIRD SANDWICH - with buffalo chicken, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, charred onions, pickles and fries Everything was excellent The ambience was fun due to the live band and great singer The art and photographs on the walls, along with the videos (loved the Soul Train video) made you feel that you were in the heart of Harlem. We Loved everything about the Red Rooster! read more

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I popped in for lunch, runs 12pm -4pm with $35 prix fixe menu, full of pure soul. Happy hour select drinks that go to 7pm. The service was great, bartender and host were gracious and warm. Food arrived timely, they were attentive. Jazzy ambiance and music. I always feel like I'm in the 40s stepping in here. Always a good time. The vibe is always nice whether I'm there with a group or on my own. I will continue to pop in, especially for the live shows at nights. Lately I've found mid day is nice and quiet for work and lunch. read more

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Came with my friends and enjoyed a great night out. Friendly service, great vibes and the crab cake was amazing! read more

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I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Red Rooster. I came with a girlfriend around 1:30 on a Friday evening. There was a 20 minute wait, but a beautiful "waiting room" designed as a living room made the wait feel like part of the dining experience. There was a prixe fixe menu, M-F 12pm-4pm, for $35 with the option of the choice between a soup or salad for the app, and two entrees for the main course. I chose the sweet potato coconut soup and it was so delicious. It was fully bodied, full of flavor, and hearty for a cold, winter day. For my entree, I chose the catfish and substituted the black eyed pees for the grits. They were both absolutely delicious. The catfish was fresh, and the grits were cheesy with a beautiful crunchy garnish on top. The icing on the cake was when my server, Autumn, overheard me tell my friend that it was my birthday. She sent a birthday desert to my table and that was the sweetest gesture ever. Thank you Autumn! read more

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It was storming in the city last night and I was in need of some good food! I was craving fried chicken, and Red Rooster popped into mind so I thought i'd give it a shot! I decided to order one drumstick, the wings, and fries for delivery. Once things arrived I immediately took a bite into the "fried chicken". I was so disappointed by its taste. It lacked flavor and honestly was not fried chicken. It was instead glazed and lacked any real crispness (i should have tried jolibee lol). The wings were also a major disappointment. I wish this too was fried, then coated in the sauce, but instead it was mushy and a big let down. Fries were cold, but as expected when delivering. I am glad that I got this out of the way. I wouldn't come back. When I think of southern food, i'd expect more flavor and actual fried chicken especially for the price. read more

Red Rooster Harlem - Drumstick, wings, fries - American Near Me - New York, New York

Great experience overall. Very welcoming energy. Try to catch their live music if you can. The food was amazing also. Cornbread to start off was soft and flavorful. The shrimp and grits were very delicious and filling! read more

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Harlem staple. Come for good food, good vibes, good music, good fun. Its gourmet, so it ain't your granny's fried chicken. Expect something a little different, a twist on your soul food faves. Like the mac and cheese: it has chopped collards mixed right into the dish. Actually, I've heard the fried chicken is pretty good, but I haven't tried it yet. On this most recent visit it was pretty late and I wasn't very hungry, so we just went tapas style and ordered a few appetizers. Everything was good Id never turn down an invite to Red Rooster. read more

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Red Rooster definitely lives up to the hype! My entire dining experience here was superb. From the amazing food to the live jazz music, everything was great about this restaurant. I made a reservation prior to coming, which I'm glad I did because the bar area was full. I was still able to get a good view of the live music from where I was seated, which made great entertainment while enjoying my food and cocktail. For my cocktail, I got the Pom' in Paradise, and I mostly chose this drink because of the pomegranate grenadine, but I didn't love the tequila in it. I think vodka would've been a better liquor for this drink. For my food, I started with the cornbread. I most definitely recommend! It was absolutely amazing, especially with the roasted tomato and corn butter. I then ordered a thigh piece with the hot honey on the side and the Mac n greens. Both tasted great! The Mac n greens was a bit over baked, but I was able to get around the slightly burnt parts. All the waitstaff were very friendly, from the hostess to the waitress. The jazz singer was even engaged with the audience. It gave a great vibe to the restaurant. read more

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Finally had the opportunity to go to Red Rooster. This restaurant has been on my list for awhile. Loved the decor (especially the feathered chandeliers above the bar) and the vibe. We happened to go on a Tuesday. They had a trio playing some jazz. Really nice touch. The food and drink were good. Had the sangria. It was amazing. To eat, I had the jerk salmon bowl. Although I didn't really taste the jerk seasoning (I expected to taste jerk in every bite), it was still good. They just need to marinate & cook the salmon in the sauce. I feel like it was just topped on the salmon after cooking. This is why I could only give them 4 stars. Our server was great. He made sure we got our order on time. And was good about checking on us. read more

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Today was Mother's Day, and my son (a college student) kindly took me to a restaurant our family has enjoyed many times over the years. Historically, the food was excellent, but over time it has become inconsistent. Unfortunately, today was very disappointing. It seemed like some dishes had been prepared ahead of time and reheated. The chicken was not hot and overly salty with little real flavor. The rice was cold, the cornbread was forgettable, and the macaroni and cheese was dry and cold. The only item served piping hot was the okra stew, which also tasted like it may have been reheated. On a positive note, the staff, bartenders, and live music were excellent, and the atmosphere remains enjoyable. However, for the premium prices being charged, the food quality does not match what it once was or what it should be. I didn't raise these concerns during the meal because I didn't want to discourage my son, who was simply trying to do something kind. I'm sharing this because I hope the restaurant takes feedback seriously--while the experience overall was pleasant in terms of service and ambiance, the food was a major disappointment. I brought most of the food home , however probably will just trash. read more

Red Rooster Harlem - American Near Me - New York, New York

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Best Place Best Ambiance Some great tasting food and Best BartendeR - Matt! Come check out the music too! lol read more

I hit up Red Rooster this past Tuesday with the guys, and honestly, the spot lived up to the noise. The restaurant is surprisingly spacious--you've got room to move and doesn't feel like a middle seat on a flight to Lagos. The live jazz was a nice touch, giving the room a relaxed, soul-heavy energy that felt right for a midweek dinner. The food didn't miss. I ordered the Yardbird, and that hot honey is the real deal--sweet, but with enough of a bite to keep you honest. We had the crispy Brussels sprouts for the table, but the Mac & Greens was easily the standout. It's cheddar and parmesan mixed with collard greens, and I'm telling you, it's a revelation. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to pull the chef aside just to shake his hand. For the finish, I went with the Lil' Apple Pie. The green apple tartness mixed with the nutmeg and cinnamon was a solid play, especially with the vanilla ice cream to balance it out. It was a well-executed meal in a spot that actually feels like Harlem. If you're looking for a place that handles the culture with some actual technique, this is it. I'm definitely coming back for another round of that Mac. read more

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The sides and vegetarian options were flavorful and well-prepared, especially the collard greens and mac & cheese. Portions are generous and ideal for sharing. Service was friendly and attentive, though a bit slow during busy times. The overall vibe makes it a fun place to enjoy classic Harlem cuisine. Overall, a solid spot for a relaxed and flavorful meal without fuss read more

I've been coming to Red Rooster for a decade! Tonight!!! I had the new CHEF's special Gullah Okra Stew. OMG, I will eat anything I don't eat, if she created it. This stew was top tier and it boggles my mind how you get that much depth and flavor in BULK!!! The vibes at Rooster are so good. The neighborhood and the tourist mesh into perfection!!! The entertainment is so inspired and soooo HARLEM!!! This place is more than a resy... it's an experience you must have if you come to Manhattan. read more

I disagree with any negative reviews. The food this morning was excellent and the staff was lovely. We were there right when it opened, it wasn't too loud and it was quick service. We ate more than we should have but if there is one thing I would go back for anyway, it's the lobster Mac-n-greens. Try it, if you hate it, I don't know what to say about your taste buds because it's delicious. Cheers to Chef Marcus Samuelson because our sever has worked at Red Rooster for over a decade and is still very happy, which is hard to do in the restaurant industry. read more

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The ambiance is very nice, service very good and I chose Mac n Greens which was new for me and delicious. The concierge made me feel at home with waitress. Highly recommend dish and want to kiss the cook. read more

Red Rooster Harlem - Mac n Greens - American Near Me - New York, New York

I remember when this opened up in 2011, and was met with both cheers and jeers. Great addition to the neighborhood, but also a check in the negative column of gentrification. I always wanted to go here after learning about Marcus Samuelson, and his plethora of culinary influence. A planned hang with a High School buddy, and his wife, gave us the opportunity to finally go. We went on a Saturday night, and the place was buzzing with positive energy. We were a little late, and they sat us right near the bar. Their dinner menu isn't too big, but it has a lot of choices. We ordered a bunch of items; some to share and some to try. Our waiter was nice, but he seemed a bit nervous and a little green. The Hush Puppies app & Fritters w/Guacamole were ok, but both dishes tasted exactly alike. Sweet Potato & Coconut Soup was good, but incredibly sweet. Grilled Caesar w/Shrimp Ceviche was fair, but the shrimp needed more time to marinate. Pan Fried Catfish had no flavor whatsoever, and my wife's Yardbird By The Piece, {Breast & Thigh} was just ok. The Cornbread was great, and Banana Pudding for dessert was a better choice than Lil Apple Pie (which should be changed to Teeny Tiny Apple Pie) It's a real shame this restaurant, right in the middle of this historic neighborhood of NYC, fell incredibly short. I think the bill was close to $225.00 (with a few drinks and 2 coffees) Luckily, my friend picked up the check. read more

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Ok, so I love it here, primarily because the vibes stay high and the people stay beautiful. Depending on the night, it's good for live entertainment or a solid DJ. Service is always great and there are some very good menu options. With that said, the last time I got the turkey gumbo (I think that's what it is) the okra was super stringy (like have to spit out your mouth stringy). I love this place don't know I'll be back, but the food, dare I say it's a hit or miss. read more

Had a delicious lunch at Red Rooster. My favorite was definitely the fried chicken, which had a tantalizing hot honey sauce, with the batter super crispy and thin, and the insight still very juicy; it outdoes a lot of the korean fried chicken in NYC. The corn bread and shrimp & grits we had were pretty decent as well. This seems to be a very lively restaurant, as there was a live DJ spinning in the early afternoon hours; they played some of my favorites from the early 2000s that day, but it was a bit hard to talk. Definitely recommend the chicken if you visit! read more

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Our trip to New York had to include a subway ride up to Harlem to try Red Rooster. My husband is a huge Food Network fan and wanted to check out chef Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant. We made reservations a few weeks ahead of our planned trip (as was advised). It was a gorgeous fall day, so we sat outside. The restaurant is vibrant and busy, but we were seated quickly and the service was great. As it was still lunch time, we were offered lunch specials, which were epic and priced very nice. I chose the lunch chicken sandwich and my husband had the ceviche and yardbird lunch. The whole meal was spectacular, but the grilled Caesar salad that came with the ceviche was one of the best things I've ever eaten! Absolutely amazing. I could've eaten 10 more. Definitely worth a trip uptown. read more

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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!! read more

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What a fun experience the fried chicken was to die for delicious. The salmon jerk bowl was so good with the greens and the salmon was crispy and just done medium, which was a lot. The burger was regular. The collard greens had a vinegar taste of them. Didn't quite like it the cornbread was delicious with the honey butter overall experience was great service was fantastic in love the band. They were just amazing. read more

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Bold Flavors & Renaissance Vibes in the Heart of Harlem Yelp Elite Review The moment you step into Red Rooster Harlem, you're swept into a vibe that's equal parts sexy renaissance and uptown cool. Even in the middle of the day, the dimmed lighting, curated decor, and the stylish server attire create an ambiance that feels elevated, intimate, and just a little bit magical. I could easily see this being the perfect backdrop for a girls' brunch or a smooth date night--especially since I noticed a live music setup by the entrance. Service? Quick and attentive. I loved being able to see the kitchen from my seat--there's something grounding and exciting about watching your meal come together in real time. Now, let's talk food and drinks: * Grilled Caesar Salad - 10/10. Unexpected, smoky, and absolutely delicious. * Cornbread - Honestly? The star of the show. Moist, flavorful, and unforgettable. A must-order. 10/10. * Shrimp Ceviche - A bit of work to get through, but ultimately flavorful. 7.5/10. * Bucatini Piccadilly - Fresh seafood, generous portion (great bang for your buck), but could've used a pinch more salt. 8/10. * Prosecco - Standard. 9/10. * Lemonade - Tasted like it came from a machine, not freshly squeezed.3/10. * Mocktail Sorrel - Warm until mixed with ice, which threw off the experience a bit.4.5/10. They also have lunch specials and happy hour deals that seemed worth checking out, so I'll definitely be back. Next time, I'm coming hungry--and hopefully, on a day with live music. Final verdict: A Harlem staple with ambiance, flavor, and flair. read more

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I was staying with a friend in the neighborhood, and we decided to go to Red Rooster on Fourth of July. We made a reservation just before we left the house, so it wasn't too busy given that it was a holiday. We ordered the Bucatini Piccadilly with shrimp, crab and lobster; the jerk salmon bowl and asparagus. The dishes were so good - the bucatini was on the creamy side but still very tasty, and the jerk salmon bowl was very flavorful with enough spice to balance out to the bucatini dish. There was a band playing, so it was great to be able to have dinner and watch a show. Service was friendly and fast. read more

Seasoning is so key to any dish! And when a simple thing like salt is absent, it makes for a very poor experience. This is the second Marcus Samuelson restaurants I've gone to now with the same issues. The yard bird looked amazing along with the sides, but both the gravy and the potatoes were cold. The collards were just bitter... no salt or acid and no traditional smoky flavor. Quite lackluster. I'd give the overall experience a c-. read more

It took a while but I finally got to stop by. Great drinks. Try the okra stew. Chicken is good, but not legendary.

The food is so delicious. The chicken embodies so much flavor. The customer service was top tier. I visit Red Rooster everytime I visit the city. Its a must to try them out you will not be disappointed. read more

This restaurant was a true gem in Harlem. From the moment I walked in to meet a friend, I was enamored by the vibes here. There's a lovely bookshelf sitting area, incredible live jazz, and a cozy atmosphere that really made me feel right at home. Our waitress, Autumn, was absolutely lovely. She was kind and welcoming from the start, and my friend and I quickly befriended her. She was attentive and patient and gave us suggestions off of the menu which were really appreciated-we're just girls, we get overwhelmed with lots of options. I truly have nothing negative to say about the food. You're given a few slices of cornbread, which were nice. I'm not a corn bread fan normally, but this was perfectly soft and sweet. The deviled eggs ($12) were divine, the Lenox Burger ($26) was huge and worth two meals. The Lobster Frites were glorious and definitely photo worthy (see below). My friend is not even an avid seafood eater, and she really enjoyed herself. The ambience was so relaxing that we stayed for tea after our meal which was encouraged by the staff. It was a really pleasant outing and we'll surely be back! read more

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