Reviews & Ratings for St Nick's Pub

01/21/11

Been a fan since 1997

by BigAppleJazz1

St. Nick's was my first Harlem jazz love back in 1997 when it was the most exciting jazz space in town and you could expect to see just about anyone walk through the door and get on stage to play from Stevie Wonder to once-upon-a-time regular, James Carter. These days I still get a thrill hearing Donald Smith's band kill every week, and I was recently blown away when WAR veteran, Lonnie Jordan, put together a band featuring St. Nick's regulars, Frank Lacy and Captain Keith Gamble. MC and performer Floyd Brian Davis, keeps it fresh by always being in the moment (with his heart in the past and his eyes on the future). Melvin Vines, Chip Crawford and the Harlem Jazz Machine nurtured the scene on Monday and Tuesday nights (later joined by Gregory Porter) to make the transition from "The Old St. Nick's" to the current one and are poised for international recognition as Porter's cd, Water, is up for a Grammy in the best vocal jazz album category. St. Nick's may be the only club in the city that always honors Harlem's cultural survivors by making room for the venerable jazz singer's of yesterday like the late Laurel Watson and the current queen of Saturday night, Arlene Talley, who last had a jukebox hit in 1950. The best thing to be said for St. Nick's Pub is that it is among a handful of absolutely affordable jazz joints (no matter what night you visit) that delivers on atmosphere, music, surprises, and good vibes where you can talk and party in the back or listen and focus up close to the bandstand - so it satisfies no matter what mood you're in.

04/22/09

Environment-St Nick's Pub

by jazz101

I've been to see several of my musician friends play there and don't stay to long because the place is to cramped and nothing matches, broken chairs, people on top of people so much that you can't really enjoy the entertainment for fear of hitting someone or getting a drink spilled on you. You would think that after being there for so long that the club owner would give back to the loyal fans that support the place and expand or create some ambience and the wait staff needs BIG improvement.

• Pros: Great musician's
• Cons: To small and dangerous surroundings

03/24/09

Example: great place for good bread

by mikeyscitysearch

hmmm my first time to write a review. Wanted to just test first. How do I delete this entry? How do I delete this entry? How do I delete this entry? How do I delete this entry? How do I delete this entry? How do I delete this entry?

• Pros: Example: best croissants in town
• Cons: test

12/06/08

Best Jazz Place, interesting people to socialize and network with, drinks are tasty and potent

by BenedicionTravel

This is my favorite Jazz place. I travel from Long Isand just to hear the band. See you there. Benedicion

• Pros: atmosphere is kosy
• Cons: gets crowded and can't dance

09/01/08

Crime-ridden, low-class, generic, canned music

by alycya

This place is overrated. It's like having the same dream over and over again. Same music Monday nights, same Tuesday, same Wed. There are better places in the city.

• Pros: Creative atmosphere
• Cons: Everything else

06/25/06

Good drinks, good soul food, and GREAT music.

by littlekosi

The bands are always on point. You have to get there really early if you want to sit down, though, because it gets packed on a friday night. There's no cover charge, but the musicians pass around a tip jar and they definitely earned their tips every night that I've been there. For me, it's worth the trip to harlem from brooklyn.

09/17/05

so cool

by beauseven

if you want a real Harlem experience, this place is so great. the musicians there are amazing and only ask for tips. they are so friendly and so talented and have been playing there for YEARS. it's a tiny dive bar, but the near-double potency drinks will make it feel much bigger!

• Pros: jazz, drinks, unique experience
• Cons: atmosphere

12/01/04

great

by turkel

i can't tell you how much i enjoy st. nicks. the people are kind a friendly. most nights the musicians are fantastic. there is no cover but please don't forget to tip the players.

• Pros: music, relaxing, buffet
• Cons: , haughty guy waiter

09/20/04

under new management...

by veggie2001

I've lived in this neighborhood for a year and a half, and have to say St. Nicks is one of my favorite things there, and not because its the only real night spot around. The atmosphere is more chill than any other jazz club i've been to -- no cover, no pretense, just great music and strong drinks...

01/09/03

Best True Jazz

by ricardof

This place is great. If you are looking for jazz, blues in a great environment there is no better place. The musicians are amazing. Hope you enjoy it.