Photos of the previous restaurants
First it was Sugar Hill Bistro. Then it became Baton Rouge. Now it is simply known as OH. Some of you may remember the Sugar Shack on 8th Avenue and 139th. Sugar Shack, owned by O’Dell Holland, was one of the first places to cater to the “new” Harlem crowd that is now in full effect on the southern end of 8th Avenue. Some might even say that Holland was a pioneer of sorts. Yet, the closing of the Sugar Shack didn’t squelch Holland’s entrepreneurial spirit. In a decidedly unique model for Harlem, Holland decided to open his latest business venture as a private club.
OH will be a place where business owners, professionals and VIPs can host and attend events that promote urban commerce and progression. A number of eateries in Harlem are turning to this model of doing business in the face of an ever tightening economy. As a matter of fact, prior to closing its doors for good Baton Rouge hosted quite a few private parties. There is no doubt that the venue is suited for such purposes and with the holidays upon us the space should be booked well into the new year.
The menu will consist of items that include champagne sauteed shrimp, southern fried chicken marinated in buttermilk, and macaroni and cheese made with mozzarella, parmesan and asiago. In addition, head chef Emilio Drake will offer bite-size, tapas style food options.
The location is on a residential block along 145th Street near Convent Avenue. The beautifully restored townhouse features staircases, pulley toilets, and an intimate outdoor garden. VIPs and preferred customers will be offered membership to OH’s Clubhouse, where they can enjoy a private bar and wait staff, high-tech entertainment and video equipment, a cigar terrace, and other members only benefits.
I used to frequent Sugar Shack on occasion, mostly in the early days. While they struggled to maintain their identity in an area that hadn’t yet reach its full potential, the venue did offer a nice neighborhood experience with cute cocktails and an Asian-fusion influenced menu. I would imagine that now that Harlem has grown and Holland has his prior experiences to pull from, OH should hopefully offer the high-end experience that many new residents have been complaining of not being able to find in Harlem.
OH will make its debut this Thursday, November 20 at 7 p.m.
OH
458 West 145th St.
Harlem
Update:First look at OH
Neighbor of these bozos!
December 3, 2008
I think it is sad the these people are so out of touch with what the neighborhood is in need of. We need a decent restaurant that can cater to everyone who lives here. Sezz Medi is a good example of this. Good food/decent portions at reasonable prices with great, friendly service. Not some wanna be club, founded and based on “exclusion”that requires you to pay extra “membership fees” for special “service”.
I don’t believe this is going to make it, not in this economy. I guess I will have to continue to go downtown till these morons figure it and maybe do better research when coming up with a business model.
D. Bell
November 21, 2008
JMR, I think so too…the crowd he was serving at SS right before they closed was very much different from the crowd he catered to when the SS opened. I was shocked and pretty much turned off the last time I went to SS.
graystar
November 21, 2008
I’m one of the new bartenders at oh. It’s a great idea, and there’s even greater people that will make this a place like no other in Harlem. Hopefully there’s nothing but success for all of us involved.
JMR
November 21, 2008
I think he is making it exclusive because of the crowd that started gathering at the Sugar Shack before it closed. I wonder how much the membership will be?
D
November 20, 2008
This sounds pretentious and doomed to fail. Sorry!
D. Bell
November 20, 2008
From what I understand, and I could be wrong, it seems that they are using the model that many catering halls use. For example, Sylvia’s Too (or is it Sylvia’s Also), Terrace in the Sky (to some extent), and Windows over Harlem are available for rent to private parties and that is the bulk of their business. As was stated by the previous owners of Baton Rouge, eat-in customers has slowed considerably and I think restaurants are attempting to adopt different methods in order to remain sustainable. If it will successful, we don’t know.
Harlem132nd
November 20, 2008
Does a business model founded and based on “exclusion” make sense in these times & going forward? A successful business fills a void, is a “solution”. Not having a business of this sort in Harlem has not be a “problem”, has it? How long did Emperor’s Roe the Harlem Caviar Bar last? 8 months? This, an “exclusive private club” on 145th Street should be a smashing success in short order no doubt, especially in these times of prosperity, growth, & expansion of the economy. My wife and I only earn a bit over $300K combined, we’ll be living frugally going forward thank you.
AroundHarlem.com
November 20, 2008
Opps. It’s after midnight.
Grand opening is tonight.
AroundHarlem.com
November 20, 2008
The grand opening celebration is tomorrow night from 7:00 – 10:00 pm.
Free food & drink.
D. Bell
November 19, 2008
We’ll be getting that information tomorrow and let you know.
Runway Diva
November 19, 2008
How muh will a membership cost? How do you join? Will there be some sort of launching event on the 20th ?