Comments on: First Look: OH in Harlem

By: bradhurst living

bradhurst living — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:50:48 +0000

Glad to hear that the first two floors will be pubic – we’re dying for an affordable sitdown option in this area. Maroon’s seems like a lost cause – my last peek through the doors showed that they haven’t done any construction on the place since the spring – still a good bit of work to be done if it ever opens. Believe I heard on this site or other that Maroon’s was having financing problems also with this outpost but they haven’t put a ‘for lease’ sign in the window so hoping Maroon’s can get it together.

Per OH – service will be key. BR was overpriced and we had terrible service on 2 occasions so we never went back. Have a restaurant with reasonable prices, decent service and good food, you’ll get a regular client base up here. Can’t hurt to deliver too for winter months. Thanks guys for giving us the info on the place and dispelling the members-only rumor.

By: D. Bell

D. Bell — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:59:17 +0000

Not sure which concert space you are speaking of Emile. I know that Harlem Stage is a beautiful new space that offers great programs in the neighborhood and the Apollo has been offering great programs as of late. In addition, the space way uptown in Washington Heights has concerts as well. As for the space, I wrote about the feel and energy of the space which must not have translated through the pictures. You are right that the rehab wasn’t extensive yet the use of the space is more open than it was in BR. It always felt really tight in there whereas now the flow is better. Again, each room has it’s own personality, so the dining room is understated while the sitting room is bright and eclectic. I would advise others to see it for themselves. BTW, the prices and menu are more in line with what is suitable for the area. My hope is that folks will try them out at least once before making a judgment since we don’t have any other sit down places in the Hamilton Heights/Sugar Hill area. Thanks for commenting.

By: emile

emile — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:06:34 +0000

I actually considered eating at Baton Rouge when it first opened but the prices were ridiculously out of line with the kind of food they were serving. If I remember correctly the cheapest appetizer was like $14. Cajun fine dining? On 145th st?

I’m glad to see somebody did something with the space but…. a semi-private club with $1000 membership fees?

Looks like a super low budget rehab too. Cheap repro furniture and sorry, but absolutely hideous paint colors. A red pleather couch in front of fuschia walls??!! They had a lovely brownstone to work with why wouldn’t they make the space warm and inviting? This looks like a sleazy Russian massage parlor.

Now if someone would open a concert venue in that theater space behind Hamilton Palace (they changed the name recently I think) we’d be all set. Oh yeah, and decent coffee (sorry but cafe bonjour blows), some Indian or middle eastern food, some thai food, decent Italian, decent anything really.

By: Joy

Joy — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:47:03 +0000

Thanks for the post! Btw, what is going on with Maroon’s–is it going to open? If not, is something else going in it’s place?

By: D. Bell

D. Bell — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:24:24 +0000

Exactly, Gwin! It wasn’t inviting and seemed private. It was very easy to pass it by without noticing it because the block is entirely residential. To top it off they were closed for private events or closed the early part of the week anyhow. The only downside is that it is a narrow passage where you have to wait if a group is coming in before you can exit. While it might create some backlog at the door but can also be a way of controlling the traffic flow and people will be inside out of the cold.

And, I agree…it is pretty dire up that way for nightlife. St. Nicks is pretty much it in the area, since Maroon’s still hasn’t opened.

By: Gwin

Gwin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:07:44 +0000

I was always daunted by the entrance of Baton Rouge (could I go in? is it private?) so I appreciate these clarifications on Oh.

While I’m too “house-poor” at the moment for a membership, it’s nice to know there is another bar option in the neighborhood!

By: D. Bell

D. Bell — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:09:47 +0000

Illoq: Yeah, I thought the same thing. Everyone there kept asking for clarification on this issue.

By: illoquentgent

illoquentgent — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:02:39 +0000

I’m glad you guys cleared that up. The way the description of the place was presented it looked like the entire establishment was a private spot for members-only. Like Harlem132 I thought it sounded a bit too exclusive. But if it’s just one floor with the VIP section then there’s really no problem. That just follows the paradigm of most lounges and clubs in the city. Thanks for representing D!

By: D. Bell

D. Bell — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:45:50 +0000

Harlem 132: I understand your concerns and I had the same concerns when I first heard about this place. That is why I had to check it out for myself. Keep in mind, the first two levels are open for the public. Only the top floor is VIP. All clubs and many restaurants (especially downtown) have VIP sections. If we talk about exclusion we could turn our attention to Ivy League schools and their cliques, sororities and fraternities (of which I am a member), and even the red velvet rope in many clubs in the city. In all of these cases, the institution meets the needs of its members. From speaking to the representatives at OH, they have some of Harlem’s top names and tastemakers interested in investing in this model. There are people still making good money or who have managed their money well enough to invest in this business as a VIP. It is a matter of lifestyle. This lifestyle isn’t suited to everyone, therefore they wouldn’t look to join as a member. However, they would still be welcome to come dine on the first two levels. I doubt most people would even be aware that there was a VIP level if it were not being marketed.

By: D. Bell

D. Bell — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:30:58 +0000

Yeah, I was rushing back but you know what a hassle it is to travel across town. Great event over at EHC. Will try to get that post up today.