Exotic. Eclectic. Exciting. These are just a few of the words I would use to describe the newest restaurant and lounge to hit the scene in Harlem. Friday night was the soft opening of Mojo and since I have been anxiously awaiting its opening, I made it point to be there. Justin and a few of his friends from the Harlem Supper Club also came out to get a feel for the new kid on the block.
Located just steps from both Moca and Billie’s Black, Mojo has a whole different vibe from the other new places in Harlem. It is a balance of sexy and relaxed. A couple of us commented that it felt more like the type of spot you might encounter in Fort Greene, Brooklyn rather than Harlem. If this is what the new Harlem is bring with it then I am on board.
Mojo retains some of the local flavor while infusing an extra boost of –well mojo. Sleek, stylish, and seductive the decor is a mix of tables, benches, sofas and lounge chairs. A huge chandelier hangs over the bar and mirrors frame the colorful walls. A wall of windows is decorated with paisley curlicue designs and shrouded in rich purple satiny curtains.
I spoke with the owner, Moun (pronounced: Moon), briefly about his plans for Mojo. He plans to serve dinner from a Mediterranean-fusion menu during the evenings. At 11 PM the kitchen will close and the space will transform into a lounge. All of this is down the line, as all of the permits are still not in place. The liquor license is in place and drinks will run you $11-12 for cocktails and wine.
I think Mojo has a real shot of making it in this tough economy. For one thing they offer a unique experience that is not currently being replicated at the other new-ish lounges in the area. The cuisine is also one that is not currently being offered in Harlem. And while the location is off the beaten path, it is no so far off that customers will need to go out of their way to get there.
Out of all the new places that have opened in Harlem, Mojo is currently at the top of my list of favorites. Moun expects that everything should be up and running by Valentine’s Day, so start making plans now. Harlem has gotten its mojo back!
MOJO
119th and St. Nicholas Avenue
Harlem, NY
www.mojo-harlem.com (coming soon)
Photos by D. Bell
Justin
January 15, 2009
yeah could fit that many.. i didn’t notice the occupancy sign or anything, but that seems about right.
Theezy
January 14, 2009
As a Harlem native, I’m loving all the new spots that are opening. D. Bell – could you guesstimate the capacity of Mojo? Is there a lower level? I’m looking to have a birthday get together and want to keep it uptown and do it in a new space.
D. Bell
January 14, 2009
Theezy, contact the email link on the website. They aren’t officially open yet but I believe they may be taking reservations for private events. There is no second level so what you saw was it but it is an odd shaped space so there are little pockets where groups gathered. I would guess (and Justin can correct me if I’m wrong) over 100 people can comfortably party and they can also reconfigure the furniture pretty easily.
Justin
January 10, 2009
I absolutely have to second that this spot is NICE. I may be biased that it’s one block from my apartment, but it really does have something to offer the other Harlem spots (old and new) have not quite gotten down. I am fan of Nectar, but not being a big wine drinker, it’s nice to have a place like this in the neighborhood to just chill with friends in a nice/comfortable environment and without crazy prices (come on we’re in a recession!). Mojo definitely has some Mojo!
Everyone please support your local/neighborhood businesses through these tough times!!! Save that cab fare and try some ‘uptown flavor’ LOL.