Sugar Monk: Harlem’s Speakeasy-Style Cocktail Lounge
Sugar Monk is a candlelit, speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge just around the corner from the Apollo Theater, channeling the spirit of Harlem Renaissance-era drinking dens. The drinks are ambitious and often foraged — wild plants, roots, and flowers work their way into a menu built around house-made Amari, bitters, and infusions.
Named one of the world’s best intimate bars, it’s an intentionally slow, atmospheric room where reservations are strongly encouraged for the dining room, bar, and patio. Small plates and desserts round out the experience alongside curated wines and top-shelf spirits.
What to Expect
Sugar Monk does not offer a happy hour — it’s a craft-forward lounge where each cocktail is a labor-intensive centerpiece. The standing weekly draw is live jazz every Tuesday, with a suggested $10 donation going directly to the performing trio.
The Room
A dim, art-filled, intimate space — dining room, bar, and a patio — dressed with Harlem Renaissance romance and candlelight. It rewards lingering and conversation; reservations are strongly encouraged since seating is limited and often full.
Who Sugar Monk Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Date night | A candlelit, intimate room and ambitious cocktails make it a standout for two. |
| Tuesday jazz | Live jazz every Tuesday (suggested $10 to the musicians) is the signature weekly event. |
| Cocktail obsessives | House Amari, foraged ingredients, and a Brooklyn micro-distillery draw serious drinkers. |
| Special occasion | An award-winning, reservations-first lounge suits a celebration over a quick round. |
More NYC Happy Hours
Sylvia’s · Harlem
Sylvia’s has been the beating heart of Harlem soul food since Sylvia Woods opened the doors in 1962, and it still draws locals…
Vinateria · Harlem
Vinateria is a warm, women-led and Black-owned restaurant and wine bar on Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Central Harlem, serving a…
The Fox Harlem · Harlem
A corner sports bar with $6 mozzarella sticks, $7 wine and $10 cocktails until 7pm, Monday to Friday.
Sugar Monk FAQ
Does Sugar Monk have a happy hour?
No. Sugar Monk is a destination craft cocktail lounge with no happy hour; drinks are made to order and priced accordingly.
Do I need a reservation at Sugar Monk?
Reservations are strongly encouraged for the dining room, bar, and patio; the space is small and fills up, especially on jazz nights.
When is live jazz at Sugar Monk?
Every Tuesday, featuring a live trio, with a suggested $10 donation that goes directly to the musicians.
What are Sugar Monk’s hours?
Monday and Tuesday 5pm-midnight, Wednesday and Thursday 5pm-1am, Friday 5pm-1:30am, Saturday 1pm-1:30am, and Sunday 1pm-midnight.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Sugar Monk before visiting for a specific deal.