Harlem is home to Nectar, a wonderfully sublime and sexy wine bar tucked away into the edifice of a new apartment building on Frederick Douglas Boulevard  at the corner of 121st Street. By day it is a clean and open, almost reminiscent of gallery space, clearly visible from the street. But after sunset it takes on the austerity of speakeasy, with its’ tiny foyer which is shades its entrance from the beauty behind it.  Two steps in, your eyes will take notice of the dark stone concrete floor beneath your feet before traveling upward, drawn to the white light emanating from the rectangular bar and held suspended slightly above it by its muted gray walls. Unwillingly you continue to delight in the aesthetics, white barstools, chairs and tables, dramatic, sweeping white sailcloth panels that grace both wall and ceiling along with few ebony wood baffles suspended from the ceiling. Quickly you might even think you’re in a cozy, swank sound studio. Not a wine bar. And not a wine bar in Harlem. It’s only after you see the back wall rack of wines, which are visible from the street, do you remember why you’re there. Your pupils should be fully dilated now and you’re glad you’ve come before sitting down and before indulging in your first pour.

Conveniently located a few short blocks from 125th Street and open Monday through Sunday from 4pm to 1am, Nectar is the child of proprietors Jai Jai Greenfield and Eric Woods who also own Harlem Vintage, the wine shop next door that preceded Nectar’s existence as a growing Harlem staple. The bartenders’ knowledge is up to speed with the establishment’s broad and eclectic offering of wines and beer. Neither shy nor standoffish, the staff is willing and able to aid you in your selections. Conventional is another word you can scratch off their list. I’m no neophyte to this place, but during a recent visit on a chilly fall evening, the manager introduced me to my first ever, beer cocktail, a concoction of Lineman’s Lambic Frambroise (this writer’s current favorite Belgian beer), pineapple juice and champagne.

And the food? Nectar has a little bit for everyone keeping focus on what is poured and not cooked. The food menu is arranged in four easy categories and is considerate of Vegans: artisanal cheeses, charcuterie (salted and cured, economical meats), nibbles such as olives, dates, duck and pistachio pate, and paninis for those in need of a little more than a pairing for the palette with their wine or beer of choice.

Here’s where existing side by side with your older brother is a plus. If, while patronizing Nectar, you come across something new or a favorite you must take home for further enjoyment, you’ll only have to go as far as next door to Harlem Vintage to buy a bottle or a case of it.

Pricing ranges from reasonable to respectable and is still considerably lower than most establishments south of Harlem.  With an ambiance that oozes smooth and cool you’ll never have to out talk the music playing overhead while imbibing with friends or the one you love. Although when it’s crowded you may have to speak to be heard over everyone else speaking as it can get lively when the house is full on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Most impressive is the diversity of the patrons. Whether you’re a neighborhood regular, hail from the outer boroughs or greater New York are, or are simply a tourist passing through, all are welcome here. Don’t be surprised if you get drawn into a great conversation with strangers at the bar and find yourself not wanting to leave.

The nectar of Harlem just happens to flow from a place called Nectar. It’s Harlem’s wine bar destination.

Nectar Wine Bar
2235 8th Ave
New York, NY 10027-6175
(212) 961-9622
www.nectarwinenyc.com

Growing up in a small town in Ohio with only 4,000 people, if you had told me that each subsequent move I made (except one) would be to a bigger city than the prior one, I wouldn’t have believed it.  I subsequently moved to 1) Columbus, Ohio, 2) Chicago, Illinois, 3) Mexico City (yes, the one in Mexico) and then 4) Hoboken, New Jersey.  Hoboken, to me, is a wonderful combination – we are right next door to one of the greatest cities in the world and yet the pace of life is a bit slower than Manhattan and although there is a thriving night-life Hoboken is also very family-friendly.  Driving up the West Side Highway in New York, you can look across the river to Hoboken. If you haven’t popped over for a visit, armed with your Google map, you should!  There are many summer activities put on by the city that you can enjoy.  I took my kids on a big circuit of the Hoboken river-front in our double stroller and you and your family can either do the entire circuit or stop anywhere along the way.

Getting there:  The easiest way to get to Hoboken is to take the  PATH train, but the most scenic way is to take the NY Waterway ferry.  Both the PATH train and the ferry will bring you into Hoboken Terminal.

First stop:  Pier A  Pier A is a park that juts out into the Hudson River and is adjacent to the Hoboken Terminal.  Having both a shady section and a sunny section, there are ample opportunities for sunbathing, picnicking or sports.  A shaded gazebo at the water’s edge is a terrific place to watch boats go by.  On a recent visit, we were surprised to see a class from the Parsons School gathered around the gazebo painting the spectacular views up and down the Hudson River.  There is also a fountain where children can cool off on a hot day.

Next stop:  Stevens Park  Walk north along the water until the walkway ends.  You’ll see on your right the new Pier C park that is under construction.  Take a left and walk one block.  On the hill on the right-hand side above the ball field, is Stevens Park.  It’s a small neighborhood park but complete with slide, swings and a small fountain.

Next stop:  Elysian Park and/or Maxwell Park Hudson Street runs along the eastern edge of Stevens Park.  Walk north on Hudson Street and you’ll come to Elysian Park just north of 10^th Street.  Elysian Park is a nice spot if you’re looking for shade.  If you keep walking on Hudson Street, cross over Sinatra Drive and angle off to the right, you’ll find Maxwell Park which is a nice, sunny gated park right on the water’s edge.  Both parks have grassy areas for picnicking.

There are several nice spots to eat close to the water along this circuit:

The Melting Pot – a fondue restaurant on Sinatra Drive (along the water) adjacent to Pier A.  The restaurant is somewhat upscale, but there are more casual tables outside.

Trinity – a restaurant on Sinatra Drive a couple of blocks north of the Melting Pot.  Again, it’s an upscale restaurant but there are outside tables.

The Crepe Grill – a casual cafe on the water adjacent to Stevens Park and the new Pier C.

Walking southbound on Hudson Street from either Stevens Park or Elysian Park will bring you back to the Hoboken Terminal.  If you’re still in the mood for some exploring, you can walk back on Washington Street and enjoy the shops, restaurants, bars and cafes along our main street.