New Harlem Besame Latino Soul Lounge

The drinks were well made and the staff was very friendly. I ordered the jerk chicken. It was ok. Nothing to really rave about. The food was not hot either. I arrived at 6 when they opened so I would have assumed the food would be freshest.

Oh my Lord! A true gem hidden in Harlem. A must see and must stop by when in Harlem. Awesome atmosphere, great service, excellent food! If I may recommend, the Oxtail dish. pure heaven on a plate! My sincere compliments to the chef as this dish brought me back to my grandma’ kitchen. New Harlem Besame, I will definitely be back for more!

Great little soul and latin fusion restaurant in Harlem. I had the salmon which was delicious. When I go to restaurants, it’s not just about the food but the service also and that was impeccable. The owner was super sweet and accommodating as well as the waitresses. When you do visit this little treasure, please don’t leave without trying the tres leches. It was sooo good!!! Like mouth savoring good.

I actually had a chance to come here last year cause i was recommended by a co-​worker. It was on a pretty decent night where it wasn’t fully crowded and we ate outside cause the weather was great that evening. I remember I had the famous Guava ribs with black beans and rice… which was Excellent to be honest with you.
The ambiance was a mixed bag. That evening that me and my date went it was pretty casual, formal, and intimate and the music was old school R&B mix which i was all on board with. The Reason why i’m giving this place a 3 out of five was cause of two things: 1) It took a while for the food to come; now while i can understand there were people on the inside and some people on the outside and only a few waiters taking orders it took a while for someone to come to us and it took a bit longer for the food to come but to some extent it was worth it cause the food was great.
2) A bit pricey, Now while in its defense cause this restaurant is going to if not already gain popularity cause of the food, and the theme as well and while the food was amazing… if you look at the menu and the prices behind the food and drinks it will cost you a bit when you get the check. Now in comparison to places downtown this is not bad but from outside looking in its a little pricey.
With good food, and even better atmosphere it doesn’t offset the semi-​long wait time and the pricey menu that comes at the expense. Harlem Besame is a good place to go to and I don’t mind coming here again on better circumstances.

An establishment that charges 8.00 to get in is not good. They lack the business savy to relize that the cover charge makes people not be willing to spend money on drinks. It’s like if I dont get anything from you its ok because I got mine first. It is very small and they’re people who get up and dance. D. J Reggie Well and Boogie Black were there. It’s not a place that I would go to again. It was my birthday and on my way home from dinner I met a few friends who live in Harlem. and because I didn’t have reservations I paid 8 $ to get in. This is their hangout. Harlem people are loyal to the businesses in their communities. I respect this about them. But not my type of place.
The food portions are too small and the caned black beans as well as the rice needs to be reconsidered. Anyone can put rice in side of something and make it any particular shape. I promise I can cook a better pot of rice and beans. The ink stamp when you pay takes me back to the 80s. Who does that! This is what cheapens the establishment as well. Why charge a cover charge. Just being tacky. Also they had a raffle for two dollars. Another cheap unclassy thing. Iyou cant afford the Harlem rent? It shows poverty and lack
The one star is because the bathroom was clean.

I came here for my sisters 53^rd birthday party, so it was an older crowd event. The energy was fun and the place was packed. Paid to get in and also paid for my meal. They only had two waitresses from what I saw so service was here and there. I had gotten the garlic chicken with rice and beans, it was pretty good a little on the salty side. Would’ve been better if it came with a side salad or some type of greens to complete the meal. The music was nice and loud but really no space for a dance floor with all the tables. My sister seemed to have enjoyed herself but I most likely wouldn’t come back.

After my previous experience on January 16^th and a recent e-​mail from the owner I decided to give this restaurant another shot. Here’s what happened…
On March 13^th, around 1:30pm my 4 year old was ready to eat, and so was the misses. Instead of grabbing something quick, I suggested we go to a restaurant. It was a nice day out, so why not. She suggested another restaurant in Harlem, but I suggested that we try New Harlem Besame after I received a nice e-​mail from the owner regarding our last visit. She agreed to go, and I said I’ll call ahead of time to make sure we don’t experience the same problem we experienced before.
At 2:35 pm I contact the restaurant and a young lady answers the phone. I ask if there was any event going on, she replied NO. I asked do I need a reservation for 3 or can we just come in and get a table. She said NO NEED for a reservation, just come and we’ll GET a table. Sounds great to me, so we all jumped in the car and headed over to the restaurant.
As I arrived, there was no parking on the avenue, so I let my daughter and the misses out, while I go look for parking. A few minutes later my cell rings and I see her name on the display. First thing I thought was NOT AGAIN. I answer and she informs me that we can’t be seated that there is a function going on and that we needed a reservation. I could feel my blood boiling as I knew I had just called and asked this very question and was ensured that we would be accommodated.
I drove back to the restaurant to pick my family up and now everyone is upset. A woman who identified herself as a partner in this establishment tried to defuse the issue, but at this point it was really too late. I informed her this had happened before where we made a reservation for 13 and was told we couldn’t be accommodated once we arrived to the restaurant. Which set our plans back several hours and that its a shame that I just heard from the owner 5 days ago and once again my plans are being pushed back because of the poor customer service or lack of effort by the staff. She did take my contact information, and informed that she would speak to the owner regarding this experience.
My tip to anyone that plans to visit this restaurant, if you think you have a reservation or if you spoke to someone over the phone. Make sure you have a back up plan. Make a reservation somewhere else, JUST IN CASE. Luckily, it was only three of us this time and we were able to be accommodated quickly by another local restaurant.

i thought the mango margaritas where delicious! and i also go the oxtail was yummy as well, BUTTTTT the portion was very small and for the price i expected more in harlem. Latinos tend to be big on food and portions. Even though i enjoyed the meal I’m not exactly trying go back anytime soon.
Mood:Blah

I hosted a surprise party here with about 25. The staff went out of there way to help us with the surprise. They cut up the cake no problem and brought the food out not long after we ordered.
The guava ribs are so delicious, the jerk chicken and tilapia taste very good too. The drinks were well made and the dj was awesome. If your looking for a place to host a dinner in Harlem, look no further.

Could be better, the music was too loud. I had the tangerine Salomon not bad but the rice could use a do over

OMG! Hands down one of the best restaurants I have been to in a long time. Celebrated my 50^th Birthday on Sat, Feb 13^th with a few friends and family and everyone had an amazing time. Such a warm and inviting atmosphere; I felt like a frequent flier although it was my first time there. Everyone was so accommodating especially Ms. Wisdom and our «Exceptional» server Ingrid. Thanks for catering to the Diva crew. Everyone was pleasantly surprised. The appetizers were delicious, the coconut shrimp, ribs, and chicken wings were so good some people ordered them as entrées. Overall the food was delicious… and the drinks were good too! Will definitely be coming back! Much love to the New Harlem Besame Family! Beverly Sumpter, Severn, Maryland.

It pains me to write this review because it’s very rare for me to write a review, let alone a bad review and I enjoy visiting local establishments.
This past Saturday, I had a reservation for 13 at 9pm for this restaurant. I made the reservation Wednesday night via the restaurants website and had an e-​mail confirmation.
My group and I arrive at 8:35 and we’re told that the restaurant is at it’s capacity and they’re not sure if they will be able to accommodate us. I tell the doorman/​security that I have a reservation and he instructs the owner to come outside and tells him the issue. The owner asks how did we make the reservation and I told him via his website. He asked if I’m sure I’m at the correct restaurant because his website doesn’t allow people to make a reservation.
WHAT!!! First of all who makes a reservation and goes to the wrong restaurant? I show him my confirmation e-​mail, while my girlfriend pulls up his website from her phone to show that you CAN make a reservation online.
The owner proceeds to say well come back at 9pm and I’ll see if I could get you a table. At this time it is 8:41pm, and he wanted us to stand outside in the cold for 19 minutes without a guarantee we could be seated.
Long story short, I have never witnessed anything like this. What owner doesn’t know how their website works? What type of owner turns away a group with a confirmed reservation. Lastly, they locked the door from the inside even though security was outside. If the restaurant is at capacity wouldn’t that be a fire hazard to lock the main door?
Luckily, I am a native of Harlem and suggested another restaurant in walking distance.
On the positive side the tall older security gentleman, was sympathetic to our issue. He hoped that we would try the restaurant on another day and suggested that I return as his guest another night. Unfortunately, this set our dinner plans back a couple of hours and put a damper on our night. Hands down the worst customer service I’ve ever experienced from an establishment.

Vibe is all the way on point a place where you can come and be yourself even if being yourself is laid back some how it seems to accommodate all at the same time… My girl loved it, food was great and you know how you get to dancing cuh you happy bout food? She was able to do that while the music amplified that… I had the veggie platter
Yellow rice with squash, carrots, broccoli, peppers, with black beans on the side. Yea you already know vegan style… The drinks were just as good too, the bartenders know how to mix and balance a drink very well… Harlem Besame we will return… Oh yeah big shoutout to our waitress Toya who keep us feeling welcomed…

Accidentally came up on Harlem Besame while looking for an early dinner option in the area. Very friendly staff and delicious appetizers … entrees were ok. We had coconut shrimp and the guava glazed ribs. The shrimp were perfectly prepared, great flavors, and loved the smashed bananas on the bottom though I think the crushed tortilla chips were a bit too much and unnecessary (I’d say if I wanted to add some color, I’d put some mango salsa or something. but that’s just me). The ribs were simply melting off the bone! My dinner partner did comment that a bit more sauce and a tad less grease would be an improvement. The entrees were just ok — we had the oxtails that really needed some more time in the pot so they could get a little more tender and not so chewy and the shrimp and chicken — just wasn’t feeling it though my partner enjoyed. I must say that I’d come back here if in the area …

KUDOOS to BESAME restaurant for accommodating 17 of us last night for dinner and drinks. First, the restaurant’s ambiance is soulful. Next, the waitresses were very attentive, friendly and professional. Next our appetizers main course and drinks were very tasty, well prepared and superbly delicious. Everyone enjoyed their food from the ribs, salmon, beef, oxtails, BESAME Salad, chicken etc. We were very satisfied and I suggest that those who haven’t visited this spot yet, make plans to visit it and enjoy a tasty wonderful meal. I want to thank co-​owner Jose for accommodating us and staff treating us like gold.
My apologies for identifying the co-​owner as Jose when his name is OSEI… In any aspect, I liked him and wish him continued success in his restaurant…

The food is pricey but good. Live music on Monday… good music so that’s awesome. Had the chicken, shrimp, rice and beans. Definitely would come here again… On a date… with my man… so he can pay.

Currently enjoying the Jazz and summer afternoon for my wife’s birthday… the guava ribs, jerk wings and nachos have delighted the group of 10 with us!
Next up… entrees!
Service is outstanding… hostesses are coming to table early and often!
Really great vibe!

Located in the heart of Harlem just around the corner from the Apollo Theater. Always greeted by friendly hosts. Seating choices include open air café seating, bar Lounge or bar, or the main dinning room. The ambience is Harlem chic with Afro-​centric and Latino accents of art and textiles. Lighting is soft and the tablecloths kick up the vibe a notch. Recently celebrated my birthday here with 25 guests and the service was phenomenally professional and a pleasure. I’m a pretty good cook myself and a tough critic. I must say that the food was presented nicely and the food was 2 snaps up delicious. I’ve been there on a few occasions and I can vouch for the spicy Jerk wings appetizer, Tilapia fish dish, Ox tail with rice, chicken and waffle, shrimp and grits. As for the drinks the sangria and mojitos are exceptional. They make decent tropical martinis too.
Last but not least the live entertainment is always a wonderful experience. I enjoy unwinding and hanging out with friends at this spot.

The food is awesome at this restaurant. I feel bad because the lady with the locs was very sweet. I ordered shrimps and it tasted disgusting.

I have to say, I was really happy to have spent my birthday here with a few friends and family.
It was June 29^th, Monday, it was 8 of us and Jose was the manager. A few members and I had noticed the menu online was different with the prices. I mentioned it and he took care of it. The waitress was very nice, she also did a great job. The food was great. Live music and they sang Happy Birthday me.
Monday night is more of an older crowd. But I did enjoy it. Thanks for the great service.

DONT BOTHER. The service was OKAY. The food is bad. The drinks were horrific. Don’t waste your time or money here please. I’m not going to talk about the music… SKIP!!! Never bringing anyone here ever again. Major disappointment
One of my waitresses was nice and she tried to salvage something she had no control over… the entire restaurant. I pray it gets better for them

Food was ok, just ok.
Service was sloowwwwww, very slow.
Ambience was cute. Outdoor seating. Background music. Good enough for a new spot. Will get better with time hopefully.

I have been dying to try this place since I saw that there was a new chic looking restaurant in this location…
I went here a few days ago and I was not at all disappointed… Firstly, I love the ambiance of this place… You want friendly wait staff? Want to sit outside and enjoy the sun while you eat? Too warm out and you want to be cool inside while you enjoy your meal? You want to hear low music in the background? You want a tasty and well seasoned meal? You want drinks that aren’t watered down?
This place has it all… I had the garlic chicken, which was very good… And the other ppl in my party had the oxtails, and the curry chicken… Let me just say that there were no leftovers… hahaha…
Try this place… I will definitely be back!

I went here tonight for my graduation and to be honest it’s not worth the money. Each plate of food is about $ 18-​$ 22. And the portion size is NOT filling at all. They literally give a cup of rice (a small cup). I am just leaving and am still hungry.
The waitress told us that the meals came with plantains and then later said they did not. Also WHERE are the vegetables? No vegetables at all.
It’s says it’s a Latin Soul restaurant, but there are no VEGETABLES! And everything is counted. They gave 7 – 8 plantains. Then when the bill comes back as $ 441.52 I really don’t think it’s worth it to leave still hungry.
I gave it three stars because the food was good… not great.

Great New Spot in Harlem. Great Location, food & drinks were delicious, live band was very good.
We went went a large group of 20 and our server Maoli, handled us with no problem, prompt service, friendly. No complaints about this place at all.
Management was very friendly and made everyone feel comfortable.
I checked with everyone in my group and they all felt the same. Completely Satisfied.
We will definitely be back soon.

Ambiance screams «local spot», which is great because there’s not many of these toward West Harlem. Laid back but not divey.
Management was very nice and hands-​on. Very nice.
Drinks were AWESOME and I will definitely be back for the Henny Coladas!
Jerk wings were not impressive and overpriced for the size. If offered during happy hour for half price, then I would order again.
Overall, great for drinks!

MANAGEMENT NEEDS TO SEE THIS. We love home-​grown restaurants with character, and really do not want to see this one spiral out of business. The first time we tried Besame was ~ 2 months ago. The menu is small, but I personally like small menus because restaurants can focus on these dishes and make them well. The curry goat was very well done. It had good portions of meat, was very filling, and full of flavor (even the carrots in the curry had absorbed goat flavor from the cooking process). The drinks were on point. Fresh and authentic (the myers zombie was literally the local rum punch I know and love).
I went back a month later and the myers zombie was a different color and a completely different drink. Assuming it was a fluke, I ordered the fireball chata, which ended up saving the night (it came in a goblet!)
Last night, I brought my friends to sample this fireball chata goblet. Not only did they tell me they don’t do goblets, but they were out of rumchata. I was hopeful and ordered a myers zombie and it was awful. Literally made of syrup. I told the bartender that the drink (as shown in the picture) is brown! She said maybe it was because the picture had used dark rum IF THIS IS MADE OF MYERS… HOW IS IT NOT A DARK RUM? WHAT IS IN THIS THING? This time I sent it back, there was no way I was going to put down another bad myers zombie. I ordered an original mojito instead thinking there was no way this can go wrong. AWFUL… made of syrup. My friend got a standard whiskey ginger after a terrible rum punch, and it was watered down and flat. I felt so guilty taking my friends there.
I can’t go back. I really wanted this restaurant to work out, but there’s no consistency, skill, or quality in drinks. Can’t say whether or not the food has changed, but I just can’t be disappointed again.

Okay so went here on the suggestion of a friend and their write up somewhere as one of the newest additions to Harlem.
So let’s start with the fact there is no one to meet you at the door and you kinda have wander to the main eating room. We were eventually sat by one of the owners we later found out. My girlfriend and I were pretty much ignored by staff and again was eventually attended to by the owner mentioned earlier.
The drinks were great and though the menu was extremely limited, and since we went after the first major NY snow storm a few things were unavailable. With that said the general presentation when tabled was great and the food overall was decent.
So I reserve my rights to circle back around after some time passes so I can revisit and see if they have addressed the staffing issue.

As a small business owner I am notorious for supporting new establishments in NYC!
More specifically Harlem–
My wife took me to Harlem Besame for my birthday and we were greeted by the owner, Osei Rubie. A well dressed brother who greeted us and sat down for a solid 15 minutes to introduce himself and learn about our backgrounds. Nice venue, with good food and service.
Fast forward to today, Osei and I are gearing up for our first event together on Feb 18^th at 6pm! We are looking forward to our business relationship and Harlem better get ready!

Based on the reviews, and for the sake of the father son owners, I’m hoping I went on an off night.
I arrived with one of my closest friends who was clearly pregnant, however, we were told the dining room did not open until 6 eventhough there were two parties seated. We were directed to an uncomfortable wobbly bar height table for two by the bar. No one came by to offer us a menu or water for at least 15 minutes. A larger group arrived and they were quickly accomodated and orders were taken. When we were finally noticed by the rude and clearly bothered barmate/​waitress, we ordered appetizers priced to match the quality… Nasty soggy jerk wings and lackluster guava ribs. The main courses were extremely overpriced for the quality and serving size. I had the shrimp and chicken which was two small breast dipped in flavorless gravy with three sorry shrimp atop. The rice was al dente and the black beans were tasteless. Where is the latino carribean fusion without the herbs and spices?
The busboy, (or a little spanish man dressed as one), brought out our food and made a half hearted attemp to wait on us in the absence of our waitress who only appeared again when the check was being paid!
The décor is interesting but the ambiance is non existent… just a bunch of loud locals with too much to drink. The highlight of the night was the drunk guy in the wheelchair!
I had high hopes but instead had a terrible experience. Step it up Besame. this is NYC

This restaurant is new to Harlem and definitely worth the visit. Seven of us dined here to celebrate a birthday and the service was excellent. Apps, drinks, and food arrived at reasonable times and we were surprised with desert from the owner! Red velvet cake was unlike any other I ever had, soft and moist. The guacamole with pomegranate seeds… Amazing! Guava ribs were mouth watering and tender. My sister inhaled her oxtails, amazed by how tender and flavorful it was. Bottom line, definitely a good time. Heading back tonight!