Let’s get this out of the way: Red Rooster does not make the best fried chicken we’ve ever tasted. It may be the most famous dish on the menu, but it’s also a little dry, and way less exciting than the shrimp and grits, and even the room itself. The 2010s-era Marcus Samuelsson Harlem institution feels very much alive, thanks in large part to the regular schedule of live jazz, soul, funk, and R&B music. The art collection of portraits of vital Black cultural figures adds to the vibe. Couples, families, and friends of all ages tap their feet and clink their glasses, having the kind of nice time that makes Tuesdays feel like Fridays. Boost your night with a well-made cocktail—we like the Lenox Bramble, a not-too-sweet gin drink with lemongrass, pineapple, and herbs—and some hearty mac and greens to absorb it. Even if you’re not hungry, it’s worth dropping by just to order a round at the bar with a pal after work and catch the evening’s act.