My first impression... I was impressed! Was really loving the decor which was elegant industrial with exposed brick, great lighting and contemporary furnishings. My friend and I sat at a bar side table and the service was prompt and friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed the 90s R&B which was played a little louder than background level but not too loud for normal conversation... a blessing considering the other venues in the area.
There was a huge range of choices on both the food and drink menus. My friend had a mango mojito and I had the specialty drink made from bourbon, oj n hot sauce... delish! Since it was a little late to have dinner we had the crab cake starter which was just ok... no fireworks.
One of the managers came by to find out how we were doing and told us of some upcoming events. Will definitely be back to partake in some of tasty looking menu items (including the fresh sushi!) and hopefully, some great entertainment.
I went to 9A for the first time this evening for appetizer and drinks with my family, everything was ok. We then came back for dessert. Â All hell broke loose. We ordered the apple pie and fried oreos. Â the fried oreos were great, but the apple pie would've put you in a diabetic coma, way too sweet!!!!! Â It also took our drinks too long to come, and two of the cocktail glasses were chipped. Â The drinks cost way too much for the amount you get and the expediency of service. Â My husband had to send his drink back because his mojito did not taste like a mojito. Â The font on the menu is tiny, you need a flashlight and a magnifying glass to see the words. A suggestion would be, redo the menus and make sure people taste the food before you put it ON the menu, and have drinks served in a timely fashion and reduce the price,
Review Source:This dining establishment is a diamond in the ruff... The decor, ambiance, service, and food makes for an exceptional dining experience. Who would have guessed, 5 star food on 133rd and 12th ave in Harlem. Â I was pleasantly surprised. The food was absolutely wonderful. I had a sea urchin and quail egg sake shooter... Oh so fabulous. The staff was very attentive and warm. The manager introduced himself and I also had the pleasure of meeting the chef Jamal, who took time out to come to my table. Â I will be back soon.
Review Source:9A is a great option for a night out uptown. It has a high-end sports bar feel, with lots of flat screen TVs, and classy decor. I've come for drinks and for food. My server, Robert, was extremely friendly and attentive! We had some great conversations...I'll definitely look for him the next time I come in for food.
I had the tostones appetizers, which were tasty... very heavy, like nachos except with plantains. A good snack but not for if you're watching your figure! I just had a patron & pineapple juice, which was $7.50 during their half off happy hour.
Looking forward to bringing some of my friends from my graduate program at Columbia to 9A!
I'm giving this place 3 stars. Â The place is nice. The music is good. Specialty drinks
are good and strong. Â Food is why I gave this place 3 stars. We ordered a number of different small plates and apps and I really only liked 4. The sweet potato fries, garlic spinach, reg fresh fries and the sushi, all really good. The chicken sliders, hot wings (not spicy enough). Â Management was very accommodating with replacing the wings. Â I can't name the rest but this is just the beginning for them and I like the staff so I will be back. I'm sure things will be better when I return.
I'm very pleased and happy with the opening of 9a. The décor is great, I love the huge painting of the view under the 9a highway. The raw décor which was transformed out of a beer distributor is fresh. The staff was enthusiastic and friendly. Food was really good especially the sushi which was the best tasting I've ever had. The place can become congested quickly but I feel it will be worth the inconvenience. I'm a big fan and plan on being a regular here.
Review Source:This place just opened a week ago or so, we stopped by on our way back from Dino BBQ. The outside decor fooled us into thinking this place would be better than it was.
We discovered that it's a fairly cheesy club scene with way too many TVs and high priced drinks. They said their kitchen will open soon. It's a large place with many different rooms, vinyl couches, high ceiling, and unneccessary colored lighting which made me feel like I was at an adult Chucky Cheese.
I couldn't give it 1 star though because the staff was very nice. I think they believe they're going to cater to the Columbia crowd...but I'm doubtful that will work out for them.