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Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour

3 (127)
New York, US
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Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour

3 (127)
New York, US
Share
Experience the vibrant energy of Harlem with a Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this musical neighborhood as you tour iconic jazz landmarks, such as the original Cotton Club, the Savoy Ballroom, and the Apollo Theater. Feel the rhythms of Harlem's jazz scene come alive as you enjoy a jam session at one of the hottest clubs in the area. Indulge your taste buds with mouthwatering soul food at Sylvia's, known as "The Queen of Soul Food." This tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into Harlem's diverse history, music, and cuisine, making it an unforgettable experience for any traveler. So, join us and let Harlem's soul captivate you.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 5 hours
  • Suitable for 1-10 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore Harlem's rich jazz history
  • Dine on mouthwatering soul food at Sylvia's
  • Experience a live jazz show at a famous venue
  • Discover the birthplace of bebop music
  • Mingle with locals at a lively jazz club
  • Knowledgeable and professional guide
  • Family-style Soul Food dinner
  • Two complimentary drinks at the club
  • Subway ticket and return by minivan
  • Cover charge for the Jazz club
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks (during dinner)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Welcome to the Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour! Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history of Harlem, the birthplace of jazz and bebop music. This unique tour offers an unforgettable experience that will take you back to the high-stepping nights of the 1920s, where jazz clubs were booming and soul food was sizzling.

What to expect?

During this 300-minute tour, you'll embark on a journey through Harlem's most iconic sites and landmarks, guided by a knowledgeable professional. Discover the site of the original Cotton Club, where legendary musicians like Duke Ellington and Lena Horne mesmerized the audience. Drive past the historic Savoy Ballroom, where the Charleston and Lindy Hop dances became legendary. Marvel at the renowned Apollo Theater, where jazz legends like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald rose to fame. And that's not all – you'll have the chance to visit one of Harlem's hottest clubs for a jam session that will transport you back to the golden age of jazz.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone with a love for music, history, and delicious food. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about Harlem's cultural heritage, this experience will leave you enthralled. It's a must-do for travelers looking to discover the soulful side of New York City and delve into the roots of American music.

Why book this?

What sets the Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour apart is its undeniable charm and authenticity. You'll not only explore the historical neighborhood but also indulge in a mouthwatering soul food dinner at Sylvia's, known as "The Queen of Soul Food." The rhythmic beats of jazz will keep you entertained throughout the evening, guaranteeing an immersive experience like no other. This private tour ensures an intimate setting where you can truly absorb the magic of Harlem's music, culture, and culinary delights.

Good to know

Prepare to be swept off your feet by the lively atmosphere and contagious energy of Harlem. Some useful tips for the tour: dress comfortably, wear your dancing shoes, and come hungry! The tour includes free drinks at the jazz club, making it even more delightful. Get ready for an evening of soulful music, delectable Southern cuisine, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour rave about its authenticity and captivating atmosphere. They praise the knowledgeable guides who brought Harlem's history to life, the incredible jazz performances, and the unforgettable soul food feast at Sylvia's. These reviewers highlight that this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the vibrant spirit of Harlem and explore its remarkable contributions to the world of music. Join this tour and discover why it is considered one of the most remarkable and soul-stirring experiences in New York City!

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Harlem

Come and relive the high-stepping, fun-loving nights of the 1920s! Join us for a great night out in Immortal Harlem. Tour the neighborhood with one of our professional city guides and learn about Harlem's role in the history of Jazz in addition to the roles of its most noted jazz musicians who gave New York its musical edge.

Cotton Club

See the site of the original Cotton Club, where Duke Ellington and Lena Horne spent hours wowing crowds from around the world. Drive past the site of the Savoy Ballroom where Benny Goodman and Chick Webb fought it out during their "Battle of the Bands," and where the Charleston, "Lindy Hop" and the "Big Apple" dances were firmly cemented into American culture.

Admission Included

Apollo Theater

(Pass by)

Pass by the world-famous Apollo Theater, where Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald won the popular "Amateur Night" and Minton's Playhouse, where bebop was born and where Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk started the tradition of musical jam sessions.

Harlem

Discover one of Harlem's hottest clubs, where jam sessions and musical collaborations go on into the wee hours of the morning. On Mondays, swing dance the night away to the beat of a terrific, twelve-piece band. Free dance lesson included! We pick up the tab for your first two drinks at the Jazz club. On Thursdays, experience the essence of Harlem and enjoy the convivial atmosphere as you mingle freely with the locals, while enjoying the sounds of a jazz or rythm & blues band. We also pick up the tab for your first two drinks at the Jazz club. Dinner* is at Sylvia's legendary restaurant - "The Queen of Soul Food" (Family style dining).

Admission Included

Reviews

(127)

3 (127)

MARKLI

This was $175 a PERSON ( $350 a couple) , and we were told that we would be taken by a bus from the meeting place on 8TH Avenue near 43RD street to Sylvia's at 126TH Street for dinner and be given a tour on the way by a knowledgeable tour director...from Sylvia's we were told that the bus would go to the Cotton Club...an historic site...this was in the beginning of December and traffic was heavy...we were supposed to be there by 7PM sharp....at 6:20 we were concerned that we might be delayed in holiday traffic and called them...we said it looked like we could be there at 7:15...they said they would not wait past 7...that is understandable...so we parked the car and ran the rest of the way arriving at just before 6:50...a little more than 10 minutes early...only to be told that they had left without us ( a party of 6) 5 minutes earlier.....they told us they went by subway...because there were only anther 5 people on the trip they were taking the subway instead of getting a bus...and that the leader had taken our subway passes with her.....we persisted and did get them to give us passes, but they had no idea where the subway station was...they gave us the cell# for the group leader, whom we called several times, but she was not answering her phone...she finally did call back about 45 minutes later with no explanation for leaving without us...dinner was ok...not bad, but not good either...from there we were to be driven to the Cotton Club...however we were told that the Cotton Club was not the destination for this trip...that we were going across the street to a different Jazz Club...this in itself was a big disappointment, as the only reason we went on this was to go to the Cotton Club...so the walk across the street turned out to be about 6 blocks away in 27* weather...I do have to say that the "tour guide" did point out 2 protestant churches that had been Jewish temples years ago..that was the extent of the tour...so now we arrive at a place that the Health Department should have condemned...the place was best described as disgustingly filthy ..the bathrooms were not usable, dead bugs on the flat surfaces and layers of dried out spilled drinks and sticky stuff all over... the musicians were stoned out and constantly going outside to smoke pot the smell of which was drifting inside the joint and their music sucked..there was a singer who seemed to forget the words to the songs that she was singing. the best entertainment was some drunken customer who did some karaoke for 1 song.....we were supposed to get drinks..but they did not have anything.that I asked for ( iced tea, tomato juice, club soda) ..and I would not have had anything to eat or drink from any dish or utensil in that place any way .....a bus did show up to drive us back downtown, but the driver did not seem to know where he was going ....on the way downtown the guide did point out a place where she thought that some event that she could not remember had taken place...as you can imagine ...I would never recommend this trip or the company ..I do not like to leave a negative review, but we did call the company to discuss at least a partial refund..as the trip was not as described verbally or its written information...they would not hear of it...This was so bad that I will be reporting them to the Dept. of Consumers Affairs.Clear case of overcharging and bait and switch

GERARD_C

We were the group of four francophone people to participate in this activity. We were driven to Harlem by the subway, but we did not visit anything in this part of the city except for a station in front of the Apollo Theater. The speaker did not explain anything about Harlem's story, her sociology, or the jazz music that characterizes this mythical place. We have heard only a few anecdotes without interest and off topic for the most part. The meal was correct, but would not have exceeded 35 to 40 dollars per person if it had not been included. We arrived in the cabaret at 9:40 pm. We were particularly badly settled, tight in a room where it was very hot. The guide did not introduce us to the musicians. The band seemed very good but we only heard it for 30 minutes. 158 euros for so little, is abusive. We would not have needed a provider to book us a table at a restaurant in Harlem, or to attend a jazz concert. This is what we will now advise to our knowledge departing for New York.

782melodyb

Extremely knowledgeable regarding Harlem; very pleasant personality; enjoyed the music and atmosphere; food excellent!

staci_k

There was no evening tour, if you call a 5 min trip to Apollo one. Soul food was not good..highlight was a banana desert thats it..Jazz show,, boring..to loud and if it wasnt for tour group in attendance place would be empty. Save your money , do not go!!..

Kristina S

We had a great time, much thanks to the fantastik tour guide Duane(?). With plenty of positive energy he guided us thru the American history all the way to Harlem and Silvias resturant, yummi, and Paris Blues jazzclub.

Kristina S

An unforgettable evening! Much thanks to our excellent tour guide Duane(?). Full of positive energy he guided us thru American history all the way to Harlem and Silvias soul food, yummie, and then to Sams Paris Blues and Jazz jam.

Cindy R

We were so looking forward to this tour and it was not to be. While our guide tried hard the tour didn’t offer what was promised in the description. The tour of Harlem did not include all destinations promised and it didn’t run for 5hrs. The service at Sylvias was poor. Some of the food was brought to the table once the meal was over. Our drinks never arrived and dinner was rushed. The Cotton Club has had its day. It was empty besides a few stragglers off the street. The band was pleasant but some of the performers need to retire. All in all a very disappointing experience and definitely not worth the cost!

john A

Unfortunately this tour was a tremendous waste of time and money. We couldn't recommend it to anyone. Having done a number of food tours both in NYC and in other cities across the world this was the most expensive and the most disappointing. The food is very average and the dinner was rushed - what was interesting was the story of Sylvia's restaurant but we didn't hear much about that. The Cotton club was bordering on the farcical - there were about 15 people in the place and many of the performers looked well past their prime. Be very wary about spending so much money on this.

DavenCindyChandler

If you are first time in New York I suggest this tour. If you've been to Harlem then do this on your own. 90% of the tour was a "TEN" Sylvia's Restaurant Food and Service was great. Walking tour of Harlem was Great. Come to find out the current location is not the Original "Cotton Club" . We went on a Monday Night. The entertainment was really good. When the band took a break, the lead trumpeter started pedaling his personal CD's to all of us. Myself and most of our group were offended by this. When I mentioned it to the front man at the Cotton Club he told me he couldn't help. Great Music was ruined by a cheesy stunt.

tamarvalleylady1

We met Duane our tour guide at the office along with a family of 3 and our unforgettable journey began. Duane is possibly the best guide i have ever met. He has both knowledge and charm. We took the nearby subway to Harlem to a great soulfood dinner at sylvias where famous people smiled from the walls. Barack Obama watched over our table. A short van ride took us to the cotton club. It was great fun and a charming man got all the women dancing followed shortly by their partners. I can't remember when I last danced. The absolute best was king Solomon Hicks who absolutely lit up the stage with his talent. The only quibble was the rather over enthusiastic trumpet player wanting to know why my husband was buying the Solomon Hicks CD and not what he was selling. It was a brilliant fun evening.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-04 18:34
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