If you ever needed a reason to travel to West Harlem, this is it. Recently opened kitchen and lounge 9A exceeds expectations with an upscale sports bar feel and flavorful food to boot. Plenty of flat screen TVs make viewing your favorite team easy and rustic brick and sleek banquette seating give the place a classy atmosphere. The lounge is comprised of two ‘zones,’ each comprised of a bar, lounge, stage, seating and DJ booth, making the space both a friendly neighborhood spot, as well as a hot destination go-to. Not to mention, the staff is friendly and accommodating, making dining there that much better.
The restaurant offers both classic Southern fare and high end sushi. It can be a difficult decision to choose your dishes, so return trips become inevitable. We started with the Viva Tostones ($11), which was a modern take on nachos, but even better. They were comprised of homemade, thinly sliced tostones (plaintain chips), melted white and aged cheddar, sweet corn, black beans, jalapenos, sour cream and guacamole. You also have the option of adding chicken or steak, which only makes the dish better. The tostones were just the right texture – crunchy on the outside, with some softness on the inside and all the fixings made for a great appetizer.
For the main course, we opted to go Southern with Southern Hospitality (aka ‘The ITIS’) ($23), which includes crispy fried organic chicken, candied whipped sweet potato, homemade cornbread, collard greens and smoked turkey, and mac n’ cheese. Yes, it sure sounds like a lot–and it is! Prepare to go home with tomorrow’s lunch and dinner. Another great dish, if you like to mix sweet with savory, is the Chicken & Waffles ($20), with crispy chicken, red velvet waffles and pure maple marscapone cream. But don’t be confused, they serve more than just chicken here — try their SOCO Ribs, Hawaiian Rib-Eye, or opt for Asian options like Maguro Pizza ($13), made with seared tuna with jalapeno, cilantro, shallots, tomato, flying fish roe, mango and the chef’s special sauces, or the Hudson Roll ($11), made with crunchy spicy salmon, avocado, mango and rice crunchy in an orange soy bean wrap with hot sauce. We recommend accompanying their Asian fare with one of 9A’s out of this world shooters. Choose from the tame Shrimp Shot ($3), comprised of grilled jumbo shrimp served in a shot glass with a shot of cocktail and tequila sauce or if you are daring, go for Julie’s Shooter ($11), comprised of sea urchin, quail egg, Japanese mint leaf, chives with Ponzu sauce and a shot of sake. You can’t go wrong with whatever you decide and the latter is really not as crazy as it sounds.
In addition to their full bar, 9A serves specialty cocktails that are a great addition to their hearty menu. If you are looking for something light and sweet, we recommend the P.Y. Tea ($13), made with Belvedere Vodka, cranberry juice, peach schnapps, Ty-Ku Citrus Liqueur and a splash of cola, or the 133rd & 12th ($13), made with Hennessy V.S., St. Germain, Cointreau, cranberry juice and soda. Itching for something with a little more kick? The fellas will love Car Service ($12), made with Bulleit Bourbon, orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of hot sauce!
As if you aren’t already stuffed after your meal, they also have equally mouthwatering desserts ($8). Let’s preface these by saying you should definitely attempt to save room for dessert, although it is a difficult feat. And if you are worried about packing on the pounds…it’s worth it. Dishes include Fried Oreos with vanilla bean ice cream, Warm Southern Croissant Bread Pudding made with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, candied walnuts and vanilla ice cream and more.
Now that you are most likely salivating just as much as we are, it’s time to head to 9A and try it for yourself.
9A Kitchen & Lounge is located at 2331 12th Avenue.
