French Comfort Food Meets the Game-Day Crowd
Settle in over mushroom risotto and wine in West Harlem, with sports viewing on Amsterdam Avenue offering a change of pace. The bar adds staff during major broadcasts and closes later on Friday than Saturday.
Manhattan Dinner and Drinks
French Plates Before Drinks
Maison Harlem serves French classics at 341 St Nicholas Ave. The rustic brick dining room has windows that brighten the space during the day. For a weekend meal, choose mushroom risotto or a sandwich layered with béchamel and melted cheese. Wine and cocktails round out the meal. The restaurant closes at 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours end at 12:30 AM, a distinction to keep in mind when planning a late visit.
Weekend Hours Beyond Dinner
Entry is free at The Upside Bar, a neighborhood spot at 588 Amsterdam Ave. Friends can gather in a room sized for groups without feeling too large. During major broadcasts such as March Madness, staff numbers increase to keep drink waits short. Friday hours extend until 3:00 AM. On Saturday, service ends at midnight. Sunday runs until 2:00 AM. Solo visitors are welcome alongside groups coming to watch sports.
A Change of Pace
Maison Harlem centers the evening on French comfort dishes, from ratatouille to mushroom risotto, with wine and cocktails in a rustic brick dining room. The Upside Bar puts the emphasis on sports viewing and company, with space for friends and extra staff during major broadcasts to keep drink waits short. The contrast is between a meal as the main event and a neighborhood gathering around the game. Both offer drinks, but the reasons to stay are different.
