Harley’s Smokeshack

Wow is all I can say. I lived in the south for sometime, so I know good food. Good Black food. First of all, the atmosphere was a bit confusing for me because I expected to hear southern country music since it was a smoke shack with a big olé pig on it lol. But when I came in dancehall was playing and I lived in brooklyn for sometime as well so I was like yaaas vybez kartel! Big ups to the dj all the oldschool reggae bumpin in the speakers. Since this place is in spanish harlem people were probally like what the hell is going on this isnt bachata lolz. But honey the food was sooo delish! I got the catfish shrimp and salad my bae got the fried chicken rice and collard greens. Honey those collard greens tasted like my grandmas! They were the best!!! I give the COOKED FOOD 5 stars. The appitizers however were nasty as hell. We got mozerella sticks and they were hard and cold and tasted like the frozen ones that werent cooked. Now I gave the resturant 3 because we had to get our own forks. Bae went to grab them right off the rack. whoever was suppose to be working in that area must of forgot to set the table. When our food came we only had butterknifes. What the hell. Anyways the drinks were great until we got refills and they were served by another server not ours and the nigga spilled it all over me and laughed like oh my bad I laughed like um no this ones free. Our original server apologized and they took it off our tab and our original server guy was really nice and helpful he gave great suggestions on food and drinks. Happy hour prices are great they use good alcohol and they were strong as hell. All in all we had a blast because it was us.

I love this place so much but… Sometimes something is off on order or service but I love it. Pork is swesome, cornbread cold and lacking taste with hard butter.

Tasty, delicious with an array of wonderful bbq flavors in every bite. Tip, have the wings as an appetizer. It maybe a common item to order but the wings are beyond uncommon. Also, enjoy the lively atmosphere and décor and be prepared to wait for your food. Perfection takes time :)

The servers weren’t attentive AT ALL. I had to look for my waiter several times!
My food took so long to come but apparently they were short staffed in the kitchen? That isn’t an excuse for why I was there for 30mins and I still didn’t get water…
On a positive note, I have the mango margarita on the rocks and it was delicious (only $ 8).
Overall, I would avoid this place… :(

Bad customer service ignored by the bartender while sitting at the bar and it wasn’t even busy.

Great place and atmosphere. One of the best options on the neighborhood. Much better than prime 116.

Food is really great! The place is very loud and service takes a long time generally. Not a big deal, as I know BBQ takes time to cook. Prices are on par with most BBQ places I have been to. Portions are large.

Solid weekly specials menu, strong drinks, and friendly staff. Some of the food could be a bit better. With incredible brisket, ribs, fried chicken… I wish other menus items had the same level of flavoring. They also have a great brunch deal $ 13.95 plus two drinks are included! That includes screwdrivers, beer, soda, coffee, bellini, mimosa, and bloody mary’s. Will definately go back!

Smokey goodness. Ordered buffalo wings and honey bbq, the meat was smoked and delicious all the way through, the meat was tender and easy off the bone. The buffalo wings were fried crispy and smothered with hot sauce and the barbecue sauce was sweet and smokey. I will be back on a Monday when the wings are 50 cents a pop.

Came for brunch. A good variety of options. Meal and two drinks for $ 13.95. I enjoy their eggs Benedict and crispy Caesar salad. Service friendly.

I’m sure this is a great neighborhood bar/​restaurant but your neighbors are not going to keep you in business. There’s is so much potential for this place to be a great BBQ spot but…1. Table service not so good — the post food checkin did not occur and my glass was empty for quite some time. 2. There is no reason to serve a dried out rib at a BBQ place — unforgivable.3. If you’re not going to out love into the Mac and cheese take it off the menu.
I’m sure I’ll be back again in a month to try once again… I know the ribs could be an experience to remember… The flavors are there, the fall off the bone is there … But don’t serve them after its time.

I really wanted to love this place. We’ve lived in Harlem for 3 years and have only been impressed a few times with the food environment, unfortunately. After walking by this place a few times we decided to try it out for brunch as their brunch menu looked great.
PROS:
— Very nice staff
— Cool vintage original features
— Caesar Salad w/​Grilled Chicken was delicious
CONS:
— Bloody Mary had no taste save a couple olives
— Mimosa was warm… ick
— Ordered the Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict: Pulled Pork had a nice flavor but that was literally it. Eggs were terribly overcooked, the potatoes were cold and flavorless, the hollandaise sauce was almost non existent so I asked for some more on the side… the most bland, flavorless sauce I’ve ever had… and let’s not even mention the english muffin that it came on was soggy and flat as a piece of paper. Blech.
The only way I’d ever try this place again would be if I was going for BBQ… and drunk.

A friend and I went to Harley’s last night. We made reservations an hour before we arrived and was seated right away. The raspberry margarita was delicious and my friend had a drink called Apple bottom, she said it was really good. The food was great. I had buffalo wings and bacon Mac and cheese. The wings was a little over cooked. My friend had bbq spare ribs, Mac and cheese, and collard greens. She said everything was delicious. The waiter we had was way to hyper and seem to be rushing around for no reason. Every time we asked for something it took him forever to return. There was also a waitress working in the same area and even though she didn’t have our table she help us with everything we needed right away. I will definitely be returning soon for a few more margaritas and there’s a few more dishes I want to try off the menu.

So I was pretty hungry and decided to stumble in to this place. I was always curious about this place since it would usually have people outside waiting to get in during warm weathers in NY (Yet again it’s the only actual BBQ in Spanish Harlem). So I went in and I’m greeted with a hello and I sit myself down. Waved a hostess down and asked for a water and the menu, there’s no feeling of welcoming unless you’re a regular I suppose. Order boneless barbecue wings and the Mac & Cheese (after all it is a BBQ place). The food is just blah nothing special, didn’t even want to finish it.
I rather stick to Hog Pit and Hill Country near Flatiron for actual better food and service and where the atmosphere is enjoyable and people are great.

Harley’s Smokeshack is my new favorite brunch spot. Having just moved to Harlem after spending years in the Lower East Side, I needed to find me a brunch spot quickly. Thankfully, Harley’s Smokeshack filled that void quickly. With a southern inspired menu, you’ll find a tasty twist on the classic brunch menu like Chicken and Waffles or Eggs Benedict with smoky pulled pork. Their brunch menu comes with two drinks and they’re always pleasantly strong, just the way I like it! Harley’s Smokeshack also has great drink specials through out the week, so you’ll find me there most evenings!

Yummy! Harley’s was a surprise find for us. The service was super nice and the food was solid. The music is probably the only confusing aspect. Was nice and homey in the back besides the booming bass coming from the bar. But you can’t beat 14 dollars for brunch which includes two drinks!
Overall the food could have been better but was really recent for the price and service you get! Will definitely come back!

Harley’s is great. I go to watch sports, and they have a great selection of tvs and usually have all the football games for you fantasy footballers out there. Fun place for basketball too. The deals at Harley’s are sweet too, the 50 cent wings for Monday night springs to mind. pbr is the budget option but for those of you who like craft beer they usually have one or two on tap. I remember seeing a few different Coney Island beers there.
Honestly I wanted to write a 4 star review when I started but now that I am writing I think I gotta bump it up. The wait staff is super chill and human. Sure they might be like a minute longer with your drink or to take your order but then they actually talk to you, give a sh*t about being there and take care of each other (or it seems like it). I might be a bit bias because I got a beer on the house but if you stay and hang out and don’t sweat the small stuff they appreciate it.
Great neighborhood bar, love the food, the vibe, and feel comfortable just sitting and having a beer. What more can you say?

We love on the UES and the only BQQ close by and who delivers is Brother Jimmy’s, Pig Heaven and Texas BBQ. Either we’ve had them all too many times or they just plain aren’t that great.
We decided to take the ride up to 116 and 1^st.
Harleys was nicely decorated and very clean.
We sat at the bar with Priscilla.
Great happy hour specials had us drinking $ 3 bud lights and $ 5 sangria’s.
We had the sampler app with both ribs and the brat wrapped in bacon. All three were very good
We then had the bacon Mac & Cheese and the brisket & bbq chicken plate. Everything was very good. No complaints at all with the food or drink.
Could have been a 5 star review if the bartender Priscilla was friendlier. Everyone has had nights though so this won’t atop us from going back.

Spanish Harlem is hit or miss. Harley’s is definitely a hit.
I’ve tried most everything… smoked wings, brisket, BBQ, sangria, burgers, salads… and everything is fresh and a value.
Décor is casual roadhouse chic in a cavernous railroad layout. Huge restaurant with lots of different types of nooks makes it feel cozy without each table being on top of each other. Ambiance has all the comfy americanisms great lighting, comfortable chairs, cool roadhouse stuff to look at.
I prefer to sit at the bar. Priscilla and Yvette, D’quana make everyone feel at home. While they are attractive they don’t trade on it. They focus on all patrons equally; young, old, male, female, professionals and construction workers. They are quick to take your order and refill your drink.
Sometimes when things get super busy, I’ve noticed John (an owner) can be found pitching in and running food himself.
The overall vibe of the service is that they care about what you eat, the drinks they serve you and that you are having a good time. They take pride. For me this is essential for a neighborhood spot.
I’m making a point about the service because some Unilocalers seem to have had horrific experiences. I’ve been to Harley’s about a dozen times. Maybe I’m exceptionally mellow or forgiving, but I haven’t seen or experienced the terrible service other folks write about.
About the food. The food is unpretentious, quality, hometown BBQ. I usually get a BBQ burger lunch if I’m on my own. Crispy buttery brioche bun, medium rare beef topped BBQ sauce, extra sharp cheddar cheese, slab of red onion, tomato. The lunch special comes with and a freshly made house salad, fries and beer for $ 9. An insane bargain.
The ribs are moist and crispy. Brisket was a touch salty for my taste but maybe if they add an acidic or spicy bite like the pickled jalapeños or something sweet like a brioche bun at other BBQ joints?
The sides are standard BBQ joint fare. The corn pudding is exceptional. It’s almost dessert like in its rich custardy goodness.
As far as authentic anything I can’t say. I’m a fan of anything that tastes good or comes with coleslaw.
Happy hour starts at 11:30a and goes for a long while. If cocktails at lunch are your thing you are in luck. Regarding cocktails if they have the ingredients they will make it for you… just ask. The sangria is made fresh daily.
Overall, in the food desert that is Spanish Harlem filled with one mexi/​cuchi/​chinese spot after another, Harley’s is a refreshing oasis.

I have been to this restaurant several times and always receive good service, but of course the one time I bring in my Mom who flew in all the way from California it’s the contrary.
1) Poor knowledge of the menu.
First of when we asked if we could make one substitution the waitress said she didn’t have that particular item when in fact they did.
2) Lazy service
When we requested their famous corn bread (which I came specifically to get) she said they didn’t bake any today. When I asked to talk to the manager she conveniently showed up at our table 2 minutes later with watch she said was «freshly baked» cornbread. It was not.
Then it took 45 minutes for our food to arrive (enough said there).
4)Inedible food
lastly they served us burnt corn soufflé. That was absolutely disgusting. (See picture, I’m not exaggerating)
I was very disappointed with the service tonight because I liked this restaurant a lot and it is in my neighborhood. But sadly to say I will not be returning.