Harlem Tavern 
2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd., 212-866-4500, Morningside Heights, Manhattan
Harlem Tavern was welcomed immediately by big crowds when it joined Harlem's thriving nightlife scene a year ago, and it's easy to see why. The sprawling beer garden's extensive drink menu boasts wheat beers, ales and numerous imported and domestic beers, including the gold-medal-winning Coney Island Albino Python. Food selections range from typical bar fare, like burgers and wings, to higher-end cuisine, including cedar-planked salmon and ratatouille ravioli. With its something-for-everyone atmosphere, Harlem Tavern is typically packed—particularly on Saturdays, when a live jazz band is in the house. —CP