Moca is a local lounge in Harlem and is also a good place to meet some local Harlemnites and young professionals. Over the past couple of years, I’ve actually met at least two good male friends/dates at Moca Lounge. While it didn’t technically work out in the dating department, we have remained friends and we have even met up at Moca lounge after our initial meeting.
Tuesday is poetry/spoken word night at Moca. Although, I must admit, I’ve never actually stayed for spoken work at Moca, (not really my thing) if I visit Moca on a Tuesday, I always observe the sizable crowd pouring into the lounge as it got closer to 9 pm. People seem genuinely excited to listen to the spoken word. After talking to a few of my friends that have been to Moca on a Tuesday night, they all have nothing but positive things to say about the experience.
Happy Hour is decent for the Harlem area, the prices are reasonable for drink and food items, which average under $8. In all honestly, the drinks are hit or miss. In my experience, some days the drinks are really good and other days they are extremely watered down. (I guess it depends on the bartenders). The same can be said for the service; some days it’s the best, while others you are waiting over 20 minutes for a drink.
Nevertheless, in my opinion, the best part of Moca is the tasty catfish strips that I just can’t get enough of. For $7, it’s the best after work treat ever; perfectly seasoned, juicy, tender and a good portion for the price. The wings (honey BBQ) are also tasty and the sliders are an honorable mention as well.
So if you are in Harlem on a Tuesday and you are craving catfish or spoken work (or both) head over to Moca Lounge!
If you are looking for other Spoken Word events throughout NYC, check out this list HERE.
