The Apollo Theater
The Apollo Theater, famous for its legendary shows and unforgiving audience, is one of the only musical venues in New York untouched by time. It’s the spot where James Brown recorded his famous Live at the Apollo, widely hailed as one of the best live albums ever made. On December 28, 2006, two days after Brown’s death, thousands lined the streets, trying to get into the Apollo’s memorial service for the legend. The Apollo still holds amateur nights every Wednesday where anyone can get onstage and try to win over the crowd. They’re a tough audience, though — before she was famous, Lauryn Hill was once booed off the stage. Shows run most nights and tours of the historic theater are offered during the day. The lobby is always open to the public, where you can see the famous log performers rub for good luck before taking the stage. There’s also a collage of famous artists who have graced the Apollo stage (such as Sammy Davis Jr., Brown and Red Fox) in the lobby and a gift shop that sells everything from a $131 suede jacket to a 50 cent pencil.

Sylvia’s Soul Food
Sylvia’s Soul Food has been a favorite spot for locals — and the busloads of Japanese tourists that stop by every day — since it was founded forty-five years ago. Just a quick walk from the Apollo Theater, Sylvia’s attracted stars like Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and James Brown before and after their gigs in the 1960s. Today, it’s a favorite spot for everyone from Paris Hilton to Nelson Mandela. Janet Jackson and Beyoncé (who loves the fried chicken) are recent customers, as well. Kurtis Blow and Run-DMC used to stop by in the early 1980s and drum out beats on the countertop until Sylvia came out and made them stop. Plus, Puff Daddy signed the Notorious B.I.G. there in 1992. If you stop by, we recommend the ribs and the killer mac and cheese. And say hello to Sylvia, who at age eighty-one stills runs the place.
Bobby’s Happy House
Bobby’s Happy House is an old soul record shop on the northwest corner of 125th Street and Eighth Avenue. With an array of awards and signed photographs on display in the window, the store sells rare records such as David Ruffin’s solo albums. The Happy House is owned by ninety-year-old Bobby Robinson, who co-founded multiple record labels with his brother, including Red Robin and Fire. He produced many chart-toppers in the 1950s, such as “Tossin’ and Turnin’” for Bobby Lewis and “Dedicated to the One I Love” by the Shirelles. Robinson still runs the store, though he is currently being threatened with eviction.

Lenox Lounge
The Lenox Lounge is a historic Harlem jazz club, restaurant and bar that’s run by a father and son, Al Reid Sr. and Al Reid Jr. The Zebra Room in the Lounge is known as the spot to see some of the city’s best jazz, and, after its renovations in 1999, boasts great acoustics and a relaxing atmosphere. Luther Vandross and Madonna both shot videos there, and movies such as Shaft, Malcolm X, and Dead Presidents filmed scenes there, too.