Top 5 Tips for Visiting the Cotton Club

A remake of the original Cotton Club cabaret, this Harlem music hall pays tribute to the venue that once hosted legends such as Lena Horne and Duke Ellington.

1 min read•Dec. 16, 2019•By Madigan Talmage-Bowers

Make the most of your trip to the Cotton Club.

Hi, I'm Madigan!

Madigan Talmage-Bowers is a writer based in Denver, Colorado. She has also lived in Italy, San Francisco, and New York City, where she studied media theory at the New School. She loves introducing her kids to ancient history, local art, hiking trails, and new foods on adventures around the globe.

1. Know the history

Many visitors are disappointed to learn that this is not the original Cotton Club, which closed its doors in 1940. The current Cotton Club (opened in 1977) pays tribute to its legacy with a lineup of jazz, blues, and gospel performances.

2. Dine and dance

Thursday and Saturday nights, the club hosts a live blues and jazz show complete with dinner and dancing. Expect a vintage big band atmosphere.

3. Go gospel at brunch

Weekend brunches are full-on at the Cotton Club, with southern-style buffets and a gospel show. Cocktails are available to purchase.

4. Join the parade

Named after the famed “Cotton Club Parade” at the historic incarnation of the club, a Monday night variety show features a chorus line, tap dancing, and a 13-piece orchestra.

5. Catch the train

The Cotton Club is in West Harlem, well off the typical tourist path. To get there, you can catch a taxi or walk about two blocks from the 125th Street/Broadway subway station.