After one of the most challenging years for the hospitality industry, Harlem has been experiencing an increase in new dining establishments. Situated near the corner of 100th and Lexington is the home of East Harlem's latest cocktail bar, Bar Goyana. Goyana is a Brazilian-inspired cocktail bar created by Jacqueline and Johan that brought us MOJO Mousse Bar, the first mousse bar in America.

The cocktail program was created by the talented Danielle Espindola that is also a Brazilian native. The first thing on the cocktail menu is the Caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil, made with Cachaça. Not familiar with Cachaça? It is a distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. Caipirinhas are one of those refreshing cocktails that would remind you should be on a beach with your Out of Office notification turned on. The signature cocktails on the menu also include tequila and mezcal-based options and signature cocktails such as Moscow Mule, Negroni, Mojito, and more. You will also notice a variety of Belgian beers on the drink menu because the co-owner, Chef Johan is from Belgium.

The food menu comprises small plates that pay homage to Brazilian and Latino cuisines. One of them is Empandao de Frango, a savory Brazilian pie that reminds me of chicken pot pie but with a more flaky puff pastry outside. Crowd favorites include Pineapple da Goyana, Guacamole, and Queijo Coalho. Queijo Coalho is grilled curd cheese topped with Black Truffle Honey can be seen on each table in Bar Goyana, and is clearly a crowd favorite. On the weekend, brunch is offered, and there is only one thing on the menu: Feijoada. Feijoada is a Brazilian dish that includes black bean pork stew, rice, chopped collard greens, orange slices, farofa, and a vinaigrette. This was my first time having Feijoada, and it was so filling and delicious, and a dish I encourage mixing all the ingredients together.

Bar Goyana is open Wednesday - Sunday and starting August 16th they will be open 7 days a week.

Dom’s Picks