Empress in the City - Moca Lounge in NYC

Written by Whitley /// Find in Empress Ish

* Me & Ryan Ryan Stewart of ESPN's Two Live Stews

Just this past weekend I was charged with the daunting task of introducing a friend to NYC.  Everyone’s first trip to New York is on some levels a tad intimidating and always exciting.  As my friend is Black, of course I had to introduce him to Harlem.  The question then became “where in Harlem do you take a NYC newbie?”  The answer is Moca.

Located on the corner of 119th and Fredrick Douglas; Moca is the quintessential NYC lounge: small, badly lit, and cramped.  The difference is that Moca is always filled with a smorgasbord of progressive Black folk who don’t act as if their sh*t doesn’t stink.  The wait staff are effective curving perfectly around the profusion of people and the drinks always satisfy.

*Inside Moca lounge

On this particular evening my friend and I encountered more than a few progressives.  Ryan Stewart of ESPN’s Two Live Stews was in town on business.  Stewart; a native of Atlanta; isn’t from New York either, so I was curious about how he ended up at Moca.  So of course I asked! His friend (from NJ!) brought him of course for the same reasons I brought my friend: THE PEOPLE!!  Shout out to Jackie Chapman for being just as intuitive as me! And she came in from Jersey too? That's dedication.  But its understandable.  Moca is just that type of place.

In this city of over 10 million people; it is often hard to feel welcomed and in a place where people want to interact and network with you- no incentives.  In Moca; one will find just that.  Friendly people, attractive vibes, swirling laughter from little groups of friends, and great music.  By the end of the evening my friend and I met a girl on a post break-up celebration, had a good laugh about the state of fast food in America, snagged a potential job for him in New York, and of course laughed it up with Ryan Stewart whose smile would put anyone at ease.

That is the beautiful thing about New York.  Millions of people trying to find others like themselves to talk, network, and connect with.  Well I can say with absolute certainty: Moca serves up a positive perspective on New York’s African American divergence.

*Ryan Stewart, me & friend

Check out my blog for young black professionals in NYC!

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