Local Harlem resident and mixologist Karl Franz Williams, and business partner Julie Grunberger introduced Solomon & Kuff. Located on the corner of 133rd Street and 12th Avenue in Harlem, the pan-Caribbean gastropub and rum bar is a cocktail and culinary destination.
“We are excited to be a local hub where everyone from right around the corner, downtown or in the tri-state area can come to meet others interested in food, music, art and of course rum,” Franz says. “We want Solomon & Kuff to introduce anyone that walks through our doors to the amazing West Indian culture and to experience it as it has been infused with New York sensibilities.”
The bar program boasts over 100 international rums spanning authentic Caribbean rums, Agricole Rhums, Cachacas, and American rums, along with artisanal cocktails and craft beers on tap. Franz, the mixologist for the space, has added his own unique twist on classic rum cocktails such as the Dark & Stormy with house made Ginger Beer, Daiquiri and Rum Punch, by utilizing traditional Caribbean flavors in unexpected ways. Some other standouts include The Hedonist with Gentian, cane syrup, lemon juice, Orgeat, Barbancourt rum, creole bitters, curry, and ginger beer; Venture’s Punch mixing Agricole, Jamaican Overproof, lime, bitters, and nutmeg; and My Mother Ruined my Tonic—Ford’s Gin, Agricole, Bay, Sage, Mango, Lime, and Tonic.
Executive Chef Christopher Faulkner’s all-day bar menu includes new interpretations of pan-Caribbean dishes inspired by elevated gastro-pub style fare. Signature dishes include Peppered Goat Pies with tender chunks of slow stewed peppered-goat, baked in a flakey pie crust and a Coco bread Roll Program inspired by West Indian “Sammies” where diners can chose between lobster, sausage, veggie, and ackee and salt fish to be served on a house-made coco-bread roll.
Located under the viaduct within the Manhattanville Factory District of West Harlem, the 5,000-square-foot industrial space features a loft style dining area along with lounge seating, two elevated DJ booths and two full bars. Deirdra Govan of Deirdra Govan Designs conceptualized the interior and graphic design for the space, bringing to life a visual narrative that balances the history of rum and turn of the century architectural details and contemporary furnishings with black and white photography by Barron Claiborne. Amber lighting, reclaimed wood patterned walls, exposed brick and a display of aged rum barrels are complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sunlit views facing the Hudson River.
Unique cultural experiences including internationally renowned disc jockeys, live music, and curated works of art and fashion will be offered as well.
