They say that when you learn a foreign language, you don’t realize it at first; you are in the middle of a conversation when it suddenly dawns on you that you understand everything that is being said. Harlem native Adriane Ferguson recently had a similar ah-ha! moment when she realized that her restaurant, the one she has labored over for years, suddenly is exactly what she had in her head when in the planning stages.
Standing in the middle of sawdust and utter chaos back in the summer of 2006, Adriane had a clear vision for her restaurant. She would name it Billie’s Black after her mother, Billie Ferguson, she would use the cooking techniques she learned from her grandmother and she would embrace her mother’s love of entertaining. It would be the kind of place that marries comfort and elegance: diners would feel completely at place in either a suit and tie or jeans and a t-shirt; intimate enough for a romantic first date, but also welcoming enough for someone’s 40th birthday celebration; but above everything thing else, Adriane wanted her place to be sexy. Because sexy is, well let’s face it: sexy. And who doesn’t like that?
Adriane envisioned lots of late nights: her diners happily filling their bellies with her culinary creations, alcohol would be flowing freely with the bartenders serving up colorful, expressive cocktails, someone would be onstage, singing their face off, the crowd would be getting into the music, shouting out encouraging words to whomever was onstage and she would be the ringmaster, happily enjoying the merriment around her.
Fast-forward to 2011: Billie’s Black has not only succeeded where many others have failed, but the restaurant has a reputation for amazing food, phenomenal shows and a great atmosphere. Long before Harlem had what is now being touted as “Restaurant Row,” Billie’s was right there, producing plate after plate of their famous macaroni and cheese. Billie’s draws an eclectic crowd of singles in the city, families (with either strollers or walkers, sometimes both) the smart tourists who figure out that eating where the locals do generates better meals and people from all five boroughs and beyond who have heard rumors of the “crackfish” and want to try it for themselves.
Besides being known for their amazing food (and let’s be clear: Billie’s Black serves food that is not just good; it is delicious), Billie’s also has gained respect from the city’s independent music scene. If an artist wants to do a show in Harlem, Billie’s is either first on their list or close to the top.
And so, suddenly, Adriane finds herself owning the exact business she expected. Part restaurant, part lounge, part family reunion, Billie’s Black has grown from a dream into a reality.
The food at Billie's Black is - let's just be honest here - delicious and plentiful. People come from all over the country to sample our famous "Crackfish" and Mac & Cheese. But they also stay around for the Chili Red Snapper. And the No Bull Oxtails. And the Shrimp & Grits. And the Santee River Catfish. And the... you get the picture. Billie's Black has a menu that satisfies everyone's taste buds. See the selections below.
[ lunch ]
[ dinner / brunch ]
Billie's Black has played host to many an event since owner Adriane Ferguson first opened the doors. After a modest start, they slowly developed a reputation for bringing exciting new and emerging artists - as well as fully established acts - to the Billie's Black stage. With Alison Murray, Billie's entertainment wrangler, doing the booking, virtually every member of New York's underground soul music scene has seen some time on the mic. Alison's reach is wide and her voice respected. If anyone is considering a show in Harlem, Billie's is one of their first choices.
Below is our schedule. If you see an event you would like to attend, please contact us at 212.280.2248 for reservations.
Chester Gregory
Betty Wright
KimberlyNichole
Toshi Reagon
PJ Morton
Alyson Williams
MiKA
Keke Wyatt
Brown Baby Girl
B. Slade
Lalah Hathaway
Kevin-Anthony
Nakia Henry
Adina Nyree
Chinah Blac
Gloria Ry'ann
Syleena Johnson
Abby Dobson
Najee
Tameka "Love" Jones
Adam Falcon
Ryan Shaw
Mike Hammond
Dexter Myers
Collette
Darien
Kenny Wesley
A few notables who have graced our stage:
Eric Roberson
Angela Johnson
Ra-Re Valverde
Darius Booker
Corey Glover
YahZarah
Angie Stone
Sandra St. Victor
Vivian Sessoms
Almost immediately after opening, Billie’s Black was being called upon for large platters of their tasty catfish and huge bowls of their delicious macaroni and cheese. Recognizing that there was a demand, owner Adriane Ferguson quickly put together a catering menu that works for both private parties held in the four walls of Billie’s Black or for events held outside the restaurant, such as local businesses, private Thanksgiving meals, etc. Eventually, the demand became so great that Ferguson brought in former event production manager Alyce Emory, who works to develop strategic partnerships that will extend Billie's further into the community and beyond. Emory now handles the day-to-day operations of all private dinners and catering.
With a great location in Lower/Central Harlem – just down from 125th Street, close to both the A/B/C/D and 2/3 train lines and steps from Central Park – Billie’s Black has become one of the primary Harlem destinations for locals and tourists alike. Naturally, when coupled with the palate-pleasing the cuisine Billie’s offers, the demand for private affairs – from wedding receptions to birthday parties, showers to rehearsal dinners, fundraisers to family reunions – was obvious. Additionally, Ferguson and her staff have provided meals for events at The Schomburg Cebnter for Research in Black Culture, BET, and many more.
Our venue offers:
• Occupancy - Seated 65, Standing 100
• Full Service Bar
• Flat Screen TVs with DVD connections
• Performance Stage with Lighting and Audio (Microphones, Microphone Stands, Sound
Board, Monitor and Speakers)
Tour groups are always welcome!
As Billie's evlolved, making updates to the interior was necessary. After realizing that she was providing a stage for musical artists, Adriane Ferguson recognized an opportunity to also feature visual artists. With that, the Billie's Black Art Gallery was born. With a monthly rotating collection of arts, mostly hulled from Harlem's extensive creative community, these exhibits represent all of the artistic, cutural and social diversity that Billie's Black has to offer. The collection includes a variety of artwork, traditional art, fine art photography, paintings, prints and other types of visual art.
For anyone interested in having their art displayed at Billie's, please call 212.280.2248.
Billie's is a popular spot. We have fun here. Want proof? Check out our photo gallery.
They say a photo is worth a thousand words. Well, we have millions of words to express our gratitiude and love for the regulars who come here for their birthday, the newcomers who come to Billie's for their anniversary, the singers, comedians, poets and musicians who come here to put on a show. We take lots of pictures. And you do too. Here's a selection of some that are in our collection. We constantly are updating, so if you capture a great image while at Billie's share it with us. This is our family scrapbook. Add your part of our family.
Images can be sent to events_billiesblack.com.
Reservations
212.280.2248
Contact
info_billiesblack.com
catering_billiesblack.com
events_billiesblack.com
Location
271 West 119th Street
New York, NY 10026-1103
271 west 119th street
new york, ny 10026
