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Harlem Tavern Reviews List

Harlem Tavern

Exactly what our neighborhood needs! A neighborhood bar and grille that's kid friendly(early ;) ) with amazing food, wine, beer, cocktails and atmosphere.
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62 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.6 / 5
(Very Good) 3.6 / 5
(62 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 62 reviews
5 stars
(8)
4 stars
(32)
3 stars
(15)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(1)
Food 
3.6 / 5
(Very Good) 3.6 / 5
Service 
3.4 / 5
(Very Good) 3.4 / 5
Ambiance 
3.6 / 5
(Very Good) 3.6 / 5
Noise Level
2.8 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(40)
  • good for groups(38)
  • great for outdoor dining(38)
  • vibrant bar scene(29)
  • hot spot(24)
  • kid-friendly(14)
Harlem Tavern Reviews List
Review 1 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I had a great time with my family, and the DJ was great...lets do it again."
Dined on 6/15/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, scenic view, late-night find, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The Go-To Spot for Apollo Theater

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 6/12/2013
 2013
Dined on 6/12/2013
 2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Harlem Tavern is fantastic for being within walking distance to the Apollo Theater. We were there with a group so we didn't mind the noise level but the noise is there. Everyone enjoyed their food and happy hour prices on our drinks, prices make it a good value for the money, and we were in and out in a reasonable amount of time. I would definitely recommend and go there again."
Dined on 6/12/2013
 2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 3 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Truly inspired for the location

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/04/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had been reading about this place since it opened but only now got a chance to check it out ... and were totally blown away. We were expecting your basic beer pub fare, but this was an inspired delight. The buttermilk fried chicken was the best chicken I've had yet in NYC, and my better half's filet was cooked absolutely perfectly. We cannot WAIT to go back and try the rest of the menu! Great beer and drinks selection, great live music, and plenty of big picnic-style tables for larger groups, too. One word of advice: avoid the outdoor tables along the perimeter. The locals don't behave and we saw a couple of tables getting harassed until management moved along the pedestrians."
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great time

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/01/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was great! Lovely love jazz!"
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Not on the menu!?!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/31/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This is a boisterous place best enjoyed by those who have no intention of engaging in meaningful conversation with their companions. More problematic was the fact that several menu items weren't available. How is it possible not to have a featured cocktail!? Fridays do get busy, so adjust your staff accordingly. A half hour to get a drink and an hour for an appetizer? That said, the kitchen did produce a very flavorful artichoke dip, and their salmon and mahi mahi were nicely done. Avoid the ricotta fritters whose wonderful, crunchy exterior belied a lackluster filling that was not aided at all by the watery marinara sauce. Also, the chopped salad which looked so bright and colorful was absolutely overwhelmed by the marinated artichokes."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly
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Review 6 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Just Wonderful!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/31/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It was perfect! We went for dinner, sat outside, had a DELICIOUS meal... the sangria was awesome... loved this place! First, restaurant in Harlem I've really loved."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Nice ambiance, slow service

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/27/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Sitting outside is wonderful, and it was a great way to spend a Memorial Day dinner.
Our server was incredibly nice, but was rather inattentive. I've heard this from a few reviewers, and this has happened
"
Dined on 5/27/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/20/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I ordered the pork ribs and I found them to be too fatty. BUT the mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach were heavenly! I kindly asked the waiter if mashed sweet potatoes could be substituted in my dish and she replied "that it had never been done before" but she would try. I was willing to pay extra and sweet potatoes came with another dish on their menu (1/2 chicken dish), I saw it as a simple substitution...they should be more open to that. It was also difficult to get our waitresses' attention as the night got busier. The kitchen was busier too... we ordered dessert and we had to get it to-go. I would have liked for the service to be consistent throughout the meal. In any event, I would come back again for their happy hour or to dine in."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 9 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Delicious Food, Jazz and Seating

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Took my almost 3 year old to brunch here with a friend. Food was delicious and portioned just right. Bonus Jazz trio playing - a little loud at times but not annoyingly so. Really enjoyed the experience."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Harlem Gem!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great spot to watch games and have a drink with friends. Amazing menu!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/20/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was good for the price and the staff was very friendly and helpful, especialy with the menu."
Dined on 4/20/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Harlem Tavern is a neighborhood

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Harlem Tavern is a neighborhood gem along the revitalized Harlem corridor that runs along Frederick Douglas Blvd. between West 116 and 125. The crowd still hues a traditional African American crowd--young, educated, professional, photogenic--though the overall scene is an ethnic hodge podge reflective of the overall changing demographics of Uptown Manhattan. The food is quality, good, bar food. Dinner entrees are elegant, in presentation and ingredients. Prices can't be beat, particularly given the heavy handed portions. Beer selection is excellent, and the wine list is very respectable. This has become one of our Uptown favorites. We will be back for our third visit. As it is a sports bar, the noise levels are HIGH. FYI."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 13 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Waited 35 minutes for a table

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Waited 35 minutes for a table with a reservation."
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2012
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Review 14 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Terrific food, great space.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Terrific food, great space. We went when a game was on so it was a bit loud, but that was to be expected."
Dined on 04/23/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 15 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Great appetizers! But a little

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great appetizers! But a little too loud. Don't go if you want to have a conversation and hear eachother"
Dined on 04/12/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The service and food was great

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The service and food was great and the staff was friendly and over-accommodating. Highly recommend this place!"
Dined on 04/10/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 17 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I like the Harlem Tavern Beacuse

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"I like the Harlem Tavern Beacuse the food is very good"
Dined on 04/09/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Go for ONLY happy hour

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Since it was a nice day, I guess everyone wanted to be out. So the service that day was the worst. OUR entrees took forever and I waited about 20 mins for my dessert and when i asked the waitress if it was ready she they hadn't started making it!! So needless to say I didnt want it anymore and just got the check. As far as rating the food. I'll say the white sangria tasted like pure juice, but my friend said the red had a little more wine in it. We ordered the Cajun Mahi Mahi, which was honestly EXCELLENT, BUT the rice that's served with it was NOT good at all, very hard. My friend purchased the mash potatoes and they were NOTHING special.If you are a man, you probably would need to order an appetizer too."
Dined on 04/09/2013
 2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Beer Garden !

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great bar spot to watch sporting events !"
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 20 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The staff (especially the

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The staff (especially the hostess) was very accommodating and patient about the size and tardiness of our group. It was a fun time."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly
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Review 21 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Eat & Shout

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Loud. Loud. Loud. If you go Friday night, don't plan a conversation with a group; plan it with the person next to you or across the table, and even then, you will have to strain to hear. But food is good--great turkey burger (huge), and melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato fries. Gigantor TV screen in beer garden area for sports watching. Great place to bring kids, because they won't add much to the decibel level."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 22 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Harlem Gem

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
"Good food. Good service. Will return in the future. Nice atmosphere."
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This place has a great vibe!!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This place has a great vibe!!
Lots of TVs for watching sports!
You can get good food, not just bar food!!
"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, kid-friendly
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Review 25 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Near Morningside Park

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"You enter this very friendly neighborhood place through a large enclosed patio. You can dine there or continue into the sports bar where there is plenty more seating. The service is very good and so is the food!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Harlem Gem

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Wonderful food. I will return. The bourbon short ribs are the best and the steak is super juicy. The drinks are always on point and the atmosphere is very young, hip, and fun."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 27 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

One can eat a very good, HEALTHY

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"One can eat a very good, HEALTHY meal here at reasonable cost.
The halibit was moist and delicious as well as the kale.
One can also eat an array of good sandwiches. The turkey burger was over the top!
"
Dined on 03/05/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

They took long to bring our

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"They took long to bring our food. It was very crowded and we kept getting bumped by the people walking behind us. The drinks are ok. It was a Friday night so it was a full house. The music was great!!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 29 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Lots of fun!

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great Sports bar in a relaxed atmosphere!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2006
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 30 for Harlem Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food. Service was ok

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Great food. Service was ok as usual. Never see the same person working there twice. Server looked like he was out all night with no sleep. Forgot about us a lot. Dropped a plate of food. But hey, it happens right?"
Dined on 02/12/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Harlem Tavern
Based on the average of (32) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
3.5 / 5
(Very Good) 3.5 / 5
9 out of 11 recommend this product
Food 
3.4 / 5
(Very Good) 3.4 / 5
Service 
3.4 / 5
(Very Good) 3.4 / 5
Ambiance 
3.4 / 5
(Very Good) 3.4 / 5
Noise Level
2.8 / 3
Energetic