Guidebook for New York
Food Scene
Red Rooster
310 Lenox AveModern turn on African American soul food
Fresh and home style Italian cuisine. Local
Insider spot. My second office.
86 locals recommend
SETTEPANI
196 Malcolm X BlvdFresh and home style Italian cuisine. Local
Insider spot. My second office.
Its all about the wine and the company, late night DJ create a fun, mature vibe
166 locals recommend
Barawine Harlem
200 Malcolm X BlvdIts all about the wine and the company, late night DJ create a fun, mature vibe
Best Mexican restaurant in Harlem, the tacos and margarita transport you the heart of the Zone Rosa in Mexico City! ok yes, its one of my favorites
31 locals recommend
La Diagonal Agaveria
185 St Nicholas AveBest Mexican restaurant in Harlem, the tacos and margarita transport you the heart of the Zone Rosa in Mexico City! ok yes, its one of my favorites
The godmother of Harlem Soul Food continues to reign supreme, long live Sylvia's
405 locals recommend
Sylvia's Restaurant
328 Malcolm X BlvdThe godmother of Harlem Soul Food continues to reign supreme, long live Sylvia's
surprisingly innovative menu, have no idea how to describe it, but it's all good
19 locals recommend
Archer & Goat
187 Malcolm X Blvdsurprisingly innovative menu, have no idea how to describe it, but it's all good
The Corner Social
321 Malcolm X Blvdneighborhood fave with great after work and weekend vibe!
one of my favorite brunch spots, great food and space to talk and enjoy company
69 locals recommend
Row House
2128 Frederick Douglass Blvdone of my favorite brunch spots, great food and space to talk and enjoy company
African inspired cuisine and fantastic cocktails, the signature mussels are a must have. You will come back to Harlem just to get another bite. Chef Sisse expanded his empire to include Harlem Cafe…
115 locals recommend
Ponty Bistro
2375 Adam Clayton Powell Jr BlvdAfrican inspired cuisine and fantastic cocktails, the signature mussels are a must have. You will come back to Harlem just to get another bite. Chef Sisse expanded his empire to include Harlem Cafe…
Once you have this pizza, you might be spoiled from having any other. Made oven fresh, with sizing for two. And yes it’s not even 3 minute from the airbnb. Great for late night arrivals and little munchkins!
63 locals recommend
Sottocasa Pizzeria
227 Malcolm X BlvdOnce you have this pizza, you might be spoiled from having any other. Made oven fresh, with sizing for two. And yes it’s not even 3 minute from the airbnb. Great for late night arrivals and little munchkins!
Lido Harlem Restaurant
2168 Frederick Douglass BlvdDid I say Sunday brunch. It’s the destination…
deliberately unfussy so you focus on the food, the seafood boil will heat your warm your heart!
67 locals recommend
Lolo's Seafood Shack
303 W 116th Stdeliberately unfussy so you focus on the food, the seafood boil will heat your warm your heart!
Time out top 50 restaurant 2022. Only ice cream shop I saw on the list. Maybe ignored any other 😌.
212 locals recommend
Harlem Shake
100 W 124th StTime out top 50 restaurant 2022. Only ice cream shop I saw on the list. Maybe ignored any other 😌.
forget your diet, wear casual clothes so not covered in the barbecue sauce, yes its finger licking good! Proximity to the Hudson waterfront allows you to think about walking off it off, or hey you can actually walk, all the way to Chelsea Piers and beyond...
409 locals recommend
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
700 W 125th Stforget your diet, wear casual clothes so not covered in the barbecue sauce, yes its finger licking good! Proximity to the Hudson waterfront allows you to think about walking off it off, or hey you can actually walk, all the way to Chelsea Piers and beyond...
another Harlem favorite by the restauranteurs of Corner Social, if you need to hear yourself speak, wrong place; if you want to hang with the cool millennials of Harlem run don't walk
49 locals recommend
Angel of Harlem
2272 Frederick Douglass Blvdanother Harlem favorite by the restauranteurs of Corner Social, if you need to hear yourself speak, wrong place; if you want to hang with the cool millennials of Harlem run don't walk
My daughter goes here regularly to order the butter chicken! She became so “addicted” she learned to make it herself. Now I recently branched out to try the duck masala which I actually like better. No convincing my daughter - it’s butter chicken or nothing!
6 locals recommend
Indian Summer Harlem
239 Malcolm X BlvdMy daughter goes here regularly to order the butter chicken! She became so “addicted” she learned to make it herself. Now I recently branched out to try the duck masala which I actually like better. No convincing my daughter - it’s butter chicken or nothing!
Ok I like markets and food halls. And with the Brooklyn waterfront as a backdrop how could you go wrong! Created by Time Out Magazine. Always check their listing of what to do in NYC each week for timely cultural listings!
69 locals recommend
Time Out Market New York
55 Water StOk I like markets and food halls. And with the Brooklyn waterfront as a backdrop how could you go wrong! Created by Time Out Magazine. Always check their listing of what to do in NYC each week for timely cultural listings!
So the food in this local casual Jamaican restaurant is almost better than any restaurant I have eaten in Jamaica - from Devon House to Scotchys? I might have to figure my way into the kitchen to find out what’s going on in there…
8 locals recommend
Caribbean Starr
280 Malcolm X BlvdSo the food in this local casual Jamaican restaurant is almost better than any restaurant I have eaten in Jamaica - from Devon House to Scotchys? I might have to figure my way into the kitchen to find out what’s going on in there…
Masterful fried chicken, New Orleans flavors and more…say Hi to the chef from Bea
98 locals recommend
BLVD Bistro NY
2149 Frederick Douglass BlvdMasterful fried chicken, New Orleans flavors and more…say Hi to the chef from Bea
Parks, Nature and Instagram Spots
With the renovation of the historic fire bell at the peak, Harlem now has regained another speculative view point on Manhattan skyline
154 locals recommend
Marcus Garvey Park
Mount Morris Park WestWith the renovation of the historic fire bell at the peak, Harlem now has regained another speculative view point on Manhattan skyline
Budget busting but worth it, once in while but you will never forget. And yes, great photo ops!
66 locals recommend
Tavern On the Green
West 67th StreetBudget busting but worth it, once in while but you will never forget. And yes, great photo ops!
A special place for historic buffs and quiet romantic moment. My name is Alexander Hamilton…
175 locals recommend
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
414 W 141st StA special place for historic buffs and quiet romantic moment. My name is Alexander Hamilton…
a special oasis in Central Park for the young and the young at heart.
394 locals recommend
Central Park Zoo
East 64th Streeta special oasis in Central Park for the young and the young at heart.
Truly a special place! Treasure for the young and yoing at heart. Summer tome try the zip line! And yes you can take the subway there.
African Lions at Bronx Zoo
Truly a special place! Treasure for the young and yoing at heart. Summer tome try the zip line! And yes you can take the subway there.
Ok the annual orchid show and train show are the toppers, but good all the time! Will cost you a few Benjamins but you can get married there too…
New York Botanical Garden
Ok the annual orchid show and train show are the toppers, but good all the time! Will cost you a few Benjamins but you can get married there too…
Get transported in a short $3 ferry ride to NYC in a state of nature - but with amazing farm to table dining and food trucks, new day spa, spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, and summer glamping if you are organized enough to book a year in advance!
9 locals recommend
Governors Island Ferry
10 South StGet transported in a short $3 ferry ride to NYC in a state of nature - but with amazing farm to table dining and food trucks, new day spa, spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, and summer glamping if you are organized enough to book a year in advance!
For landscape, nature lovers and urban design geeks like me - a must see. Nothing more to say! If you need more - try the internet search. A newer NY icon!
2323 locals recommend
The High Line Park
For landscape, nature lovers and urban design geeks like me - a must see. Nothing more to say! If you need more - try the internet search. A newer NY icon!
Growing up in Jamaica I have a weakness for fresh seafood. A mile of seafood restaurants - what else is there to say. Well actually if you arrive to NYC by boat I understand the City Island docking is a cost effective option. Quick sail to under- appreciated upper East river waterfront. Give it a minute NY will finally get around to celebrating its full waterfront experience - and not just the around Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Yes, I think you just found my soapbox, dismounting quickly!
103 locals recommend
City Island
Growing up in Jamaica I have a weakness for fresh seafood. A mile of seafood restaurants - what else is there to say. Well actually if you arrive to NYC by boat I understand the City Island docking is a cost effective option. Quick sail to under- appreciated upper East river waterfront. Give it a minute NY will finally get around to celebrating its full waterfront experience - and not just the around Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Yes, I think you just found my soapbox, dismounting quickly!
Ok if you find your way all the way to this spot in Central Park you are a trooper. Beyond romantic and timeless.
46 locals recommend
Belvedere Castle
Ok if you find your way all the way to this spot in Central Park you are a trooper. Beyond romantic and timeless.
Shopping
I must admit the clothing is too hip for me, but refreshing to see what the "cool Kids' are wearing or will be wearing for a talented local design team!
17 locals recommend
Harlem Haberdashery
245 Malcolm X BlvdI must admit the clothing is too hip for me, but refreshing to see what the "cool Kids' are wearing or will be wearing for a talented local design team!
Whole Foods Market
100 W 125th Ststock up for home cooking and healthy snacks
Must visit for Harlem centric gift items. Love the books and the candles in particular.
20 locals recommend
NiLu Gift Boutique
191 Malcolm X BlvdMust visit for Harlem centric gift items. Love the books and the candles in particular.
Vintage Harlem Wine & Spirits
2239 Frederick Douglass BlvdH&M
150 East 86th Streetforgot something at home, stock up at H&M
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
301 W 125th Stgreat deals, less crowded than the downtown options
Apple Upper West Side
1981 Broadwaya living museum to all that is Apple
Lidl
For longer stays great place to stock up on food supplies…
Local wine shop that celebrates diverse winemakers. Freeland liquor on Lenox also delivers.
9 locals recommend
Harlem Wine Gallery
2067 Adam Clayton Powell Jr BlvdLocal wine shop that celebrates diverse winemakers. Freeland liquor on Lenox also delivers.
Fortunately my daughter has outgrown this place. If your little one hasn’t yet - may the force be with your wallet!
15 locals recommend
American Girl Place
75 Rockefeller PlazaFortunately my daughter has outgrown this place. If your little one hasn’t yet - may the force be with your wallet!
Museums and Universities
One day I will dive into the cultural archives. I may not get out…
186 locals recommend
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X BlvdOne day I will dive into the cultural archives. I may not get out…
Ok I haven’t visited yet. However the current “food” exhibit on my short list…
271 locals recommend
Museum of the City of New York
1220 5th AveOk I haven’t visited yet. However the current “food” exhibit on my short list…
Cultural anchor with community focused programming. On mission that they dedicate prime frontage for an accessible coffee shop facing Fifth Avenue. Great place to meet up with a group to stroll Museum Mile.
182 locals recommend
El Museo del Barrio
1230 5th AveCultural anchor with community focused programming. On mission that they dedicate prime frontage for an accessible coffee shop facing Fifth Avenue. Great place to meet up with a group to stroll Museum Mile.
Ok remember now that the suggested donation is “suggested”. I give at the cafe with views of Central Park - usually related to a cheese plate. My absolute favorite rooms are the gardens in the Asia wing - yes I like gardens - it’s a little of a scavenger hunt to find it!
2653 locals recommend
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th AveOk remember now that the suggested donation is “suggested”. I give at the cafe with views of Central Park - usually related to a cheese plate. My absolute favorite rooms are the gardens in the Asia wing - yes I like gardens - it’s a little of a scavenger hunt to find it!
The Met Cloisters
99 Margaret Corbin DrHistory, architecture and nature colide
Coffee shop, ice cream, burgers and shakes
Straight down the middle cafe for light fare. Can’t count the number of times I have had the curry chicken salad. The bagel platter a close second.
163 locals recommend
Il Cafe Latte 1
189 Malcolm X BlvdStraight down the middle cafe for light fare. Can’t count the number of times I have had the curry chicken salad. The bagel platter a close second.
Starbucks
301 W 145th StIt’s Starbucks
Only ice cream shop that I saw on NYC 2022 top restaurant list. But then I may be biased - it’s Harlem’s best ice cream shop. Natural, tasty and super local.
40 locals recommend
Sugar Hill Creamery
184 Malcolm X BlvdOnly ice cream shop that I saw on NYC 2022 top restaurant list. But then I may be biased - it’s Harlem’s best ice cream shop. Natural, tasty and super local.
New York standard - originated in Bryant Patk and now on 5th Avenue and 125th. Please ask why they haven’t open a sidewalk cafe? And let’s keep asking till they finally do it…
993 locals recommend
Shake Shack
Madison AvenueNew York standard - originated in Bryant Patk and now on 5th Avenue and 125th. Please ask why they haven’t open a sidewalk cafe? And let’s keep asking till they finally do it…
Ok this is the lastest bagel rave in the neighborhood. The spot looks great. The vibe is cool. But seriously the line is long. Let me know when you try the bagels what the rage is all about..
28 locals recommend
BO's Bagels
235 W 116th StOk this is the lastest bagel rave in the neighborhood. The spot looks great. The vibe is cool. But seriously the line is long. Let me know when you try the bagels what the rage is all about..
My favorite coffee spot. 5 minute walk from the airbnb. They know my favorite morning Joe. Give them a few tries and they will likely know yours too!
The Monkey Cup
My favorite coffee spot. 5 minute walk from the airbnb. They know my favorite morning Joe. Give them a few tries and they will likely know yours too!
Let the burger wars begin! When Shake Shack came to Harlem locals thought it would be the end of home grown Harlem Shake. But David fought back against Goliath doubling down on the community vibe. See for yourself. Impromptu local music and amateur performers has heads nodding. Who knows, talent scouts next?
212 locals recommend
Harlem Shake
100 W 124th StLet the burger wars begin! When Shake Shack came to Harlem locals thought it would be the end of home grown Harlem Shake. But David fought back against Goliath doubling down on the community vibe. See for yourself. Impromptu local music and amateur performers has heads nodding. Who knows, talent scouts next?
Nightlife, Bars and Music
Minton's Playhouse
206 W 118th StCheck out the Thursday night programming..
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
2751 Broadwayjazz legend
Ginny's Supper Club
310 Malcolm X BlvdSpeakeasy taken upscale
Cove Lounge
325 Malcolm X BlvdLocal lounge with good vibes
The music is loud, the food is good, the place is hopping. Welcome to the new South Bronx! Yep a little Harlem rivalry may be brewing here…
17 locals recommend
Beatstro
135 Alexander AveThe music is loud, the food is good, the place is hopping. Welcome to the new South Bronx! Yep a little Harlem rivalry may be brewing here…
Zona De Cuba
558 Grand ConcourseSo when are you coming to Harlem? search party in formation…
Craft beer is here…really that’s all I know (personally prefer wine). Some of my best friends like and brew craft beer!
18 locals recommend
Harlem Hops
2268 Adam Clayton Powell Jr BlvdCraft beer is here…really that’s all I know (personally prefer wine). Some of my best friends like and brew craft beer!
67 Orange Street
2082 Frederick Douglass BlvdBest cocktails in Harlem. Iconic speakeasy vibe.
The Africa diaspora energy at Silvana will keep your feet tapping and your taste buds jumping. And to mix it up head 10 blocks north to the husband/wife property at Shrine..,
197 locals recommend
Silvana
300 W 116th StThe Africa diaspora energy at Silvana will keep your feet tapping and your taste buds jumping. And to mix it up head 10 blocks north to the husband/wife property at Shrine..,
warm up at the co-owned property by the husband and wife team who also own Silvana. Get your groove fully on at Shrine. Hands down Harlem’s best live African inspired music venue!
227 locals recommend
Shrine
2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvdwarm up at the co-owned property by the husband and wife team who also own Silvana. Get your groove fully on at Shrine. Hands down Harlem’s best live African inspired music venue!