After some truly challenging times, NYC has begun to regain its footing—and uptown is no exception.
Exhibit A: The wave of bar and restaurant openings washing over Harlem and beyond in recent months, including a buzzy new eatery with accessibility at its core, two new food halls, as well as a color-drenched Brazilian spot with cachaca-infused cocktails.
Here's a list to get you started:
November
Hamilton Heights 3604 Broadway between W 148th and W 149th Sts
A new craft beer spot that's both a bar and a shop, with 16 tap lines and refrigerators stocked with more than 250 beers and ciders from around the world.
Central Harlem 370 Lenox Ave between W 128th and W 129th Sts
A Filipino chef and a pair of DJs have opened this new juice bar with signature smoothies like the Harlem Shake, made with mango, baby spinach, avocado, blueberries, and almond milk.
October
La Chula at Northend Food Hall
Washington Heights 4300 Broadway and W 183rd St
This 6,000-square-foot dining hall finally has its second food stall: La Chula, serving up Mexico City-style tacos, burritos and tortas filled with everything from beef birria to a meat-free mix of mushrooms, zucchini and cheese.
East Harlem 232 E 111th St between Second and Third Aves
A shiny new Italian Roastery—the blue Probat roaster is right behind the counter—has opened in a 4,000-square-foot space offering everything from espressos to Chemex pour-overs. There's also breakfast, lunch and gelato.
Washington Heights 805 W 187th St between Fort Washington Ave and Cabrini Blvd
The owners of Tampopo Ramen have debuted a new spot a bit further uptown featuring traditional sushi, fresh udon noodles and donburi rice bowls.
September
West Harlem 3229 Broadway at W 130th St
A new tapas restaurant inside the Manhattanville Market where you can end the day with good wine, cocktails and traditional Spanish small plates like Ibérico ham and shrimp with garlic.
Hamilton Heights 126 Hamilton Pl between W 142nd and W 143rd Sts
This spot that was most recently Hogshead Tavern has been transformed into a speakeasy-style cocktail bar featuring live jazz from Thursdays to Sundays.
August
East Harlem 2108 Second Ave between E 108th and E 109th Sts
Known for its authentic birria tacos, this Mexican mom-and-pop recently opened a new location offering even more birria (in tacos, empanadas, tamales and ramen), plus breakfast burritos and classic desserts like churros and tres leches.
East Harlem 1693 Lexington Ave between E 106th and E 107th Sts
From the team behind East Harlem Bottling Co. comes this 25-seat cocktail bar with sharable plates, including oysters on the half shell.
July
East Harlem 177 E 100th St between Lexington and Third Aves
The owners of Belgian mousse bar Mojo have opened this Brazilian-inspired cocktail bar, with small plates to match, right next door.
Central Harlem 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 113th and W 114th Sts
A neighborhood favorite for fresh tacos and margaritas, this Mexican spot just debuted its third Harlem location.
June
East Harlem 88 E 111 St between Park and Madison Aves
Designed with accessibility in mind, this modern new spot includes two different bar counter heights and plenty of space to move around. On the menu are Peruvian-influenced dishes like ceviche and creamy quinoa, plus wines made by folks from indigenous backgrounds, the BIPOC community, and more.
West Harlem 341 St. Nicholas Ave and W 127th St
A new pizza joint with properly crusty slices and pies in flavors including vodka, bianca (white), and sausage & broccoli.
Harlem Public at Northend Food Hall
Washington Heights Broadway and 183rd St
This long-awaited food hall's first restaurant, Harlem Public, is finally open and serving its signature fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, and fun drinks like the Pop Rocks margarita.
Central Harlem 2363 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd between W 138th and W 139th Sts
Chef Darryl Burnette's new cafe—complete with swings—is right next door to his small gem, Belle Harlem. Already a hit: the made-from-scratch bagels.
West Harlem 409 W 125th St between Morningside and Amsterdam Aves
This Harlem institution, known for its frosted layer cakes and cupcakes, has opened its third bakery right on 125th Street.
West Harlem 3229 Broadway and W 130th St
A glossy new food hall on Columbia's West Harlem campus that's home to four food concepts offering everything from thick biscuit sandwiches to creamy hummus bowls.
Central Harlem 2340 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and W 137th St
This colorful taco spot closed its location on Lenox Avenue and 118th Street a few years ago, but is now back in the old Ruby's Vintage space.
Skinny's Cantina on the Hudson
West Harlem 701 W 133rd St and 12th Ave
A new Mexican spot where you can pair your tacos with pitchers of frozen margaritas and enjoy it all on the huge outdoor terrace.
May
East Harlem 1694 Park Ave between E 118th and E 119th Sts
The team behind Harlem's beloved The Edge is serving up favorites like jerk chicken caesar salad and coconut battered fish and chips at this new takeout spot and event space.
April
East Harlem 18 E 116th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues
A new Middle Eastern cafe offering falafel burgers, portobello fries and many more vegan-friendly options.
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