Looking to catch up on the latest restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Harlem, Washington Heights, and beyond?
From a new Filipino spot specializing in lechon to a pizzeria with Swedish roots, here's a running list:
December
West HarlemĀ 611 W 129th St between Broadway and 12th Ave
Dear Mama coffee shop has expanded into Louis 649, named after the East Village that bar owner Zachary Sharaga ran in the 2000s. Look for craft beer, natural wines, old-school cocktails, plus foodāall available until 10pm.
November
West Harlem 3508 Broadway between W 143rd and W 144th Sts
Formerly known as The Chick Inn, this rebranded spot run by the Fumo team has kept favorites like the Peruvian rotisserie chicken and added a pasta menu with dishes including Mezzi Rigatoni Vodka and Spaghetti Spicy Lobster.
October
Inwood 5057 Broadway between W 215th and W 216th Sts
This new Filipino spot specializing in lechon (roast pig) has its roots in food festivals such as the Uptown Night Market and Smorgasburg. Now it's a brick and mortar restaurant that's open every day.
Washington Heights Fort Tryon Park, 1 Margaret Corbin Drive
Chef Nicole O'Brien, who ran the now-shuttered Pandering Pig on Pinehurst Avenue, has opened this new restaurant inside the historic stone cottage in Fort Tryon Park. The French/NoCal menu includes starters like mussels in white wine tarragon, a house salad with basil micro greens and dandelion, plus mains ranging from duck confit to pumpkin seed pesto.
August
Washington Heights 3766 Broadway between 156th and 157th Sts
Brick-oven pies made with toppings from around the world, including sudjuk, chimichurri and kimchiāall via Sweden.
Buunni Coffee at Northend Food Hall
Washington Heights 4300 Broadway and W 183rd St
This beloved uptown coffee spot has opened its fourth location in the Northend Food Hall, joining Harlem Public, La Chula and others.
July
Morningside Heights 2913 Broadway between W 113th and W 114th Sts
Chef JJ Johnson has opened the third location of his fast-casual rice bowl spotāthe first one debuted in Harlem in 2019āright by Columbia U.
June
Hamilton Heights 126 Hamilton Pl between W 142nd and W 143rd Sts
This new "Afrobeats lounge" is serving up Ghanaian and Caribbean food in the former Cloak Room/Hogshead space.
Hamilton Heights 3395 Broadway between W 137th and W 138th Sts
After a months-long gut renovation, this old-school spot known for its belly-filling stews, cafe con leche and Cuban sandwiches has reopened under new ownership, according to a worker there.
May
Central Harlem 370 Lenox Ave at 129th St
Stop by for all things rotisserie chicken at this new takeout place with a menu that includes whole birds, chicken sandwiches on baguettes, plus something called the Rotiss Chicken Pot combining chicken, french fries and your choice of sauce (white, chipotle, etc).
April
Central Harlem 231 Lenox Ave between W 121st and W 122nd Sts
Just in time for the warmer months comes this new sit-down on Lenox with a roomy back patio plus sidewalk seating serving up everything from chicken lollipops to mofongo to a classic breakfast menu on the weekends starting at 8am.
West Harlem 439 W 125th St between Morningside and Amsterdam Aves
This fried-chicken institution continues its Harlem expansion with a takeout spot on 125th Street.
Hamilton Heights 398 W 145th St between St. Nicholas and Convent Aves
Just steps from the A train is this new Italian restaurant and wine bar with a focus on wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta.
Central Harlem 318 W 142nd St between Frederick Douglass Blvd and Bradhurst Ave
This bubble tea spot popular with the City College crowd has opened its second Harlem location in the old Hexagon Lounge space.
Washington Heights 554 W 158th St between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave
The owner of the now-defunct Taszo Coffee Shop has debuted this spacious new cafe with tables and wifi in the front and a cozy computer-free area in the back that's perfect for hanging out.
March
East Harlem 1694 Park Ave and E 119th St
The two sisters behind Harlem's popular The Edge have opened this new spot across town serving classic cocktails, mocktails, and a small menu with dishes including coconut fish sandwiches, cheeseburgers and hot honey fried chicken.
Morningside Heights 2911 Broadway between W 113th and W 114th Sts
Customizable Southeast Asian sandwiches and rice bowls courtesy of chef Nils Noren, formerly of Aquavit.
East Harlem 1325 Fifth Ave between E 111th and E 112th Sts
This is the third new location of Harlem's undisputed master of pan-fried chicken since rebranding and announcing an expansion in early 2022.
Central Harlem 300 W 135th St between Frederick Douglass Blvd and St. Nicholas Ave
Serving up plant-based burgers with names like One Night Stand and Sloppy Toppy, this popular vegan chain out of Atlanta is now open in Harlem.
East Harlem 1642 Lexington Ave btwn E 103rd and 104th Sts
This family-owned business has a new East Harlem outpost offering not just scoops of ice cream in favorite flavors like Chairperson of the Board (Blueberry Cheesecake), but also soft serve like guava quesito.
February
East Harlem 2162 Second Ave and E 111th St
The old Mountain Bird space is now a classic dinerāthe long menu includes all-day breakfast, salads, burgers and sandwiches, plus main courses like steak with peppercorn sauce.
Central Harlem 341 St. Nicholas Ave and W 127th St
Year-and-a-half-old slice joint Dado's Pizza has expanded into the adjoining space with seating plus cold beer on tap and sold in cans.
January
Central Harlem Inside Caninta, 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 113th and W 114th Sts
Chef Melvin āBootsā Johnson's daytime biscuit sandwich operationāit's open from 8am to 2pmāis operating out of Cantina restaurant, meaning it now has plenty of indoor seating.
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