All the Notable New Restaurants and Bars That Have Opened in Harlem and Beyond
- The Curious Uptowner
- May 28
- 5 min read
Looking to catch up on the latest restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Harlem, Washington Heights, and beyond?
Here's a running list, from a new seasonal cafe in Morningside Park to the "express" version of an uptown favorite in West Harlem.
May
Central Harlem Morningside Park, Manhattan Ave and W 112th St
Crabman Mike, a longtime seafood vendor on 125th Street, has moved into the brand new kiosk in Morningside Park. The founder's son is now running the seasonal business, offering a menu that features Cajun seafood boil (your choice of blue crabs, snow crab legs or PEI mussels), plus burgers, hot dogs and ice cream.
April
Central Harlem 2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 124th and W 125th Sts, 2nd floor
With windows looking down on 125th Street, this upscape Nigerian spot offers both West African classics like jollof rice (served with chicken, fried snapper, goat or beef) and American favorites like Caesar salad and burgers, plus fruity cocktails.
West Harlem 3500 Broadway at W 143rd St
This "express" outpost of the Dominican eatery is smaller than the Washington Heights original, but still has a few tables where you can enjoy the popular rotisserie chicken, plus daily specials like roast pork and goat stew.
March
Central Harlem 2113 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 114th and W 115th Sts
Bright and simply furnished new Indian spot from the owner of Mumbai Masala in West Harlem, with a menu that includes a full range of curries and tandoori dishes—vegan options included.
February
Central Harlem 27 W 125th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves
Founded a mere four years ago, this NYC-based smash burger chain is now open in Harlem with a simple menu offering three types of burgers: cheese, double and Impossible.
January
East Harlem 2128 Second Ave between E 109th and E 110th Sts
The second Manhattan outpost of this Hawaiian chain is serving up what's known on the islands as the "plate lunch"—a combo featuring two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and your choice of proteins like chicken katsu, barbecue beef or fried shrimp.
2024
December
East Harlem 1567 Lexington Ave at E 100th St
After months of permit-wrangling, this new Belgian bistro from the Bar Goyana and Mojo Mousse Bar team finally had its gas turned on. On the menu: moules frites, steak frites, Belgian fries and more.
November
El Barcito (now closed)
Washington Heights Northend Food Hall, 4300 Broadway at W 183rd St
This new bar from Julian Medina—the chef who also runs La Chula taqueria inside the same food hall—is serving up margaritas and more in Harlem Public's old corner (HP left in August).
Washington Heights 803 W 187th St between Fort Washington Ave and Cabrini Blvd
Just a few doors down from Dutch Baby Bakery is the owner's new bookstore that also sells gifts and ice cream.
West Harlem 1635 Amsterdam Ave at W 141st St
The couple behind Patrick's Place Harlem and One Stop Patty Shop have opened a new Jamaican Fusion restaurant in the old Grange Bar and Eatery. How about starting your meal with bite-size Jamaican beef patties and Miss T's rum punch?
Central Harlem 331 Lenox Ave between W 126th and W 127th Sts
Sicilian-style pizzas, fritto misto and craft cocktails are on the menu at this Italian tavern in the old Babbalucci space.
Central Harlem 2280 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 122nd and 123rd Sts.
This new Black-owned bistro (the proprietor ran Extra Virgin in the West Village for two decades) is serving Caribbean-Asian fusion—think shrimp coconut curry stew—and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Central Harlem 2100 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 113th and W 114th Sts
The team behind Alison restaurant in East Harlem has opened this simple taco spot (filled with everything from pollo pibil to chorizo) in the old VeganHood space.
October
West Harlem 3450 Broadway between W 140th and W 141st Sts
Named after the caffeinated leaf from the Amazon, this cafe with outdoor seating in the back is serving up coffee, tea, and a light menu that includes bagels and salads.
Central Harlem 5 W 125th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves
This rapidly expanding food hall chain with a focus on delivery offers meals from a range of restaurants like Bobby Flay Steak, Di Fara Pizza and Tejas Barbecue.
West Harlem 1608 Amsterdam Ave between W 139th and W 140th Sts
Beloved neighborhood Italian spot Fumo has opened this stylish sister space just one block over, serving espresso-based drinks during the day and wine and charcuterie in the evening.
West Harlem 1624 Amsterdam Ave at W 140th St
A "hillside cabin"Â (think: raccoon motifs and antler decor) from a group that includes members of the Harlem Public team has opened in the old Grill on the Hill space near City College.
September
West Harlem 3448 Broadway between W 140th and W 141st Sts
This cozy new bar and restaurant with pretty floor tiles has a simple taco menu, plus a daily happy hour from 4pm-7pm.
171 Lenox Ave between W 118th and W 119th Sts
Choose from traditional or with-a-twist chais—iced Kashmiri chai, anyone?—and pair it with a house-made samosa or tahini loaf at this creative new Pakistani cafe on Lenox.
August
Central Harlem 60 W 125th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves
This spacious brasserie from the chef and owner of Ponty Bistro (as well as Renaissance Harlem and Harlem Cafe) is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, serving up a mix of steakhouse, African and French fare.
West Harlem 130 Hamilton Pl between W 142nd and W 143rd Sts
Painted in vivid blues and greens, this inviting cafe and restaurant serves up Mexican dishes like beef birria influenced by traditional home cooking.
July
East Harlem 332 E 116th St between First and Second Aves
A stylish new cocktail spot with speakeasy vibes—and, yes, a terrace in the backyard—has opened in the old Lion Lion space.
Lavitta's Creole (now closed)
Central Harlem 218 Lenox Ave at W 121st St
Creole dishes like wild shrimp po boys, crawfish cakes and beignets inspired by chef Jimmy Thomas' family recipes.
East Harlem 1 E 118th St between Madison and Fifth Aves
A new bakery specializing in vegan donuts featuring creative ingredients such as matcha buttercream, peanut butter and jelly, and an Indian-inspired mix of saffron, rosewater and cardamom.
Central Harlem 2288 Frederick Douglass Blvd at W 123rd St
Named after the berbere-rich paste central to Ethiopian cuisine, this new Ethiopian spot in the old Sido Grill space serves up traditional Ethiopian stews on spongy injera bread.
June
East Harlem 347 E 109th St between First and Second Aves
Founded by a husband and wife team with a passion for Oaxacan pan dulce, this tiny bakery offers up fresh seasonal conchas, plus cookies, cakes and coffee to wash it all down.
Sugar Hill 761 St. Nicholas Ave between W 148th and W 149th Sts
Located at the base of a historic Sugar Hill townhouse, this locally-owned coffee shop offers espresso-based drinks featuring Afficionado coffee and Colson pastries.
