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 taco spot specializing in ingredients from around the globe to a restaurant with West African roots:
April
West Harlem 3229 Broadway at W 130th St
Goodbye tapas, hello tacos. Operating out of the same corner space in the Manhattanville Market as before, chef Franklin Becker has pivoted from Spanish cuisine to everyone's favorite Mexican snack made with both international (Korean fried chicken) and traditional (al pastor) fillings.
March
Central Harlem 348 Lenox Ave between W 127th and W 128th Sts
A new, modern spot serving West African dishes like jollof rice, plus more standard fare like wings in the former Tito's BBQ Station space.
February
East Harlem 1567 Lexington Ave and E 100th St
This new Belgian bistro in the old Joy Burger Bar space is from the same team that opened Bar Goyana and Mojo Mousse just down the block (the mousse is now sold at the new spot).
January
Central Harlem 2754 Frederick Douglass Blvd and W 146th St
The second location of this Black- and woman-owned coffee shop has the same minimalist vibe as the original on Amsterdam—but with lots more space.
Central Harlem Shared space with Exquisite Vibez, 2308 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd between W 135th and W 136th Sts
Chef Melvin “Boots” Johnson's Southern-style biscuit spot has moved yet again, now operating out of Jamaican restaurant Exquisite Vibez from 8am to 2pm.
Central Harlem 55 St. Nicholas Ave and W 113th St
This recently-relocated Somali restaurant is now serving up its popular fried sambusas and spicy meat stews in the former Seasoned Vegan space (which moved to the East Village).
Central Harlem 206 W 118th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and St. Nicholas Ave
Established in 1938, this legendary jazz venue has reopened under new ownership (psst: there's no-cover jazz from 11pm to 3am every Thursday, Friday and Saturday).
2023
December
Washington Heights 3750 Broadway between W 155th and W 156th Sts
Harlem's top (and also only) spot for handmade bagels has branched out with a new location in Washington Heights.
West Harlem 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 food—all 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 its 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.
September
Washington Heights 736 W 181st St between Magaw Pl and Fort Washington Ave
Just steps from Broadway, this casual Ethiopian spot is serving up classic fare including shiro wot (chickpea stew) and doro wot (chicken in spicy berbere sauce).
August
Washington Heights 3766 Broadway between 156th and 157th Sts
Brick-oven pies made with toppings from around the world, including sudjuk, chimichurri and kimchi—all via Sweden.
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 spot—the first one debuted in Harlem in 2019—right by Columbia U.
June
Hamilton Heights 126 Hamilton Pl between W 142nd and W 143rd Sts
A new "Afrobeats lounge" 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 at the restaurant.
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).
