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All the Notable New Restaurants and Bars That Have Opened in Harlem and Beyond

  • The Curious Uptowner
  • 1 day ago
  • 4 min read
The Studio Cafe on the lower level of the Studio Museum in Harlem is run by Settepani.
The Studio Cafe on the lower level of the Studio Museum in Harlem is run by Settepani.

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 cafe inside the Studio Museum to a craft beer spot in West Harlem.


November


Central Harlem Lower level of The Studio Museum in Harlem, 144 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and Lenox Ave

The new Studio Museum in Harlem building now has a cafe on the lower level run by Harlem’s beloved Settepani. Stop by for coffee, baked goods (croissants, scones and more), plus soups, salads, and light sandwiches.


West Harlem 132 Hamilton Pl and 143rd St

This new destination for craft beer, whiskey and arts has taken over the old Hogshead space.


Central Harlem 370 Malcolm X Blvd and W 129th St

Traditional Hawiian poke—raw fish served on rice—is just one of the options at this new corner spot. Think rice bowls topped with grilled salmon, grilled chicken and hanger steak.



October


Facade of Salento Colombian Coffee and Kitchen in West Harlem
The new Salento at 132 Hamilton Place in West Harlem.

West Harlem 132 Hamilton Pl and 143rd St

Traditional Colombian pandebono (cheese bread), pastries and much more can be matched with freshly-made coffee at the second location of this plant-filled cafe.


Washington Heights 808 W 187th St between Fort Washington and Pinehurst Aves

This new diner in Hudson Heights has everything from all-day pancakes to "Greek favorites" like moussaka and spinach pie on the menu.



September


East Harlem La Marqueta, 1590 Park Ave and E 115th St

Located within El Barrio's historic La Marqueta, this new stall serves up vegan soul-food dishes like chickpea waffles and voxtail dinner.



August


Central Harlem 317 W 141st St between Frederick Douglass Blvd and Edgecombe Ave

Freshly-made bagels—a rarity in Harlem—are at the heart of this new shop offering a range of cream cheese options as well as all-day breakfast sandwiches (think turkey bacon, egg and cheese).


West Harlem 3604 Broadway between W 148th and W 149th Sts

A bartender at the recently-shuttered Beer Run Harlem has teamed up with his wife to take over the space with craft beer, natural wine and cocktails.



June


East Harlem 2309 Second Ave between E 118th and E 119th Sts

Bite-size donuts that come in choose-your-own glazes (including caramel, chocolate, and strawberry jam) and toppings (brownie bites, Oreos, Fruity Pebbles and more).



May


New Morningside Cafe kiosk in Morningside Park in Harlem
Morningside Cafe on Manhattan Avenue and W 112th Street

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.


East Harlem La Marqueta, 1590 Park Ave and E 115th St

A tribute to the owner's beloved Filipina grandmother, this homestyle cafe serves up "Amer-Asian treats" like strawberry dragonfruit krispy treats, ube cannoli, and savory bento boxes.


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.


Malecon Express at 3500 Broadway.
Malecon Express at 3500 Broadway.

West Harlem 3500 Broadway at W 143rd St

Smaller than the Washington Heights original, the "express" outpost of this Dominican eatery still has a few tables where you can enjoy the popular rotisserie chicken, plus daily specials like roast pork and goat stew.



March


West Harlem 405 W 145th St between St. Nicholas and Convent Aves

Teenage entreprenuer Nyla Reese has opened this tiny shop selling vegan donuts in flavors like strawberry, cookies 'n' cream, pina colada, and gluten-free maple cinnamon sugar.


Central Harlem 2113 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 114th and W 115th Sts

Bright, 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.



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