Harlem's vegan food scene is kicking into high gear this year.
The neighborhood, home to just a handful of vegan restaurants, is set to welcome at least two—and maybe more—plant-based food destinations in the near future.
Here's what's on the horizon:
VeganHood, a wildly-popular plant-based soul food restaurant that used to be takeout-only, is moving from its address on 135th Street to the old Harlem Food Bar space at 2100 Frederick Douglass Boulevard between W 113th and W 114th Streets. You can track its progress here.
Uptown Veg, the East Harlem vegan pioneer whose fans include NYC Mayor Eric Adams, has installed a canopy at its second Harlem branch at 349 Lenox Avenue between W 127th and W 128th Streets, although there's no opening date yet. (Brooklyn's getting one, too, at 364 Lewis Avenue in Bed-Stuy.)
Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole recently teased the opening of two branches of her hit Atlanta plant-based burger chain in New York, including one in Fort Greene (opening this spring at 690 Fulton Street) and another in Harlem (no location or date yet).
Hungry for some vegan food right this minute? Here's where to eat in Harlem right now:
East Harlem 18 E 116th St between Madison and Fifth Aves
This mod Middle Eastern cafe has an all-vegan menu featuring falafel burgers, portobello fries, avocado toast, plus a solid selection of vegan muffins, cookies and cakes.
Central Harlem 55 St. Nicholas Ave and 113th St
Specializing in vegan soul food, this beloved Harlem spot serves dishes including vegan mac & cheese and po' boys made with a choice of fried yam protein shrimp or fried burdock root crawfish.
East Harlem 52 E 125th St between Park and Madison Aves
Tasty Caribbean-style vegan stews served from the steam table, plus veggie burgers, fresh juices, shakes, and desserts, too.
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