Seven months into the pandemic, the coronavirus crisis has taken a heavy toll on a range of beloved small businesses in Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood, forcing them to shutter.
Some have announced they've closed for good, others have disappeared with little explanation, and a few have vowed to return in new spaces.
While the group below includes restaurants and bars, there's now a disproportionate number of coffee shops and fitness studios (four each)—a sign that certain types of businesses are having a harder time surviving.
Here, then, is a running list of notable uptown business that have closed since March:
October
Central Harlem 111 Central Park North between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvds
A cozy little coffee shop close to Central Park, Little Bean served its last cup of coffee last weekend. The doors are still open this week for anyone wishing to purchase coffee beans, cold brew concentrate and more. "Although this is heartbreaking for us, we are at peace with it and doing what is best for our family," reads a recent message on Instagram.
Washington Heights 4080 Broadway at 172nd Street
After only three years in business, this spin studio in Washington Heights has shuttered. According to a recent Instagram post, "We spent months working on a reopening plan to keep our team and clients safe, while trying to keep the business afloat. But alas, seeing that there is no true end in sight, we had to do what we believe was best."
Central Harlem 137 W 116th St between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvds
Specializing in "thoughtfully prepared and sourced espresso," this friendly coffee bar announced that Saturday, October 3 would be its last day. "You have helped us stay afloat throughout this crisis, but ultimately we aren’t able to continue the business," says a recent post on Instagram.
September
Inwood 5000 Broadway Suite A and W 212th St
Bread and Yoga has closed its eight-year-old Inwood studio. "After many attempts at negotiating with our landlord without avail, and after a lot of reflection, we will be turning our keys in by Sep 30th," reads a note on Instagram. Yoga classes will continue online; its Harlem studio will reopen once it is safe to do so.
Central Harlem 2124 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 114th and W 115th Sts
Labor Day was the last day for this colorful coffee destination on FDB.
East Harlem 332 E 116th St between First and Second Aves
Specializing in hand-crafted cocktails, this four-year-old East Harlem bar with a speakeasy vibe announced it would be closing on September 30. "We gave it the best we could but we just couldn’t weather this storm, so we’re getting on with our lives," explains a recent post on social media.
East Harlem 1944 Madison Ave and E 125th St
"This is hard for us to say, but Sword Class NYC will not be reopening, at least not in its previous form," reads a new message on this martial arts studio's social media accounts.
August
Central Harlem 2224 Frederick Douglass Blvd at W 120th St
This corner spot with a focus on craft brews now has a large "Space Available" sign out front.
June
Central Harlem 2330 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd between W 136th and W 137th Sts
Singer/actress Teyana Taylor's Harlem-in-the-'90s-themed nail salon announced it wouldn't be reopening in its space on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. "[T]he next time we see you.....WE’ll OWN IT!!," proclaimed a post on Instagram.
Central Harlem 2272 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd between W 133rd and W 134th Sts
This barre- and yoga-focused wellness studio made the difficult decision to permanently close its pink-and-white space in Harlem. Its Williamsburg studio will reopen when the owners feel it's safe to do so.
May
Hamilton Heights 3409 Broadway between W 138th and W 139th Sts
When a local fan saw that this beloved neighborhood slice shop had shuttered in May, they quickly began a GoFundMe to help it reopen. In early June the fundraising page was updated with the following news: "Given recent events the family has decided they want to step away and take the time to cherish and enjoy being with their children and grandchildren." 9/9/20: There is now a "space available" sign in the window.
Central Harlem 2072 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 112th and W 113th Sts
This small French bistro announced it wouldn't be reopening in its current space. "It became impossible sticking to an empty restaurant and pay[ing] bills," explained owner Kfir Ben on Facebook. He hopes to open in another location "once it's all over."
April
Washington Heights 4015 Broadway at W 169th St
This beloved Irish bar acknowledged it was permanently closing in April. Money was definitely an issue. As the New York Times reported, "Even empty, rent-free, the place was costing more than $20,000 a month." Another factor: two of the three owners are in their early 70s.
March
Double Dutch Espresso (City College location)
Hamilton Heights 1616 Amsterdam Avenue between W 139th and W 140th Sts
This hip little coffee shop opposite City College never made a big announcement it was closing, but the space is now empty. Its sister location on Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Central Harlem remains open.
