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Yes, downtown Manhattan is full of fancy restaurants and Brooklyn is a haven for trendy bohèmes, but Uptown residents would argue that New York City's cultural mecca is Harlem. There isn't another place in the city where you can hit up more than one Jimmy Jazz, purchase bootleg soul and R&B mixtape CDs, and get lessons on supreme mathematics from Five Percenters at the Allah School in Mecca all on the same avenue. Walk along 116th Street and listen to how the language switches from the French Creole of West Africa to a cacophany of Spanish dialects as you head east into Spanish Harlem. Pass by all of the double parked cars every Sunday morning, and you'll hear the joyful singing of church choirs.
The cultural lines that separate Harlem from the Upper East and West Sides of Manhattan are becoming increasingly blurred. New mainstream businesses are opening alongside the stores Harlemites frequented as kids and upscale restaurants are taking over 8th Avenue in the southern part of Harlem, cropping up right beside hole-in-the-wall Chinese take out and chicken spots. The faces Uptown are changing, but the soul of Harlem and its community only grows with each new establishment.
The world famous Apollo Theater, Lenox Lounge, Amy Ruth's, Sylvia's, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que are all classic spots that have contributed to cultivating Harlem as we know it today. But the latest additions cropping up are making measured contributions to the 21st century Harlem Renaissance.
No one can narrow down what makes Uptown so great in just one list, but here are some of the places that make the longer commute worth it: The 15 Coolest Places in Harlem Right Now.
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Corner Social
Address: 321 Lenox Ave.
Website: cornersocialnyc.com
A well received addition to the neighborhood, Corner Social is a destination for visitors and locals alike to enjoy the warm and inviting feel of Harlem. Stop by late night and experience a menu filled with a diverse selection of comfort food, a DJ spinning good tunes, or enjoy brunch at their outdoor seating section on the weekend. Corner Social is a notable Harlem destination not only because owner Anahi Angelone strives to cultivate a space for community gathering, but because she is dedicated to working with the local vendors and organizations to see that the best of Harlem is showcased and appreciated by all.
Harlem Tavern
Address: 2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Website: harlemtavern.com
Walk along Frederick Douglas Blvd. in the area real estate agents dubbed "SoHa" and you'll be immediately drawn to 116th's large sports bar, Harlem Tavern. Joining the many restaurants that have sprouted up in the nabe in recent years, this beer garden is always buzzing with activity. On any given night, you can join the groups of fans catching major sporting events on the multiple flat screens. Stop buy during the day on the weekend and you'll see families enjoying brunch as a jazz quartet provides ambient music. Though Harlem Tavern is years away from qualifying as a Harlem staple, it has been a (mostly) welcomed addition to the neighborhood.
Ricardo Steak House
Address: 2145 2nd Ave.
Website: ricardosteakhouse.com
It isn't just the west side of Harlem that has cool spots for you to enjoy. Looking to fill up on some of the best skirt steak and lamb chops in Manhattan? Your best bet is to head east to Spanish Harlem and get a table at Ricardo Steak House. Ricardo's provides East Harlem with an upscale take on classic Latin dishes. Just pick from the many sides on the menu for the best of South and Central American flavors. Unlike some of the steakhouses downtown, your dollar will take you far at Ricardo's, so place a big order and indulge. If you don't finish that juicy T-bone steak in one sitting—and you probably won't—take the rest to go and bring a piece of Spanish Harlem home with you.
Studio Museum in Harlem
Address: 144 W. 125 St.
Website: studiomuseum.org
In the heart of Harlem on 125th Street stands the first museum dedicated to displaying works created by artists of African descent. The Studio Museum in Harlem creates a space for artists of color to display their pieces, while making fine art accessible to the community. The exhibitions on display in the museum often reflect the history and evolution of the community, so visitors will gain more insight into the true soul and culture of Harlem.
Graffiti Hall of Fame
Address: 106 St. Park & Ave
Website: graffitihalloffame.net
People outside of NYC think of a music video show when they hear "106 & Park," but residents of El Barrio know the historical relevance that location has to the New York street art movement. Harlem community activist Ray "Sting Ray" Rodriguez created the Graffiti Hall of Fame back in 1980 to provide a place for the city's talented graffiti artists to show off their skills. Since it's in the courtyard of the Jackie Robinson Educational Complex, visit when school isn't in session to see some of the dopest street art done by local artists and others who have traveled to East Harlem to have their place in the Hall of Fame.
Harlem Shambles
Address: 2141 Frederick Douglass Blvd
Website: harlemshambles.com
Sticking to the idea of staying local, Harlem Shambles is a boutique butcher shop that provides its customers with fresh custom cuts of quality meat prepared by a team of talented butchers who all call Harlem home. All of the meat is brought in from local farmers and butchered right on the Frederick Douglass Blvd. premises. When you purchase a cut of all natural meat from the guys here, you know it all comes from animals that were free of hormones and antibiotics and that very little of the animal ever goes to waste. Harlem Shambles patrons always receive a hassle-free and informative butcher shop experience from experienced, hardworking butchers who are passionate about their work and their community.
Ginny's Supper Club
Address: 310 Lenox Ave.
Website: ginnyssupperclub.com
When speaking about upscale restaurants in Harlem, Marcus Samuelsson's Red Rooster is always mentioned, but if you look below, you'll find our pick: Ginny's Supper Club, a nightclub that will take you back in time to the Harlem Renaissance. It'll cost you nothing to get in, but you'll spend some coins on the cocktails and the food items which are quite different from what you'll get upstairs at the Red Rooster. Head to Ginny's Supper Club on any given night of the week and you'll hear the sounds of jazz, reggae, and rock musicians jamming on stage. During Sunday's buffet brunch, enjoy your meal while watching Vy Higgensen's Gospel for Teens Choir perform.
449 L.A. aka SCAT
Address: 449 Malcolm X Blvd.
Website: facebook.com/449-La-SCAT
In the spirit of celebrating the culture and creativity that lives in Harlem, 449 L.A. (also known as SCAT) is a performance venue that opened back in 2003. Serving as a dedication to Harlem's integral part in the American jazz music scene, 449 L.A. creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the gatherings that took place in the past—parties featuring live music and good times minus pretentious attitudes. As the drink selection is limited and there is no food menu, SCAT isn't a spot to go to on an empty stomach. But for a good time with artists and those who love their work, head up to W 142nd, grab a seat (and a drum), and join the band.
El Museo del Barrio
Address: 1230 5th Ave.
Website: elmuseo.org
Founded in 1969, El Museo Del Barrio is another great museum that spotlights the works of Harlem's diverse creative community. Specializing in the visual arts by people in the Latin and Caribbean communities, El Museo was created as a way for underrepresented artists of Latin descent to showcase their work. A visit to the museum will give you insight into the Nuyorican movement, as a lot of the work represents the Puerto Rican community in the city. While spending time in the museum and viewing the work is a great experience, El Museo also conducts cultural enrichment activities through their performing arts series and educational programs.
Taco Mix
Address: 234 E 116th St. #1
Website: facebook.com/tacomixusa
Most will agree that if you want a damn good taco Uptown, the only place to go is Taco Mix on E 116th. An authentic taqueria in East Harlem, Taco Mix is one of the reasons why Chipotle would never make it in El Barrio. Serving up tacos that look and taste like they would if you were eating in Mexico, this small eatery doesn't need the frills of fancy décor to keep customers coming back. Simple, but flavorful ingredients and cooks that know how to prepare an addictive al pastor are the essentials that make the trip on the 6 train worth it.
Make My Cake
Address: 121 St. Nicholas Ave. & 2380 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd.
Website: makemycake.com
If you're wandering around Uptown and craving something sweet, you need to stop by Make My Cake, home to one of NYC's best slices of red velvet cake. Not only does Make My Cake serve up the best tasting baked goods in the neighborhood, but the cozy atmosphere makes it an excellent spot to chill for a minute or two while you enjoy your desserts in peace. You will get addicted to their cookies, pies, cupcakes, cake pops, cobblers, whoopie pies, and cake slices, so alternate between the 116th and 135th locations, so you look like you're only buying decadent sweets twice a month and not once a week.
Rucker Park
Address: W. 155 St., 8 Ave. To Harlem River Drive
Website: nycgovparks.org
Referenced in many a rap song, Rucker Park carries a lot of meaning to the Harlem community. The site of the famous summer basketball tournament, the park has been a place for community solidarity for over 40 years. Inarguably the most famous spot for street ball, many NBA legends laced up and honed their skills here and it remains a court of dreams for many young, aspiring pro-ball players. Come by during a game and you're bound to run into a celebrity or two, there to see the talents of basketball's future stars who will inevitably make it to the major league like players of Rucker's past.
Charles Country Pan Fried Chicken
Address: 2839 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
While Sylvia's is known for their fried chicken and waffles, another Uptown restaurant does a damn good fried bird as well. If you find yourself in the northern part of Harlem, you should make your way to Charles Pan Fried Country Chicken on 151st and 8th Avenue. Formally known as the Southern Style Kitchen, Charles is a buffet restaurant that serves some of the most succulent chicken to ever be prepared above the Mason-Dixon line. Not only is the triple seasoned chicken prepared with a North Carolinian technique, but the corn bread is worth those few extra subway stops past 125th. Is it fancy like Red Rooster? No, not even close. But does it deliver on an excellent Harlem take on soul food staples? Absolutely.
Bier International
Address: 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Website: bierinternational.com
Harlem World got its first beer garden when Bier International rolled into town. Joining a number of other restaurants on FDB in South Harlem, Bier International is a gathering place for Harlem's diverse crowds. With more than 19 beers on tap and over 25 different bottles, this is the spot to hang out in when you're in the mood for a great beer, good music, and excellent company. They even serve up Harlem's own Sugar Hill Golden Ale, so you can enjoy Uptown beer in this new spot for locals.
The Shrine
Address: 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd.
Website: shrinenyc.com
True to the diverse and eclectic nature of Harlem, this restaurant and performance venue is an excellent representation of the many flavors you'll find Uptown. Named for legendary musician Fela Kuti's club in Lagos, Nigeria, The Shrine is a gathering place for those who love jamming to live music and enjoying great vibes. With a calendar that is consistently full of live performances from artists spanning various genres, The Shrine undoubtedly contributes to making Harlem a destination for those looking to expand their cultural horizons. Go to dance the night away to the rhythmic sound of live drumming or sway along to the smooth notes of jazz instruments. You won't find another place quite like this in the Big Apple.