Written by: Nina M. Mehta
nina@UPTOWNflavor.com
The sun slowly sets on an early summer night and the hum of traffic in the background slowly blends with the patter of steel drums. Where are you? Miami? Would you believe on 12th Avenue, a stone’s throw from the West Side Highway and in quite possibly the newest hip neighborhood and the next restaurant row? The eagerly awaited Hudson River Café, on 133rd Street and 12th Avenue is an oasis amongst the steel and iron.
Rumors about the café have been swirling for the last year or so and neighborhood residents have sat tight anticipating a place to call their own. To say Hudson River Café is just like any other hip bar/lounge/restaurant in New York is somewhat unfair. It is on par with all the top spots in the city with something more. Let’s be honest – space is a a commodity in Manhattan, no matter who you are and what you are looking for. Hudson River Café has it in spades.
Owner, Max Piña and his partners have taken great pains to make Hudson River Café a place that residents can be proud of and call home. A palatial front patio greets you when you enter with a large open bar area and if you are lucky, live music. If you are looking for something more indoors, the lower level bar/restaurant level dripping in art deco loveliness makes for a perfect casual night of drinks and dinner. The upstairs dining room and patio level dining is ideal for a group or romantic dinner away from the crowds.
The full New American menu offers the range of apps (Kobe mini-beef burgers to Ceviche) and the cocktails are some of the best in the city. Personal favorites are the “Under the Bridge” (white sangria), the “1921 Meat Packing District” (strawberry mojito) or the “Cucumber on the Hudson, which is better left without description. It needs to be experienced.
It could be the summer in the air or maybe it’s just delicious and deceptively lethal white sangria, but this is one resident that’s hoping Hudson River Café is here for the long haul. Now, if you’ll excuse me I must get back to my drink.
Hudson River Café
697 West 133rd Street
New York, NY 10027
http://www.hudsonrivercafe.com
Photos: Nina M. (click on image to enlarge)
Karla
June 21, 2007
I love it. Can belive we are in Harlem. I never told that the owner Hamlet would have this vision and to make it happen is even better.
We all in this community are very honor with this new business.
Food, drinks & services are satisfactory and paid for the prices.
Wish all the best.
Raquel
June 21, 2007
I really love HRC.
I have to agree whith the prices.
But this place ist fantastic,beatiful and chic!!!
The food as very,very good, drinks InCREIBLES de SUPER!!!!! live music, 2 bi-level patios,WONDERFUL place.
HRC ist the CHICEST place in Harlen..
Congratulations To HAMLET AND MAX.
Taino
June 12, 2007
I really love Hudson River Cafe!! I agree – it might be a bit steep, but it does not compare to the upscale restaurants in Tribeca, Soho or even some on the Upper West Side. It is really nice to go some where in the community that is nice, refreshing and has really good food. The staff is really friendly and polite- the manager or the owner will actually stop by the table and small-talk! When was the last time that happened at Nobu,Blue Water Grill or any other “high priced” establishment! So, support our community businesses and the fact that Harlem is entering a new phase – hopefully one that will assist in having folks of color (such as Max – the owner) establishing new spots in the area.
Migui
June 12, 2007
I have to agree with Tom. OK, so the prices are a little steep. But isn’t that the case with a lot of New York City? It doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a great place. I’ve been there twice now in the last few weeks. On both occasions Max, the owner, made it a point to stop by our table and on both occasions sent a complimentary round of shots all around. It may seem like a small gesture to some, but it certainly adds to the neighborhood-y feel. In spite of the posh exterior, the management and staff are true to their Uptown roots by keeping it warm, real and personal. I’ll take that over SoHo or Tribeca attitude ANY DAY!
Tom
June 12, 2007
I forgot to mention the drinks. AWESOME!!! The same priced drinks ‘downtown’ are not nearly as good.
Tom
June 12, 2007
I agree that the prices are not as low as you would expect for the neighborhood. But the food IS good, and the atmosphere is great when you are there, which is a surprise considering where the place is situated! Would I go here once or twice a week, probably not. But it’s nice to not have to go downtown for a nice drinking/dining experience.
Karla
June 11, 2007
I asked to one of the manager on the hudson River cafe about the lunch & Brunch and they are planing to have it in about 3 weeks. He said, their plan was to make sure everything go well step by step since is new restaurant.
In reference to the prices,I agree with SPHH, you either pay or not. That is why NYC have a lot of choices.
SPHH
June 11, 2007
I don’t think a restaurant ever needs to “justify” prices. People will either pay them or they won’t. The prices won’t keep me from going to Hudson River Cafe… once. But they may certainly keep me from going back.
reefinyateef
June 9, 2007
Something about it being right next to the highway seems bothersome. Is noise a problem?
Noname
June 8, 2007
Pasta with Clam Sauce = $22
WTF?
You can go to notoriously expensive Theater District and order the same thing, $9.95
http://gotham2go.com/index.php/54/45/578
I can give lots of examples of very upscale high end NYC restaurants that would not dare charge more than $15 tops for this item, I’m taking about the cream of the crop NYC has to offer.
The prices are not even close to reasonable and I do quite well on NYC standards. I won’t drop a penny in this place, are you kidding?
You simply cannot justify these prices on any foundation whatsoever, complete and total ripoff.
anon
June 8, 2007
the prices are VERY high, unfortunately.
SPHH
June 8, 2007
Sounds fantastic, but I’m surprised at how high the prices are. Also, no lunch/brunch?