Hi, all. So, based on one of the latest comments, and others who have posted similar feelings to the site, I thought it might be interesting to talk about food choices in Harlem. This may ignite a flurry of silence and maybe some cricket noises from all you out there in readerland, but I’ll try anyway!
Let’s talk: What choices do you guys feel are missing in Harlem? What kind of restaurants do you think would be a big hit in the neighborhood? Of the existing establishments, which do you like the most?
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Posted in: Food
Renee
February 5, 2008
Baobob on 116th and Lenox across from Amy Ruth’s. I hope its still there! The homemade gingerbeer is diviiiiiiine!
SMDNY
September 17, 2007
Hugo – thanks for the update on La Flor – I hope they reopen in the La Rosa spot soon!
I second Saga for vietnamese – they include more veggies in their dishes than most asian/thai places. Sushi isn’t that great though. Amster. & 122.
I also order pizza from Cafe Largo/Vinegar Hill pretty often – great brick oven pizza.
For mexican, Picante or Acualpulco Caliente, both on Broadway near 143rd.
For indian, there is Roti Roll on Amster & 109.
For diner food, there is a Greek(?) place on the corner of Amst and 139th. It’s a tiny coffee shop catering mostly to City College folks, but you can get a cheap coffee, burger or breakfast there. They’re only open weekdays and Saturday mornings.
For cheese, I go to Fairway. In fact, due to the lack of restaurants, I go to Fairway a LOT and cook my own food a lot.
I would LOVE to have a diner, thai and indian food on the west side of Harlem.
Stacey Calcano
September 15, 2007
Hello everyone –
Sorry to say Cafe Largo does NOT have it’s liquor license yet, but we are in the final stages and should have it before the beginning of Nov. In the meantime, bring what you want and we’re more than happy to open it.
Peace,
Stacey Calcano
Anna
September 13, 2007
YUCK, Swish has terrible food.
For Thai, there is a new place called Thai Market on Amsterdam at 107th that is AMAZING. Not sure how far they deliver, though.
For sushi, I’ve always been happy with Saga (new in the last year or so), on Amsterdam between 122nd and 123rd. They deliver pretty far, from what I can tell, and it’s MUCH better than Tomo or Swish. They serve Vietnamese food also.
I’ve really liked Melba’s the couple times I went there. 114th and Fredrick Douglass, across from Society (which is a pleasant place to sit but disappointing food and service).
no more Subway
September 12, 2007
Please, NO MORE SUBWAYS. Everyone always says “oh, it is healthy.” Yes, some of their options are healthy, but the food is still disgusting, in my opinion. If we are talking chains (since they are the only ones that could probably afford the rent) lets bring in a Chipotle.
nutsandbolts
September 11, 2007
there is a Subway at 146/bway and 140/bway
how about just another starbucks in the same buidling…
rmk
September 11, 2007
Hugo,
There is a Subway on 125th between Lenox and 5th Ave.
Victoise
September 10, 2007
Great site. Although I don’t live up your way I do want to start visiting more places…
esp Ethiopian and the Polash and good fried fish/chicken so thanks for the tips.
Also, when you don’t feel like traveling all the way to the Village for sushi, try Tenzan at 73rd and Columbus. I know ALL the sushi places around here and it is the best quality of all.
Hugo
September 10, 2007
well to answer 2 questions…
First regarding the retail spaces at the langston. the tenants there have a google group and one member posted this. i’m not quite sure where the reference is from but it looks like they want to out some type of “home furnishing store”:
“Scott Auster, a Ripco Real Estate broker, says he is negotiating with
four home furnishings retailers for the Langston’s two remaining
retail spaces at Bradhurst Avenue, between West 145th Street and West
146th Streets. One potential tenant is a national retailer and the
others are regional chains. Asking rent is $75 per square foot for the
ground-floor spaces, which can be divided into roughly 3,700-square-
foot and 6,900 square-foot pieces. ”
I for one would like a Subway, but that’s just me.
Second, regarding La Flor. It seems like they will relocate to the space where “La Rosa” bakery existed. I pretty much grew up on that neighborhood. La Rosa was a dominican bakery there since I was a wee lad…roughly 15 years or more. When La Flor (the cubano joint) closed they had a section of the La Rosa bakery refitted to provide an area to make the cuban sandwiches. The bakery then got shut down by the department of health for code violations.That was around spring of this year. I was there this weekend and there was a new awning saying “La Flor” which was the name of the cuban joint just up the block. So….in summary it looks like the cubano sandwich place will be reincarnated where the dominican bakery stood.My only concern is that that place was the locus of dominican cakes (although Las Americas bakery on 136 n broadway has somewhat filled the void). But that’s more of an insider concern for those of us who have lived there since the 80′s…lol
Hope this helps.
Larry
September 9, 2007
Pisticci is good italian at cheap prices – a bit more room than Max Soha – it’s at LaSalle and Broadway – just south of 125th. Definitely a second on french bistro and thai food – especially north of 125th.
Cool to hear of another Indian place uptown with Polash. Indus Valley is really good and will deliver down the hill from columbia area – it’s at 105 and Bway – I find the food better eating in than delivery.
Les Ambassedes is decent but not quite the French bistro everyone is looking for.
Oklahoma Smoke is ok – they microwave a bunch of the side items so don’t expect much from those but the BBQ part is solid.
Settepanni and Society are great coffee spots – service is spotty at both.
Is Maroons definitely opening this month? Sign out front says that it’s starting catering in November/December.
Would be great if someone opened a restaurant in the last retail space in the Langston on 145th – quality sitdown non-soul food place with good service would make a killing up here
nutsandbolts
September 8, 2007
organic forever on 8th and 113th is great if you want some better quality groceries.
f whole foods. keep that stuff downtown or move downtown. support the bodegas. 2 bucks for a huge domincan avacado!
Hugo is that gonna be a full bar at largo?
word on the street is a burger king is moving in at 141 and bway. more corprate sH*t. glad to see starbucks close on 139 back in the day and sad to see La Flor close.
hugo, any History on La Flor. I was told they had the best Cubanos in harlem and had been open for 20+ years till they closed?
Harlem Girl
September 8, 2007
Whole Foods Coming Soon (upper westside)
http://www.columbiaspectator.com/node/26491
Hugo
September 7, 2007
Largo has their liquor license! Yes! Thank heavens…i’ve been praying for that. I’ve had to hit up Picante for my alcohol fix. I love Picante but Cafe Largo was my first love since it opened way back when. I like the vibe, the decor. Having dinner there is awesome, don’t get me wrong. But on a Friday night I just want to hang back and have a couple Sam Adams. I’ll be seeing Stacy n Marc this weekend then…lol. And Hudson River Cafe is absolutely amazing.I go there every two weeks at least. Some people have complained about the prices…but it’s soooo worth it! Talk about amazing food…amazing service…amazing vibe. Really top notch.
Neighbor
September 7, 2007
Hudson River Cafe is a great spot for drinks and live music on Friday nights. Mixed crowd. Pretty crowded so get there early. Haven’t been for dinner yet, but the menu has sort of an American, Spanish, Soul fusion vibe going. The buffalo shrimp were tasty though deep fried.
As for diners, how could you not appreciate all the Jimbos in Harlem? I always get the same two things, pancakes w/ turkey sausage or a turkey burger w/ grilled onions. Both are great and < $5!!! Can’t top that on the UWS.
For the person looking for a good cheese shop, check out Citerella’s on 125 near Amsterdam. They have a cheese guy, plus very helpful guys in the fresh fish dept that rival Whole Foods any day.
I also recommend the fish roti at Roti Plus. It’s made to order and packed full of fish. The chicken roti is faster but has less meat, more filler. Another good Carib staple is Mo Bay. For cheap whole-in-the-wall Caribbean, I recommend Tremes on 7th Ave off 124 St.
I order the Thai Curry Chicken or Tofu from Cafe Swish when I need a Thai fix. Delivery can take over an hour, but that tomato fried rice is worth the wait and I don’t even like traditional Chinese fried rice!
Thanks to all for the Polash recommendation! I love Indian food and am a little afraid I might become a weekly addict once I try it!
The thing I miss most is a simple soup, salad and sandwich shop like Au Bon Pain or Hale ‘n Hearty. I’ve given Soup Man a try, not bad but it was a little out of the way and I think it may have closed.
I do like that Harlem is not being consumed with an influx of chain fast foods with all the new housing. I hope a variety of tasty neighborhood spots will continue to open and thrive without the addition of any more fried chicken spots.
NYCDelta22
September 7, 2007
I sometimes wish I could get a nice SALAD! Dinosaur is just OK to me; the ribs are better at Houston’s. I’ve been to Harlem River Cafe, which is good and they’ve expanded their menu since I was there when they first opened. The River Room is good too; I’ve had brunch there as well as my birthday dinner (last year). I would love Whole Food’s, more Duane Reade stores, and Ben & Jerry’s! Can NYC get a Dairy Queen????
Harlem Girl
September 7, 2007
Brasserie
Le Monde
2885 Broadway
(bet. 112th & 113th Sts.)
Great Food !!!
Greg
September 7, 2007
Pigeon: thanks for the note. Will try it for take out next time I’m up the hill.
Love Largo
September 7, 2007
Brimox – Did Cafe Largo get their liquor license this past week? I went there last weekend and they still didn’t have it. That is great news.
Pigeon
September 7, 2007
GREG! Maximum’s is NOT a diner. There’s barely any sitting area. It’s more fast food than anything else. It just provides a lot of fast food options in one. I repeat, NOT A DINER!
Anonymous
September 7, 2007
there is a roti place on FDB and 126.
I would like to see more healthy eating opotions in Harlem period. vegeatarian without all of the soy protein would be nice.
Logan
September 7, 2007
I agree with all aforementioned desire for a brasserie – and a decent diner (think a cross between Florent and Yaffa).
My issues lie with the vast wasteland of central harlem – where (I agree with the previous post) condos are constructed and there is no commerce to support them. The closest 24 hour eatery to me is the 145th Pathmark, and even a stroll to an “open late” Cafe Largo will take me 25 minutes and take me through the city college campus.
Gourmet Magazine (in the last latin cuisine-inspired issue) mentioned Taco Express, which I have hunted for and assume no longer exists.
There was a short lived coffeeshop on FDB between 135/136 that was an adorable addition (but of course, is now gone, and had terrible hours to begin with).
I am all for arranging neighborhood progressive dinners –
anonymous
September 7, 2007
For a diner experience, I go to Jimbo’s burgers on 116th Street. It looks like it’s just another fast food place, but once inside they have all sorts of diner breakfast items and a sit down counter like in the old days of New York diners. For roti, go to Roti Plus on 125th Street-they’re great. Go soon though, since the block has been bought and they’ll probably be replaced with a condo soon.
Daniel
September 7, 2007
Have had good luck so far with the restaurants we’ve tried in the neighborhood which include Piatto d’Oro, Caminito, Amy Ruth’s, Charlie’s Place and Sette Panni (although the service at S.P. leaves something to be desired).
I’d love to see a big fat French brasserie (a la Les Halles, La Goulue or Orsay) where you could have a good duck confit, foie gras or warm goat cheese salad with a nice glass of wine. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for.
brimox
September 7, 2007
I can’t say that the sushi from cafe swish hasn’t arrived at my door more than once. Thanks for the tip on Charlie’s though. I’m looking forward to checking that out.
Cafe Largo was a great nite out and they recently got their liquor license so you don’t have to BYO anymore.
Floridita looks nice and they just opened a Spanish tapas place next door.
The wings at Dinosaur BBQ are a constant craving and there is a new place up the street that looks pretty good. Haven’t been there yet, though. Hudson River Cafe?
I would say that a welcome newcomer would be a decent place to get a bagel around 145th. I love Absolute Bagel on 108th and BWay, but I hate the commute that early!
Hugo
September 6, 2007
Just a correction…Floridita is on 126th n Broadway.
nutsandbolts
September 6, 2007
raw soul is one of my favorites.(145 & St. Nick) the owner is starting a food coop and looking for a store front.
taco truck on 145 btwn amsterdam and broadway. great tacos and horchata. good drunk food too.
a roti shop would be awesome. is there anywhere in manhattan to get good roti?
illegal street vendors rule. tamale lady on bway and 145.(2 bucks and you got dinner) and corn on the cob 146/bway
anyone no about underground resturants in peoples apartments. i know there are some domincian spots like that…
orange girl
September 6, 2007
I love POLASH, the Indian place on 3rd and 119th. Went in the other day and met one of the owners. He’s very nice and the food is great!
I also really like Caminito on Park and 117th. The shell steak is really good, the garlic fries are super, and the wine list has some very nice selections and reasonably priced to boot.
My favorite place for Caribbean (Jamaican) is Sisters on 124th between Madison and Park. If you haven’t been, check it out.
Best desserts: Make My Cake on 116th and St. Nick’s or 139th and ACP. The Red Velvet is to die for. Any other good dessert recommendations are welcome.
Can’t wait for Maroon’s to open uptown. That’s supposed to happen sometime this month. They will be opening on 145th.
Best fried fish: Fisher’s of Men on 130th and Madison.
Piatto D’Oro is also a favorite.
What’s missing: A Thai restaurant for sure, a good sit down “traditional” Chinese restaurant (Ginger doesn’t do it for me), a diner, and a good sandwich/bagel spot. A Trader Joe’s or WholeFoods would be awesome (maybe in the new mall opening on 116th and FDR?).
Finally, has anyone been to the River Room or Hudson River Cafe? If so, how are they?
Greg
September 6, 2007
I tried Blue Angel last year, I’d second it as pretty good Thai.
They are still working the kinks out since opening (they run out of things fairly often) but I’ve tried Oklahoma Smoke twice now — 145th between Frederick Douglas and Adam Clayton Powell. The brisket is great, staff are friendly, delivery was quick the one time that I used it. I can’t recommend the coleslaw though, it’s bizarre.
I’d really like a good diner in North Harlem, can’t wait to try Maximum’s.
Harlem Girl
September 6, 2007
There is a Thai place called Blue Angle between Clairmont and 123rd on Broadway.
I’ve never had “bad” Thai so I’m probably can’t give an objective opinon on the food.
Decor is nice. Never too crowded.
Anonymous
September 6, 2007
i just moved here and would like to see more bistro/french cafe sort of places – somewhere where you can sit and relax for a while – drink coffee out of a real cup (not paper or plastic) – drink a beer or several and just relax .
I also feel that the area lacks decent grocery store options – somewhere to buy good cheese.
thai would also be nice.
rmk
September 6, 2007
Oh, and I agree that we need a Trader Joe’s, a thai place and a diner.
There is a great Mexican place called Itzocan, on Lex and 101st. They have a fantastic brunch. Just thinking about it is making me hungry…
rmk
September 6, 2007
Wow, I am so grateful for all these tips! I can’t wait to try out some of these places.
Chante and Vanessa have it right… Polash is awesome. I order from them once a week. Sometimes the food is a TINY bit too greasy for my taste, but the big plus is that they have stuff my mom would make at home, real authentic Indian home cooking, but which you can never find on any restaurant’s menu. I live on 125th and Lenox and delivery times vary from 20-40 minutes. Which is pretty good, considering the distance.
lookin' for a burger
September 6, 2007
I want to second Vanessa and say this is a great post. Then I want to second Harlem Girl and say yes, I would love to see Deluxe come to Harlem. My friends and I have talked longlingly about how much we enjoy the burgers at Deluxe, and how we wish we didn’t have to walk up Morningside in the winter to get one.
Khalid Salaam
September 6, 2007
Yeah a diner would be great for those late night after leaving the club appetites. But in general Harlem has an embarrisingly low number of great restaurants. I love the fact that they’re building up the area and adding new condos but where are we going to eat? And what would it take to get a Whole Foods up here? Maybe not in Harlem but how about Morningside? Wouldn’t everybody benefit from that? I’m curious as to what it takes to make that happen. I’ll do some investigating….
Harlem Girl
September 6, 2007
I agree with the person who said diner type place.
One of my favorite restaurants is Deluxe on 113th and Broadway.
I like them because whatever you’re in the mood for they have.
Burgers, Chicken, Steak, Grilled Cheese, Quiche, OK Appetizers and great brunch food.
They also serve alcohol if you want to drink.
And best of all, it’s reasonbly priced.
Vanessa
September 6, 2007
This is a great posting – it’s the most frequent topic of conversation among friends, I feel like.
Chante – the Indian place on 3rd and 119th is POLASH and yes – everyone please order from them, it’s good food, they’re super nice and fast and I’ll probably starve if they were ever to close! And by the way – they’re delivery radius is HUGE. I have a friend on 110 & Lenox and they deliver to her, no problem.
Thanks for the news about Charlie’s sushi on 129th, I’m definitely going to check that out.
We love Caminito, the new Argentinean place on 118 & Park also! And whoever was mentioning about Mexican – have you ever been to Mojito’s (used to be Pollo Bravo) on 116 between 2nd & 3rd? Food is typically pretty good, although once or twice we’ve had something disappointing for the most part it’s been good. When you walk in it’s nothing special, but if you head all the way thru, past the kitchen in the back there’s a really GREAT little patio dining area.
I’m a big Thai food fan – we have none in E. Harlem, do we? If anyone can tell me of good Thai delivery, I would be SO grateful!
Anon
September 6, 2007
The Ethopian is called Zoma.
Floridita on Broadway and 129 is a fave of mine.
I’d love to see a diner. A straight up diner – where you could go for a burger, gyro or an omelette. Also, a nice sit down Mexican place and a Bistro would be fab.
Oh and Trader Joe’s wouldn’t hurt either!
anon
September 6, 2007
I would love a bistro style place (remember the talk of an upscale bistro style place like pastis opening around 129th?). I would love it also if a place like cafe largo opened around central Harlem.
My new favorite place is Caminito on Park Ave.
I love Piatto D’Oro but I wish an italian place with a litle more vibe like Max Soha would open closer to central Harlem, or at the very least deliver to us. It’s a good spot, but a bit far to travel once the weather turns.
The new Native is good. More like that would be welcome. I dont love the food at Ginger but i like the atmosphere and it’s a good place to bring folks from out of town to show them it’s not all soul food and sylvia’s when you’re in Harlem. I think Sette Pani is ok, but i like the food at Society on FDB much better. Again, how about more like it around Madison, 5th ave or Malcom X?
I also love the new Ethiopian spot on FDB. But i’m blanking on the name right now. It’s got both the food and the vibe completely right.
anon
September 6, 2007
there’s a good new sushi place on 126th and madison. i believe it’s called charlie’s. they deliver, but are closed after 8pm and on sundays. but the sushi is very good.
Jocamo
September 6, 2007
Oh God, please don’t order sushi from Cafe Swish. That’s a tapework ready to happen. Tomo isn’t great either. Tokyo Pop (104th?) is probably the best in the neighborhood, but it can be spotty as well.
Harlem Girl
September 6, 2007
Cafe Swish near 114th and Broadway has sushi and they deliver.
JMars
September 6, 2007
The neighborhood definitely needs more Caribbean restaurants. I moved from Bklyn where you had great Carib options and they ran the gamut from pricey to affordable but all excellent. The existing Carib restaurants in Harlem are either overpriced (for no good reason) or sub-standard (I guess they assume the locals don’t know any better). Restaurants I like are Piatto D’Oro II, Ginger and Dinosaur BBQ.
Chante
September 6, 2007
I concur in regards to sushi. I travel to the village on occasion to hit up one of my favorite sushi spots.
I also wanted to point out that I live in East Harlem (El Bario) and I have an excellent Indian restuarant near me. I have to admit that befor this restaurant opened I had never tried any authentic Indian food but I am so glad that I gave them a try. I wish I could remember the name but the restaurant is located on 3rd avenue between 119th & 118th street. Closer to 119th on the east side of the avenue. They deliver all over Harlem (West side included)
Somyra
September 6, 2007
I wish there would be a more diverse selection of restaurants. I am tired of seeing the fried chicken joints, mcdonald’s, popeye’s, etc. Doug E Fresh recently opened up a chicken and waffles joint. Uggghhhh! Stop it already! Oh and a trader joe’s would be great!!!!!
Pigeon
September 6, 2007
I love love love “Maximum’s Halal Fried Chicken & Pizza” on St. Nicholas Place and 155th. This hole-in-the-wall with diner-aspirations literally has EVERYTHING from burgers to seafood to gyros. Open late, free delivery, quick service with a smile. I can’t get enough of it. But I’m pretty sure they don’t do sushi.
rmk
September 6, 2007
The lack of sushi places breaks my heart. I occasionally get delivery from Hana Sushi, which is somewhere near Columbia. The portions are tiny and overpriced, for what you get.
I know there are tons of soul food places and a fair amount of healthy/veggie places, but it would be nice to have something in between. I like to eat meat, but meat does not need to be a deep-fried-heart-attack-on-a-plate.
My favorite places are Piatto D’Oro II and the new Native. It’s so much better after reopening, and thank goodness, they kept the mac and cheese on the menu!
Pia
September 6, 2007
I just moved here, so please correct me if I’m wrong. But I haven’t seen any decent sushi restaurants around.