Just in time for the sizzling summer weekend, a trio of new spots have opened in Harlem and East Harlem, ready to dazzle your tastebuds and refresh your palate. Here's where to go and what you'll find, from south to north:
1621 Lexington Ave at 102nd St
A longtime destination for fresh, authentic tacos, this family-run joint on East 116th Street is slowly branching out across the city. Its first proper sit-down location in East Harlem opened last Monday, and the corner space has a charming outdoor patio where you can enjoy not just tacos, tortas, and quesadillas, but sangria, draft beers and cocktails–including icy margaritas and mojitos. (Top image: @tacomixusa via Instagram)
Image: @elmasinharlem via Instagram
1580 Park Ave near 115th St (inside La Marqueta)
Formerly on West 116th Street just off Manhattan Avenue, Elma's has resurfaced as a colorful stand within La Marqueta, the indoor market in East Harlem already home to the wonderful Hot Bread Kitchen. Open since Monday, the new location offers the same creative juices, smoothies and made-with-love "meals of the day" that blend West Indian flavors and soul food (lemon pepper chicken and orange ginger glazed salmon were two recent dishes).
132 Edgecombe Ave at 141st St
Some twenty blocks up from Elma's (and also further west) is where you'll find uptown's other new juice and smoothie joint. Today is opening day, so everything is fresh as can be at the second location of this nutrition-minded mini-chain (the first is in Long Island City, and Philly is next).
