Looking to catch up on the latest restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Harlem, Washington Heights, and beyond?
Here's a running list, from a just-opened taqueria on Frederick Douglass Boulevard to a new destination for Sicilian-style pizza on Lenox.
November
Washington Heights 803 W 187th St between Fort Washington Ave and Cabrini Blvd
Just a few doors down from Dutch Baby Bakery is the owner's new bookstore that also sells gifts and ice cream.
West Harlem 1635 Amsterdam Ave at W 141st St
The couple behind Patrick's Place Harlem and One Stop Patty Shop have opened a new Jamaican Fusion restaurant in the old Grange Bar and Eatery. Why not start your meal with bite-size Jamaican beef patties and Miss T's rum punch?
Central Harlem 331 Lenox Ave between W 126th and W 127th Sts
Sicilian-style pizzas, fritto misto and craft cocktails are on the menu at this new Italian tavern in the old Babbalucci space.
Central Harlem 2280 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 122nd and 123rd Sts.
This new Black-owned bistro lined with tropical leaf wallpaper is serving Caribbean-Asian fusion (think shrimp coconut curry stew) and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Central Harlem 2100 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 113th and W 114th Sts
The team behind Alison restaurant in East Harlem has opened this simple taco spot (filled with everything from pollo pibil to chorizo) in the old VeganHood space.
October
West Harlem 3450 Broadway between W 140th and W 141st Sts
Named after the caffeinated leaf from the Amazon, this new cafe with outdoor seating in the back is serving up coffee, tea, and a light menu that includes bagels and salads.
Central Harlem 5 W 125th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves
This rapidly expanding food hall chain with a focus on delivery offers meals from a range of restaurants like Bobby Flay Steak, Di Fara Pizza and Tejas Barbecue.
West Harlem 1608 Amsterdam Ave between W 139th and W 140th Sts
Beloved neighborhood Italian spot Fumo has opened this stylish sister space just one block over, serving espresso-based drinks during the day and wine and charcuterie in the evening.
West Harlem 1624 Amsterdam Ave and W 140th St
A "hillside cabin" (think: raccoon motifs and antler decor) from a group that includes members of the Harlem Public team has opened in the old Grill on the Hill space near City College.
September
West Harlem 3448 Broadway between W 140th and W 141st Sts
This cozy new bar and restaurant with pretty floor tiles has a simple taco menu, plus a daily happy hour from 4pm-7pm.
August
Central Harlem 60 W 125th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves
This spacious brasserie from the chef and owner of Ponty Bistro (as well as Renaissance Harlem and Harlem Cafe) is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, serving up a mix of steakhouse, African and French fare.
West Harlem 130 Hamilton Pl between W 142nd and W 143rd Sts
Painted in vivid blues and greens, this inviting cafe and restaurant serves up Mexican dishes like birria influenced by traditional home cooking.
July
East Harlem 332 E 116th St between First and Second Aves
A stylish new cocktail spot with speakeasy vibes—and, yes, a terrace in the backyard—has opened in the old Lion Lion space.
Central Harlem 218 Lenox Ave and W 121st St
Creole dishes like wild shrimp po boys, crawfish cakes and beignets inspired by chef Jimmy Thomas' family recipes.
East Harlem 1 E 118th St between Madison and Fifth Aves
A new bakery specializing in vegan donuts featuring creative ingredients such as matcha buttercream, peanut butter and jelly, and an Indian-inspired mix of saffron, rosewater and cardamom.
Central Harlem 2288 Frederick Douglass Blvd and W 123rd St
Named after the berbere-rich paste central to Ethiopian cuisine, this new Ethiopian spot in the old Sido Grill space serves up traditional Ethiopian stews on spongy injera bread.
June
East Harlem 347 E 109th St between First and Second Aves
Founded by a husband and wife team with a passion for Oaxacan pan dulce, this tiny bakery offers up fresh seasonal conchas, plus cookies, cakes and coffee to wash it all down.
Sugar Hill 761 St. Nicholas Ave between W 148th and W 149th Sts
Located at the base of a historic Sugar Hill townhouse, this locally-owned coffee shop offers espresso-based drinks featuring Afficionado coffee and Colson pastries.
May
Sugar Hill 750A St. Nicholas Ave between W 147th and W 148th Sts
This Black-owned comedy club has moved to the old Porch space, featuring shows like Uptown Saturday Nights hosted by Nicky Sunshine and the Barrio Boogie Open Mic. On the menu are cocktails like the Ha Ha Hennessy Punch, plus dishes like chicken wings and mac 'n' cheese.
Central Harlem 2220 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 119th and W 120th Sts
Stylish wine and tapas spot Enoteca Harlem has expanded next door—into its former bakery, Dulceria—with a bar-only space complete with happy hour from 5pm-6:30pm.
April
Morningside Heights 3153 Broadway between La Salle St and Tiemann Pl
A casual offshoot of East African fave Massawa on Amsterdam Avenue, serving coffee and light fare like avocado toast plus a full range of classic Eritrean/Ethiopian stews on injera bread.
West Harlem 3229 Broadway at W 130th St
Goodbye tapas, hello tacos. Operating out of the same corner space in the Manhattanville Market, chef Franklin Becker has pivoted from Spanish cuisine to everyone's favorite Mexican snack made with both international (Korean fried chicken) and traditional (al pastor) fillings.
March
Central Harlem 348 Lenox Ave between W 127th and W 128th Sts
Modern spot serving West African dishes like jollof rice, plus more standard fare like wings in the former Tito's BBQ Station space.
February
East Harlem 1567 Lexington Ave and E 100th St
This new Belgian bistro in the old Joy Burger Bar space is from the same team that opened Bar Goyana and Mojo Mousse just down the block (the mousse is now sold at the new spot).
January
Central Harlem 2754 Frederick Douglass Blvd and W 146th St
The second location of this Black- and woman-owned coffee shop has the same minimalist vibe as the original on Amsterdam—but with lots more space.
Central Harlem Shared space with Exquisite Vibez, 2308 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd between W 135th and W 136th Sts
Chef Melvin “Boots” Johnson's Southern-style biscuit spot has moved for a second time, now operating out of Jamaican restaurant Exquisite Vibez from 8am to 2pm.
Central Harlem 55 St. Nicholas Ave and W 113th St
This recently-relocated Somali restaurant is now serving up its popular fried sambusas and spicy meat stews in the former Seasoned Vegan space (which has moved to the East Village).
Central Harlem 206 W 118th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and St. Nicholas Ave
Established in 1938, this legendary jazz venue has reopened under new ownership (psst: there's no-cover jazz from 11pm to 3am every Thursday, Friday and Saturday).
2023
December
Washington Heights 3750 Broadway between W 155th and W 156th Sts
Harlem's top (and also only) spot for handmade bagels has branched out with a new location in Washington Heights.
West Harlem 611 W 129th St between Broadway and 12th Ave
Dear Mama coffee shop has expanded into Louis 649, named after the East Village that bar owner Zachary Sharaga ran in the 2000s. Look for craft beer, natural wines, old-school cocktails, plus food—all available until 10pm.
