Vintage photo of Silvia’s on Malcolm X Blvd in Harlem; credit Carol M Highsmith
NYC Restaurants & Nightclubs
A number of NYC Restaurants & Nightclubs date back to the 1960s, particularly in Harlem. They created the foundation for more eateries and nightclubs today.
Sylvia’s
DESCRIPTION: Restaurant; Silvia Woods (1926-2012) opened this iconic Harlem restaurant in 1962. Great food and consistent service have allowed it to remain popular with celebrities, business & church leaders, and regular folk. Keep in mind that long lines increase wait times. For a slice of heaven, taste the sweet potato or peach cobbler pie when it’s fresh out of the oven. Though a single person can usually find a seat to order at the bar, reservations for two or more patrons are highly recommended at lunch and dinner times. A must-visit in Harlem.
CUISINE: Soul Food
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Wed-Sat 11a-10p, Sun-Tue 11a-8p
ADDRESS: 328 Malcolm X Blvd, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 2, 3 lines
PHONE: 212-996-0660
WEBSITE: https://sylviasrestaurant.com
Freda’s Caribbean & Soul Cuisine
DESCRIPTION: Located 1 block west of Central Park; Walking into the restaurant feels homelike. Portions are nice and delicious for a good value. The dishes come with an entree, rice & 2 sides. Side order options include Mac and Cheese. I got oxtails with rice and peas. You can also order collard greens and sweet plantain—good-sized portions.
CUISINE: Caribbean & Soul Food, specialties include Jerk Chicken, Curry Chicken, Jerk Shrimp, Brown Stew Chicken and Oxtails
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Yes
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Daily Noon-8p
ADDRESS: 993 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 1, A, C, D lines to 103rd Street Station
PHONE 929-267-4459
WEBSITE: https://fredasnyc.wordpress.com
Red Rooster Harlem
DESCRIPTION: Upscale Restaurant by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson — he puts an inventive twist on the menu; Sunday Gospel Experience is held downstairs in Ginny’s Supper Club; dine-in or curbside pickup. Reservations are recommended.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Yes
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: No
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu Noon–9p, Fri Noon-10p, Sat 11a-10p, Sun 10a-9p
ADDRESS: 310 Malcolm X Blvd, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 2,3 lines
PHONE: 212-792-9001
WEBSITE: https://www.redroosterharlem.com/
Lucille’s Coffee and Cocktails
DESCRIPTION: A Jazz-Coffehouse-Cafe that maximizes its triple-identity, particularly on weekends when live music hits top gear. Lucille’s happy hour is also a social hot spot.
CUISINE: Salads, Breakfast, pizza, sandwiches, plus shrimp & grits; featured beverages are coffee, tea, cocktails, wine & draft beers.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Yes
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: No
DAYS & HOURS: Tue 4p-10p, Wed-Sat 4p-11p, Sun 4p-9p
ADDRESS: 26 Macombs Place, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 3 line
PHONE: 646-370-4260
WEBSITE: https://www.lucillesharlem.com
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken
DESCRIPTION: A Small cafe founded by Charles Gabriel from North Carolina; includes outdoor seating; visit his website to see his interesting origin story.
CUISINE: Chicken for those who love Fried Chicken plus Soul Food sides; you will taste why it draws lines at lunch and dinner times
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Yes
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Sun-Thu 11a-10p, Fri-Sat 11a-11p
ADDRESS: 340 West 145th Street, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: A, B, C, D lines
PHONE: 212-281-1800
WEBSITE: https://www.charlespanfriedchicken.com
The Edge Harlem
DESCRIPTION: This attractive restaurant by sisters Juliet and Justine Master, reflects their Jamaican, British, and native New Yorker background. Located across from Saint Nicholas Park; Inside, you’ll hear jazz and modern genres of Black music.
CUISINE: Caribbean; specialties include coconut fish burger & codfish fritters; they also serve vegetarian-friendly dishes, espresso drinks, baked goods & sandwiches, wine & beer.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Yes
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Tue 4p-10p, Wed-Sat 4p-11p, Sun 4p-9p
ADDRESS: 101 Edgecombe Avenue, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: C, B line to 135th Street Station
PHONE: 212-939-9688
WEBSITE: http://www.theedgeharlem.com
Amy Ruth’s Restaurant
DESCRIPTION: Restaurant; A two-level Harlem Soul Food tradition that’s been around for decades. Amy Ruth’s restaurant is known for generous portions, daily specials, and tasty desserts named after patrons like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Bill Clinton. Their specialty is Chicken & Waffles. You must visit this local landmark.
CUISINE: Soul Food & Barbecue
PRICING: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Mon 11:30a-11p, Tue-Thu 8:30a-11p, Fri-Sat 8:30a-5:30a, Sun 7:30a-11p
ADDRESS: 113 West 116th Street; Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 2, 3 lines
PHONE: 212-280-8779
WEBSITE: https://amyruths.com
Sisters Cuisine
DESCRIPTION: Cafe; Sisters Cuisine specializes in Trinidadian style: calaloo or kallaloo, caramelized-brown stew chicken, Masala curry chicken, and fresh baked roti. Jamaican-style jerk chicken and oxtail stew also measure up. For African-American taste buds, it adds Southern-style macaroni & cheese, vegetarian collard greens, candied yams, and of course, Sisters baked flat cornbread. Bon Appetite!
CUISINE: Caribbean & Soul Food
PRICING: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 11a-9p, Sun 11a-8p
ADDRESS: 47 East 124th Street, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 4, 5, 6 lines
PHONE: 212-410-3000
WEBSITE: https://www.sisterscuisineharlem.com
Chocolat Harlem
DESCRIPTION: Restaurant & Lounge; The decor of the establishment features warm hues. Though normal service is high-quality service, things slow down when it gets busy. Sample the Chocolate Loves Mac & Cheese, Waffles, Seafood Croquettes & Grits. Unlike many Soul Food restraints, Chocolat Harlem has a great brunch menu; Sign up for a complimentary birthday entree valued at $30.
CUISINE: Soul Food & Vegetarian
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: No
PRICES: $$$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 11a-11p, Fri-Sat 10a-11p, Sun 10a-10p
ADDRESS: 2223 Frederick Douglas Blvd, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: C, B lines
PHONE: 212-222-4545
WEBSITE: https://www.chocolatharlem.com
Greedy Pot
DESCRIPTION: Restaurant with a modern vibe
CUISINE: Soul Food and Caribbean; specialties are Turkey Wings, Oxtails, Curry Goat and Jerk Chicken
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Yes
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Wed-Sat Noon-8p, Sun Noon-7p
ADDRESS: 1944 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr Blvd, Harlem NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 2, 3, C, B lines
PHONE: 917-675-7676
WEBSITE: None
NBHD Brulee
DESCRIPTION: Coffeehouse serving fine coffees, teas, breakfasts, and lunches in a vintage setting with a chill vibe. In good weather, patrons enjoy indoor or outdoor seating.
CUISINE: Coffee, Tea & Sandwiches; The breakfast bagels get the job done, but consider the Pastrami-seasoned Smoked Salmon and Cajun Shrimp & Grits for brunch.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Yes
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Daily 8a-5p
ADDRESS: 2620 Frederick Douglass Blvd, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT:
PHONE: 646-952-4500
WEBSITE: https://nbhdbrulee.com
Minton’s Playhouse
DESCRIPTION: Jazz club; This legendary nightclub was established in 1938 by saxophonist Henry Minton and once owned by Wilt Chamberlain. Music historians note that it helped establish Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, and Thelonious Monk as international jazz luminaries. Due to aging demographics for Jazz, Minton’s has closed and reopened many times. Thankfully this shrine for Jazz is back and looking solid.
CUISINE: light fare
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: yes + 20% service charge
TAKES RESERVATIONS:
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: no
DAYS & HOURS: Wed-Sat 6p-3a, Sun 5p-Midnight
ADDRESS: 208 West 118th Street, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: B, C, 2, 3 lines
PHONE: 646-529-3397
WEBSITE: https://www.mintonsnyc.com
The Honey Well
DESCRIPTION: A sibling venue to Harlem Public and At the Wallace, it’s nonetheless a great spot to date in the Hamilton Heights district; It has a 1970s motif attractive to some, less so for others. The garden is fine for meet-ups, but the real treat is its basement bar and cocktails.
CUISINE: Tacos & Appetizers; portions are small, so don’t bring a large appetite; the Maryland Crabcakes are nicely presented and good by NYC standards.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: No
PRICES: $$$, upscale drink prices
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: No, except for special events
DAYS & HOURS: Sun-Thu 4p-12p, Fri-Sat 4p-2a
ADDRESS: 3604 Broadway, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 1 line to 145th Street Station
PHONE: 646-861-0489
WEBSITE: https://www.thehoneywellnyc.com
Vegan dish at Teranga
Teranga Cafe
DESCRIPTION: Cafe; Teranga means “good hospitality” in Senegal where co-founder & chef Pierre Thiam grew up. He learned the secrets of healthy African-grown ingredients and how to incorporate them into new recipes for bold flavors.
CUISINE: Senegalese; try the Vegan and Tasaa, Yassa, or Jolly Super Bowls. Sample the super juices. When the Harlem location is closed for an event, consider the Midtown location.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Yes
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Wed-Fri 9a-4p, Sat 9a-9p, Sun 9a-9p
ADDRESS: 1280 5th Avenue in The Africa Center, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: C, B lines
PHONE: 646-663-1935
WEBSITE: https://itsteranga.com
FIELDTRIP
DESCRIPTION: Restaurant that presents rice, protein, and vegetables with heirloom grains. The founder and chef JJ Johnson is a James Beard Award-winning chef who believes rice connects people around the world. Now, guests can experience his globally-inspired restaurant at 3 locations in NYC. The Harlem location is listed below. Prepare to be blown away by the variety of flavors.
CUISINE: Multi-cuisine Rice Bowls featuring beef, seafood, and vegan dishes
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Yes
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 11a-9p, Sun Noon-9p
ADDRESS: 109 Malcolm X Blvd, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 2, 3 lines
PHONE: 917-639-3919
WEBSITE: https://www.fieldtripnyc.com
Londel’s Supper Club
DESCRIPTION: Restaurant; In 1994, Londel Davis converted a portion of the Neighborhood Barber Shop into the supper club featuring Continental, Cajun, and Southern cuisine. The community loved it. A Harlem favorite since then, it’s hard to go wrong with the menu. Sunday Brunch is legendary for guests and the half-price for kids is welcome.
CUISINE: Soul Food & Cajun
PRICING: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: yes on show nights
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 5p-10:30p, Sunday Brunch 11a-4p
ADDRESS: 2620 Frederick Douglass Blvd, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 1, 9 lines
PHONE: 212-234-0601
WEBSITE: https://www.londelsrestaurant.com
Harlem Shake
DESCRIPTION: Smoothie cafe; It’s easy to fall in love with this establishment. It’s like Johnny Rockets with Soul and well known for its cute Miss Harlem Shake Contest. You have to love it, buy a T-shirt or baseball cap while you’re there. Once inside, you’ll enjoy healthy juices that set a great example for the community support.
CUISINE: Smoothies
PRICING: $
CREDIT CARDS: yes
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Sun-Thu 8a-11p, Fri-Sat 8a-2a
ADDRESS: 100 West 124th Street, Harlem, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 2, 3 lines
PHONE: 212-222-7290
WEBSITE: https://harlemshake.com
Ashford & Simpson Sugar Bar
DESCRIPTION: Restaurant and nightclub; Songwriters & vocalists, Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson’s restaurant and jazz club promote positive spirituality, fertility, peace, and harmony via African artifacts. Dinner guests will appreciate the extensive wine list.
CUISINE: Upscale Afro-Caribbean
PRICING: $$$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no, except for special events
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: no
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Wed 5p-11p, Thu-Sat 5p-1a
ADDRESS: 254 West 72nd Street, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 1, 2, 3, 9 lines
PHONE: 212-579-0222
WEBSITE: www.sugarbarnyc.com
Miss Lily’s
DESCRIPTION: Restaurant; This Jamaican restaurant features jerk specialties so good they attract celebrities. Drop in and taste for yourself.
CUISINE: Jamaican
PRICING: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 11a-6p, Sun 12p–6p
ADDRESS: 132 West Houston Street, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 2, 3, C, B lines
PHONE: 646-588-5375
WEBSITE: https://www.misslilys.com
Birdland Jazz Club
DESCRIPTION: Not the original Jazz Club of the same name, but it attracts enough top-tier domestic and international jazz artists to earn its moniker, “Jazz Corner of the World” on many nights. Alto saxophone legend Charlie Parker, known to his fellow musicians as “Yardbird” and eventually had that nickname contracted to “Bird”, is the inspiration for Birdland. A pleasant surprise at Birdland is its dinner menu, which includes Cajun Corn, Blackened Catfish Strips, and Louisiana Crab Cakes. For the cost of two drinks, you can hear some great jazz. Takes reservations.
CUISINE: light fare
PRICING: $10 food/drink minimum per person.
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: yes, $25-$60 depending on performer and seat location
DAYS & HOURS: check website
ADDRESS: 315 West 44th Street, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: A, C, E lines
PHONE: 212-581-3080
WEBSITE: https://www.birdlandjazz.com
40/40 Sports Club
DESCRIPTION: Sports Ultra-Lounge; Jay Z’s 40/40 sports club makes a statement – prepare to step up your attire upon entry. Named after the exclusive list of baseball players who hit 40 Home Runs + 40 Stolen Bases in a season, it has all the things you would expect from an upscale sports bar, such as multiple HDTVs in every room showing nearly every sporting event available on satellite. Wall Streeters have private parties here too.
CUISINE: American
PRICING: $$$
ADDRESS: Moving to a new location in 2025
PHONE: 212-832-4040
WEBSITE: https://the4040club.com