Harlem Neighborhood Spotlight
There's a saying about Harlem: "If you can't get it here, then you can't get it!" Harlem has long been the epicenter of African-American culture and heritage, and now is home to a mélange of cultures that form a poly-ethnic base from Africa, Asia, Europe, Central and South America and the Caribbean. That's what makes Harlem the hot spot for trendy boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs and bars, catering to all!
The Brownstone - This gem lives up to its 5th Avenue location! Personal lifestyle shopping with contemporary designer women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories custom crafted from a rotating cache of fashion artisans-complete with cosmetic bar.2032 Fifth Ave,(125th & 126th) 212-996-7980
H&M Art and Home Décor - Magnificent art collection and furniture showroom located in Harlem’s 5th Avenue district; largest collection of African-American art in America, complete with museum quality European art, fine furniture, chandeliers, and home accessories. custom framing services in one hour. 17 E. 125th(bet. 5th and Madison) 212-831-9176, www.harlemart.net
Harlem Your Way! Tours - Premier Heritage walking/bus tour company since 1982. Exciting, interactive Gospel, Jazz, and neighborhood tours focusing on Black culture In America . Customized tours for seniors, students, and foreign visitors, 129 W. 130th Street,212-690-1687, www.harlemyourwaytours.com
Lenox Lounge - “Best of the best” by Zagat in 2002, this historic night spot features live, hot jazz in tis art deco inspired Zebra Room. The front lounge has a friendly bar scene, southern style soul food, live blues and R&B bands, and an old fashioned jukebox. 288 Malcolm X Blvd,at 125th 212-427-0253, www.lenoxlounge.com
Malcolm Shabazz African Market - New Yorks largest outdoor market featuring jewelry,clothing, mud and kente cloth, hand-carved wood statues and original paintings throughout the continent of Africa and the Diaspora, 102 W. 116th, 212-987-8131
Mo-Bay Uptown - Dubbed as having “the best ribs in New York City” straight from St. Louis. Caribbean Soul-fusion with a taste of the south. Blackened catfish, ribs, collard greens, and an array of sweets and their specialty rum cake. Cocktail bar and nightly entertainment.17 W. 125th Street, 212-828-3400, www.mobayrestaurant.com
"N" - N is Harlem's only upscale fashion and lifestyle emporium for men & women. This trendy 4000 sq ft. bi-level boutique offers an incredible mix of Harlem-based and independent designers, cool t-shirts, sexy dresses, fine jewelry, apothecary, gift items, and more. 114 W 116th Street,(bet. Lenox Ave & 7th Aves.) 212-961-1036, www.nharlemnewyork.com
Patisserie des Ambassades - Sophisticated, succulent African cuisine infused with French influences combined with an intimate elegant ambiance-lamb, fish and shrimp dishes, salads, gourmet sandwiches and a weekend brunch. Handcrafted, mouthwatering pastries, and espresso complete with outdoor café. 2200 Frederick Douglass Blvd(bet. 118th and 119th), www.patisseriedesambassades.com
Settepani Bakery - Classic, delicious Italian baked desserts(dolci) and breads, espresso bar, with a full menu of tasty morsels served inside or at the sidewalk café -perfect for gazing at the eclectic Harlem promenade scene, 196 Lenox Avenue, 917-492-4806, www.settepani.com
Society - Stylishly, relaxed coffee bar. Newcomer urbanites connect to the hip Harlem scene, featured art showings, over a cup of joe and lite faire. *Thursday, late night live dj groovemaster sets, 2104 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, 212-222-3323, www.societycoffee.com
South Beach Café - Ambient, lush island oasis with a rotating selection of succulent seafood, chicken, and West African dishes for dinner. Café serves beachwraps, homemade pizza, breakfast brunch and a healthy juice bar, 277 Lenox Avenue@ 124th, 212-222-1995, www.southbeachcafesb.com
Wimp’s Sky Café & Martini Bar - Dessert café serving homemade, mouthwatering southern style cakes, pies, and pastries that taste like grandmas. The second level features a cozy ambiance, with a “southern fusion” restaurant menu and a specialty cocktail martini bar with live entertainment on the weekends. 29 W. 125th Street(Bet. Lenox and 5th Ave.), 212.410.2243, www.wimpsbakery.com
