Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » manhattan guide part 1: harlem

[image via nvrlowdown at flickr]

one of the requests that i hear the most from readers is “when are you going to post a manhattan city guide?”. i’ve been avoiding it for years now because it’s such a huge area to cover and, to be honest, not where i spend most of my time shopping in new york. but the time has come to tackle this big project so i’m thrilled to post the first installment of our manhattan city guide. we’ll be breaking down the island into neighborhoods (don’t worry, i’m going back to do this to brooklyn, too- i know the guide is in major need of an update) and featuring our favorite shops, restaurants and entertainment spots. today we’re kicking things off with harlem- and a fantastic guide written by melinda lewis of get togetha. get togetha is a lifestyle blog dedicated to home decor and today melinda is focusing on her hometown neighborhood, harlem. her guide is a wonderful combination of new and old harlem, with a mix of great finds off the beaten path. i hope you’ll enjoy her fantastic guide as much as i did. i rarely get uptown these days and i’m so thankful to have something like this to inspire me to hop on the A train and check things out. click here for melinda’s full guide or just click “read more” below.

[once we've tackled all of the manhattan neighborhoods i'll post all of them on a single manhattan page for easy access. ditto for the updated brooklyn guide]

nboutique.
N Boutique in Harlem.

BRIEF HISTORY:
Harlem was founded by Dutch settlers in the 16th century and named after the Dutch city of Haarlem. However; it is through the great migration in the early 19th century of African-Americans from the South to major industrial cities that NYC’s beloved Harlem’s reputation stuck as the center of Black Life and Culture. Particularly with the artistic and cultural revival period known as the Harlem Renaissance that produced the likes of Langston Hughes, Zora Neale , Jacob Lawrence, Thelonius Monk and others. Harlem has had its share of urban blight but for now it looks like the revitalization boom is here to stay.

SHOP

N Harlem
This is Harlem’s High End Boutique shop where you’ll find an mix of local design, cutting edge clothing, and home accessories.

Atmos
Hip-Hop inspired and classic sneakers that will take you back to the Run DMC days.

Hueman Bookstore and Cafe
An independent bookstore where you will find the best of African American literary finds. Everybody who is anybody does a reading here. Hilary Clinton, Obama, Bill Cosby, Toni Morrison have all been here.

Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market
Great finds for African textiles. Textiles include masks, drums, and West African home decor. Highly recommended because you can negotiate.

Montgomery/Jolinda Inc.
Jolinda/Montgomery Harris is a rare find of independent standout design in Harlem. Her pieces are one of a kind inspired by pop culture and iconography.

montgomeryshopinharlem.
Montgomery Boutique in Harlem.

EATS

Amy Ruth’s Homestyle Southern Cuisine.
There’s so much to eat; so little time. But if you want an authentic taste of Harlem you’ve got to try its signature dish of Fried Chicken and Waffles. Its an odd combination; but it won’t disappointment.

Native
This restaurant is a mixture of eclectic, French Caribbean and Moroccan with a touch of Harlem Soul. Native has a great sidewalk cafe in the summer nights because the streets of Lenox Avenue are so broad. They have an affordable and impressive wine list and I recommend the SeaFood Soup and their Sauteed Garlic Spinach.

Zoma
This is hands down one of my favorite new restaurants in Harlem. Zoma is Ethiopian Fare and it’s some of the best in New York City. Try the Grilled Tilapia with tomato salad.

Make My Cake.
The New York Times rated Make My Cake’s Red Velvet Cupcakes as the best in New York City. Their cupcakes will satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s decor is cutesy and comfortable and they have a great bathroom.

Mobay Uptown
Carribean fare meets home cooking. I recommend the Jamaican Oxtails, Baby Backed Ribbs, Coconut Curried Salmon, Collard Greens and the Rum Punch. The Plus: a starter cornbread muffin with pineapple topping and raspberry drizzle: Heaven.

Strictly Roots
Organic Authentic Jamaican Vegan Fare that’s served cafeteria style and affordable! I recommend the Veggie Burger which is the best in town.

DRINK

Nectar Wine Bar
Wine is in. And Nectar Wine bar is a part of the New Wave of great places to chill out in Harlem. The staff is knowledgeable in their grapes and in addition to their hipster cool vibe and “impress a date” atmosphere they have a purposeful menu and great cheese.

67 Orange Street
This speakeasy type bar is a newly minted Harlem Gem. It’s cozy, dark, tragically swank and modern and lots of fancy cocktails. They have small plates, a raw bar and lots of distressed wood and vintage mirrors.

VISIT

The Studio Museum in Harlem.
TSMIH is the gem of 125th Street. Harlem’s hub of shopping and entertainment. The sidewalks are bustling with shoppers, sidewalk vendors and is pulsating and synergic. Entering the museum is a respite and a chance to engage in modern art from artists of African Descent. The Studio’s gift shop is stunning; you’ll find art books, Musuem souvenirs, calendars, jewelry and you won’t want to leave.

Apollo Theater
Before Star Search and American Idol if you wanted to make a name for yourself you went to the Apollo. Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, James Brown and Diana Ross and the Supremes. On Wednesday’s Amatuer night hosts great talent.

The Schomburg
This place gets confused with being a museum but its actually a branch of The New York Public Library and encases all things related to Black Culture. The Library have great exhibitions, public programs, a great gift shop and the place is a stunning architectural NYC landmark.

Striver’s Row
A must see for a Harlem Walking Tour. Architechturally this historic landmark is visually arresting for a leisurly stroll.

Abyssinian Baptist Church.
A great Sunday service of gospel music and prayer. Get there early.

Sugar Hill
Architectural Row Houses that are a feast for the design eye. Great for those who love to walk.

make my cake's red velvet.
red velvet cupcake by Make my Cake.

MUSIC

St. Nicks Pub.
If you really want to hear the essence of Harlem’s Jazz tradition try St. Nicks Pub. It’s a dive, a haunt and their Monday night jam sessions with $3 dollar cover is not only a steal at live music prices, but a hangout experience you won’t ever forget.

Marge Elliot’s Parlor Entertainment
This woman hosts live jazz in her historic Harlem pre-war apartment for free every Sunday from 4-6pm rain, sleet or snow. Marge is a one of a kind gracious host and people from all over the world flock to this off the beaten path Harlem find. While you’re in the neighborhood take a walk by Slyvan Terrace a cobble stone street built in 1882 that has manage to maintain its charming character and architectural integrity.

sylvanterraceharlem
Slyvan Terrance off the beaten path.

Lenox Lounge
This place is a Harlem must see. The Lenox Lounge founded in 1939 is the jazz pearl in Harlem’s musical history. It’s the place where Billie Holiday, Miles Davis and John Coltrane have performed. Nuff said. Since Design Sponge readers have an eye for detail the Lenox Lounge will take you back in time.

Minton’s Playhouse.
A great dive bar with a rich jazz legacy. Lots of locals and great bartending. Tuesday Nights are recommended.

mintonsplayhouse.
Minton’s PlayHouse in Harlem.

EXTRAS

SettePani
An Italian dessert and fresh baked bread bakery with great sidewalk conversation and hit the spot espresso to boot.

Society Coffee Lounge
A charming and independent fair trade coffee house with a great weekend brunch to boot. Laptop livelihoods florish on the weekdays; but are limited access on the weekends. Signature dish: Belgian Waffles.

Harlem Vintage
A knowledgeable wine shop with free tasting every weekend. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They are the same owners of Nectar Wine Bar which is right next door!

nectarwinebar.
Nectar Wine Bar in Harlem.

Harlem Lancs
An awesome bowling alley with a great grease spoon menu. Fries, Mozarella Sticks, Burgers and Soda Pop.

M&G’s Soul Food Diner
Top Notch Soul Food. No Pretense. However their hours are hit or miss. When its open its some of the best fried chicken and smothered pork chops in Harlem’s Soul Food Palette. A plus is that they’re open late. Four in the morning late.

Dino-Saur Barbecue.
Some of the Best Barbecue in New York City is in Harlem. Dino-Saur has a great kick back atmosphere and a great beer menu. Cider Ale is my fav!

*Sidenote*

OMG—ive totally enjoyed this post!!!—i haven’t been to harlem in 4 years—-i need to go back for some soul searching—you did a wonderful job representing Harlem—i’m going to save this to show to my students here in columbus, ohio—they are going to love it they learn about the harlem renaissance—thank you so much!!!—remain blessed!

This is just fabulous. I had a teeny 200 sf pied a terre on east 84th before I moved to europe – but it was 15 years ago before alot of this renewal hit, so I rarely went north, always south. I love this guide. When I get to nyc this spring I will have it in my pocket.

I have been working up at City College which is in Hamilton Heights for a couple of years and I’m embarrassed to say that I know so few of these. But I’m excited to go out and see them all.

Thanks!

COuld you maybe somehow do Moscow, Russia?.. I’m planing on going there soon and would love to know what places to visit. I know that its not that visitable of a place, but … maybe you’ll do it? :)

lisa

for our city guides we rely on local experts, as we are only specialists in our given areas of brooklyn, baltimore and san francisco. if anyone out there lives in moscow and would like to work with us on a guide please drop me a line!

grace

This is a great guide! I lived in Harlem, more specifically Sugar Hill, when I lived in Manhattan and it was a great neighborhood that was often overlooked by design/restaurant guides. I second Make my Cake. I’ve never had better red velvet, anywhere.

Don’t forget Demolition Depot, on 125th St! the best place in harlem to find treasures from old buildings/brownstones/apts all over the city. gorgeous old fireplaces, doorknobs, mirrors, furniture, lamps, doors… it’s fantastic!

are you by any chance planning one for the east village/around there? I’m the president of the art club down here at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and we’ll be going up to NYC in May and staying at a hostel around there. :) (We went May 2008 too, but didn’t stay in the east village, closer to west manhattan.) Several of us read your blogs and would love to see a guide! Thanks so much!

This was a great guide! My only other suggestion would be Melba’s. http://www.melbasrestaurant.com/ I’ve lived in harlem for 5 years, and Amy Ruth’s has changed owners and is not as tasty as it used to be. It’s an experience, but if you’re hungry on the weekend, you will be waiting on line for a while at Amy Ruths, as it is a tourist stop. Melba’s on the other hand is fabulous, quaint, and everyone I have taken there has fallen in love with the mac and cheese.

What a fabulous guide! My friend’s generous grandmother left her her Sylvan Terrace home when she passed away last year. Your guide and the photo of the Terrace remind me that I have to head uptown for a visit soon!

Yes, sadly, M&G closed a few months ago. But there’s also Miss Maude’s (on Lenox) and Miss Mamie’s (by Columbia Univ.) Spoonbread Too, as well as the Manna’s buffet mini-chain for soul food.

I also like the hole-in-the-wall seafood places – steamed or fried. Some places are set up where you pick your fish, shrimp, veggies, then hand them over to be steamed – true fast and fresh food.

And, yes, St. Nick’s is a great place to hang – and only two blocks from my apartment.

I was so pleased to read this guide. I am going to NYC in April and was strongly urged by my daughter, who lives in Manhattan, not to stay above W. 96th for safety reasons. Your guide indicates missing a visit to Harlem might be a big mistake!

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