I resent going downtown for some quality grub most of the time. The long waits, the waspy neighborhoods, the ridiculous prices and what a complete HACK that most of Williamsburg has become will do that to an Uptown Girl. In lieu of my words of comtempt here are some alternatives to the commute, in your hood!
Harlem
Africa Kine Restaurant $
256 W. 116th St.
African /Moroccan
Definitely the biggest and possibly the best place in Little Senegal for the fish, lamb, and okra stew.
Amy Ruth's Home-Style Southern Cuisine $$
113 W. 116th St.
Southern /Soul
If you don't have a southern grandmother to cook for you regularly, visit Amy Ruth instead.
Café Largo $ - $$
3387 Broadway
Italian
Spanish /Tapas
This Harlem Italian restaurant has re-tooled itself with the addition of a tapas menu.
Charles' Southern Style Kitchen
2841 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
American Traditional
Southern /Soul
Home of crackling-hot fried chicken, chef-owner Charles Gabriel's claim to soul-food fame.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que $$
646 W. 131st St.
BBQ
Syracuse-based Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's first Manhattan haunt.
Euro Corner Restaurant $
2090 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
African /Moroccan
American Traditional
All the greatest coffe shop hits—eggs, burgers, shakes, and fries—and Ethiopian food, too.
Fishers of Men $
121 W. 125th St.
Hot Dogs
Seafood
This is the only place in town—and probably the planet—where you can get a Papaya King hot dog, a gaggle of fried whiting, and a piece of homemade coconut cake all under one roof.
Hudson River Café $$-$$$
697 W. 133rd St.
American Nouveau
Eclectic /Global
A bi-level Harlem eatery with a seafood-rich, seasonal American menu with Latin and Asian touches.
Lenox Lounge $$
288 Lenox Ave.
American Traditional
Southern /Soul
Fabulous roasted chicken and devilishly rich ribs at a recently renovated Art Deco nightclub.
Londel's Supper Club $-$$
2620 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Cajun /Creole
Southern /Soul
Refined Southern cuisine and live weekend music make this supper club a favorite of locals and celebrities alike.
Melba’s $$
300 W. 114th St.
American Traditional
Hamburgers
Southern /Soul
A happening Harlem bistro with an upscale menu and a soul food bent.
Miss Maude's Spoonbread Too $$
547 Lenox Ave.
Southern /Soul
The same down-home cookin' as Miss Mamie's, just a little further uptown.
Native $$
161 Lenox Ave.
African /Moroccan
American Nouveau
Caribbean
French
Lighter fare in a district known for its fatty foods.
Revival $$
2367 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
American Nouveau
American Traditional
French
Italian
Mediterranean
Seafood
Southern /Soul
Strange food distinguishes Revival from other upmarket bistros along Frederick Douglass Boulevard.
The River Room $$
Riverside Dr. at 145th St.
Caribbean
This secluded spot high above the Hudson River offers great views and above average Southern/Soul and Creole fare.
Sokhna Restaurant $
225 W. 116th St.
African /Moroccan
Authentic West African cuisine and hospitality await adventurous diners at this casual Harlem eatery.
Strictly Roots $
2058 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.
Vegetarian /Vegan
Although it's not Harlem's traditional soul food, this vegan, cruelty-free fare is good for the soul.
Sylvia’s $-$$
328 Lenox Ave.
American Traditional
Southern /Soul
A Harlem legend serving succulent soul food to busloads of tourists.
Talay $$
701 W. 135th St.
Asian: Southeast
Latin American
Thai
A 1926 West Harlem freight house has been converted into a dining destination with a kitchen about as big as co-chef King Phojanakong’s entire first restaurant, Kuma Inn.
Zoma $$
2084 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
African /Moroccan
A step up from its Ethiopian competitors in pretty much every category but price.
Uptown Juice Bar $
54 W. 125th St.
Caribbean
Health Food
Juice /Smoothie
Southern /Soul
Vegetarian /Vegan
Yes, vegetarian Caribbean food.
Spanish Harlem
256 W. 116th St.
African /Moroccan
Definitely the biggest and possibly the best place in Little Senegal for the fish, lamb, and okra stew.
Amy Ruth's Home-Style Southern Cuisine $$
113 W. 116th St.
Southern /Soul
If you don't have a southern grandmother to cook for you regularly, visit Amy Ruth instead.
Café Largo $ - $$
3387 Broadway
Italian
Spanish /Tapas
This Harlem Italian restaurant has re-tooled itself with the addition of a tapas menu.
Charles' Southern Style Kitchen
2841 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
American Traditional
Southern /Soul
Home of crackling-hot fried chicken, chef-owner Charles Gabriel's claim to soul-food fame.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que $$
646 W. 131st St.
BBQ
Syracuse-based Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's first Manhattan haunt.
Euro Corner Restaurant $
2090 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
African /Moroccan
American Traditional
All the greatest coffe shop hits—eggs, burgers, shakes, and fries—and Ethiopian food, too.
Fishers of Men $
121 W. 125th St.
Hot Dogs
Seafood
This is the only place in town—and probably the planet—where you can get a Papaya King hot dog, a gaggle of fried whiting, and a piece of homemade coconut cake all under one roof.
Hudson River Café $$-$$$
697 W. 133rd St.
American Nouveau
Eclectic /Global
A bi-level Harlem eatery with a seafood-rich, seasonal American menu with Latin and Asian touches.
Lenox Lounge $$
288 Lenox Ave.
American Traditional
Southern /Soul
Fabulous roasted chicken and devilishly rich ribs at a recently renovated Art Deco nightclub.
Londel's Supper Club $-$$
2620 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Cajun /Creole
Southern /Soul
Refined Southern cuisine and live weekend music make this supper club a favorite of locals and celebrities alike.
Melba’s $$
300 W. 114th St.
American Traditional
Hamburgers
Southern /Soul
A happening Harlem bistro with an upscale menu and a soul food bent.
Miss Maude's Spoonbread Too $$
547 Lenox Ave.
Southern /Soul
The same down-home cookin' as Miss Mamie's, just a little further uptown.
Native $$
161 Lenox Ave.
African /Moroccan
American Nouveau
Caribbean
French
Lighter fare in a district known for its fatty foods.
Revival $$
2367 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
American Nouveau
American Traditional
French
Italian
Mediterranean
Seafood
Southern /Soul
Strange food distinguishes Revival from other upmarket bistros along Frederick Douglass Boulevard.
The River Room $$
Riverside Dr. at 145th St.
Caribbean
This secluded spot high above the Hudson River offers great views and above average Southern/Soul and Creole fare.
Sokhna Restaurant $
225 W. 116th St.
African /Moroccan
Authentic West African cuisine and hospitality await adventurous diners at this casual Harlem eatery.
Strictly Roots $
2058 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.
Vegetarian /Vegan
Although it's not Harlem's traditional soul food, this vegan, cruelty-free fare is good for the soul.
Sylvia’s $-$$
328 Lenox Ave.
American Traditional
Southern /Soul
A Harlem legend serving succulent soul food to busloads of tourists.
Talay $$
701 W. 135th St.
Asian: Southeast
Latin American
Thai
A 1926 West Harlem freight house has been converted into a dining destination with a kitchen about as big as co-chef King Phojanakong’s entire first restaurant, Kuma Inn.
Zoma $$
2084 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
African /Moroccan
A step up from its Ethiopian competitors in pretty much every category but price.
Uptown Juice Bar $
54 W. 125th St.
Caribbean
Health Food
Juice /Smoothie
Southern /Soul
Vegetarian /Vegan
Yes, vegetarian Caribbean food.
Spanish Harlem
Camaradas El Barrio $$
2241 First Ave.
Caribbean
Latin American
Blue-collar charm with abundant camaraderie make this Spanish Harlem public house worthy of its name.
The Harlem Tea Room $
1793A Madison Ave.
Cafes
Soup & Sandwich
This Harlem haven offers nearly two dozen teas, sandwiches, and pastries in a refined setting.
Itzocan Bistro $$
1575 Lexington Ave.
French
Mexican
An even more pronounced French bent in chef-owner-brother duo Anselmo and Fermin Bello's creative Franco-Mexican fusion.
La Hacienda $
219 E. 116th St.
Mexican
Mexican joint with country-garden motif and killer mole poblano de pollo.
one fish two fish $$-$$$
1399 Madison Ave.
American Traditional
Seafood
Boisterous eatery near Mount Sinai Hospital with an emphasis on seafood.
Orbit East Harlem $$-$$$
2257 First Ave.
Eclectic /Global
Italian
Latin American
A friendly, jazzy little restaurant offering upscale fare in gritty East Harlem.
Piatto d'Oro $$-$$$
349 E. 109th St.
Italian
A charming, old-world Italian "cucina con amore" in Spanish Harlem.
Rao's $$$
455 E. 114th St.
Italian
An Italian slice of New York you thought had disappeared.
Sisters Caribbean Cuisine $$
47 E. 124th St.
Caribbean
Southern /Soul
Sisters spices it up with authentic Caribbean food served lovingly, with a dash of down home Southern soul.
2241 First Ave.
Caribbean
Latin American
Blue-collar charm with abundant camaraderie make this Spanish Harlem public house worthy of its name.
The Harlem Tea Room $
1793A Madison Ave.
Cafes
Soup & Sandwich
This Harlem haven offers nearly two dozen teas, sandwiches, and pastries in a refined setting.
Itzocan Bistro $$
1575 Lexington Ave.
French
Mexican
An even more pronounced French bent in chef-owner-brother duo Anselmo and Fermin Bello's creative Franco-Mexican fusion.
La Hacienda $
219 E. 116th St.
Mexican
Mexican joint with country-garden motif and killer mole poblano de pollo.
one fish two fish $$-$$$
1399 Madison Ave.
American Traditional
Seafood
Boisterous eatery near Mount Sinai Hospital with an emphasis on seafood.
Orbit East Harlem $$-$$$
2257 First Ave.
Eclectic /Global
Italian
Latin American
A friendly, jazzy little restaurant offering upscale fare in gritty East Harlem.
Piatto d'Oro $$-$$$
349 E. 109th St.
Italian
A charming, old-world Italian "cucina con amore" in Spanish Harlem.
Rao's $$$
455 E. 114th St.
Italian
An Italian slice of New York you thought had disappeared.
Sisters Caribbean Cuisine $$
47 E. 124th St.
Caribbean
Southern /Soul
Sisters spices it up with authentic Caribbean food served lovingly, with a dash of down home Southern soul.
Morningside Heights
Amsterdam Restaurant and Tapas Lounge $$
1207 Amsterdam Ave.
American Nouveau
Eclectic /Global
Columbia haunt with martini-lounge looks and a diner-broad menu of familiar snacks.
Bengal Cafe $
1028 Amsterdam Ave.
Indian
Cheap and standard Indian food in Morningside Heights.
Bistro Ten 18 $$-$$$
1018 Amsterdam Ave.
American Nouveau
Bistro
Morningside Heights American bistro offers standards and an excellent wine list in a neighborhood of limited choices.
Caffe Swish $$-$$$
2953-55 Broadway
Japanese /Sushi
Thai
Solid Pan-Asian cuisine in an area teeming with Chinese restaurants.
Campo $$
2888 Broadway
Italian
Pizza
A spirited trattoria with grilled pizzas, steaming pastas, and vino.
The Cotton Club $$-$$$
656 W. 125th St.
Southern /Soul
Uptown keeps swinging at this old-school restaurant and nightclub.
Kitchenette Uptown $-$$
1272 Amsterdam Ave.
American Traditional
A roomier spinoff of the venerable TriBeCa comfort-food cottage.
Le Monde $$
2885 Broadway
French
A sprawling megabistro pumps out tried-and-true French fare.
Massawa $$
1239 Amsterdam Ave.
African /Moroccan
Traditional, above-average and sometimes delicious Ethiopian and Eritrian food with fiery sauces.
Max Caffé $
1262 Amsterdam Ave.
Italian
A rustic spinoff of Max Soha, this homey café is meant for all-day snacking, Italian-style.
Pisticci $-$$
125 LaSalle St.
Italian
The only thing missing at this traditional Morningside Heights Italian are the red-checked tablecloths.
Tomo Sushi and Sake Bar $$
2850 Broadway
Japanese /Sushi
Student-friendly sushi and ramen in a comfortable space.
1207 Amsterdam Ave.
American Nouveau
Eclectic /Global
Columbia haunt with martini-lounge looks and a diner-broad menu of familiar snacks.
Bengal Cafe $
1028 Amsterdam Ave.
Indian
Cheap and standard Indian food in Morningside Heights.
Bistro Ten 18 $$-$$$
1018 Amsterdam Ave.
American Nouveau
Bistro
Morningside Heights American bistro offers standards and an excellent wine list in a neighborhood of limited choices.
Caffe Swish $$-$$$
2953-55 Broadway
Japanese /Sushi
Thai
Solid Pan-Asian cuisine in an area teeming with Chinese restaurants.
Campo $$
2888 Broadway
Italian
Pizza
A spirited trattoria with grilled pizzas, steaming pastas, and vino.
The Cotton Club $$-$$$
656 W. 125th St.
Southern /Soul
Uptown keeps swinging at this old-school restaurant and nightclub.
Kitchenette Uptown $-$$
1272 Amsterdam Ave.
American Traditional
A roomier spinoff of the venerable TriBeCa comfort-food cottage.
Le Monde $$
2885 Broadway
French
A sprawling megabistro pumps out tried-and-true French fare.
Massawa $$
1239 Amsterdam Ave.
African /Moroccan
Traditional, above-average and sometimes delicious Ethiopian and Eritrian food with fiery sauces.
Max Caffé $
1262 Amsterdam Ave.
Italian
A rustic spinoff of Max Soha, this homey café is meant for all-day snacking, Italian-style.
Pisticci $-$$
125 LaSalle St.
Italian
The only thing missing at this traditional Morningside Heights Italian are the red-checked tablecloths.
Tomo Sushi and Sake Bar $$
2850 Broadway
Japanese /Sushi
Student-friendly sushi and ramen in a comfortable space.
Washington Heights
107 West $$
811 W. 187th St.
American Traditional
Cajun /Creole
The food is consistently good, and the menu just varied enough to keep you interested.
809 Sangria Bar & Grill $$-$$$
112 Dyckman St.
Caribbean
Eclectic /Global
Latin American
South American
Spanish /Tapas
All of the usual Pan-Latin suspects, sangria included, stand out at this upscale Inwood boite.
Coogan's Restaurant
4015 Broadway
American Traditional
BBQ
Hamburgers
Italian
Power brokers, athletes, doctors, cops, and Washington Heights locals converge at this welcoming Irish saloon and comfort food-serving restaurant.
Genesis $-$$
511 W. 181st St.
South American
This tiny Ecuadoran joint serves tasty, aggressively seasoned fare at rock-bottom prices.
Hispaniola $$$
839 W. 181st St.
Caribbean
Eclectic /Global
Latin American
A Dominican fusion restaurant with inventive cooking in colorful, vertically stacked presentations.
Kismat Indian Restaurant $
603 Ft. Washington Ave.
Indian
A satisfying outlet for Washington Heights residents who are craving some curry.
Mamajuana Cafe $$$
247 Dyckman St.
Latin American
South American
Spanish /Tapas
A beautiful-people crowd roosts at this Upper Manhattan spot.
New Leaf Café $$$
1 Margaret Corbin Dr.
American Nouveau
A relaxed, sylvan setting makes New Leaf an ideal place to pop a cork and while away the hours over a fine meal.
Park Terrace Bistro $$
4959 Broadway
African /Moroccan
French
Middle Eastern
This Inwood spot creates refined Moroccan cuisine, with contemporary French and Mediterranean influences.
Tipico Dominicano Restaurant $$
4172 Broadway
Caribbean
Latin American
Mexican
This lively Washington Heights institution dishes out Dominican, Caribbean, and Latin fare around the clock.
The Trie Café $
799 Fort Washington Ave.
Soup & Sandwich
Medieval art aficiondos nourish their bodies and souls at this history-rich cafe.
Malecon $$$
4141 Broadway
Latin American
South American
Spanish /Tapas
“King of the Roast Chicken” is not an overstatement at this Caribbean-influenced restaurant.
La Casa De Mofongo $-$$
1447 St Nicholas Ave.
Latin American
A Latin-American restaurant whose titular dish is a Dominican staple made with mashed plantains.
811 W. 187th St.
American Traditional
Cajun /Creole
The food is consistently good, and the menu just varied enough to keep you interested.
809 Sangria Bar & Grill $$-$$$
112 Dyckman St.
Caribbean
Eclectic /Global
Latin American
South American
Spanish /Tapas
All of the usual Pan-Latin suspects, sangria included, stand out at this upscale Inwood boite.
Coogan's Restaurant
4015 Broadway
American Traditional
BBQ
Hamburgers
Italian
Power brokers, athletes, doctors, cops, and Washington Heights locals converge at this welcoming Irish saloon and comfort food-serving restaurant.
Genesis $-$$
511 W. 181st St.
South American
This tiny Ecuadoran joint serves tasty, aggressively seasoned fare at rock-bottom prices.
Hispaniola $$$
839 W. 181st St.
Caribbean
Eclectic /Global
Latin American
A Dominican fusion restaurant with inventive cooking in colorful, vertically stacked presentations.
Kismat Indian Restaurant $
603 Ft. Washington Ave.
Indian
A satisfying outlet for Washington Heights residents who are craving some curry.
Mamajuana Cafe $$$
247 Dyckman St.
Latin American
South American
Spanish /Tapas
A beautiful-people crowd roosts at this Upper Manhattan spot.
New Leaf Café $$$
1 Margaret Corbin Dr.
American Nouveau
A relaxed, sylvan setting makes New Leaf an ideal place to pop a cork and while away the hours over a fine meal.
Park Terrace Bistro $$
4959 Broadway
African /Moroccan
French
Middle Eastern
This Inwood spot creates refined Moroccan cuisine, with contemporary French and Mediterranean influences.
Tipico Dominicano Restaurant $$
4172 Broadway
Caribbean
Latin American
Mexican
This lively Washington Heights institution dishes out Dominican, Caribbean, and Latin fare around the clock.
The Trie Café $
799 Fort Washington Ave.
Soup & Sandwich
Medieval art aficiondos nourish their bodies and souls at this history-rich cafe.
Malecon $$$
4141 Broadway
Latin American
South American
Spanish /Tapas
“King of the Roast Chicken” is not an overstatement at this Caribbean-influenced restaurant.
La Casa De Mofongo $-$$
1447 St Nicholas Ave.
Latin American
A Latin-American restaurant whose titular dish is a Dominican staple made with mashed plantains.
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