Go north on Lenox Ave, heading toward Malcolm X Boulevard, and you’ll find yourself in one of Manhattan’s historic neighborhoods. Known for its delicious spin on soul food, jazz, and gospel music, Harlem is a must-see stop for every visitor to the Big Apple. Along with amazing food, street food, and music, Harlem has a thriving art scene and a vibrant culture that exudes energy.
Whether you want to dance at a jazz club or enjoy a taste of historic Harlem, here’s how to experience the neighborhood like a local.
Grab a Bite to Eat at Slyvia’s Restaurant
The restaurant’s late founder is still known as the Queen of Soul Food. Located in the heart of Harlem, Slyvia’s Restaurant has been dishing up plates of authentic soul food since 1962. Anyone looking for a taste of historic Harlem will want to put the restaurant at the top of their must-see list.
Try a plate of chicken and waffles or the restaurant’s world-famous BBQ ribs. Chicken livers, black-eyed peas, and collard greens are a few of the selections on the expansive menu. Stop in at the bar for a refreshing adult beverage and a bite to eat. If you are in Harlem on a Sunday, you won’t want to miss the restaurant’s Gospel Brunch. Wednesdays offer live music with your meal.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
If you are looking for more options to satisfy your appetite, you can also check out some of the nearby restaurants that offer different cuisines and atmospheres. For example, you can try Red Rooster Harlem, which serves contemporary American dishes with global influences and hosts live music events. You can also enjoy some Ethiopian food at Abyssinia Restaurant, which offers vegetarian and vegan options as well as meat dishes.
Visit the World-Famous Apollo Theater
Since it first opened its doors in 1934, the Apollo Theater has been the place to go to hear and see the biggest names in music. From Count Basie and Duke Ellington to Ray Charles, James Brown, and even the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, these are only a few of the famous performances hosted at this historic theater. Did you know Stevie Wonder and Micheal Jackson got their start at the Apollo?
Don’t forget about Amateur Nights. You can catch a glimpse of some of the rising stars. Not only can you experience some great, new talent, but you can also be part of the judging. The audience decides the winner on Amateur Nights.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
After enjoying a show at the Apollo Theater, you might want to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants that are within walking distance. For example, you can try some Jamaican barbecue at Jerk, which serves jerk chicken, pork, fish, and more with spicy sauces and sides. Or you can indulge in some sushi and Asian fusion dishes at Hovarda, which also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views. You can also treat yourself to some Italian gelato at Gelupo, which offers a variety of flavors and toppings.
Stop By The National Jazz Museum
The National Jazz Museum is only a few blocks north of Sylvia’s Restaurant. You can walk off some of the great food and learn a little bit about the history of jazz. A Smithsonian-affiliated museum, you have access to an extensive collection of jazz music, including some recordings of early Jazz musicians that you’ll only find at the museum.
While it is a small museum, it packs a lot into the limited space, including live performances, lectures, and discussions. Along with jazz, the museum also houses a collection of R&B and swing music.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
If you are feeling hungry after visiting the National Jazz Museum, you can find some delicious restaurants nearby that cater to different tastes and budgets. For example, you can try some French cuisine at Maison Harlem, which offers classic dishes like escargot, steak frites, and crème brûlée in a cozy setting. Or you can sample some Ethiopian food at Queen Sheeba Restaurant, which serves injera bread with various stews and salads. You can also enjoy some pizza and pasta at Cheer Mamma, which has a casual atmosphere and friendly service.
Take a Walk Down Strivers’ Row
Strivers’ Row is the neighborhood moniker for a block of historic houses dating back to 1891. Within the two-block radius, you can see a variety of building styles.
Red brick brownstones line one side of West 138th Street while the other side has yellow and white buildings with charming terra-cotta trim. In between some of the buildings, you’ll see something extremely rare in New York City.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
Some of the homes are divided by small empty, grassy plots. These empty spots are for the stable mews. Remember, cars were non-existent in 1891. Instead of vehicles, residents used horse-drawn carriages.
The presence of the stable mews also signifies the different class structures that existed in Harlem.
As you stroll along Strivers’ Row, you might want to stop by some of the restaurants that are located on or near this historic block. For example, you can try some Senegalese cuisine at Ponty Bistro, which serves dishes like lamb chops, grilled fish, and couscous in a chic setting. Or you can savor some American food at Hexagon Lounge, which has burgers, wings, salads, and more in a lively bar. You can also taste some vegan food at Uptown Veg, which offers sandwiches, wraps, juices, and smoothies.
Learn About Poetry
Along with food and music, Harlem is also home to the arts. Langston Hughes, a renowned poet, and civil rights activist, called the neighborhood home.
Best known for his poem Harlem (A Dream Deferred), his home at 20 E.127th St. is a historical landmark. During the tour of his home, you can learn a little bit about his life, poetry, and importance during the Harlem Renaissance.
If you are interested in poetry and literature, you might also want to check out some of the restaurants that are inspired by or named after famous writers. For example, you can try some soul food at The Edge Harlem, which is named after Zora Neale Hurston’s novel Their Eyes Were Watching God and features quotes from her work on the walls. Or you can enjoy some Mediterranean food at The Palomar, which is named after Italo Calvino’s novel Mr Palomar and has a literary-themed menu. You can also have some coffee and pastries at Manhattanville Coffee, which has a cozy and artistic vibe.
Dance at the Cotton Club
No visit to Harlem is complete without a visit to the Cotton Club. Opened in 1920, the Cotton Club solved the problem of prohibition. Along with providing thirsty residents with a refreshing adult beverage, the club also offered exceptional entertainment.
You can still have the same experience today listening to everything from swing and jazz to gospel music. Don’t forget to try something from the club’s menu or stop in for the Jazz show and Dancing buffet.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
Harlem Has Something for Everyone
Covering only around 4.4 square miles, Harlem may not be an exceptionally expansive neighborhood, but it manages to pack a lot in. From fabulous food and a thriving arts and culture scene, to vibrant music and a rich history, there really is something for everyone here.
On your next trip to the Big Apple, be sure to put a visit to Harlem at the top of your to-do list.
