Tina’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Harlem
- Take a 15 min stroll to Central Park, stop by Birch for a cup of coffee and pastry, and walk through the park to the Conservatory Garden around 105th St., or challenge yourself to some ice-skating at the top of the park on the West side (winter only, Pool in summer).
- You can walk down to the Loeb Boathouse, a 35 minute walk from the t through iconic Central Park. In summer, rent a rowboat and enjoy the beautiful views of the city and park.
If you decide to rent a bicycle: do NOT rent from vendors right outside the park. Much cheaper options available with a quick online search.
28 residents recomanen
Central Park North
Central Park North- Take a 15 min stroll to Central Park, stop by Birch for a cup of coffee and pastry, and walk through the park to the Conservatory Garden around 105th St., or challenge yourself to some ice-skating at the top of the park on the West side (winter only, Pool in summer).
- You can walk down to the Loeb Boathouse, a 35 minute walk from the t through iconic Central Park. In summer, rent a rowboat and enjoy the beautiful views of the city and park.
If you decide to rent a bicycle: do NOT rent from vendors right outside the park. Much cheaper options available with a quick online search.
Harlem Food scene
Right at the top of the block- quality coffee, sweet and savory pastries: great for breakfast or a quick snack
Super Nice Coffee and Bakery by Danny Macaroons
156 E 117th StRight at the top of the block- quality coffee, sweet and savory pastries: great for breakfast or a quick snack
A quick bite or a full meal, have the Shrimp Taco, try the Fried Cheese and finish it off with the Churros.
18 residents recomanen
La Chula Harlem
137 E 116th StA quick bite or a full meal, have the Shrimp Taco, try the Fried Cheese and finish it off with the Churros.
Dates back to 1933, claiming to be the
first by-the-slice pizzeria, and Frank Sinatra's go-to when in NY.
202 residents recomanen
Patsy's Pizzeria
2287 1st Ave.Dates back to 1933, claiming to be the
first by-the-slice pizzeria, and Frank Sinatra's go-to when in NY.
French run and operated, great variety of
Food and Wines. Try the Raclette in winter.
166 residents recomanen
Barawine Harlem
200 Malcolm X BlvdFrench run and operated, great variety of
Food and Wines. Try the Raclette in winter.
Great Crab and Shrimp Boil, try the Lolo's original spices. Messy but worth it. Sit in heated backyard.
67 residents recomanen
Lolo's Seafood Shack
303 W 116th StGreat Crab and Shrimp Boil, try the Lolo's original spices. Messy but worth it. Sit in heated backyard.
Uniquely curated experience and dinner. Restaurant houses only 9 guests. Book at least 2-3 days in advance.
22 residents recomanen
Belle Harlem
2363 Adam Clayton Powell Jr BlvdUniquely curated experience and dinner. Restaurant houses only 9 guests. Book at least 2-3 days in advance.
Best (and fattest) Cookie you will ever have. In our opinion, New York's finest.
Tina's Fave: the Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookie
Ines' Fave: the Dark Chocolate Cookie
Several locations in NYC, but this one usually has the shortest line.
197 residents recomanen
Levain Bakery - Harlem
2167 Frederick Douglass BlvdBest (and fattest) Cookie you will ever have. In our opinion, New York's finest.
Tina's Fave: the Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookie
Ines' Fave: the Dark Chocolate Cookie
Several locations in NYC, but this one usually has the shortest line.
While in Harlem
Head to First Corinthian Baptist Church for a real Gospel Sunday Sermon. Welcoming and embracing, this church will warm up your heart if you let it.
35 residents recomanen
First Corinthian Baptist Church
1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr BlvdHead to First Corinthian Baptist Church for a real Gospel Sunday Sermon. Welcoming and embracing, this church will warm up your heart if you let it.
Summer:: Marcus Garvey Park has free movies, concerts and plays in the park. Lines won't be as long as Central Park SummerStage events.
154 residents recomanen
Marcus Garvey Park
Mount Morris Park WestSummer:: Marcus Garvey Park has free movies, concerts and plays in the park. Lines won't be as long as Central Park SummerStage events.
Walk along 125th st. to the Apollo Theater and see a buzzing and vibrant collaboration of culture and gentrification. Do some shopping, or just stimulate your senses with the flavors of Harlem.
893 residents recomanen
Teatre Apollo
253 W 125th StWalk along 125th st. to the Apollo Theater and see a buzzing and vibrant collaboration of culture and gentrification. Do some shopping, or just stimulate your senses with the flavors of Harlem.
Visit the Alexander Hamilton Grange National Memorial, His home is perched atop the beautiful St. Nicholas Park. Call ahead for a tour of the house, free admission.
While there: EAT at The Grange: comfort food in a bright rustic setting. Bottomless mimosa for brunch.
175 residents recomanen
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
414 W 141st StVisit the Alexander Hamilton Grange National Memorial, His home is perched atop the beautiful St. Nicholas Park. Call ahead for a tour of the house, free admission.
While there: EAT at The Grange: comfort food in a bright rustic setting. Bottomless mimosa for brunch.
Jazz
No Frills. Whatsoever. But this hole-in-the-wall is a historic venue where famous musicians have performed. Live shows every night.
106 residents recomanen
Paris Blues
2021 Adam Clayton Powell Jr BlvdNo Frills. Whatsoever. But this hole-in-the-wall is a historic venue where famous musicians have performed. Live shows every night.
Walk through a restaurant and down the stairs to this authentic, down to earth Jazz bar.
While there: EAT:: At Belle Harlem
227 residents recomanen
Santuari
2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr BlvdWalk through a restaurant and down the stairs to this authentic, down to earth Jazz bar.
While there: EAT:: At Belle Harlem
For a little more of an upscale venue. This is under the famous Red Rooster restaurant, live jazz and drinks. See schedule online. (We don't necessarily recommend dinner at Red Rooster)
117 residents recomanen
Ginny's Supper Club
310 Malcolm X BlvdFor a little more of an upscale venue. This is under the famous Red Rooster restaurant, live jazz and drinks. See schedule online. (We don't necessarily recommend dinner at Red Rooster)
Evening in Upper East Side
Another hole-in-the-wall worth experiencing, with show-tunes and favorite songs performed by staffers and patrons to the tune of the piano. Live music starts at 9:30pm, but secure your spot by 9pm. (2 drink minimum, no cover charge).
36 residents recomanen
Brandy's Piano Bar
235 E 84th StAnother hole-in-the-wall worth experiencing, with show-tunes and favorite songs performed by staffers and patrons to the tune of the piano. Live music starts at 9:30pm, but secure your spot by 9pm. (2 drink minimum, no cover charge).
Have dinner at Kaia Wine Bar, serving south-african farm-to-table small plates to share, great wine, and a cozy environment.
24 residents recomanen
Kaia Wine Bar
1614 3rd AveHave dinner at Kaia Wine Bar, serving south-african farm-to-table small plates to share, great wine, and a cozy environment.
A traditional Japanese Ramen Noodle restaurant with just 14 bar seats.
69 residents recomanen
Naruto Ramen
1596 3rd AveA traditional Japanese Ramen Noodle restaurant with just 14 bar seats.
Sightseeing
- Visit the American Museum of Natural History in the morning, and then cross the street to the Grand Bazaar year-round outdoor/indoor market selling antiques, crafts, jewelry and just anything and everything.
- While there (from 5p to 7p): There are many food options, but if you want great oysters, delicious bites, and a seamless service, a 15 min stroll from 77th to 87th street will take you right to the MERMAID INN. Simple but perfect, try the fried calamari, Lobster Knuckles, and as many rounds of oysters as you can handle- Must book ahead for a good experience. If Summer: walk over to the West Side Community Garden for a breath of fresh air and possibly a performance. Check online for schedule.
97 residents recomanen
Upper West Side
- Visit the American Museum of Natural History in the morning, and then cross the street to the Grand Bazaar year-round outdoor/indoor market selling antiques, crafts, jewelry and just anything and everything.
- While there (from 5p to 7p): There are many food options, but if you want great oysters, delicious bites, and a seamless service, a 15 min stroll from 77th to 87th street will take you right to the MERMAID INN. Simple but perfect, try the fried calamari, Lobster Knuckles, and as many rounds of oysters as you can handle- Must book ahead for a good experience. If Summer: walk over to the West Side Community Garden for a breath of fresh air and possibly a performance. Check online for schedule.