Historic Harlem is one of the fastest changing neighborhoods in Manhattan, a mixture of the new and the old and home to a diverse population of New Yorkers. Harlem has some of the best turn of the century architecture in Manhattan and has many beautifully restored tree lined brownstone row house side streets. We also have a growing list of restaurants with many types of cuisine from Italian to soul Food to French and more.

Dining

Harlem has a growing list diverse dining options with new additions monthly, here are some of our favorites within walking distance.

Sylvia’s

The legendary queen of soul food, only 3 minutes walk, a must visit if this is your first time in Harlem.

Red Rooster

Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson's new Harlem venture, only 4 minutes walk, Harlem's hottest restaurant.

Chez Lucienne

French bistro, only 4 minutes walk, a little Paris in Harlem.

Lenox Social

Great neighborhood bar, only 2 minutes walk, many draught beers and sit down menu.

Lenox Coffee

New coffee shop, only 5 minutes walk, a quiet oasis.

Ristorante Settepani

A long term Harlem staple, Italian dining, approx 10 minutes walk south on the elegant Lenox Ave to the beautiful Mount Morris Park district.

Ill Café Latte

A charming spot for coffee, brunch or dinner, approx 10 minutes walk south on the elegant Lenox Ave to the beautiful Mount Morris Park district.

Maison Harlem

French bistro , charming rustic interior, French Bistro style menu, approx 6 minutes walk west along 127th St. at the intersection of 127th and St. Nicholas Ave..

Yatenga

French bistro , try their Coq au Vin,, approx 10 minutes walk north along Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. between 134th and 135th streets.

Attractions

Apollo Theatre

The world famous Apollo theatre where stars or borne and legends are made, another must see if it is you first time in Harlem. Approx 7 minutes walk.

Studio Museum

Approx 7 minutes walk.

A brief History

The area we now know as Harlem was originally inhabited by the Manhattans, a native tribe.
1637 Harlem or Nieuw Haarlem as it was known was first settled by Dutch and French immigrants, Nieuw Haarlem was used as farmland.
1664 The English took control of Manhattan and anglicized the name to Harlem, Harlem became farmland and large estates synonymous with elegant living.
1880 Elevated trains where extended to Harlem, rapid development of housing followed almost overnight.
1884 Our building (132 West 127th Street) was constructed as a single family home.
1905 After much overdevelopment and real estate crashes, white renters could not be found so landlords began renting to black tenants. Fueled by the migration of blacks fleeing the Jim Crow south led to Harlem becoming a mostly black community.
1920 The Harlem renaissance began as a creative time for black artists, writers and musicians to develop their arts including Jazz.
1950 Most whites had left Harlem.
1960 Most of the black middle class had left.
1970 Crime and poverty where a major problem in Harlem with many derelict and abandoned buildings.
2000 Redevelopment had begun a new era of gentrification.
2005 A run up in property values and development of luxury condominiums.
2015 Historic Harlem is now one of the fastest changing up and coming neighborhoods in Manhattan.