Often overlooked, the East Harlem (and surrounding) area has so many hidden gems. From delicious restaurants to gorgeous parks, there’s lots to do without going far.
Map
Sections
7
Parks and Rec
Restaurants
Bakeries
Other
Playgrounds
Coffee & Cocktails
Parks and Rec
There are so many nice parks within walking distance.
This park is BEAUTIFUL and situated right next to the East River and Gracie Mansion.
Carl Schurz Park
Newly renovated and GORGEOUS they even have a pool that will turn into a skating rink and then a lawn and back depending on the season.
Davis Center
Huge park with a playground, track, soccer field, pool, and barbecue areas.
Thomas Jefferson Park
Worth walking or biking across the bridge! There are often events here and you can grill as well.
Randall's Island Park
One of the best places to get lost in.
North Woods
Great scenic path that stretches pretty far downtown.
107th Street Pier & Bobby Wagner Walk Reconstruction
Restaurants
There are so many hidden gems in this neighborhood.
This is one of my favorite spots to dine alone. I love the squid ink pasta and the short rib parpadelle.
Vinatería
Landmark pizzeria!
Patsy's Pizzeria
Consistently great food. Gets very busy but worth wait times.
Ricardo Steakhouse
One of the best birria tacos I've ever had.
Ollin
One of those spots you go back to over and over. I have never had a bad meal or experience.
Alison
Great spot for a drink after work.
Perch
Their chilaquiles are so good.
Cascalote
Consistently good Thai in a slightly upscale spot. Nice for date night.
Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill
Super spacious which is great with stroller and the food is delicious.
Santiago’s Beer Garden
Authentic Puerto Rican food.
La Fonda
Delicious and cute spot. They make great drinks.
Chu Ros Thai NYC
I love this spot when I want to feel a little fancy.
Chez Nick
Jamaican food with a Haitian twist.
ISLAND BITES
Good happy hour spot.
Conmigo
Super authentic Mexican. Love their tacos and tostadas.
EL AGUILA
Iconic soul food spot. I love the braised short ribs.
Melba's Restaurant
Really good brunch not too far west.
BLVD Bistro NY
Really unassuming spot with delicious food.
Bangklyn East Harlem
Been around 30+ years serving roast pork, chicken, and traditional Puerto Rican classics.
LA ISLA RESTAURANT
Ivorian spot with stews layered in complex flavors like chile, black pepper, and smoked fish.
Sylla
Mexican spot with playful dishes like escargots in pasilla sauce and crispy beef brain flautas.
El Kallejon
Casual Puerto Rican spot known for flaky bacalaito and the indulgent tripleta sandwich.
Cocotazo
Counter-service classic with roasted chicken, fried pork, alcapurrias, and stuffed pasteles.
Cuchifritos
Iconic, famously hard-to-get-into Italian institution — great martinis and legendary meatballs.
Rao's
Late-night spot famous for six-inch handmade tortillas with charred edges and great fillings.
Quesadillas Doña Maty
Vibrant Caribbean-inspired spot — coconut fish sandwiches and crispy yams with honey peri peri glaze.
The Good Good
Bakeries
There is a strange amount of bakeries in East Harlem but I am not complaining.
Some of the best carrot cake you will ever have.
Lloyds Carrot Cake Cafe LLC
Vegan doughnuts with creative flavors like matcha buttercream and PB&J.
Gigi's Doughnuts
Flaky croissants, buttery financiers, and vegan muffins with great coffee.
PABADE CAFE AND BAKERY
Hand-made donuts in fun flavors like rainbow sprinkle and passion fruit glaze.
Super Nice Coffee and Bakery
Family-owned ice cream shop with flavors like blueberry cheesecake and salted caramel.
Sugar Hill Creamery
Other
Other places you might need in the area that don’t quite fit the other categories.
Beautiful salon that offers hair, nails, and makeup services all in one location. I recommend booking ahead through their website.
The Beauty Cave
Playgrounds
Where to take the little ones to run around and burn energy.
Accessible playground in Central Park with slides, swings, and a corkscrew water feature for summer.
Robert Bendheim Playground
Right at the top edge of the park, a nice low-key option if you're closer to 110th.
East 110th Street Playground
Vibrant community playground with equipment for kids and seating for families.
Marx Brothers Playground
Coffee & Cocktails
Cozy coffee shops for working or catching up, plus a couple spots for date night drinks.
Artsy space with African decor, great espresso, and vegan options.
Ginjan Cafe
Spacious with retro library lighting and board games — great for working or hanging out.
El Barrista cafe
Upscale cocktail spot with a romantic vibe — great for a date night, has a happy hour too.
The Terrace
Arts & Culture
East Harlem has real cultural depth — museums, murals, and history worth exploring.
Premier Latin American culture museum — rotating exhibits, film screenings, and community events.
El Museo del Barrio
Legendary outdoor mural wall since the 80s, repainted yearly by graffiti artists — worth a walk-by.
Graffiti Hall of Fame
Great NYC history exhibits — right on the edge of the neighborhood along Museum Mile.
