Important Notice:We have made the tough decision to say goodbye to the Foursquare City Guide mobile app, effective December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Visit our FAQ for more information or to download our Swarm app.
The best of the best in East Harlem, including restaurants, bars, parks, art galleries & more. Check out our full guide here: urbancompass.com/neighborhood_guides/east_harlem
Compass: Local home cooks turn to owner Luis Perez for expertly hand-spiced sausages, turkey wings, and custom cuts of rabbit, dried fish, pork, and more.
2287 1st Ave (btwn E 117th & E 118th St), New York, NY
Pizzeria · East Harlem · 143 tips and reviews
Compass: Time-tested recipes, addictive red sauce, and coal brick-baked pies have been the dishes du jour since the 1930s, when the legendary local pizza chain got its start at this very spot.
Italian Restaurant · East Harlem · 34 tips and reviews
Compass: The old school-style restaurant is often likened to the Italian version of cheers: with time, the friendly staffers all know your name (and ziti order) by heart.
Mexican Restaurant · East Harlem · 40 tips and reviews
Compass: From bright blue walls to a dozen-plus nacho plates, the tucked-away spot is known for irrististibly rich (and inventive) takes on Latin comfort dining.
Compass: This D.I.Y. joint prides itself on customized options, from slider-sized patties and buns to oversize and veggie burgers topped with housemade sweet chili sauce.
Caribbean Restaurant · East Harlem · 28 tips and reviews
Compass: The sibling-owned eatery spans the whole of island-born cuisine -- from Trinidadian callaloo and roti to Guyanese masala curries -- with expert taste.
Compass: Earl’s Beer and Cheese’s slightly-more-serious sister restaurant boasts extended wine selections and quirky high-end dishes from foie gras fluffernutters to a handful of wines on tap.
Compass: Feast each of your senses on a crowd-pleasing mix of Puerto Rican pub fare and a live music roster representing the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Haiti, jazz fusion, and more.
Compass: Crowd-loved happy hour and game day margaritas and draft beers are paired with savory ribs, baked macaroni and cheese, and fifty cent chicken wings.
Warehouse or Wholesale Store · East Harlem · 102 tips and reviews
Compass: The buy-in-bulk wholesale club is a destination for both local families and Madison Avenue shoppers looking to stock up on household supplies.
Compass: The cavernous indoor-outdoor market is a go-to for vintage chandeliers, clocks, and more that owners have salvaged from old buildings just before they made their way to landfills.
2180 1st Ave (btwn E 111th & E 114th St), New York, NY
Park · East Harlem · 24 tips and reviews
Compass: Though just a few blocks long, Jefferson park is constantly bustling with activity -- from runners and pick-up basketball games to DIY outdoor fitness seekers and families.
Compass: In addition to workouts, and aquatics center, and adult gaming leagues, the family-friendly workout facility offers party space, martial arts training, and competitive race training.
Compass: Uptown- and Staten Island-based salon scene fixture Eddie Rodriguez’s largest location also offers body, skin, and nail services in addition to his city-famous cuts and color.
2317 1st Ave (b/t E 118th St & E 119th St)), New York, NY
Bakery · East Harlem · 20 tips and reviews
Compass: In addition to takeaway sweets, the sweet-smelling cooking space doubles as a catering facility, personal chef source, and gift center for those looking to ship owner Ayala Dunchin’s goods.
Compass: From breakfast hits like whole wheat pancakes, feta cheese empanadas to an inviting patio and weekly open mic nights, you won’t go wrong making a weekend of eating here.
2131 1st Ave (btwn E 109th & E 110th St), New York, NY
Bakery · East Harlem · 21 tips and reviews
Compass: Fresh croissants, chantilly creamed pastries, and expertly buttered baguettes are the go-to goods at the classic French-flavored neighborhood bakery.
144 W 125th St (Between Lenox and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevards), New York, NY
Art Museum · Central Harlem · 56 tips and reviews
Compass: The converted loft space serves as both a haven for African and African American artists in residence and site for curated shows from across the country and around the globe.