You can’t paint the full picture of Black American history without discussing the impact that Harlem, New York, has had on our culture. Spanning only three square miles across upper Manhattan, it’s a destination forever engrained in our historic DNA. Some consider it the Black Mecca largely due to it being a hub for Black expression by way of music, art and literature. The Harlem Renaissance helped shape how the world viewed creativity and became a safe space for prominent figures like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Marcus Garvey, Josephine Baker, Malcolm X and so many more.
“I was in love with Harlem long before I got there,” renowned poet Langston Hughes wrote in his 1940 autobiography, The Big Sea.
Though that vibrancy that once permeated its streets dwindled between the 1960s and 70s—a period when Black neighborhoods across the nation suffered—Harlem is once again seeing a modern-day renaissance. Not to mention it has produced a new wave of creatives, tastemakers and rule-breakers like Kelis, A$AP Rocky and Teyana Taylor, to name a few. It serves as the backdrop for the Amazon Prime hit series Harlem starring Meagan Good. Despite the challenges that arise from development and gentrification, natives—and even some transplants—are working to ensure this once thriving center of Black culture doesn’t lose its light.
If this cultural Mecca has been on your list of places to visit, check out our expertly curated guide. From Black-owned restaurants serving up mouth-watering cuisine to heritage tours led by locals, here’s how you can experience the richness of the area like a true insider.
Delve Deeper into the History with Harlem Heritage Tours
To truly appreciate all the area possesses, you must first delve deeper into its origin stories. Harlem Heritage Tours offers several multimedia walking experiences that will allow you to learn and appreciate all that was birthed within the upper Manhattan neighborhood. Whether you opt for the Sunday gospel tour or the Harlem Renaissance option, you can ensure that the local-born tour guides will leave no stone unturned.
Take in a Show at the Apollo Theater
One of the most iconic performance venues of our time, the historic Apollo Theater is still standing and hosting performances. Many of us fell in love with the building during our weekly viewings of the amateur night production broadcasted on our televisions. But its roots were planted well before that. Opened in 1914, the theater’s stage has welcomed talents like Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., Luther Vandross and Lauryn Hill. Today, you can catch everything from comedy shows to professional workshops and, of course, concerts taking place regularly.
Eat at Black-Owned Staples like Ricardo Steak House, Famous Fish Market or Amy Ruth’s
A neighborhood’s cuisine can tell you a lot. Not only about the people but about the cultural makeup as well. In Harlem, this is no different. Though several Black-owned eateries are serving up mouthwatering dishes and menu items, Ricardo Steak House, Famous Fish Market and Amy Ruth’s are staples that most visitors and locals will say are a must-try. Amy Ruth’s is known for its fried chicken and waffles, which have been voted some of the best in the nation on multiple occasions. Ricardo Steak House opened in 2004 and brought a beautiful blend of accessible fine dining to the already rich culture that Harlem is known for. As for Famous Fish, not only have the ladies of Harlem grabbed a bite there but this takeout establishment is known to have lines down the block at times. So, plan accordingly.
Get Your Fill of Black Art at the Studio Museum in Harlem
You can’t pop into the Black Mecca of art and creativity without spending time with the works of new-age artists. Since its inception in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem has provided a space for creative by artists of both African decent and artists inspired by Black culture to display their talent to the public. Home to a permanent collection of more than 9,000 pieces that span 200 years, it’s also had rotating exhibitions. Plan to visit when the location reopens this fall.
Give in to Your Sweet Tooth with a Treat from Harlem Chocolate Factory
Spelman sisters Jessica Spaulding and Asha Dixon founded this nationally recognized chocolate shop in 2015. Now ten years in, Harlem Chocolate Factory is known for an array of premium chocolate treats. Choose from an assortment of unique truffles that pay homage to our culture by way of flavors like banana pudding, sweet potato pie and even Uncle Nearest Whiskey. Or grab other sweets like fresh-baked cookies, bonbons and chocolate bars—all made in-house.
Have a Nightcap at Corner Social
Finish off an epic experience with a drink (or two) at one of Harlem’s most bustling night spots. Corner Social not only serves up some of the best brunch on the weekends, it’s a popular evening and late-night hangout for locals and visitors alike. The bar mixes up cocktails like the Harlem Sage (vodka, ginger, lime, pineapple and sage), Harlem Love Punch (Wray & Nephew rum, peach schnapps, orange, pineapple, mango, strawberry and lemon), and the Uptown Baby (vodka, Midori, strawberry and lime) until 2 am. You can also catch a rotating lineup of DJs, keeping the vibes going each night. Oh, and you never know which celebs may pop in, too. We hear it’s a favorite of Mary J. Blige.