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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 · 55 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.