Harlem’s culinary treasures: Zagat guide shows Uptown Manhattan’s stars
As with apartments, there are bargains to score Uptown when it comes to hunting for a good meal.
Upticks in real estate investment are translating into more and more dining choices, said Tim Zagat, co-founder of the Zagat New York City Restaurants guide series. And oftentimes, the new eateries are hitting the mark.
The newest Zagat New York City restaurant guide found some new stars to watch: Marcus Samuelsson‘s hot-ticket Red Rooster on Lenox Ave. was named as a “key newcomer,” as was Lido, an Italian restaurant on Frederick Douglass Blvd., where a good meal will cost close to $100.
But there are some inexpensive spots to check out too – such as Covo Trattoria & Pizzeria, where happy hours go until midnight, most dishes are less than $15, and the outdoor dining is a Zagat top pick.
“During happy hour, you can come and have a couple of drinks and pizza for under $20,” said general manager Luca Valeriani about the restaurant on W. 135th St. and 12th Ave.
“This neighborhood is getting better and better. We are becoming the Meatpacking [District] of Harlem.”
Zagat raved about Covo, calling it a “first-rate” job “for the money.”
For soul food, there’s Zagat favorite Amy Ruth‘s on W. 116th St. near Lenox Ave., deemed a best brunch and child-friendly spot by the review team.
Miss Maude’s on W. 137th St. near Lenox Ave. was called “solid” because “they really feel like rural North Carolina, right down to the backcountry prices,” said the guide.
Miss Maude’s owner Norma Jean Darden said the hungry come from across the globe to sample her $12.95 fried chicken platter and $4.95 red velvet cake.
“It’s homecooked food. It’s not a restaurant,” said Darden. “We are for people who are away from home, or for people who just don’t want to cook, or pay an arm and a leg for good food.”
Longtime Dominican favorite El Malecon, on Broadway and W. 175th St. in Washington Heights, looks plain – but the food sure isn’t.
Zagat cited El Malecon for its “luscious” $9 whole chicken and other “stick-to-your-ribs” dishes “para poco dinero.”
Empire Szechuan on Broadway near W. 170th St. has entrées such as Lamb with Szechuan Ma La Sauce for just under $14. But Zagat suggested diners skip the “drab decor” and indulge via phone.
For date night, head to Inwood for a “bargain” eat-in place, Garden Cafe on Broadway near W. 207 St. Hang in their “lovely” garden while chowing down on snazzy entrées such as like Cajun Dusted Sashimi Tuna, for less than $20.
The tiny, ten-table Rao’s – which is practically impossible to get into unless you’re already a loyal customer, like Mayor Bloomberg or A-Rod– was listed in the newest version of Zagat’s as Harlem’s best.
El Paso Taqueria came in second, with Dinosaur BBQ, Covo, Red Rooster, Hudson River Cafe, Amy Ruth’s and 5 Diamond respectively rounding out the list.
5 Diamond co-owner Selene Martinez said Harlem was her top pick for her eatery.
“We choose Harlem becaues it’s always filled with all types of people. Everyone is represented here and there is a great history,” said Martinez, who suggested folks try out their Monday Mac & Cheese Night.
“There’s truffled Mac & Cheese and Lobster Mac & Cheese. David [the chef] has a special secret in there.”