So where can you find BBQ, Spanish, Latin infused with Thai, Italian, and Modern American Cuisine, all within steps of each other? In none other than what is being called Harlem's new and emerging restaurant row. The restaurants inhabit the once-empty warehouses on 12th Avenue from 125th Street to 133rd Street, near the new West Harlem Waterfront Park, and right off of the West Side Highway. Each location offers eclectic cuisine as well as a "loungy" atmosphere to grab a drink, vibe with friends, and listen to good music....there's even valet parking!, lol....
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Talay
www.talayrestaurant.com
Just from the sheer look of it, ever since I saw this place featured in an episode of Harlem Heights ive been dying to go here, lol...and this past Easter my wish came true, yaaay!:) The prices are reasonable and the food is an interesting mix of Thai and Latin cultures. With dishes like pork and chive dumplings, saffron rice with sausage and mussels, and lemongrass marinated ribs, your palate will be pleasantly surprised and pleased. I tried the crispy shrimp with plantains and highly recommend it. The second level is a bottle-service lounge and club that im dying to make my way up too, lol...
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Body Restaurant & Lounge
www.bodynewyorkcity.com
I had been hearing about Body for a while now and finally went last Thursday with my 2 girlfriends (hey Tecey Wecey...I know your reading;). Upscale, sophisticated, and located at the end of restaurant row, I'd put this place on my list as a nice lounge to chill at. The decor and ambiance was very trendy, and the music had us up on our feet dancing the night away...well....at least as long as our almost 3 hours out lasted!, lol...
While Body is best known as a nightclub, it also offers a modern American menu, a roof deck, and outdoor seating that i'll hopefully be trying out in future visits:)...
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Covo
www.covony.com
Located between Body and Talay, this cozy venue offers classic Italian dishes and over 15 authentic pizza selections...and as a pasta lover, its surely next on my list to try:)
"With a mix of signature cocktails, delighful music, and an upscale, easygoing atmosphere, Covo Lounge is the perfect place to chill, sit back, and relax...
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Hudson River Cafe
www.hudsonrivercafe.com
A few feet away from the 3 restaurants above is where you'll find The Hudson River Cafe. Already a summer hot spot last year, Im sure this trendy spot will be even hotter this year. The menu offers a good variety to choose from to please your palate, and you can dine on the outside heated patio deck if you like.
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Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
www.dinosaurbarbque.com
Even my parents are among the many that are raving about this place!, lol. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que serves up Texas style cuisine with a roadhouse feel. Im not a big rib or BBQ fan, but I hear that it's so good that ill have a change of heart after trying it....I'll let you know if it does the trick!:)
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~J.Genese
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