Your Exclusive Guide to West Harlem!

A look into the up and coming neighborhood dripping with culture and history

The borough described by locals as West Harlem, and also sometimes referred to as “Manhattanville”, is located just above Morningside Heights, stretching from W 122nd/123rd to about W 135th — between historic Frederick Douglas Blvd, and the Hudson River. This culturally rich and historically significant neighborhood helped propel Upper Manhattan towards the famed Harlem Renaissance. While new developments and renovations are frequently popping up, the area still resembles the cultural center it once was, during one of the most important American art movements.

In an interview by Brick Underground, Paul Sweet of Citi Habitats says:

So, without further ado, here are our top picks for this culturally rich and exceedingly urbane up and coming borough!

Luckily, West Harlem is surrounded by a plethora of Subway and Bus stations, making it one of the easiest neighborhoods to get around. In fact, it’s been one of the most popular neighborhoods for rent — largely due to its accessibility and lower prices (no threatening L train shutdowns for these residents!). Get on the 1 at the 125th Street station for the main subway stop in Manhattanville. However, head just a short walk east for the A,B,C, and D trains. Plus, if you have a car, access to both the west side and the Robert F. Kennedy Highway makes driving around the town quite simple.

The only authentic Harlem speakeasy founded by famous sax-man, Bill Saxton, this semi-private club had the best jazz to be heard anywhere in the city. Even now, Saxton, The Harlem Jazz King, keeps the tradition of straight ahead jazz alive and well in his joint. Catch shows Friday or Saturday night and be prepared to be blown away!

Fun fact: Columbia bought out Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s old 131st home, so this roadhouse restaurant moved to 777 W 135th street, a perfect fit for the already bustling 12th ave dining scene. The beloved spot fit right in — the bar is bigger, the restaurant closer to the water, and the new tables are crafted from the old restaurant’s wooden beams — how nostalgic!

Okay, may have exaggerated on that last one, but nonetheless — this is the spot! How do you know? It’s always packed, but extremely welcoming with tons of seating areas. Could it get better? Lenox Coffee also draws on Harlem’s rich cultural history and current arts scene, constantly featuring freelance designers and artists sharing work and stories. I mean…

West Harlem “Manhattanville” has certainly undergone radical changes over the years. But today, the neighborhood is home to many young families and urban professionals who are looking for a change from the hustle and bustle of downtown New York.

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