☞ EAT: Harlem's Taquerias

The growing presence of taquerias and other Central American specialty stores are a much larger reflection of the demographic changes in Harlem than otherwise noted these days. Although the press likes to focus on a minute group of wealthy folk gentrifying the uptown Manhattan nabes, it's really a new wave of working class Latinos that reflect the evolving face of traditional Harlem. The upper reaches of Hamilton Heights' Broadway, in the West 140's and West 150's, along with East 116th Street (after Park Avenue) are now starting to populate with taquerias and other businesses from immigrants coming out of Central America. We especially like the patriotic flag colored awnings that usually decorate the small eateries or grocery stores in these new neighborhoods. Taqueria San Pedro (photo) is off of Broadway, between 151st and 152nd Street, which looks quite charming in our opinion. Take the 1 train to 145th Street on the West Side or the 6 Train to 116th Street to check the new El Barrio. Photo by Ulysses