The Corner Social on Lenox and 126th Street has moved along quickly this month and has just debuted its outdoor cafe. This new eatery on upper Lenox's restaurant row is consistently packed every evening and folks took advantage of the new seating last night. A recent write up in the New York Times notices that the Harlem restaurant taps into the current trends of subway tile walls, reclaimed wood interiors and outdoor dining:
LINK. This is the look everyone heads downtown for so it is no surprise that this new business has locals staying uptown to spend their money.
Another solid addition to the neighborhood. Wish them every success. Saw Marcus Samuelsson in there a couple of weeks back enjoying a beer. Healthy competition is a win win for all as it brings new customers uptown.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see Corner Social doing well. I watched "Savoring Harlem" on Food Network. The special was GREAT and it really showed how Samuelsson is working with all the local restaurants to enhance Harlem's profile. How could you not love Harlem?!
ReplyDeleteThe outdoor seating really adds a positive statement to this block, well done Corner Social.
ReplyDeleteThe rollout awning is very practical, but in my opinion umbrellas look much better, even though they are more labor intensive and offer less shelter. Maybe some warmer lighting and the awning would look like Van Gogh Café Terrace at Night.
ReplyDeleteSo great to see the place doing so well!
ReplyDeletewith this, and once the sushi restaurant opens, i shall never have to leave harlem again. :)
ReplyDeleteYou mean people are mistaking Lenox Social for Lenox Lounge. Good for these guys and I wish them much success!!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, so i finally made it to Corner Social and as always here is my 2 cents with each score out of 10.
ReplyDeleteAmbiance: 8.5 The Social (as I shall be calling it moving forward) was hopping at 5 pm truly a good sight to see.
Service: 8 Although the place was packed the staff was right on top of things without being pushy, I am very happy to see that restaurant owners in Harlem are finally understanding that service is of the utmost importance.
Food: 5.5 Okay this is the biggie for me, the food was average. I had the mac and cheese with "lobster" and the soft shell crab. Both dishes were disappointing, the mac and cheese came in a fried ball which was shocking to say the least and the lobster tasted straight from a can, there was little flavour (come on people you can do better, FLAVOUR and FRESH should be the words of the day) The soft shell crab tasted like it had been re-fried about 5 times suffice to say two bites was all I could take.
Drinks: 8 I am not a heavy drinker and the sangria was good enough for me. It was the same as sangria I have had in many restaurants downtown.
I am willing to have drinks at The Social but at this moment i would have to say it would not be a place I would frequent for food.
With that said I do like to give all establishments at least 3 chances so I will try at least twice more in hopes of seeing some improvement in the cuisine.
For food, try the pan-fried branzino. Light, flaky fish served over a bed of greens with a delicate, unusual dressing.
ReplyDeleteValgb I love branzino and will take your suggestion.
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