Thursday, March 20, 2014

NEW HARLEM EATERY NUMBER 2: MOUNTAIN BIRD

Between the still lingering ill-perception of excessive crime and somewhat over-priced commercial retail demands, Harlem's dining scene has had its ups and downs over the years. With that in mind, we thought it would be appropriate to go over the newish establishment that were pioneers not so long ago and who have since helped change the dining scene in Harlem.


MOUNTAIN BIRD, 231 WEST 145TH STREET BETWEEN FDB AND ACP
Fine dining on West 145th Street is something quite new this far up north in Harlem but Mountain Bird is the tiny eatery that has become the big game-changer.  This boutique French spot run by the most charming Japanese couple has made it on the Eater NY list of top 15 Hot Manhattan eating destinations in the new year and is the only Harlem establishment that has made the chart these past two months.  Reservations are now pretty much required to get a spot during dinner service at the 19-seat restaurant but top critics have confirmed that it is all worth the trip to this particular corner of the neighborhood that most would consider more shabby than chic.  Harlem Bespoke chose Mountain Bird as the top new uptown restaurant for 2013 because of the quality of food, service, ambiance and the surprising affordable pricing: LINK

Posted by at
Labels: , ,

8 comments:

  1. westsiderMarch 20, 2014 at 10:56 AM

    I was expecting this to be number 1 as it is excellent on so many levels.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 20, 2014 at 12:57 PM

    Some of the best food and service I've had in ALL the city (not just uptown) in a very long time.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ChrisMarch 20, 2014 at 4:10 PM

    Guessing Vinatería is tops? Mountain Bird and Vinatería are definitely top two.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UlyssesMarch 20, 2014 at 4:33 PM

    So this list is not necessarily about the best in each category but more like the pioneer within their concept of dining. Yes they need to be good but taking that first jump in an untested area is also something that help move the restaurant scene along. Bier International helped launch specialized beers in Harlem, etc...

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMarch 20, 2014 at 4:38 PM

    Maybe Lido will be #1?

    ReplyDelete
  6. GGMarch 21, 2014 at 7:45 AM

    The number #1 restaurant should be one that got people to view Harlem as a destination and travel uptown for dinner. Mountain Bird is doing that but is not the first to do it. The first to do this came a few years ago ...

    ReplyDelete
  7. UlyssesMarch 21, 2014 at 8:07 AM

    Mountain Bird is Number 2 because it also dramatically changed the concept that eateries have to open on Lower FDB or the Lenox Avenue restaurant corridor to be a success. Hopefully other great startups will happen further uptown with this in mind. Small chef-owned businesses would do well with the more affordable rents further north and Mou

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)