INTRODUCING: WHERE TO EAT UP ON SUGAR HILL

The Times just had a piece on Sugar Hill in its real estate section that is as boring as their usual take on Harlem but we have the list of were to go if one lives just north of 135th Street between Edgecombe and Amsterdam Avenue.  Only two dining spots are mentioned in the feature but most folks who stay in the area also spend time just directly south of the main commercial corridor.  The Grange by 141st and Amsterdam is probably the most popular restauraurant on the hill while the nearby Hogshead Tavern has the polish that most craft beer bars are missing north of 96th Street.  A new coffee shop founded by one of the partners of Lenox Coffee and Chipped Cup called Filtered will also be opening on Amsterdam by 140th Street in the coming week.  Even further west is Anchor Wine bar on Broadway which has been the area's go to spot for good Italian since it opened last summer.

At 145th Street, two really great cafes are the main attraction to those who want a casual but charming environment to grab a quick bite.  Il Caffe Latte just east of Amsterdam has two floors and is the second location of the popular coffee house first founded in the Mount Morris Park Historic District.  Newcomer Sugar Hill Cafe just west of St. Nicholas Avenue is actually one of the only new establishment using the neighborhood's moniker and has instantly been a success.  Those who want some old school flavor should check out the very affordable fish fry spot called Famous Fish Market just a block further east whose admirers include Martha Stewart who is a fan of the crispy golden whiting that folks line up for.

Those living further north now even have more options on the upper hill since eateries have been steadily debuting on the legendary location in the past couple of years.  Ethiopian style Tsion Cafe on St. Nicholas Avenue by 148th Street has a full kitchen and is roomy enough to hang out with family or a date.  Mama K's next door is a tiny Japanese run soup shop which is more budget friendly and a favorite of locals.  Further west on the Broadway corridor by 149th Street,  Harlem Public is constantly packed because of the food and brew so the sister establishment next door called At the Wallace helps with the crowd control.   Then finally there is the takeout spot The Handpulled Noodle which is on the same block and brings artisan Chinese fare up to the heights.

Those who are interested in that somewhat lackluster Times article which seemed like it was written 5 years ago when Harlem did not have anything in the neighborhood can check it out here: LINK