Friday, December 11, 2020

REMEMBER: FRANK’S ON 125TH STREET

Harlem Bespoke:  The distinct building at 315 West 125 Street by St. Nicholas Avenue always caught our eye and a little research revealed that it was the address of one of Langston Hughes' favorite restaurants n Harlem.  An old New York Times article mentions that everything was still running up until 1970 when the building was put up for sale. Below is letter that was sent back in 1947 to photographer Carl Van Vechten and the famous poet: 


Dear Carl: Do you mean to tell me that you do not know where ''Frank's'' is! Or do I read your card wrong? Frank's is the large restaurant on the north side of West 125th Street, exactly 315 West 125th Street. It is just about the oldest restaurant in Harlem and was, I understand, a solid and well known steak and fish place long before Harlem became colored. Many of the old waiters are still there, and some of the old patrons still come from other sections of the city to dine there occasionally.

From REMEMBER ME TO HARLEM: The Letters of Langston Hughes and Carl Van Vechten, 1925-1964 

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