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How to spend the perfect day in Harlem, NYC

Have the time of your life checking out the nabe's prized jewels like tasty soul-food spots and vivacious jazz joints

Written by
Jennifer Picht
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There are a lot of great things to do in Harlem, but if you want to plan the perfect day in the culture-filled nabe, we have the best recommendations below. From a jazz restaurant that serves a mean filet mignon to a beer garden that serves 60 bottles of suds, here's where to make your next visit to Harlem the best one yet.

Local tip: “Head to At the Wallace for its artful grilled cheese sandwiches. Aside from that, this gem is a great place to hang out and play board games like Jenga Giant!”—Hannah Streck

RECOMMENDED: Full neighborhood guide to Harlem, New York

What to eat, see and do in Harlem

Eat: Minton's
  • Restaurants
  • Soul and southern American
  • Harlem
  • price 2 of 4

This famed jazz club claims to be the birthplace of bebop. The live performances during evenings and weekend brunch keep folks glued to their seats, but the kitchen also serves a real mean filet mignon. Check out upcoming talents like pianist David Bryant & Quintessence on July 25 and vocalist Mala Waldron on July 28.

Drink: Harlem Tavern
  • Bars
  • Pubs
  • Harlem
  • price 2 of 4

You could easily kill a few hours sipping brews outside (or inside, if you prefer air-conditioning) at this enormous craft-beer garden. The 7,000-square-foot corner spot has 20 drafts on tap and boasts 60 bottles of beer—and an Ace Pineapple Cider or Ithaca Raspberry Soiree Berliner Weisse sure does sound refreshing, right?

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  • Things to do

The alfresco, all-day bash kicks off Harlem Week with a wide range of festivities at General Grant National Memorial in Riverside Park. Pack your own picnic or purchase grub from on-site food vendors, then watch Uptown Dance Academy and other hoofers perform. Jazz, Latin and gospel groups provide live music to end the night on various high—and soulful—notes.

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