Hamilton Heights's brownstones once housed famous creatives like Lena Horne and George Gershwin. Its blend of cultures can be seen in the fashion inside the neighborhood’s thrift stores, bus stops and delis. This is local Adrienne Jordan's guide.
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- Phillip Reed for The Washington PostFind out moreAmerican Academy of Arts and LettersSpecialty SchoolClosed Today
Founded in the late 1800s to support creatives, the academy has 25,000 books by or about the members of the honor society. It puts on shows and exhibitions for the community and traveling academics. The permanent Charles Ives Studio is a place to see a replica of the composer’s 1950s workplace, with his piano still intact.
- Phillip Reed for The Washington PostFind out moreRiverbank State ParkState ParkOpen6 AM – 11 PM
While biking, running or walking the uninterrupted trails in the 28-acre park, you can take in waterside views of the Hudson River and the Palisades. There’s also an abandoned red-and-white lighthouse that you can take photos in front of with the George Washington Bridge in the background.
- Phillip Reed for The Washington PostFind out moreHarlem PublicNew American CuisineClosed Now11 – 12 AM
Harlem locals say this place has the best wings in all of New York. Choose from flavors like apricot BBQ and garlic-Parmesan-ranch. The pub has more than a dozen beers on tap and is a popular after-work spot to watch a game or dine in the outdoor seating area.
- Phillip Reed for The Washington PostFind out moreAt the WallacePubClosed Now4 PM – 2 AM
Located next door to Harlem Public, it’s the best place to grab drinks and meet people in the neighborhood. If you like drinking cheap beer and eating grilled cheese sandwiches while wearing expensive sneakers, this is the place for you.
- Phillip Reed for The Washington PostFind out moreOne Stop Patty ShopBreakfast and Brunch RestaurantClosed Now11 AM – 9 PM
Some say the best Jamaican food is in Brooklyn, but this place challenges that theory. It offers not only traditional Jamaican meat dishes but also more vegetarian friendly options like lentils and vegetable coco bread. It always seems to be out of at least one thing — a testament to its popularity.
