1. Bebenoir.
2164 Frederick Douglass Boulevard Harlem, NY

bebenoir.com

Best Place to Buy A Dress No One Else Has On.

The Bebenoir boutique sells a mix of stylish women’s clothing, unique accessories and haute imported shoes to die for. They even have a selection of looks for men. Owners Fatima and Ibrahima Doukoure have brought to life their dream of beautiful and fun to wear African inspired clothing. Tell them about your event and Fatima will help you to pick out the perfect look. The best part? If you try on something that is not flattering Fatima will actually suggest something else. We love an honest retailer.

2. Renaissance Fine Art
2075 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard Harlem, NY

therfagallery.com

Best Gallery to Learn About Art From Artists.

If you are an art collector or desire to be one there’s nothing like visiting the Renaissance Gallery. You’ll find powerful new works from emerging and established artists curated by Director Paula Coleman. This is an accessible community art gallery where questions and impromptu visits are encouraged. If you’re looking to buy you will definitely find something special in your price range; and chances are that upon request you can meet the artist as well. Showcasing artists from across the diaspora, the Renaissance Fine Art Gallery is a culturally significant experience.

3. Carol’s Daughter Back Room
24 West 125th Street Harlem, NY 10027

carolsdaughter.com

Best Place to Get Kissable Hands and Feet.

The Carol’s Daughter Back Room Hand and Foot Spa is a jewel box in the midst of the hustle and flow of Harlem’s fabled 125th Street. Owner Lisa Price outdid herself. The nurturing yet glam spa decor, incredible customer service, and nail artist’s attention to detail is unparalleled. The Carol’s Daughter Back Room is perfect for showers, Girl’s Afternoons Out, or solo spoiling. Give a gift certificate to someone you adore.

4. Uptown Juice Bar.
54 West 125th Street Harlem, NY

uptownjuicebarny.com

Best Place To Eat Tofu Without Realizing It.

This is not just any juice bar. In fact, I hesitated about including the Uptown Juice Bar on this list because the lines are long enough already. You can indulge in freshly made apple carrot juice for your health or meatless jerk “chicken” for your belly. We’ve spotted everyone here from your favorite PETA supporter to your favorite rapper. This vegan take out spot serves Guyanese, West Indian, and African American soul food favorites that even carnivores can enjoy. Fax in your order to skip the crazy line and be sure to have the pine tarts for desert. They’re almost as good as my mom’s recipe.

5. Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe
2319 Frederick Douglass Boulevard Harlem, NY

huemanbookstore.com

Best Place to Mingle With Writers or Flirt with Intellectuals.

The past couple of years of recession coupled with the digital reading revolution have not been kind to bookstores. Thankfully the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem USA is still standing. Hue-Man is part book store, part culture center. As a new author this writer found the Hue Man to be incredibly supportive. Managing partner Marva Allen loves books, authors, readers and she loves Harlem. Please support this independent book store where intellectuals and celebrity authors come to share.

6. Citarella
461 West 125th Street Harlem, NY

citarella.com

Best Place for Gourmet Food Shopping.

If you want to express your inner foodie you’ll find all of the ingredients you need here. Citarella is the ultimate gourmet market. You’ll find specialized cheeses, olives, jams and herbs in addition to quality produce, a variety of oils, fish steaks and much more. Fresh food plus helpful service. Warning: Citarella is only for specialty items. You can shop Fresh Direct or your local supermarket for your standard staples.

7. The Winery
257 West 116th Street Harlem, NY

thewineryonline.com

Best Place to Find A Decent Wine Selection For Any Budget.

Harlem now has several wineries like Lenox Wines and Harlem Vintage but it’s not hard to see why The Winery bills itself as a “wine boutique.” Except for one never-smiling sourpuss the people behind the counter at The Winery are generally very helpful. Ask about their open wine education tastings and events. The Winery also delivers and they will document your purchases on their computer for future visits.

8. The Cloisters & Fort Tryon Park Gardens
99 Margaret Corbin Drive Washington Heights, NY

metmuseum.org/cloisters

Best Place for Romantic Moments.

I’m not into medieval art to put it mildly. However, a visit to Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters is a must-have New York City experience. Yeah, yeah, we know that it’s far north but the Cloisters Museum and gardens are worth the hike. Of course there’s incredible architecture, ornate ceilings and those famous unicorn tapestries but Fort Tryon Park is truly the star with its wild flowers and Hudson River views. Bring someone cute to wander around with or take the free guided tour. You’ll feel lost in time.

9. Dwyer Cultural Center
258 Saint Nicholas Avenue Harlem, NY

dwyercc.org

Best Place to Learn Something While Being Entertained.

The multimedia, interactive Dwyer Cultural Center brings an explosion of culture with exciting public programs such as art exhibits, festivals, independent films, theater and dance. Check the website for schedules and head right over. There are events for children and adults. You won’t even realize that you’re learning something.

10. Dance Theater of Harlem
466 West 152nd Street Harlem, NY

dancetheaterofharlem.org

Best Place to Enhance Your Classical Dance Skills.

The motto for the esteemed Dance Theater of Harlem is “Transforming Lives Through Classical Dance.” If you ever get the opportunity to see a gravity defying, beautifully poetic Dance Theater of Harlem performance go for it. DTH is home to the best dancers in the world and guess what? Now you can become one of them. Well, you can at least learn a few moves in the same rooms. Open classes include the Adult Ballet Stretch and if you have a toddler sign up for Dance With Me, the inexpensive weekly dance class for you and your little one.

Honorable Mention:
The Faison Firehouse Theatre for cultural events curated by original For Colored Girls director George Faison.
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Author and Multimedia Personality Abiola Abrams, the Lifestyle Passionista, writes and makes TV and web series about living your best life.

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“Too many children don’t have the resources where they can work out at a center like this, or learn about eating healthier and that’s my mission,” said The First Lady. “For example, if you guys and girls want to become a Police Officer one day like a lot of your trainers, you’ll have to exercise and eat healthy. You’ll have to turn off the video games and run up the stairs. You’ll also have to talk to your parents about what’s good for you and what isn’t.”

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1. Shrine

2271 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard Harlem, NY

www.shrinenyc.com

Are you looking for great live music with no cover, an unpretentious crowd and dancing? Yes, please. Then Shrine is your spot. Shrine Bar and Restaurant accurately bills itself as a “World Music Venue.” At Shrine it’s not about the scene although there definitely is one. It’s all about the beats; from jazz and hip hop to reggae and Afro pop. Home of the Mafrika Music festival, the Shrine vibe is distinctly an homage to the motherland. Make your way through the party spilling onto the sidewalk, embrace the decor of tribal masks and record albums, get a drink from a cute bartender then get sweaty on the dance floor.

2. 67 Orange

2082 Frederick Douglass Boulevard Harlem, New York

www.67orangestreet.com

67 Orange was created specifically for those of us who have fantasized about being in an intimate speakeasy with beautiful people. That’s right! Harlem has its own sexy speakeasy. You can hide out and chat up someone special downstairs or hold court upstairs directly across from the bar. This is a small spot but get ready for the incredible mixed drinks like the Emancipation; with cucumber, cilantro and vodka. Bonus: The hot bartender or even owner Karl Franz will create a couture drink just for you. Warning: The place is staffed by incredibly gorgeous models. Try not to drool.

3. Lenox Lounge

288 Malcolm X Boulevard Harlem, New York

www.lenoxlounge.com

Want to kick it really, really old school? The Lenox Lounge provides an almost socialite free, hard core Harlem bar experience. Leave the ‘tude at home. This historic Harlem jazz club was founded in 1939 and has catered to greats from Miles Davis to Billie Holiday. James Baldwin and Langston Hughes dropped by to grab a stiff drink. Why wouldn’t you?

4. Nectar Wine Bar

2235 Frederick Douglass Blvd Harlem, NY

www.nectarwinenyc.com

Cozy and modern, Nectar is a sweet place for romance. Yes, you can bring your sweetie to this wine and cheese bar with mod decor. Strangely, the sometimes snobby staff at Nectar doesn’t greet its fabulous young patrons when they walk in or sit down reminding us of the days when uptown nightlife was all about bad customer service. Nonetheless Nectar made our hot bar list because the hummus and wrapped dates are simply heavenly. Mmmm.

5. Milk Lounge

2056 Second Avenue East Harlem, NY

www.milklounge.com

The “Spanish Harlem Salsa Nights” may bring you to Milk Bar but you will keep coming back for the two floor raucous fiesta that often has free mojitos. Sometimes there’s a band, at other times there’s a DJ, but there’s always a party with genuine Latin music and a down home crowd. This super fun hot spot is a part of chic eatery Chimney BBQ.

6. Mobay’s

17 West 125th Street Harlem, NY

www.mobayuptownnyc.com

If you feel like hanging out right on fabled 125th Street then mosey over to Mobay’s. Loud live music, Denzel Washington sightings, incredible Caribbean and American soul fusion food and a party atmosphere. Even if you’re just parking at the bar you must have the corn bread. Make sure someone’s mama is not sitting next to you because you’ll want to slap her after you eat it!

7. Five and Diamond

2072 Frederick Douglass Blvd Harlem, NY

The 5 and Diamond servers have often been called the friendliest staff in Harlem. Add to that a well-appointed restaurant, fulfilling bar, upscale crowd and a $5 tapas bar menu. The desert donuts are divine. Yes, it’s cool to hang out here but you must have a meal. The menu was made with love. Time to get the party started!

8. Camaradas El Barrio

2241 First Ave East Harlem, NY

www.camaradaselbarrio.com

Camaradas in El Barrio is always a good time. It’s all about the thumping dance music in this cash only East Harlem spot that sells no hard liquor. Don’t despair. There’s a complete selection of wine and beer. Check out the yummy Sangria, house band, and cool staff. Give them a ring to get the scoop on the fun Camaradas event nights, like spoken word and comedy.

9. Moca & Chocolat

2210 Frederick Douglass Boulevard Harlem, NY

www.mocalounge.com

Good ole Moca. Moca Bar and Lounge is an old standby of “new” Harlem. Yeah, yeah, it’s definitely not the bright, shiny new kid on the block but Moca is still a good place to chilllax in the cut with your friends. This is a late night spot where you can sit on a comfy sofa and nosh on delicious bar food under the radar. The servers are dedicated and an added bonus- everyone looks good in candlelight. Visit once and they will know your name. You can bounce back and forth between Moca and sexy new Chocolat which is slightly across the street. Warning, when the party gets thick Moca breaks out the plastic wine glasses but we don’t list Chocolat on its own because it’s still finding its legs.

10. Harlem Lanes

2116 Seventh Avenue Harlem, NY

www.harlemlanes.com

Yes, Harlem Lanes is a bowling alley but stay with us, party people. There are different kinds of nightlife experiences. If you want to try something out of the box like inexpensive, sexy bowling with a DJ who takes requests plus a calm, easy going crowd then Harlem Lanes is your spot. This is a fun place for a theme party with the most dedicated staff. Everyone else should come here to learn customer service. Go for the glow-in-the-dark lanes and plush couches or chill in the bar and lounge areas.

Author and Multimedia Personality Abiola Abrams, the Lifestyle Passionista, writes and makes TV and web series about living your best life at AbiolaTV.com.

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Oh- and forget what you thought you knew about Northern Manhattan cuisine. Harlem is not just soul food anymore. You can enjoy sweet potatoes and corn bread on Monday and Senegalese thiebu djeun on Tuesday without ever dipping below 96th Street.

So what should you eat in Harlem? It depends on what you’re in the mood for because now we have a meal for almost every palate. This is not a list about flash or big named egos. We want you to have the best time. This list is about you getting the most incredible food and service for your precious bucks.

TOP RESTAURANTS: 10 MUST HAVE HARLEM DINING EXPERIENCES

1. Londel’s

2620 Frederick Douglass Boulevard Harlem, NY

www.londelsrestaurant.com

Harlemites consider Londel’s the real home of chicken and waffles. We couldn’t fill this list with glitzy hot spots without paying homage to our grandpa’s favorite players. Londel’s is an uptown gem. See if the owner is around and allow the O.G. (Original Gentry) Mr. Londel to bend your ear with way-back-when tales of how he’s fed all of the greats. The band alone is worth the trip. Sit outside if the weather allows and indulge in the fresh collard greens. This is an old school Harlem restaurant that has never faltered on food or service, and for this we are so grateful.

2. Mojo

185 St. Nicholas Avenue Harlem, NY

www.mojo-harlem.com

You know that person you’re trying hard to impress? Hip and red hot, Mojo is the secret key in your back pocket. Here’s the caveat: please don’t come to this tiny and chic restaurant if you’re in a hurry. You can enjoy the splendid decor and music as you wait (and wait) for the mouth watering Mediterranean-inspired food. The well dressed upscale Mojo’s crowd (of all ages) is too confident and accomplished to put on pretentious airs. Have the chicken fritters and asparagus as the live music gets you in the mood for whatever the evening brings. The gorgeous stained glass picture window panels open in the summer as patrons lose it over the sexy grits.

3. Zoma: Essence of Abyssinia

2084 Frederick Douglas Boulevard Harlem, NY

www.zomanyc.com

Any list of where to go in Harlem that does not include the contributions of the newer direct from African residents is incomplete. Zoma is Ethiopian cuisine at its finest. The cinnamon, nutmeg, basil, coriander, cloves and thyme dance with your tongue in every dish. Don’t even get us started on the honey wine and sambusas. I really thought that I didn’t like Ethiopian food until I came to Zoma. Ease yourself into the sour bread and you will be back.

4. Billie’s Black

271 West 119th Street Harlem, NY

www.billiesblack.com

The owner Adrienne is an absolute sweetheart in this gay friendly Harlem soul food spot. The mac and cheese will be the best you’ve ever eaten and although we know that fried foods are not the healthiest way to go, take a diet day off to visit Billie’s Black. If you find the lights a little too bright for a romantic experience then speak to the staff and they’ll make the adjustment. They are incredibly accommodating; and unlike other spots in the area the Billie’s Black staff acts as if they appreciate your business. We’ve never had a bad experience at Billie’s Black. A great spot for people watching.

5. Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too

366 West 110th Street Harlem, NY

www.spoonbreadinc.com

What are you doing for Sunday brunch? Don’t let all of the Columbia University students have all of the fun! When you visit Miss Mamie’s or her uptown sister Miss Maude’s you are not there for the ambiance. You are there for the authentic southern African American soul food and the soul food alone. They cater to everyone from former presidents to church ladies. And you know that the church ladies know soul food. Pass the corn bread and be sure to check out owner Norma Darden’s genuine family memorabilia on the walls. Preach.

6.Lolita’s

57 Lenox Avenue Harlem, NY

www.lolitasmexicanrestaurantnyc.com

Lolitas Restaurant! Where to begin? This is the best Mexican food we’ve eaten outside of Mexico. Throw on your jeans and head right over. This is where you go when you are hungry for fresh south of the border fare that will literally dance on your tongue. If weather permits sit outside while the kind and generous Lolita’s team caters to your every need. Lolita’s chicken nachos have made it impossible for me to enjoy this appetizer anywhere else. Yum.

7. Melba’s

300 West 114th Street Harlem, NY 10026

www.melbasrestaurant.com

If you’re hanging with your friends, on a date or treating your family then this lovely eatery has something tasty to offer. Head to Melba’s and the smiling owner herself may greet you at your table. Don’t be surprised if you get into a convo with the folks sitting nearby. Melba’s always feels like home. Whether you’re there for Sunday brunch and mimosas or fresh fish and specialty cocktails on Friday the food is always a wonderful. In fact the soft biscuits and strawberry butter should be illegal. Find Melba’s on Frederick Douglass Boulevard along what the New York Times has called Restaurant Row Harlem.

8. Chez Lucienne

308 Lenox Avenue Harlem, NY

www.chezlucienne.com

Francophiles, here’s your classic French bistro in Harlem. If you already love French food or want to get to know coq au vin and mussels in white wine then please discover Chez Lucienne. The crowd is a little touristy sometimes but if you’re headed over to their famous soul food neighbor please stop in here first. Live jazz band every Friday and Saturday night. And in the most surprising twist of all, Chez Lucienne is easy on the wallet.

9. Gospel Uptown

2110 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard Harlem, NY

www.gospeluptown.com

Gospel Uptown describes its menu as “Healthful Soul Fusion” and multi ethnic nouvelle cuisine. This is one of the biggest spots in Harlem, perfect for a church group or sorority meet up. The owners see themselves as a gospel version of a Hard Rock Cafe. We don’t know about that but the food is decent. Most soul food spots ignore vegetarians — not Gospel Uptown. Check it out.

10. Red Rooster

310 Lenox Avenue Harlem, NY

www.redroosterharlem.com

Harlem foodies are on Red Rooster watch. Top Chef Master’s Marcus Samuelsson is currently staffing up for his eagerly anticipated new Harlem restaurant. The Wall Street Journal calls the celebrity chef’s future hot spot one of 15 new restaurants to watch this fall in NYC. Word is that Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster is slated to open by November 1st. Fingers crossed. Whenever it opens we’ll see you there. All “elevated American comfort food” entrees will be under $25. He has cooked for the Obama’s and now Chef Marcus Samuelsson can cook for you. As he said in the WSJ, “It’s a milestone for us and it’s not going to be rushed by anything else. When the restaurant is ready, the restaurant is ready.”

Bonus. Patsy’s Pizzeria, Restaurant & Bar

2287 First Avenue East Harlem, NY

www.patsyspizzeriany.com

World famous Patsy’s Pizzeria is a strong candidate for the best pizza in NYC. Although you may not think of pizza when you think of Harlem, Harlemites want access to the full range of foods. Why should we have less choices than any other neighborhood? Paty’s serves real Italian pizza that satisfies even the most gourmet palate. Add the juicy tomatoes, fresh mozerella, goat cheese and plump black olives. Leave your glad rags at home and pick up an addictive Patsy’s pie.

Honorable Mentions: Uptown Juice Bar for vegan Caribbean food, Patisserie Des Ambassades for the Senegalese dining experience and Native, mostly for the sidewalk seating. You can also find great food at several spots on our Harlem Nightlife Hot Spot List: Shrine, 67 Orange, Lenox Lounge, Nectar Wine Bar, Milk Lounge, Mobay’s, 5 and Diamond, Camaradas, and Chocolat.

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Author and Multimedia Personality Abiola Abrams, the Lifestyle Passionista, writes and makes TV and web series about living your best life at AbiolaTV.com.

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Hundreds thronged the sidewalk outside Harlem’s Apollo theater, in a raucous celebration of the musical genius that was Michael Jackson.

Hanging above them in the famed theater’s platinum marquee were the surreal words: “In memory of Michael Jackson. A true Apollo legend. 1958-2009”

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