The Uptown Collective – The Recap 11-12 to 11-17
November 12 – November 17
Happy Thanksgiving, familia! The holiday season has officially begun, so it is only right that we kick off the season with a little gift from me to you, a missive on some of my favorite Uptown spots. First of all, you can’t do any exploring without a little cafecito. So forget about Starbucks and hit up El Lina (500 West 207th Street) for my favorite cup of coffee Uptown not made by my mom. By the way, El Lina is also my favorite Dominican restaurant Uptown. My favorite meal there is the baked shrimp (camarones al horno). Pair this with an ice cold Presidente to keep it all the way Uptown. Hit this place ASAP but bring cash. This place is old school, so they don’t take credit cards. Bring a few extra bucks for the jukebox.
Speaking of old school, take a trip back into time by taking a stroll through Inwood Hill Park, the last remaining forest in Manhattan. There is no place like this urban oasis in all of Manhattan. While you are there stop by the nearby Indian Road Café for some exquisite and innovative fare with a pretty good craft beer selection.
Since everybody seems to be brunch crazy nowadays, Uptown culinary pioneer, Mamajuana on Dyckman, is a brunch powerhouse. For $29.95 per person you can feast like un rey with bottomless mimosas, sangria or Jack Punch for two hours. A bit of warning is in order here. Be mindful, you can and will overeat here so put down that fourth serving of food before you regret it. Believe me, I have been there. It is not pleasant.
Go east on Dyckman to Pizza Palace (121 Dyckman Street) for the best old school Uptown slice. This spot brings pizza lovers from all over NYC and beyond. They were even rated among the top five slices of all the pizza spots in Manhattan by Colin Hagendorf, aka “The Slice Harvester.”
For a real deal Cuban sandwich, look no further than Floridita (4162 Broadway). This place is also my favorite place for a lunche. For under 10 bucks you can enjoy a steaming plate of rice, beans and your choice of protein. By the way, Budhha Beer Bar (4476 Broadway) makes a damn good new school Cuban sandwich.
Stay tuned for a part two of my favorite Uptown spots.
Keep checking us out at www.uptowncollective.com.
Led Black
Editor-in-Chief
The Uptown Collective
The UC’s mission is to become “the” definitive, transformative and community-based force impacting the arts, culture, business and New York City’s overall perception of Upper Manhattan. Its objective is to reset, reboot and positively redefine Uptown’s artistic, political, cultural and business spheres via the online space as well the collective’s initiatives and functions.
