By Seth Fera-Schanes

I have said it before and I will say it again; Harlem is happening.  If you are in the neighborhood and looking to get a little work done, grab some food or relax with a delicious cup of coffee then stop by Astor Row Cafe.  The cafe is located on 130th street and Lenox Avenue and is easily accessible by the 2/3 subway lines.

The space isn’t as intimate as other coffee shops (i.e on the smaller side) so you can stretch your legs without tripping anyone or have enough space on the tabletop for your laptop with phone sitting right next to it.

The cafe gets top marks on all the fundamentals: helpful service, good food and a quality cup of coffee.  Throw in free wifi and some fun local art on the walls and you have a winning business.

After you have your coffee, be sure to walk east along 130th street to experience Astor Row, famous for it’s brownstones that include a front yard and porch, which isn’t common in the city.

Some other areas of interest in Harlem I would recommend:

Apollo Theater: This famous theater located on 125th street is over 100 years old and on the National Register of Historic Places.  Make an effort to get tickets to Amateur Night at the Apollo if you are in town.

St. Nicholas Park:  This 23 acre park located uptown contains Alexander Hamilton’s The Grange on 141st street.  The park is also adject to the City College of New York which has incredible neo-Gothic buildings that are worth a photo tour visit.

Morningside Park:  A 30 acre park with measured walking and running trails, dog park, pond and grassy sitting areas.  The park is close to the Columbia University campus and the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine.

Red Rooster:  Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s American Comfort food restaurant located right off 125th street and Lenox Avenue.  Live music on the weekends for brunch, cool atmosphere and delicious food this place is worth a visit.  Be sure to make a reservation.

Minton’s:  Famous Jazz club on 118th street.  Founded in 1938, this is another must visit place if you want to experience some incredible Jazz history.