Levi Fishman, writer, four-year East Harlem resident and this blog's first fan, has agreed to give us his East Harlem basics. You might remember Levi from his AM New York piece on East Harlem –– definitely worth a read if you haven't already.
Coffee: The Love Cafe. The owner (Pat) grew up in the neighborhood, so along with your coffee you can get some great stories of what the neighborhood was like back in the day.
283 Pleasant Avenue
(between 115th St & 116th St)
Haircut: Claudio's Barber Shop. Hang out there long enough and you'll get some stories of what the neighborhood was like when it was run by the Italian Mafia.
Mexican Food: Cafe Ollin has probably the best Cemita in the city.
339 E 108th St
(between 2nd Ave & 1st Ave)
Brunch: Itzocan Bistro for a full meal, Pleasant Pastries if you're looking for a muffin to go.
Take-out/Delivery: I agree with Polash. It's just as good as any of the Indian places down on Curry Row. For Chinese delivery, Chinatown East. They're down on 92nd and 3rd, but they deliver all the way up to 120th.
Laundry: The place at 118th and 1st has $1 machines in the back. And it's half a block from Patsy's.
Groceries: Costco. Or Fine Fare. Over the summer, there is a nice fruit stand on 120th and 1st.
Nice View of Uptown Manhattan: Top of the East Harlem Plaza parking garage.
If you're an East Harlemite and would like to tell us your "Basics" shoot me an email. Gloria.Dawson@gmail.com
