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While ruminating on New York City’s best spots to fill up leisure time, many would be hard-pressed to name a lounge-worthy park for lazy summer afternoons or a haute boîte fit for ringing in a special occasion north of 155th Street. Which is a shame, because a bustling nightlife and exciting culinary scene exists in the uptown Manhattan neighborhoods of Inwood and Washington Heights, too. The area’s rich culture, Dominican roots, and distinct character are quintessential New York City.
Here, a few of uptown’s most in-the-know natives share their go-to places for dining, unwinding, and a fun night out.
“Uptown culture has meant a lot to me growing up. Not only has it been a home to my Dominican culture, but it’s also where I spent most of my youth. Uptown has this very raw, almost untouched feel to it, minimally gentrified. I’m glad that the culture remains alive decades later, with bodegas on every corner and Hispanic-owned businesses all over the area, it's very inspiring to me. It’s home to so many memories: my first kiss, first love, the struggle me and my family went through when we first came into this country with all five of us crammed into a one-bedroom apartment. It’s where I discovered who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do in the future. So many pivotal moments of my youth that led to me being the woman I am today. I will forever have a strong connection and so much love for uptown for keeping my Dominican culture in me and not letting me forget. I still go there to do my hair, get food, and it still feels like home. These are my grounds and I proudly walk on them and forever will.”
Where to Eat
“One of my favorites is Garden Café in Inwood. They have a wide wine selection, the dishes are good, and there’s a charming outdoor dining area. Get the grilled skirt steak, cilantro marinated chicken breast pasta, and the hummus platter. After a night of partying, I’ll hit Floridita, a 24-hour restaurant by 207th Street that specializes in authentic Dominican food. The sancocho with white rice and avocado doesn’t disappoint.”
Where to Drink
“Every once in a while, I’ll link up with my girls and we’ll hit the clubs uptown around Dyckman. I love my Dominican culture and two of the things we’re known for is how we party and how we drink. One of the clubs is called Playroom and the other is Fantastic. They play all popular genres but mostly cater to reggaeton, salsa, and merengue. It’s lively and such a good time. Everyone’s in their best outfit because we love to look good, but at the same time, no one cares and just surrenders to the music.”
Where to Relax
“Inwood Hill Park is dear to me and my longtime friends. Every spring, summer, and fall we’re there almost every weekend. It’s a tranquil neighborhood gem with a lake, ducks, and lots of grass; you definitely don’t feel like you’re in New York. We didn’t do it last year, but my friends and I have our own little Coachella festival at the park: Woodchella. We bring food, play music, and just dance freely in the park.”
“Uptown is about family. A lot of things happen within your house, a ton of house parties and apartment parties. It’s a culture cultivated around family. It’s not the same as downtown. It’s not about leaving your parents’ house and finding this amazing, dynamic group of friends. I don’t know how I’d feel living in Los Angeles or London without a Dominican community. I need to be able to go up there on a regular basis just to ground myself.”
Where to Eat
“There’s a hole-in-the-wall fish spot called El Tina on 207th and Broadway that has a bomb fish situation. They have a winter soup that’s really good and delicious fried fish. Things change so fast uptown, believe it or not, I usually eat at my grandma’s house more often than not.”
Where to Drink
“I still go to Silhouette Restaurant & Lounge in the Bronx. It’s really popular with me and my family. We throw everyone’s birthday, bridal shower, grandmother’s birthday there. They also have a cute brunch—endless mimosas, Bellinis, and sangria—I’m there on a regular basis. Also, go to the strip. It’s on Dyckman Street and good for grabbing a drink and relaxing. The whole strip is filled with bars, restaurants, hookah bars, all kinds of stuff, and there’s a vibe for everybody there.”
“Growing up, my mom was really restrictive. She didn’t want me to go outside because all the guys would be outside sitting on chairs and playing dice games. The kids playing in fire hydrants and stuff you see in pictures, my mom never let me do any of that. There was such a negative connotation attached to being outside and being a street kid. As I got older, she let me go. Now, over the summer my favorite thing to do is literally just sit on a block listening to music with my friends, drinking beer, and hanging out. It’s the best thing ever. My area is a very Dominican area. We listen to a lot of music, older people come up to talk to us, and the different generations interact with each other. It feels very cultured and there’s so much good food. I was born in the Dominican Republic and it feels like home.”
Where to Eat
“Malecon is really cool. La Casa Del Mofongo has the most amazing mofongo with plantain and shrimp, topped with signature sauce. And my favorite sushi spot is in Washington Heights, Sushi Yu 2. I usually get a spicy salmon roll with avocado and the shrimp tempura—so good!”
Where to Relax
“Fort Tryon Park is really cool. And Riverside Park is great; you can go bike riding—it has the biggest bike trail that stretches deep into the city. Over the summer, there are always barbecues at Riverside because it’s big enough for everyone in New York to host one.”