BLVD Bistro NY

"No matter what happens, take comfort in knowing that this American/Soul Food restaurant on Frederick Douglass Boulevard is still committed to providing a DJ during their outdoor brunch service. They’ve also been working with Feed The Frontlines to cook and deliver meals to essential workers. Both are reasons to celebrate. You can make a reservation online for their all-day outdoor dining from Thursday to Sunday." - hannah albertine

"There is no shortage of comfort food in Harlem, but BLVD Bistro stands out with its French-American bistro fare. In their rustic digs, BLVD offers a modern spin on Southern cuisine with their mean fried chicken and Cajun t-bone steak." - Tracy Zhang

"A new cafe with plenty of open working space, freshly brewed lattes, and tasty sandwiches. The spot is a favorite among local Columbia University students busy working away on their graduate thesis. If your studying days are behind you, peruse the latest edition of the Sunday Times in the lounge area." - Tracy Zhang

"After moving from a Lenox brownstone to a new building on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, BLVD Bistro is keeping the festivities going. The family-owned restaurant serves lunch and dinner, but brunches are especially fun. Jumbo shrimp laced with jalapeno and bits of applewood-smoked bacon top cheesy grits; brioche French toast is blanketed in caramelized banana syrup; and baskets filled with fluffy, buttery biscuits fuel hungry visitors. On weekends, the restaurant hosts a DJs and streetside dance parties, creating the block-party atmosphere that New Yorkers love." - Kayla Stewart, Eater Staff

"When this soul food spot moved out of its original home in a Harlem brownstone, it lost some of its allure. But it gained a lot in return, including a prime location on 116th Street as well as an expanded cocktail menu with potent bourbon and moonshine concoctions. Of course, the food remains the main draw here, and it ranges from jumbo shrimp and grits sprinkled with bits of applewood-smoked bacon to pulled pork sandwiches served on shiny brioche rolls. And yes, the oversize portrait of James Baldwin’s smiling face, complete with a crown that’s been “bought and paid for,” made the move too." - Neha Talreja, Hannah Albertine, Bryan Kim, The Curious Uptowner