businesses to support in harlem in this summer.
as the sun settles in and summer hits uptown with all its golden-hour glow and sidewalk energy, i’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to show up for your neighborhood. and if you know me, you know harlem is more than just where i live — it’s a place i love deeply, with a heartbeat that’s unlike anywhere else in the city.
harlem is style. harlem is soul. it’s the smell of fresh chopped mango from a street vendor, the sound of drums echoing through Marcus Garvey Park, the energy of brownstones dressed in pride flags and porch plants. and more than anything, it’s the small businesses that make this place feel like home.
so this summer, whether you’re a local looking to switch up your weekend plans, or visiting the neighborhood for the first time — here are some of my favorite harlem spots that deserve your love (and your dollars). trust me, they’ll welcome you with open arms.
☕ 1. The Monkey Cup
521 W 139th St
a cozy, community-driven coffee shop tucked between hamilton heights brownstones. they’ve got the best lavender latte in the neighborhood, buttery croissants, and that perfect mix of indie music and plant-lined walls that just says: “you can sit here for a while.” i do.
order rec: iced oat latte + guava cheese pastry.
🛍️ 2. NiLu Gift Boutique
191 Malcolm X Blvd
if harlem had a love language, this shop speaks it fluently. founded by a harlem-based husband and wife duo, NiLu celebrates black and brown creators through candles, books, art, accessories, and gifts you didn’t know you needed. i always walk in for a card and leave with three candles and a tote bag.
good for: unique gifts, housewarming presents, or just a little treat-yourself moment.
🍽️ 3. Renaissance Harlem
2245 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd
date night in harlem? brunch with the girls? renaissance harlem is your spot. the food is always beautifully done — think southern and french-inspired — and the space feels both elevated and homey. black-owned, woman-led, and always delicious.
dish to try: shrimp & grits or the truffle mac.
🎨 4. The Studio Museum in Harlem (and its Gift Shop)
144 W 125th St (temporary exhibits nearby)
the museum is currently in a gorgeous transition, but their programming is still going strong — keep an eye out for pop-ups, neighborhood installations, and upcoming events. plus, the museum gift shop is still operating and filled with curated treasures from Black artists and authors.
summer tip: check out their outdoor art walks and family-friendly workshops.
🧃 5. Fieldtrip Harlem
109 Malcolm X Blvd
this is not just rice — this is chef JJ Johnson’s globally inspired, locally loved rice bowl spot that’s gained national buzz. and rightfully so. affordable, fast, flavorful, and rooted in community. they do good food and good work, with a team that reflects the neighborhood they serve.
my bowl: veggie bowl with jollof rice + yuzu pickled onions (don’t sleep on the drinks, either).
💅 6. Luxe Beauty Bar
1928 Madison Ave
for a mani, a glow-up, or a last-minute wax before the weekend. luxe is clean, chic, and owned by women of color. they do a gorgeous job every time — and they’ve got those plush chairs you never want to leave.
self-care tip: book early, especially on weekends!
🍦 7. Sugar Hill Creamery
184 Malcolm X Blvd + 3629 Broadway
family-run and full of flavor — this beloved Harlem ice cream shop makes handcrafted, small-batch ice creams with names that celebrate Black culture, love, and memory. it’s the kind of place where you can taste the care in every scoop.
summer fave: “Chairperson of the Board” (blueberry cheesecake) or “Nunu’s Peach Cobbler.”
💐 8. Ysé Beauty
online + pop-up events
while not a storefront (yet!), this Harlem-founded, Afro-Caribbean skincare line is absolutely worth supporting. i discovered Ysé at a local pop-up and fell in love with their nourishing body butters and botanical oils. they often host events around the neighborhood, so keep an eye out!
follow on IG for pop-up alerts + product drops.
why this matters:
summer is when our neighborhoods bloom. it’s when tourists show up, when patios fill out, when we see our neighbors more, and when local businesses need us the most. these businesses aren't just places to buy things — they’re anchors. they reflect the pride, creativity, and history of Harlem in every service and product they offer.
so show up. grab that coffee. take your friend to brunch. pop into the boutique just to say hi. post that insta story and tag the shop. every little bit helps.
bonus idea:
why not turn this into your own little Harlem day trip? start with coffee, browse NiLu, visit the museum, then treat yourself to dinner and ice cream. let the day unfold. and let the rhythm of Harlem remind you how special this place truly is.
