As we all navigate through the trials and tribulations of COVID-19 and social distancing, a very cool activity has emerged ~ Open Streets. Each weekend, some of our favorite restaurants open from Friday through Sunday, outdoor seating and eating, sidewalk chalking, board games and much more is happening on the car-free streets of East Harlem.
In addition to the Open Street at 101st and Lexington Avenue, East Harlem has opened a second street on Sundays from Noon to 3pm through October on Pleasant Avenue, with activities for kids from Street Lab, Playground:NYC, and the Police Athletic League.
Open Streets on Pleasant Avenue will take place between 118th and 119th Streets. This wonderful, wide street is open for biking, scooting, skating and playing.
Outdoor seating for take-out from local restaurants, or bring snacks from home. Nearby restaurants include Lexington Pizza Parlour, Burritos y Mas, Au Jus Oklahoma BBQ, Joy Burger Bar, Chu Ros Thai, Pro Thai, Mojo Desserts, MY NY Cafe, Frenchy Coffee, El Tepeyac, Naughty Crab and Lloyd’s Carrot Cake.
Look forward to the longest Community Table ~ 36 folding tables long ~ enough room for socially distance eating together, and fabulous community restaurants alongside, like Bistro Casa Azul, who is hosting these pop-ups with fellow restaurants, Mountain Bird and La Fonda Boricua.
Above, Street Lab Play NYC brings safe, hands-free play for children on closed-off streets.
Special thanks to Building Healthy Communities, MAP at Wagner, the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, Street Lab, playground: NYC, Art In the Park, and especially to Carey King at Uptown Grand Central for all their support.
Finally, Cash Mob is back. As part of Open Streets, this will be a socially distanced Cash Mob to be held on Sunday, October 11th from 2:00 to 4:30pm. Wear your face mask as you travel to all eleven participating restaurants and cafe’s. Reserve your Tickets.
Film screenings will take place each Saturday at 7:00pm on 101st Street in partnership with the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival, in celebration of the neighborhood’s ethnic heritage.
In addition, we celebrate the re-opening of La Marqueta with Sprinkle Splash Sweet Shop and Amuse Bouche Bistro ~ indoors and out.
Save the date for The Pink Wall of Resistance at Art Park in East Harlem.
Don’t get lost ~ get an East Harlem Map on Etsy or Fine Art America. More news on GothamInHarlem. Read about East 125th Street, a work in progress.