Visiting Harlem, New York City: A Day in the Neighborhood

Are you a Manhattanite that has never ventured above 96^th Street?

Do you reign from Brooklyn and find Harlem too soft for your liking?

Or are you just visiting New York City and are interested in experiencing the most ethnocentric part of the island?

Well, look no further! Here is your unofficial guide to a day in Harlem. Vehicles not necessary.

125^th Street- Start your day in Harlem with some shopping on Harlem's version of 5^th Avenue. You won't find DKNY outlets up here, but you can venture into Carol's Daughter, Lane Bryant and Jimmy Jazz for shopping finds that are impossible to get in other parts of Manhattan.

Jimbo's - Of course, you will probably get hungry carrying around all of those bags, so why not grab breakfast at Jimbo's, one of the best breakfast diners in all of Harlem. Offering you a full breakfast menu, Jimbo's is the place to be for uptown talk, food and the all-around Harlem experience. Sure, you could go to the IHOP on 135^th Street, but you can get that anywhere!

Apollo Theater - After Jimbo's check out the world famous Apollo Theater. Unless you plan accordingly, the theater is likely to be closed, but it's still a must see if you have never been there before. That said, do your best to schedule your visit during an Amateur Night or a live performance. That will make your trip to Harlem that much more pleasurable.

Amy Ruth's - For lunch why not check out the diner that practically introduced New York City to soul food...Amy Ruth's! Amy Ruth's has fantastic soul food options, including smother porkchops, chicken & waffles and some of the best cornbread you have ever had. And whatever you do, don't do the "touristy" thing and eat at Sylvia's. I mean no harm to them, but it's no Amy Ruth's and has grown quite commercial just over the past couple of years.

Londell's - Or if you're more interested in an upscale soul food experience, try Londell's located on Harlem's Striver's Row. The food is good, and the service is great. You have the option of dining al fresco during the summer, and don't be surprised if you run into a celebrity or two during your meal.

Zoma - When you think of Ethiopian food, Harlem may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, Zoma, located in the newly labeled Soha area, has some of the best Ethiopian food in the city, and I've never heard a bad review of the place. The ambiance is great, but the sambusa is even better. So if you're looking for something a little out of the norm, this Harlem restaurant may be your best option.

Moca Lounge -Should you get tired of walking around, shopping, and doing a whole lot of eating, why not come chill at Moca Lounge? They have tremendous evening gatherings just about every night of the week, where young black professionals from the area get together to dine, talk, listen to music and partake in any popular events/topics of the day. This is definitely the place for those interested in meeting someone new, as most connoisseurs of Moca are well-ambitioned ladies and gentlemen.

Lenox Lounge - For those of you looking for some authentic Harlem music, stop by Lenox Lounge, where there are jazz performances just about every night. In the Zebra room, for a $10-$20 cover charge, you can listen live acts, that have historically included the likes of Billie Holiday, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Sure, you might not find those high profile names anymore, but the music is just as authentic and undeniably enjoyable.

Make My Cake - What better way to end the day then with dessert from Make My Cake. You'll have to get there before too late because it's not a late night establishment, but the time investment is well worth it. Make My Cake offers up some of the best dessert in the city, with favorites such as the Red Velvet Cake, Lemon Cream, and some of the best cinnamon buns there are.