Hamilton Heights and nearby

[Wilfrid]

I remember starting a thread about my neighborhood, but it must have been avant le déluge.

Anyway, changes afoot on the block of Amsterdam between 140th and 141st. There's activity in what once housed the much-missed Grange Bar & Eatery. The windows now say Patrick's On The Hill, and since the typography is identical to that of the established Patrick's Place, it looks like we're getting a Jamaican restaurant, probably with live music.

Meanwhile, other side of the block, the old dive bar (it had a name?) has been spruced up and looks set to re-open soon. It's been taken over by owners of other bars in the neighborhood, I think by the Harlem Public people. My source tells me the pool table has been removed.

In older news, on St Nicholas, BBQ outlet The Porch is now a comedy club. That space has been so many things in the past few years.

[backyardchef]

9 minutes ago, Wilfrid said:

In older news, BBQ outlet The Porch is now a comedy club. That space has been so many things in the past few years.

Could have been a great spot for a bbq sandwich and a beer. It's too bad about the Porch. 

[The Flon]

1 hour ago, Wilfrid said:

side of the block, the old dive bar (it had a name?) has been spruced up and looks set to re-open soon. It's been taken over by owners of other bars in the neighborhood, I think by the Harlem Public people. My source tells me the pool table has been removed.

 

I think it is/was called "Grill on the Hill". It was...pretty grungy but an experience.

[Wilfrid]

The look has changed so much I'm sure the name will too. I never went in; always a bunch of people smoking in the doorway and I don't eat a lot of chicken wings.

[Wilfrid]

Cocina Consuelo opened a few minutes walk away some time during the last couple of weeks. Shout out by Rosner:

Quote

Uptown, Cocina Consuelo (August; 130 Hamilton Place), which grew out of an apartment supper club—albeit one whose husband-and-wife operators are alums of some of the city’s finest restaurants—will serve artful interpretations of Pueblan Mexican food: bone-marrow birria at dinnertime, dulce-de-leche donuts during the day. 

Everything I read about it sounds great but they have a following, the place looks tiny, and the reservations page on the website no funcionar. Also, although I don't have to see a menu, there isn't a menu.

[Wilfrid]

Celebrating the weather, I walked up to Penny Jo’s. Same owners as Uptown Bourbon two minutes from me

Penny Jo’s is different, big windows, a kitchen, live music. But my reason for going is always weather that encourages the stroll up past Trinity Church and the Hispanic museum and through the Heights.

I have to say, an Old Fashioned made with Calvados was rewarding too.
 

[Wilfrid]

I had completely forgotten that Grill on the Hill was being refurbished. Apparently it opened in October as Winnie Said. Odd name; pleasant, cozy space. It is indeed part of the Harlem Public portfolio so the food is probably good.

[Wilfrid]

So Patrick's on the Hill is open, the old Grange space not really changed. That long, comfortable bar. Not busy tonight but I did see and smell some great oxtails. Will be back for dinner.