🌊 Guide to Harlem River Drive in New York City: 25 Essential Businesses
📍 Location: View full route on Google Maps
📏 Length: ~4.5 miles (7.2 km) from 125th Street (Manhattan) to Dyckman Street (Inwood)
🚗 By Car: Limited access highway; scenic but fast-moving. Only a few exits (125th, 132nd, 155th, Dyckman). Not ideal for leisurely stops.
🚇 By Subway: Not directly served—but accessible via **1**, **A**, **B**, **C**, **D**, and **4** trains at nearby cross streets.
✨ Curiosity: Harlem River Drive was built in the 1920s–1950s along the western bank of the Harlem River. It offers one of NYC’s few uninterrupted waterfront views of the river, the Bronx, and the iconic High Bridge—the city’s oldest standing bridge (1848).
6 Streets Near Harlem River Drive – Explore More
| Street | Distance from HRD | Main Niche |
|---|---|---|
| 125th Street | Intersects HRD | Harlem culture, retail, Apollo Theater |
| Broadway | 0.3 miles west | Washington Heights, Columbia, local life |
| Amsterdam Avenue | 0.5 miles west | Residential, local shops, street life |
| Dyckman Street | Intersects HRD (north end) | Dominican culture, bakeries, waterfront |
| 135th Street | 0.2 miles east (Bronx side) | Bronx waterfront, parks, community |
| Riverside Drive | 1.5 miles west | Hudson River views, historic mansions |
Harlem River Drive is New York’s hidden scenic corridor—offering river views, historic bridges, and access to overlooked neighborhoods like Washington Heights and Inwood. While it’s primarily a highway, its exits lead to cultural gems, parks, and local businesses that define Upper Manhattan’s vibrant soul.
1. High Bridge Park
History: Named after the High Bridge (1848), NYC’s oldest standing bridge, built as part of the Croton Aqueduct.
Founded: 1848 (bridge), park developed in 1930s
Differential: Free public park with walking paths, playgrounds, and iconic views of the Harlem River.
📍 Address: Harlem River Dr & W 173rd St, New York, NY 10033
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: nycgovparks.org/parks/high-bridge-park
2. The Grange – Alexander Hamilton’s Home
History: Built in 1802 by Alexander Hamilton; relocated twice to save it from demolition.
Founded: 1802
Differential: National Memorial with original furnishings, gardens, and free tours.
📍 Address: 414 W 141st St (near Harlem River Dr), New York, NY 10031
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: nps.gov/hagr
📞 Phone: (212) 666-7988
3. Hudson Heights Café
Differential: Cozy neighborhood café with river views, espresso, and pastries—5 minutes from HRD exit.
📍 Address: 510 W 181st St, New York, NY 10033
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: hudsonheightscafe.com
4. Inwood Hill Park
History: Natural forest preserve with Native American caves and salt marshes.
Founded: 1926
Differential: Manhattan’s last natural forest; free kayaking in summer.
📍 Address: Harlem River Dr & Seaman Ave, New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: nycgovparks.org/parks/inwood-hill-park
5. Dyckman House Museum
History: Built in 1784; last remaining Dutch Colonial farmhouse in Manhattan.
Founded: 1784
Differential: Free admission; historical reenactments and garden.
📍 Address: 4881 Broadway (near Dyckman St & HRD), New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: dyckmanfarmhouse.org
📞 Phone: (212) 304-9422
6. United Palace Theater
History: Opened in 1930 as Loew’s 175th Street Theatre.
Founded: 1930
Differential: Ornate “Wonder Theater” with events, concerts, and spiritual services.
📍 Address: 4140 Broadway (near 175th St & HRD), New York, NY 10033
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: unitedpalace.org
📞 Phone: (212) 927-1100
7. La Nueva España
History: Family-run Dominican bakery since the 1990s.
Founded: 1990s
Differential: Fresh pastelitos, café con leche, and local flavor near Dyckman.
📍 Address: 4920 Broadway, New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
8. Fort George Beer Hall
Differential: Historic pub with craft beer, live music, and Hudson views—steps from HRD.
📍 Address: 4521 Broadway, New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: fortgeorgebeerhall.com
9. Hudson Link Ferry – Riverbank State Park
Differential: Free seasonal ferry connecting to Bronx and Midtown—accessible via HRD exit.
📍 Address: 679 Riverside Dr (Riverbank State Park), New York, NY 10031
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: hudsonriverpark.org/ferry
10. Riverbank State Park
Differential: Unique rooftop park with pools, tennis courts, and river views.
📍 Address: 679 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10031
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: nycgovparks.org/parks/riverbank-state-park
11. New Leaf Restaurant & Bar
Differential: Upscale American dining inside High Bridge Park with river views.
📍 Address: 1 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: newleafrestaurantandbar.com
📞 Phone: (212) 568-5234
12. Fort Tryon Park
History: Gifted by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1935.
Founded: 1935
Differential: Stunning Hudson views, gardens, and access to The Cloisters.
📍 Address: Broadway & W 190th St (near HRD), New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: forttryonpark.org
13. Starbucks – Dyckman
Differential: Convenient coffee stop near northern HRD exit.
📍 Address: 4950 Broadway, New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: starbucks.com
14. Duane Reade – 175th St
Differential: Trusted NYC drugstore for essentials and snacks.
📍 Address: 4045 Broadway, New York, NY 10033
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: duanereade.com
15. The Little Dominican Bakery
Differential: Authentic pastries, empanadas, and tropical juices in Washington Heights.
📍 Address: 4874 Broadway, New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
16. Hudson River Greenway (North End)
Differential: Scenic bike and pedestrian path connecting to HRD access points.
📍 Address: Dyckman St & Hudson River Pkwy, New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
17. Manhattan Academy of Music
Differential: Community music school offering lessons and performances.
📍 Address: 513 W 181st St, New York, NY 10033
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: manhattanacademyofmusic.org
18. Inwood Art Works
Differential: Local arts nonprofit with gallery, theater, and community programs.
📍 Address: 485 W 207th St, New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: inwoodartworks.org
19. Baker’s Dozen Donuts
Differential: Family-owned donut shop with Dominican flavors and fresh coffee.
📍 Address: 4510 Broadway, New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
20. Columbia University Medical Center – Washington Heights
Differential: Major hospital and research center serving Upper Manhattan.
📍 Address: 630 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: cuimc.columbia.edu
21. El Malecón Restaurant
History: Iconic Dominican restaurant since 1990s.
Founded: 1990s
Differential: Famous for mofongo, live music, and waterfront patio.
📍 Address: 3670 Broadway, New York, NY 10031
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: elmaleconrestaurant.com
📞 Phone: (212) 928-1000
22. The Metro Diner – Washington Heights
Differential: Classic American diner with 24/7 service near HRD access.
📍 Address: 4131 Broadway, New York, NY 10033
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: metrodiner.com
23. La Casa del Mofongo
Differential: Family-run spot specializing in Puerto Rican comfort food.
📍 Address: 4850 Broadway, New York, NY 10040
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
24. City College of New York (CCNY) – North Campus
History: Founded in 1847 as “The Free Academy.”
Founded: 1847
Differential: Gothic campus with public events and cultural access.
📍 Address: 138th St & Convent Ave, New York, NY 10031
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
🌐 Website: ccny.cuny.edu
25. Harlem River Plaza – Shopping Center
Differential: Local mall with supermarket, pharmacy, and services near 125th St exit.
📍 Address: 125 E 125th St, New York, NY 10035
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
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