It’s been one year since Corner Social (321 Lenox Avenue at 126 Street) took over that spot on 126 and Lenox Avenue in Harlem’s Historic Corridor right across from mainstays like Sylvia’s, known for it’s soul food. Still, after one year Corner Social has developed a reputation for a great bar, solid cocktails and a laid back ambiance for mingling with neighborhood locals.
Corner Social, with it’s exposed brick, dim lighting, wooden floors and faux fireplace, provides that nice chill spot whether you’re going for brunch (if so, sit outside) or for a cute date night (try sitting at the communal high top tables for a different feeling for you and your plus one).
The cocktails at Corner Social are some of my favorites. NY Fab! suggests you try the mango Mojito, 321 Pineapple or the Peach and Almonds. If you’re more of a beer drinker, don’t worry CS has an 18-brass tap bar for every taste and brew.
Since I’ve been going to CS, which is since it’s inception, the menu has definitely turned around thanks to executive chef Jonathan Romans. And although, I’m a native Marylander and don’t trust much seafood outside of Baltimore, I was pleasantly surprised by the fried oysters that were lightly fried and served with a jalapeno mayonnaise. Add a pickled red onion on top to bring out the taste. You can skip the cheeseburger spring rolls, but the deep friend mac and cheese is a restaurant favorite.
Fried Oysters
On the entrée side, seafood here are all solid choices – if only for the product selection. The shrimp are huge and the salmon is fresh; you can’t go wrong. I loved the Shrimp Sautee, which is a blend of button mushrooms, asparagus and shrimp. The tomato and garlic crostini that comes with it literally melts in your mouth.
Shrimp Sautee
Salmon
The best part about CS is that now it’s open later, which comes in handy for those fabulous New York nights. Sunday through Wednesday, CS is open until 2 a.m., while on Thursday, the resto closes at 3 a.m. and on Friday and Saturday, CS is open until 4 a.m. Par-tay!
Happy one year anniversary Corner Social. We’ll be back soon.