The award-winning Harlem Shake will open a new location early September 2021 at 119 Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The 1,300 square feet, fast casual restaurant will bring their love of Harlem and diner culture, celebrated at their 8-year-old flagship location, to Brooklyn.
Inspired by Harlem’s rich culture and energy, the diverse partners of Harlem Shake led by founder Jelena Pasic, developed the concept for Harlem Shake as a neighborhood go-to for familiar eats like griddled burgers, New York hot dogs and hand-spun shakes in an inviting, comfortable setting. The restaurant took its name from the iconic Harlem Shake dance, the original iteration of the viral sensation.
“Our aim is to bring our celebrated concept to Brooklyn, with a bit of nostalgia and a nod to pop culture,” explains Pasic. “Not to mention, bring residents and visitors high-quality, affordable offerings in a welcoming environment.”
Harlem Shake offers a “love note” meant to embrace and pay homage to Park Slope’s past with a space designed by partner, Dardra Coaxum, using reused, recycled and refurbished furniture and fixtures. Careful thought and consideration went into restoring the building at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Sterling Place, with details meant to recall a dry goods store that was built in the 1800s then converted to a diner in the 1940s and run through the latter half of the 20th century.
There will be features similar to the Harlem flagship space like the “Wall of Fame” of actors, musicians, politicians, and athletes with connection to Harlem or Brooklyn; the large image of “Miss Harlem Shake” greets diners from the back wall of the restaurant; and a vintage jukebox. New features include the “Wall of Fab” featuring vintage hairstyles of neighborhood residents, a tobacco and water leak-stained tin ceiling and hand-painted window signage.
Harlem Shake’s menu continues to offer diners a taste of what it would have been like in years gone by, taking a playful approach to classic burgers, fries, shakes and more. There will be all the favorites from the signature Harlem Classic to the award-winning Hot Mess™ burger plus vegetarian and turkey burgers, hotdogs, grilled cheese, and their signature fried chicken sandwiches. Of course, there will be shakes highlighting local makers like Blue Marble plus all of the other Harlem Shake thoughtful trimmings we have come to love.
Congratulations to Jelena and the whole team for continuing to expand and grow. We see you. It’s the Harlem way…
Happy eating and thanks for reading.
Kysha Harris is a food writer and editor, culinary producer, consultant and owner of SCHOP!, a personalized food service in NYC for over 18 years. She is the new Food Editor at www.TheSpruceEats.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram, @SCHOPnyc, on Facebook, /SCHOPnyc.
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