Harlem

Location: 321 Lenox Avenue

Cuisine: American

Items: 2 Appetizers, 2 cocktails, 2 entrees, 2 desserts

Best Dish: We are big meat eaters and we love beef so the Meatloaf sandwich and The cheeseburger spring rolls are at the top of our list! The Meatloaf is juicy and flavorful and the spring rolls offer all the flavor of a burger with the tasty crunch of a spring roll, what’s not to love?

Overall: This is a warm inviting space poised to become one of Harlem’s brightest spots. The staff is amazing, they truly cater to each and every guest, service with a smile.  The atmosphere is wonderful, especially the music, they play nothing but the best of the best.  Expect to hear all of your favorite R&B tunes and don’t be surprised if you catch a staff member or two singing along.

Harlem is enjoying yet another renaissance.  The historic neighborhood has transformed over the years into a destination for luxury shopping and high rise living.  Several new eateries are reaping the benefits of the influx of new money. Corner Social is a restaurant lounge located just one block from the bustling shops of 125th street.  The prime location is also home to some of Harlem’s most legendary eateries. As the new kid on the block the space is doing quite well with the young professionals of the area. The friendly courteous staff and amazing food keep customers clamoring for more.  We ventured into the casual establishment on a warm Tuesday evening.  Surprisingly the space was lively and filled with people enjoying cocktails on the inside as well as in the outdoor seating. The music played just loud enough to be enjoyable but not distracting. We were led to our cozy table overlooking the outdoor diners and immediately ordered a round of cocktails.

The steamy hot weather demanded some ice-cold refreshment. My companion ordered the tasty “Corner Margarita” made with Don Julio? Tequilla, Agave Nectar, triple sec, lime juice, and sour mix. The beverage can be ordered in three flavors and he chose the raspberry. I indulged in the tropical “321 Pineapple” a refreshing blend of Skyy pineapple vodka, pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, creme de cassis, and simple syrup.

Once our thirst was quenched we got down to business with a round of appetizers. Most of the food at Corner is familiar but with a fun twist. We began with the Buffalo Wings and Cheeseburger spring rolls. You can never go wrong with wings. The wings here are delish. They arrive warm and coated with that familiar spicy buffalo sauce.

The Cheeseburger spring rolls are a pleasant surprise. The thin spring roll wrapper is a tasty alternative to thick slider buns. It houses the meat and gooey cheese perfectly. The crisp outer later and soft tender filling are a delicious study of contrasts.

Next up were our entrees. The food at the Corner is always fresh. The seafood is no exception. The daily catch changes frequently, but I was lucky enough to be able to order the Striped Bass with buttered beans and plantains. Initially the combination of foods seemed odd but tasting is believing, the components worked together beautifully. The white and green beans were drenched in butter yet retained a nice but of crunch. The flaky white fish had a nice crust on the top and was tasty with bits of the smashed plantains.

My companion ordered the meatloaf sandwich. This is not your mom’s meatloaf, it is a rich and decadent tribute to the ultimate in comfort foods. The meatloaf is served on a sesame bun with white cheddar, mayo and dill pickles. The sandwich also comes with a side of amazing homemade chips.

Our meal ended with two of their most prized desserts. We ordered the Butterscotch Creme Brulee and the Spicy Habanero Bread Pudding. The creme brulee is exactly what you expect it to be. It is one part sweet crunchy crust and one part silky creme. This is a dreamy dessert as soon as it hit the table it was devoured!

Habanero is an unexpected ingredient in any dessert course but somehow it simply works. The latest movement in foodie trends is the addition of savory spices in sweet dishes. The bread pudding is a fine example worthy of sampling. The bread pudding is more like a cake smothered in warm white chocolate. The habanero peppers add a burst of heat that hits the back of the throat. It is surprising and delicious. This is a dessert that must be experienced to be understood.

As lounges go Corner Social is a relaxed fun space where you can gather with anyone who enjoys a good meal. The staff is warm and welcoming and always smiling. The atmosphere is light and refreshing. Despite the gourmet level cuisine, the space is without pretense it is simply a grand watering hole for anyone and everyone. When you go to the Corner hopefully you will catch it on a night when the lovely manager is playing her playlist of late 80’s and 90’s R&B. Trust us you will never want to leave!