Fresh back from a weekend visit to Florida, I was wanting to visit a less frequented NYC neighborhood. Ironically, on the 4am (an ungodly hour!) shuttle to the airport, I found an iPhone that had been left by a previous passenger. Anyone who has lost a smartphone (iPhone or otherwise) knows the helpless feeling it can bring. Low and behold, the owner of the cell happened to be taking an earlier flight to NYC and staying in Harlem. Why not — I figured — kill two birds with one stone and return this girl’s phone while knocking out another Harlem Starbucks. The girl was so relieved that a fellow New Yorker happened to stumble across her phone, and we arranged to meet at the Starbucks on 118th and 8th Ave — or Frederick Douglass Blvd, as it is known up here.
So here I sit. The iPhone is safely back in its owner’s possession, and I’m enjoying my iced latte.
This Starbucks is close to both the B and C trains and is also just a few blocks from the northwest corner of Central Park. It’s average in size but accommodating in seating. There is a large padded bench (equipped with power outlets) with four tables lining one wall. Its most distinctive trait is the artwork hanging on the wall that are excellent depictions of the great sounds to come out of Harlem. I love a Starbucks that really makes an effort to be a representation of its neighborhood. Even the music playing in the background was mainly jazz, blues, and soul.
The Good:
The Location… Between Central Park and Morningside Park in Harlem.
The Decor… Loved the artwork on the walls.
The Bad:
The Lighting… A little too dim for me.
Restroom… Just the one.
Barista Friendliness:
When one of the patrons gave their son a little too much coffee, they helped calm him down and even tuned the music down to make the environment less distracting for him.
Drink of Choice:
Grande Skinny Iced Latte…
Overall Starbucks Rating:
I quaint Harlem Starbucks.
Starbucks and the City 
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