125th Street (2, 3)

This stop brings you to a glassy commercial vibe with stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sephora, Burlington Coat Factory and the like.

The view immediately outside of the station.

Wander north or south from the main thoroughfare of 125th, though, and you’ll find an authentic, pre-gentrification Harlem vibe with a thriving Black scene amid gothic architecture.

Artwork for sale along the sidewalk of Malcolm X Boulevard, just outside the station.

South along Malcom X at 124th street is Harlem Shake, one of the city’s best diners. Further south, hidden among residential brownstones, is Harlem Haberdashery, which also hosts a real cool iykyk events scene. You can get it on it by following their instagram, or better yet, visiting the store in person and getting to know the folks there.

Inside Harlem Habadashery.

In general, this is a predominantly Black area, with many hoping to keep it that way.

This part of Harlem is in a tight spot with gentrification.