125th Street (A, B, C, D)

This stop brings you to a crown jewel of Harlem: The Apollo Theater.

It’s also a stop that showcases how much Harlem is changing.

The Apollo Theater on 125th, right in the center of Harlem.

Smack on 125th street between giant shopping outlets, The Apollo Theater feels squarely in classic Harlem. Veer south of 125th, though, and the vibes turn from bustling to gentrified.

The commercial vibe on 125th around this station.

For example, Clay is an incredible fine dining restaurant on 123rd, just two blocks south of the station. It’s a true gem off this stop, certainly worth a visit, and also … it was built where a storied jazz club used to be, and surrounded by housing that many white people occupy.

To have a full experience of this stop, I say, see it all. Dine at Clay, then catch a show at Apollo.

But if you’d prefer to stay within a classic Harlem vibe for the whole night, swap Clay for Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack, or any of the other fast-food joints in the area, where the locals tend to hang out.

Clay on 123rd, just south of the station among a gentrified residential area.