Uptown Birthday Brunch

We were celebrating 30 being the new 20 with a Girls (and the birthday girl’s grandfather) Birthday Brunch at The River Room in Harlem. After traveling in from New Jersey we met another friend at Penn Station and tried to jump on a train heading Uptown. After a few train mishaps we finally arrived at 145th and Broadway and met up with other friends that live in Harlem.

If you walk down 145th you will arrive at the entrance to Riverbank State Park, a huge park great for picnics and other fun activites. The River Room is a short walk from the entrance and has huge picture windows that offer views of the George Washington Bridge. It is a great location for special events including bridal showers, reception dinners and groups just getting together for brunch or dinner.  

The atmosphere was really nice and we started with bellini’s to toast the birthday girl. The omelette of the day was spinach and tomato and is large and fluffy, served with home fries and a small salad. Some of us ordered the Bourbon Vanilla French Toast which is served with sausage or bacon. Other people in our group ordered the Fried Flounder which is served with black beans and saffron rice pilaf, the Shrimp & Grits with red gravy or the Charleston Potato Hash with Poached Egg and Crabmeat.  We also had a side of grits and collard greens. Everything was really good though the grits were served a little cold and the collard greens tasted a little like they came from a can. The muffins and small corn bread rolls were perfect in the beginning of our meal as we waited for our food and a friend to join us.

The service was friendly but a little slow. We waited a long time for extra syrup and finally for the check. But the setting is great and the view is amazing. It is the perfect place for a celebratory meal.

After the meal we walked behind the building farther into the park. From this point you can have a better view of the water and bridge. Overall The River Room is a perfect setting for catching up with friends and having a good meal.

The River Room is located in Riverbank State Park at 145th Street and Riverside Drive NYC 10031

212-491-1500

www.theriveroomofharlem.com

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