All Things NYC, According to DarDra Coaxum
We asked a local for her favorite picks. She chose NYC spots she actually returns to time and time again, from Harlem staples to downtown favorites worth the trip, and a museum she can’t stop going back to.
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DarDra Coaxum is a Harlem native, entrepreneur, and co-owner of Harlem Shake, the neighborhood burger spot known for its classic smashburgers, nostalgic milkshakes, and deep ties to the community. She’s also the founder and CEO of HRLM Champagne, a Harlem-born brand recently featured at The Met's museum after-hours events.
She has a knack for creating spaces that feel safe, familiar, and truly local, and her community work reflects that. Through Harlem Shake, she supports organizations like Figure Skating in Harlem, helping provide opportunities for young girls in the community. She also hosts the Mr. & Ms. Harlem Shake competition, where a Harlem resident wins free burgers for a year, $1,000 in cash, $500 to a charity of their choice, and a spot in the African American Day Parade.
Point being: she knows Harlem, knows New York, and has strong opinions about where to eat, drink, shop, and spend time.
Here are five of DarDra’s favorites:
Photo: Studio Museum in Harlem
Sylvia's Restaurant
328 Malcolm X Blvd | Harlem
“It’s classic, it’s reliable, it’s delicious.” DarDra shouts out Sylvia’s as one of her favorite local spots for soul food. Go for the fried chicken, rice and gravy, macaroni and cheese, and don’t skip the sweet tea.
Studio Museum in Harlem
144 W 125th St | Harlem
DarDra says she’s already been back five times since it reopened. For her, it’s more than a museum. “It is a cultural hub for Black art to be celebrated,” and a must-visit whether you live in New York or are just visiting.
Lucali
575 Henry St | Carroll Gardens
“They have the best pizza I’ve ever had.” For DarDra, Lucali is the top pick outside Harlem Shake: “It’s always consistent, always fresh, and the hospitality is on point.” It also still feels a little exclusive, which, as any New Yorker knows, is part of the appeal.
Cipriani Downtown
376 W Broadway | SoHo
When she wants a girls’ night with a little people-watching, DarDra’s heading downtown. She calls Cipriani one of the most iconic places to sip a cocktail with girlfriends and watch New York do its thing.
NiLu Gift Boutique
191 Malcolm X Blvd | Harlem
DarDra loves this Harlem gift shop for last-minute presents that still feel personal, whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, or housewarming. “If it’s not locally made, it’s locally represented,” and it’s one of her go-to spots for thoughtful, neighborhood-inspired finds.
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More Local Picks
This guide is part of The Local's List, a series where we ask people who actually live here to share their favorite spots, routines, and opinions about the city.
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