Flavors of New York:
Bloomingdale Neighborhood Food Tour
Part 2
After our first tour of the Bloomingdale neighborhood with Flavors of New York, we met up with three more local businesses to learn more about their food and the people behind it. Each restaurant we visited had a different story and a unique perspective to share through food, drink, and atmosphere. Similarly, each restaurant has its own relationship with the local community. Join us for a trek down Amsterdam Avenue to learn about a few of the businesses that make our district special.
Tropical Sensation
Tropical Sensation is a family owned and operated Dominican restaurant that has been a beloved fixture of our community since 2008. Patrons have come to know Tropical Sensation for its friendly staff and consistently high quality food & drink at an excellent price. Serving a wide range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, alongside a full bar with $9 happy hour drink specials all day Monday-Friday, there's truly something on the menu for everyone. If you're looking for a new favorite in the area where you can depend on getting a great bang for your buck, make sure to visit Tropical Sensation.
953 Amsterdam Avenue
Tropical Sensation via Flavors of NY
Lion’s Head Tavern
Lion's Head Tavern, a longtime Mets bar on the corner of Amsterdam Avenue and 109th street, is known by locals for its friendly atmosphere, high quality food, and wide selection of beer and seasonal cocktails. Our BID staff is especially partial to this spot because of its $15.95 lunch special from noon-4 PM and happy hour deals from noon-7 PM on weekdays. This bar has truly perfected the art of "bar food"— we recommend their wings (try them with the Gold Lion BBQ Sauce!), burgers, and hand-cut fries. Catch them on a karaoke night, trivia night, or during a Mets game to witness first-hand how Lion's Head has become a community staple since its establishment in 2002.
995 Amsterdam Avenue
Lion’s Head Tavern via Flavors of New York
The Tang
The Tang is a contemporary Asian-fusion noodle bar established in 2019 on Amsterdam Avenue between 105th and 106th streets. Despite a difficult start during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tang has bounced back with a delicious menu and a cozy, casual dining experience. Jenn Trepeck got to chat with co-owner CJ and sample some highlights on the menu like their typhoon dumplings, "stinky" fermented tofu, and drunken noodles. Try it yourself for date night, a dinner with the family, or make your own solo trip. You won't regret it!
920 Amsterdam Avenue
The Tang via Flavors of New York
Pico de Gallo Bar & Kitchen
Pico de Gallo Bar & Kitchen, located on Amsterdam Avenue between 97th and 98th streets, has been serving up delicious Mexican cuisine in a lively setting since 2022. Equipped with a full bar and a fresh, creative menu, the restaurant offers a dining experience that keeps patrons coming back again and again. Beyond food and drink, Pico de Gallo is establishing itself as a destination for friends and family to gather for a meal and enjoy live music, comedy, art, and karaoke. Chef Brett Paper was able to sample some popular dishes— elote asado, queso fundido, birria, chicharrones, and chimichangas— and there is truly something for everyone on the menu. We highly recommend checking out Pico de Gallo for food, drinks, and fun!
768 Amsterdam Avenue
Pico de Gallo Bar & Kitchen via Flavors of New York
We had a great time visiting these restaurants and hope that this series encourages you to do some culinary exploring across the Bloomingdale neighborhood for yourself. Our community is home to over 150 restaurants, many of which are locally owned and operated small businesses. Whatever your preference— type of cuisine, dietary restrictions, takeout or dine-in— you are sure to find countless options to suit your tastes in the area. Most importantly, you’ll be supporting the businesses that make our neighborhood the unique place that we all love!
Special thanks to Jenn Trepeck and Alan Goldsher from Flavors of New York.
