HARLEM, NY — After nearly three decades dishing out healthy mac and cheese, cornbread, collard greens and other vegan staples out of an East Harlem storefront, Uptown Veg is expanding in the neighborhood.
The popular restaurant opened the doors Friday to its new location at 349 Lenox Ave., between West 127th and 128th streets — the first expansion since Uptown Veg first opened in 1994 on 125th Street, just east of Madison Avenue.
Close on its heels will be another new location in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, set to open in a few weeks.
The new Lenox Avenue location will expand on Uptown Veg’s existing menu, including a full-service brunch menu. Outdoor dining will also be available.
Founder Davie Simmons opened the original shop after growing frustrated with a lack of healthy food options for takeout and delivery in the neighborhood. Now, Simmons has been joined in the enterprise by his daughter, Jasmine Myrick, and the two have spearheaded the expansion together.
“Their mission is to bring healthy, fresh juices and whole food options to underserved or otherwise neglected communities and address the health disparities and other social inequities,” the restaurant said in a press release.
Fans of Uptown Veg include Mayor Eric Adams, who has shouted out its original location as one of his go-tos for vegan food. (His favorite order includes chili, quinoa, bell peppers and chickpeas.)