🚕 Vegan Restaurants Feel the Heat from Congestion Pricing

Good Morning NY!

Today, we’re spotlighting a flavorful celebration of Harlem’s vibrant food scene.

We’ll take you inside one of the city’s most iconic culinary hubs with a fresh look at Chelsea Market.

You’ll also get the latest on the financial challenges facing NYC’s vegan restaurants.
Plus, discover where the team behind Resy is dining this season.

And don’t miss a special social dining event designed to connect New Yorkers over shared meals.

Taste of Harlem 2025 Serves Up Local Flavor and Community Pride

Taste of Harlem 2025 is set to celebrate the neighborhood’s vibrant culinary scene on July 3rd at The Forum at Columbia University.

The New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce, alongside Harlem leaders and Columbia partners, is hosting the event to spotlight local restaurants, food vendors, and women-owned spirit brands.

Guests can enjoy tastings from diverse Harlem eateries while mingling with chefs, business owners, and community members.

Tickets cost $30 and include access to a local guide highlighting Harlem’s restaurants, retail spots, and landmarks.

The event promises to boost visibility for Harlem’s food entrepreneurs and foster community connections.

It’s a delicious way to support local businesses and experience Harlem’s unique cultural spirit.

Learn more or grab tickets on Eventbrite before they sell out.

Chelsea Market: A Feast of History, Flavor, and NYC Culture

Chelsea Market remains one of New York City’s most iconic food and shopping destinations.

Housed in the former Nabisco factory where the Oreo cookie was born, the market blends historic charm with modern culinary delights.

Visitors can stroll through its bustling concourse to discover vendors like Sarabeth’s Bakery, The Lobster Place, MokBar, and Pearl River Mart.

The space buzzes daily with artisanal shops, global eats, and specialty grocers offering unique ingredients and tasty treats.

Beyond food, Chelsea Market hosts pop-up shops, drag bingo, and immersive experiences that keep the energy vibrant and fresh.

Upper floors are home to major media players like Google, YouTube, and the Food Network, merging creativity and commerce under one roof.

Open from 7 AM to 10 PM, it’s a must-visit for locals and tourists eager to savor NYC’s diverse flavors and community spirit.

Vegan Restaurants Feel the Heat as Congestion Pricing Bites into Profits

New York City’s vegan restaurants are fighting to stay afloat amid rising costs and new financial hurdles.

According to the New York Post, congestion pricing has added delivery surcharges of up to $10 per order, hitting restaurants’ bottom lines hard.

One vegan spot in the West Village estimates these extra fees alone could add thousands of dollars to their annual expenses.

On top of that, ingredient prices remain high, and many eateries are still recovering from pandemic-era drops in foot traffic.

Small food businesses citywide say congestion pricing is making it harder to survive as suppliers pass along toll-related costs.

For vegan establishments, already operating on slim margins, the pressure is especially intense.

Without relief, some fear they’ll be forced to raise prices or close their doors altogether.

It’s a challenging moment for the city’s plant-based dining scene.

Where Resy’s Team is Dining: NYC Hotspots to Try Now

In late 2024, Brooklyn's acclaimed Thai restaurant Ugly Baby closed its doors after years of delighting customers with its authentic Northern Thai cuisine.

Resy’s staff has shared their favorite New York City dining experiences for January 2025, offering a delicious roadmap for curious food lovers.

Kaew Jao Jorm in Williamsburg wowed diners with purple dumplings and rich crab curry paired with thoughtful rice service.

Nubiani near Herald Square earned praise for top-tier Korean BBQ, endless banchan, and creamy soft-serve.

Da Toscano in the West Village kept guests cozy with roasted oysters and tropical rum cocktails.

In Greenpoint, ACRE charmed with salmon bento boxes, karaage sandwiches, and a moist matcha loaf.

Hoexters on the Upper East Side surprised diners with SoHo vibes, cheesy garlic bread, and a stellar burger.

Rosella stood out for sustainable seafood like pickled mussel rolls and shrimp nigiri.

Leonetta impressed with Mediterranean flavors from spanakopita pita to black truffle mafaldine.

Clemente Bar finished the list strong with creative cocktails and an art-filled lounge atmosphere.

Eat & Engage: A Social Dinner Event for NYC’s 30 to 60+ Crowd

On July 3rd, NYC will host a special dining experience designed for adults aged 30 to 60 and above.

Organized by Ollie & Joey®, the event combines great food with the chance to meet new people in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Taking place in the vibrant 10036 ZIP code, guests will enjoy shared dishes that spark conversation and connection.

This is more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to build community and enjoy engaging social time with like-minded New Yorkers.

Whether you’re looking to expand your social circle or simply enjoy a fun evening out, this event offers the perfect setting.

Tickets are available now, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique July 3rd gathering.

Make plans to Eat & Engage and savor a night of good food and great company.

Thanks

Thanks for reading NYC Bites today! If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves food and NYC.

Want to advertise in our newsletter? Fill out this form here and we will be in touch shortly!

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign-up to get it.

Have a question or need support? Contact us.