“I grew up here,” says Kristine Garcia, TONY’s online product development director. “It is a tightly knit community of working people and families. It doesn’t have the best shopping, restaurants or bars in the city, but it does have some very good local staples. Kingsbridge is on the border of Van Cortlandt Park and is a bus ride from Riverdale. The constant rumble of the 1 train overhead and the Major Deegan Expressway nearby adds to the neighborhood’s character.”
Check out her favorite spots after the jump.
Her favorite restaurants:
Loeser’s Kosher Deli & Caterer (214 W 231st St, 718-548-9735) “Loeser’s Kosher Deli (open for 50 years!) has very friendly service and amazing pastrami sandwiches. I also love the Knish Wish lunch special, a Coney Island knish stuffed with a hot dog, sauerkraut and mustard.”
Pipers Kilt (170 W 231st St, 718-548-9539) “Pipers Kilt is known for its burgers and laid-back neighborhood vibe. I like to treat myself to the Bronx Bomber Burger and shrimp basket while watching the Yankees game on TV.”
El Malecon Restaurant (5592 Broadway, 718-432-4760) “When you get off the train at 231st Street after work, it seems like everyone in Kingsbridge is packed into this place. Malecon has delicious roasted chicken. It’s not to be missed.”
Her favorite shops:
Garden Gourmet (5665 Broadway, 718-796-4209) “This is hands down the best store in the neighborhood. They have a great selection of fresh produce, cheeses, bread and imported specialty foods.”
Loehmann’s (5740 Broadway, 718-543-6420) “You can find amazing deals here on designer clothes, shoes and bags, but be prepared to sift through tightly packed racks of clothes. And there’s never any staff around to help. The madness is worth it for the bargains. Plus the building is pretty cool: It used to house an ice skating rink.”
