Best Things to Do in the South Bronx: Where to Stay, Eat, and Shop

Conveniently located along the 4, 5, and 6 lines, the South Bronx is currently at a cultural crossroads, where old hip-hop culture blends with a new creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Four neighborhoods make up the southernmost part of the borough—Concourse, Melrose, Mott Haven, and Port Morris—and each offers an abundance of largely undiscovered restaurants, cultural institutions, hotels, and shops.

The history of the neighborhood is eclectic. In the early 1900s, the South Bronx was mostly comprised of German and Irish immigrants and became known as the “Jewish borough.” This soon changed after World War II with rising rents, and by the end of the 1950s, the South Bronx was two-thirds Black or Latinx. Through the 1970s and 1980s, the foundations of both hip-hop and graffiti art were built by DJs, and the neighborhood began to blossom as a cultural hub.

Today, along with the rest of the borough’s thriving Latinx population (currently 54.8 percent), the South Bronx is home to large Puerto Rican and Dominican enclaves, in addition to a growing Mexican community. From blocks lined with murals like a tribute to hometown hero and rapper, Big Pun, to countless Latinx-owned businesses or open mics and talent showcases fostering future creatives, the area is the epicenter to some of the city’s best Latinx culture, and the signature greeting is a loud and welcoming “YERRRR!”

It’s time to head uptown so make sure you’ve got your masks and vaccination cards ready. Here’s everything you need to know about exploring the South Bronx.

Embark on a culinary journey while paying homage to the neighborhood’s rich history

Any real food tour of the South Bronx should begin on Alexander Avenue and Bruckner Blvd—a small enclave of culinary excellence. Fresh off its recent U.S. grand opening, Chocobar Cortes is a beloved restaurant from San Juan with a unique chocolate-infused menu with items like Chocolate Grilled Cheese, Chalupitas de Mofongo (roasted pork, pineapple pico de gallo, guacamole with chocolate, mole sauce, pique de chocolate), and a Chocolate Old Fashioned.

Once you’re done filling your sweet tooth, explore Alexander Avenue’s many other food options. Mornings are done right with brunch at Beatstro, a hip-hop inspired restaurant flaunting a cross-cultural blend of cooking styles. For a late lunch, the pandemic-born Hudson Smokehouse is the first smokehouse of its kind in the borough; Ceetay offers Asian-inspired dishes; and stop by Monte’s Brick Oven for pizza, pasta, and more.

For dinner, if you’re looking for the true definition of vibes, head to Rosa’s at Park, a Latin-fusion restaurant helmed by local entrepreneur Rosa Garcia. For a unique blend of rustic sophistication and style, Charlie’s Bar and Kitchen’s menu is filled with classic American favorites with Latin and Southern twists. And Made in Puerto Rico Bar and Lounge is perfect for those who like a little celebration while they eat.

For local watering holes, take a quick walk-up…