East Harlem, NY — December 2, 2025
A massive four-alarm fire tore through Santiago’s Beer Garden on First Avenue in East Harlem late last month, leaving the popular neighborhood gathering spot in ruins and displacing nearby residents just days before Thanksgiving.
According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), the blaze broke out shortly after 8 p.m. inside the restaurant and quickly spread to adjacent buildings. Within an hour, firefighters escalated the response to a fourth alarm, deploying more than 150 personnel to battle the flames. Thick smoke billowed across the block as crews worked into the night to contain the inferno.
One person was treated at the scene for minor injuries, FDNY officials confirmed. No fatalities were reported, but several families living in apartments above and next to the restaurant were forced to evacuate. The Red Cross has been assisting displaced residents with emergency housing.
Santiago’s Beer Garden, known for its lively atmosphere and Latin-inspired cuisine, had become a fixture in the East Harlem community. Owner Miguel Santiago, visibly shaken, told reporters: “This place was more than a business—it was family. We’ll rebuild, but right now our neighbors need support.”
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Local leaders echoed that sentiment. Councilmember Diana Ayala praised the FDNY’s swift response and urged residents to rally around the displaced families. “This is a devastating loss for our community, but Harlem always comes together in times of crisis,” she said.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest it may have originated in the kitchen, though officials stressed that the investigation is ongoing.
As Thanksgiving approaches, community groups are organizing donation drives to help affected families and support Santiago’s staff. A GoFundMe campaign launched overnight has already raised thousands of dollars.
The November 20 blaze at Santiago’s Beer Garden was one of the most serious FDNY incidents of the month, underscoring the department’s warnings about fire safety during the holiday season. Joe@SJN
