New Uptown Restaurant Openings: South-American Spot, Coffee Shop

UPPER MANHATTAN, NY — It is always fun to try out new food options in the neighborhood, and two establishments recently opened in Upper Manhattan.

A coffee shop in Washington Heights and a South American restaurant in Inwood welcomed customers for the first time in the past few weeks.

Fito: 4736 Broadway (near Thayer Street)

A cozy South American-influenced restaurant opened its doors in Inwood.

From its location on Broadway, Fito is serving up charcuterie boards with spicy soppressata, prosciutto, and capicola — followed by small plates such as oysters, ceviche, chicharron, and choripan, which is a mouthwatering combination of sausage, chimichurri, pickled onions, baguette, and potato chips — or a selection of small pizzas with mozzarella, chorizo, and other toppings.

You can also get wine by the glass, a variety of cocktails, and different types of beers.

Fito's is open every day from 5 p.m. to midnight on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The restaurant is headed by industry veteran Felix Abarca, who is a native of Ecuador.

"Inwood is such a cool neighborhood, and we're so excited to be here," Fito wrote on its Instagram page.

The lone Yelp review for the new Inwood restaurant is also positive: "So happy to have Fito in the hood," a woman wrote on the restaurant review website. "I absolutely loved the chill vibes and the simple rotating menu that packs a punch."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fito (@fito_nyc)

Find out more on Fito's website.

The Plug: 502 West 167th Street

A new coffee shop called The Plug opened in Washington Heights over the past month with a large storefront overhanging sign that reads "Uptown Since 2022."

The shop is run by the couple team of Abbie Ortiz and Ben Stovall. Ortiz is a Washington Heights native who is the food service manager for the Department of Education, reported Eater NY.

The caffeine shop serves up coffee and pastries and has received some stellar reviews since opening.

"Such a great place to go and get a cup of coffee," one reviewer wrote. "You need to try the chocolate mocha! So delicious!"

Another reviewer wrote, "Great spot with great service, I'll definitely be coming back."

The Plug wrote a thank you message in one of its opening Instagram posts.

"Huge thanks to the family and friends, old and new that come out to support us and try the coffee today! It's special people like you that motivate us to dream big."

The Washington Heights coffee shop also offers a loyalty punch card that you can use to work up to a free cup of joe.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Plug (@theplugcoffeenyc)

You can find out more about The Plug on its Instagram.