A Harlem Homecoming: Patrick’s on the Hill Brings Caribbean Comfort to Amsterdam Avenue

https://www.patricksonthehill.com/about

A Harlem Homecoming: Patrick’s on the Hill Brings Caribbean Comfort to Amsterdam Avenue

Harlem’s culinary roots run deep. For generations, this neighborhood has nurtured institutions that serve as both neighborhood anchors and cultural landmarks. From the iconic Sylvia’s, where soul food has reigned since 1962, to Minton’s Playhouse, the jazz club where bebop took flight, food, and music have long shared the stage in this storied corner of Manhattan.

Now, a new chapter is being written.

Patrick’s on the Hill, the latest venture from longtime Harlem restaurateurs Arlene Pottinger and Patrick Edwards, isn’t simply another addition to the dining scene—it’s a return to something essential. Located at 141st Street and Amsterdam Avenue, the Caribbean-inspired restaurant reflects the couple’s deep roots in the neighborhood and their nearly five decades of experience in the food industry.

They are no strangers to Harlem’s shifting landscape. Their journey began with 1 Stop Patty Shop, a beloved spot offering authentic Jamaican patties that became a staple on Amsterdam Avenue. They later expanded with Patrick’s Place, a jazz-infused lounge on Frederick Douglass Boulevard that quickly earned its place as a local favorite. With Patrick’s on the Hill, the couple continues their tradition—serving bold, comforting flavors that honor the Caribbean diaspora and the community that raised them.

“The flavors don’t need reimagining,” Patrick Edwards said. “It has everything it needs.”

The menu is rooted in tradition and rich with personality. Dishes like salmon cakes, spicy Jamaican Peppa Shrimp, and the now-famous “OMG Wings” offer a blend of familiar comfort and vibrant spice. The oxtail stew—slow-cooked and deeply seasoned—is already a crowd favorite, alongside jerk chicken, escovitch red snapper, and pineapple jerk salmon. Sides range from fried sweet plantains to garlic-braised green bananas and roasted Brussels sprouts.

A thoughtfully curated cocktail menu rounds out the experience, with standouts like the Basil Heaven, a twist on the Negroni, and the crowd-pleasing Jamaican Rum Punch. For non-drinkers, the house-made sorrel offers a hibiscus-forward, ginger-spiked sip that’s just as memorable.

But Patrick’s on the Hill is more than the sum of its dishes and drinks. It’s a space built on legacy. Its warm, open design invites conversation and community. Its presence is a quiet act of resistance—a reminder that Harlem’s soul can’t be gentrified out of existence.

Patrick Edwards, with his open-door energy and grounded charisma, remains the heart of the experience. He’s not just running a restaurant. He’s continuing a legacy.

Here’s what restaurateurs Arlene Pottinger and Patrick Edwards shared about their new Caribbean-inspired restaurant, Patrick’s on the Hill. 

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Patrick’s on the Hill

CURTAIN RAISIER: You operate three restaurants in Harlem. What makes this neighborhood so important to you?

Arlene Pottinger and Patrick Edwards: Harlem is special to us because it's where our journey began. It's where our families landed when they first arrived in America. Harlem is also where my wife attended elementary school and where I started my first business after returning from Vietnam. It's a community filled with vibrant, diverse people who have supported us from day one. Raising our son here and having our businesses in this neighborhood makes it feel like home—Harlem is truly a part of our family's story.

CR: What makes feeding people in Harlem such a meaningful experience?

ANSWER: Feeding people in Harlem is incredibly special because it feels like we're taking care of family. Each member of the family has a favorite dish or drink; we just make sure that everyone can get what they like at the table. It's not just about food; it's about sharing memories and creating new ones.

CR: Why did you feel that Harlem was missing the flavor of Jamaica, and what is, in your opinion, the flavors of Jamaica?

ANSWER: While there were a few spots serving Jamaican food in Harlem, we saw that there wasn't a place where people could sit down and enjoy a full Jamaican dining experience. We felt that this gap needed to be filled. With my love for food and hospitality, it felt natural to introduce the vibrant flavors of Jamaica to this community. As for what defines Jamaican cuisine, it's all about bold and robust flavors. Think jerk seasoning, Scotch bonnet peppers, pimento, allspice, and fresh herbs. It's a blend of heat, spice, and sweetness that creates a unique, unforgettable experience.

CR: What's the most popular dish at Patrick's on the Hill, and why do you think people gravitate to that particular dish?

ANSWER: At Patrick's on the Hill, there are many favorites; the two that stand out are our oxtail and jerk chicken. The oxtail is rich, tender, and full of flavor—a classic Jamaican comfort food that people keep coming back for. 

The dish is slow-cooked to perfection, with all the spices and seasonings blending together to create a deep, soulful taste. Jerk chicken is for those who love a bit of spice on chicken, marinated slowly overnight before it's done to perfection on a grill. People love these dishes because they offer a real taste of home. These are the kind of meals that bring comfort, warmth, and satisfaction, and they pair perfectly with one of our island drinks.

CR: You seem to have a full bar, and for non-alcoholic drinkers, there seems to be a very wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks. What is the most popular non-alcoholic drink? What is the most popular alcoholic cocktail or cocktails?

ANSWER: Our most popular non-alcoholic drink is our homemade sorrel. 

It's a refreshing, tangy hibiscus-based beverage, infused with ginger and spices. It's sweet, but with just the right amount of spice, making it a hit with both kids and adults. On the alcoholic side, our Jamaican Rum Punch is the crowd favorite. 

It's a tropical mix of rum, fruit juices, and spices, capturing the essence of the islands in every sip. Whether you're relaxing with a meal or just enjoying the vibe, it's the perfect drink to complement the full Jamaican experience.

 Oxtail and Shirmp

Signature Cocktail