B. C. Lunchroom

The fourth post in our series on Black New York, 1921, for Black History Month

One hundred years ago today … At any time of day or night, New Yorkers could eat at B. C. Lunchroom, proprietor Beverly K. Clarke. The restaurant was at 2265 7th Avenue (now Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard), between 132-133rd Streets, in the heart of Harlem’s booming Black business area. The B.C. Lunchroom regularly took out ads in the Chicago Defender, one of the country’s leading Black newspapers, perhaps for the benefit of travelers from the midwest to Harlem.

The restaurant offered separate tables for women–to spare them harassment? Probably.

Here is what the spot looks like now. At 2267 sits the “Africa Kine” restaurant, while the building next door at 2265 is boarded up.

The property is part of a complex that currently houses the Shrine music venue.

– Jonathan Goldman, February 8, 2021

TAGS: restaurant, food, Black business, Harlem Renaissance, real estate