Washington Heights' Jalao NYC Is a Culinary Love Letter to Dominican Culture
The Uptown eatery is a celebration of Dominican cuisine, arts, and culture.
Journeying through the streets of Washington Heights can be likened to embarking on a multi-sensory trip through Dominican culture. The bustling blocks harbor mom-and-pop restaurants where the aromatic smells of traditional dishes like Mangú Tres Golpes and Sancocho fill the sidewalks, the rhythmic resonances of merengue and bachata drown out the sounds of dryers at hair salons, vibrant murals visually capture the likeness of local legends, and the beloved bodegas are cornerstones of the community. Among the pillars are Jalao NYC, an Uptown eatery inspired by the colorful flavors of the Dominican Republic and is a culinary ode to Latinx culture.
Nestled inside the Radio Hotel—a sky-high addition to the Northern Manhattan neighborhood’s landscape—the restaurant is the New York City expression of its location in Santo Domingo’s historic Ciudad Colonial. Founded in 2022 by Antonio Espaillat, the vision for Jalao NYC was to curate a culinary experience that celebrated the definitive elements of the Dominican ethos; reverencing the traditions embedded in the tapestry of the Caribbean country’s history and heritage while amplifying the work of contemporary visionaries—like the restaurant’s Executive Chef Noemi Guzman—and artists who are uplifting culture.
“We're in the heart of Washington Heights, a community heavily influenced by Dominican culture,” Danielle Dymond, Radio Hotel’s general manager shared with Columbia Neighbors. “When designing the space, they wanted to capture the vibrance of the Dominican Republic. It's mirrored after Jalao's location in Santo Domingo. They were trying to create that same environment here in NYC.”
From its vibrant décor to its menu, every aspect of the eatery tells a story. Boasting flavorful meals like Pecao Frito, Chivo con Moro, and Croquetas de Chivo, the collection of dishes are the creations of Santo Domingo-born, "MasterChef Dominican Republic"-alumna Chef Guzman who was inspired by the innovation she saw in the kitchen of her parents’ catering business in Dominican Republic.
“We wanted to make sure the menu had Dominican staples not only for people who are part of the community to celebrate their traditions but so people from other cultures and backgrounds can learn and experience a taste of what the culture is like through the dishes,” said Dymond.
Its newly-released Hispanic Heritage Month menu puts a modern twist on classic dishes with selections like flaky Bacalao empanadas, dumplings packed with pork braised in Latin flavors, and a custard dessert inspired by the thick and creamy Morir Soñando drink.
Jalao NYC’s decorative elements are a confluence of Dominican and New York cultures. When you step into the lobby you’re greeted by massive chandeliers outfitted with colorful plastic hair rollers found at local salons, the walls bear blooming paintings that depict the Dominican Republic’s Royal Poinciana trees, the mounted masks throughout the restaurant are nods to Carnaval Dominicano—a celebration of Dominican Independence Day that commences in February—and the graffiti-inspired mural that stretches throughout the stairwell and is reminiscent of the iconic tunnel of the 191st Street Subway station serves as an homage to New York City’s street art scene.
At the core of Jalao NYC's inspiration are the people; those who have carried the pride of their Dominican roots from the shores of Santo Domingo to the corridors of St. Nicholas Avenue. Going beyond the dining table, the restaurant has evolved into a community-driven space for connection, partnering with local groups, nonprofits, and intuitions like We Run Uptown, the Dominican Film Festival, Inwood Merchant Association, United Palace, and Uptown elected officials on an array of activations.
The eatery is dedicated to authentically representing the community it serves and prioritizes hiring locally with its staff—most of whom are of Dominican descent—who overwhelmingly hail from Washington Heights or the Bronx.
“The Dominican community in Washington Heights brings a lot of passion to the neighborhood and are very true to everything they stand for within their culture,” Dymond said. “Job creation for those living in the neighborhood was a key focus when building the restaurant.”
As Jalao NYC evolves, it will continue to serve as a cultural space that celebrates Dominican heritage and educates those interested in diving into the intricacies of the culture. “We want to continue celebrating all of the landmark events that define Dominican culture so that we can continue to be part of the efforts to preserve those traditions in the Washington Heights community,” said Dymond.