Travel Guide: What to Do & Where to Eat in Uptown Washington Heights, Manhattan

Aside from the skyrocketing real estate prices, creative independent shops and non-profit organizations are also booming, while several art scenes are mushrooming in Washington Heights, Manhattan, a report from Amny said.

According to the report, one of the creatives shops that keeps the people engaged in the area is the Word Up Books, which is located at 2113 Amsterdam Avenue. It was said that Word Up aims to provide assistance to the local literary scene, especially for Spanish-speaking communities. The company promotes several programs such as workshops and jazz concerts.

"There are a lot of really engaged people up here - as there should be in any neighborhood," said Mary Ann Wincorkowski, a volunteer-run bookstore, as quoted in the report.

Aside from the Word Up bookstore, Washington Heights has the Higher Ground Festival and Inwood artists that aim to expand its network and at the same time, collaborate on a particular production, for instance the local's Anne Loftus Playground. "We are part of creating an art identity [uptown]," the festival's co-founder and director Pablo Francisco Ruvalcaba said.

Meanwhile, one of the best dining spots in the area is Burger Heights, which is located at 177 Wadsworth Avenue. Burger Heights boasts several popular burger chains such as The Broadway and The Saint Nicholas. Aside from burgers, it serves delicious Italian meals, Nutella-flavored gelato shakes, coffee and mint chocolate chip, and more

Another must-try is Taco Go-Go located at 181st Street between St. Nicholas and Audubon avenues. This food establishment serves delicious chicken and their bestseller beef quesadilla.

Malecon, meanwhile, severs visitors several Caribbean-inspired cuisines. The store is popular for serving yucca, a boiled cassava.

"We serve fresh authentic Caribbean food our diverse menu is comprised of home style recipes reflecting our rich cultural traditions for a reasonable price for you and your family.  Each and every item on our menu is prepared as you ordered using the finest ingredients available. This is not fast food and it may take a few extra minutes to prepare but we are sure the food we serve is well worth the wait. Our goal is to give you great food at reasonable prices. We will greatly appreciate your comments and sincerely thank you for your patronage," the company said.

For drinks, Buddha Beer Bar is your best choice. Located at 4476 Broadway, it is the perfect place for those who love craft beer. The store also serves cheeseburgers and other sumptuous food.