Not Harlem but here are some good simple options that you won't find  in the Triangle.

http://www.salumeriarosi.com/en_ny/salumeria_rosi/

Salumeria Rosi
283 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY  

If you are adventurous.. Maylasian in Chinatown.  

Aux Epices  
121 Baxter St, New York 10013
(Btwn Hester & Canal St)  

Lower East Side serving  Bosnian.
Saro Bistro
102 Norfolk Street, Lower East Side, NY

The London is a great place to stay for the hobbyist.  
I also liked Andaz 5th Ave

If you want to experience Time Sq The Marriott Marquis is great. Get a TS view King

-- Modified on 9/3/2013 6:35:05 PM

for Labor Day ---
Here's some really good choices:
- Buddakan (would be a lot of fun w/ a date ... very hot scene)
- City Hall (Duane Street --- excellent restaurant that doesn't get the acclaim it should)
- Per Se (expensive, good, loooong)
- Il Cortile (Little Italy)
- Gotham Bar & Grill
- Rosa Mexicano (Unbelievable Tableside Guacamole)
- The River Café (Brooklyn --- UNBELIEVABLE view of Manhattan. Take someone special !!)
Those are a few really good ones.

I would skip "Eleven Madison" --- it is voted as one of the very best along with Per Se, but I hated it. We were there for 4 hours and dropped 7 bills. I was totally UNIMPRESSED.

Here's a couple of low-key bars that have a great vibe:
- Blue (West 44th)
- Flute Champagne Bar (West 54th --- near old Studio 54)

Good luck ........... hope it helps.
KR