Santiago's Beer Garden Reopens In East Harlem

HARLEM, NY— After flames destroyed its outdoor patio last fall, Santiago's Beer Garden has reopened in a new East Harlem location, bringing a neighborhood favorite back after months of rebuilding.

The restaurant opened on Tuesday at its new home on East 116th Street between First and Second avenues, owner Matthew Fermin told Patch.

An extension cord sparked the Nov. 19 fire that tore through the restaurant's outdoor patio, leaving about 30 employees without work just before the holiday season.

For diners returning to Santiago's, little has changed beyond the address.

"The menu is going to stay the same. For now," Fermin said.

A GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $20,000 to help support staff while the business remained closed.

The City Department of Small Business Services also helped guide the restaurant through its recovery.

Fermin said he is still waiting for an insurance payout related to the fire.

"It was a lot of work as always opening up a restaurant, but I’m glad we finally did it," Fermin said. "And we’re happy to be back in the neighborhood after our last location burned down."