Spinners

Harlem resident Charles Belanger isn't exactly a conventional chef, nor is he a regular restaurateur. Rather, the real-estate entrepreneur has a knack for picking great locations and for fine food. Both of those qualities helped him wind up with Spinners, his new rotisserie chicken spot on Lenox Avenue. Opened late last year, the restaurant is all about chicken—whole and half birds spiced and marinated before a heat-filled spin session. Belanger oversees it all, along with flavorful homemade sides such as from-scratch macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and fresh carrots. Half birds begin at just $3.99 ($6.99 with a pair of sides), as do hefty half-pound sub sandwiches. Belanger built out the cozy dining room himself, which feels—much like the food—homey, casual and unhurried.