Explore New York by Neighborhood cover

Explore New York by Neighborhood

Curated byGreg Vladi7 stacksUpdated Dec 2025
I've worked to put together a number of great places in the neighborhoods across the Upper West Side and Upper East Side of New York.

UES Must-Haves: Local classics: The famous bagel from Ess-a-Bagel and shopping staples that everyone visits, regardless of their sub-neighborhood.

Ess-a-bagel
ess-a-bagel.com
Ess-a-bagel

Ess-A-Bagel is known for amazing bagels, luscious, appetizing salads, varieties of cream cheese, choice meats, and great catering services. From 9 grain to sesame and everything bagels, we have all of your favorites. We also have the finest assortment of cakes, pastries, rugelach, muffins, and cookies.

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Greg Vladi
P.J. Clarke’s Restaurant & Bar
pjclarkes.com
P.J. Clarke’s Restaurant & Bar

P.J. Clarke’s restaurant: A taste of classic Americana in the tycoon of saloons. Cadillac Burgers, frosty drinks, and history served daily since 1884. Book now.

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Greg Vladi
East River Promenade
google.com
East River Promenade

Explore the East River Promenade in New York, NY, a scenic waterfront path perfect for walking, jogging, and enjoying views of the river and skyline. This location offers a peaceful escape in the bustling city, ideal for both locals and tourists.

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Greg Vladi
Petco in Upper East Side, NY
stores.petco.com
Petco in Upper East Side, NY

Shop food, treats, and supplies at your Petco Pet Store in Upper East Side. Where the pets go for toys, tanks, leashes, and everyday essentials.

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Greg Vladi
Philippe Chow
philippechow.com
Philippe Chow

Philippe Chow has a world-renowned chef. Unrivaled cuisine. An atmosphere that draws the “it crowd” night after night. Nationwide Shipping on Goldbelly.

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Greg Vladi
William Greenberg Desserts
wmgreenbergdesserts.com
William Greenberg Desserts

William Greenberg Desserts is an iconic New York bakery selling kosher baked goods since 1946. Known for their black & white cookies which are voted #1 in New York. William Greenberg Desserts has 2 locations in New York, one at 1100 Madison Avenue (UES) and the other at 285 Amsterdam (UWS).

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Greg Vladi

The Comfort Circle: A selection of chic coffee shops, trusted Italian restaurants, and trendy gyms that guarantee high quality in the weekly routine of the lower Upper East Side.

Sant Ambroeus Sotheby's
google.com
Sant Ambroeus Sotheby's

Sant Ambroeus Sotheby's is an Italian restaurant located in New York City, known for its authentic cuisine and elegant atmosphere. This location offers a unique dining experience, perfect for art lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

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Greg Vladi
Central Park - The Pond and Gapstow Bridge
google.com
Central Park - The Pond and Gapstow Bridge

The closest area south of Lenox Hill. People visit weekly to exercise, stroll, or simply photograph the iconic bridge that generates a lot of buzz.

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Greg Vladi
Le Pain Quotidien
lepainquotidien.com
Le Pain Quotidien

Being close to the business center, these quick and healthy lunch spots are a staple of the office/work routine and visited daily by professionals in the area.

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Greg Vladi
Serafina | Always 61st (UES)
serafinarestaurant.com
Serafina | Always 61st (UES)

The Upper East Side’s Italian favorite. Located at 33 East 61st Street, Serafina Always 61st is loved for authentic dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.

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Greg Vladi
SoulCycle
soul-cycle.com
SoulCycle

Although it's close to the limit, SoulCycle is the epitome of boutique fitness on the Upper East Side. Riders visit weekly as a commitment and post about their classes.

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Greg Vladi
Bloomingdale's Department Store
bloomingdales.com
Bloomingdale's Department Store

The nearest department store. People go there to browse or do their weekly shopping in the food or home sections, making it a place with high social and physical traffic.

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Greg Vladi

Your guide to immersing yourself in Yorkville's social scene. Discover the bars, green spaces, and comfort food spots that people love and keep coming back to.

Carl Schurz Park
google.com
Carl Schurz Park

It is Yorkville's main green space, especially for pet owners. People visit it daily or several times a week to walk and see the East River.

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Greg Vladi
The Jeffrey
thejeffreynyc.com
The Jeffrey

The Jeffrey is a vibrant restaurant in New York City offering a diverse menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and craft beverages. With a focus on quality and community, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

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Greg Vladi
Heidelberg Restaurant
heidelberg-nyc.com
Heidelberg Restaurant

Yorkville has German roots. This restaurant is an institution. Locals visit weekly or biweekly for its comfort food and authentic atmosphere.

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Greg Vladi
Oren’s Daily Roast
orenscoffee.com
Oren’s Daily Roast

It is the favorite coffee chain for many in this part of the Upper East Side. Google reviews rank it as the best place for your daily/weekly caffeine fix.

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Greg Vladi
Shake Shack
shakeshack.com
Shake Shack

 Their burgers and milkshakes are a guaranteed weekly treat. Social media posts about “Shake Shack cravings” are constant.

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Greg Vladi
East End Wine and Liquors
eastendwineandliquors.com
East End Wine and Liquors

East End Wine and Liquors offers a wide variety of wines and liquors available for purchase online. Explore our extensive collection to find the perfect drink for any occasion.

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Greg Vladi

A stack of must-see stops, from Ralph's Coffee fashion to exclusive gyms, that define the week of the most elegant residents of the UES.

Ralph's Coffee 888 Madison Ave
ralphlauren.com
Ralph's Coffee 888 Madison Ave

It's not just the brand that draws people in, but also the aspirational atmosphere. Locals visit weekly for its high-quality coffee and the elegant, photogenic atmosphere that dominates Instagram.

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Greg Vladi
Conservatory Garden - A Serene Urban Oasis
google.com
Conservatory Garden - A Serene Urban Oasis

Conservatory Garden is a beautifully landscaped public garden located in Central Park, New York City. It offers a tranquil escape with diverse plant collections, fountains, and seasonal blooms, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and photography.

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Greg Vladi
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
metmuseum.org
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy.

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Greg Vladi
Sarabeth's NYC
sarabethsrestaurants.com
Sarabeth's NYC

Famous for its brunch and jams. It is the most popular weekly brunch option in the area. It has a constant presence on social media, tagged as a “NYC classic.”

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Greg Vladi
Morton Williams Supermarket
mortonwilliams.com
Morton Williams Supermarket

Morton Williams is a family-owned and operated food retailer with fifteen stores in the New York Metropolitan area, serving the community since 1946. The supermarket offers a wide range of fresh produce, groceries, and specialty items to meet the needs of local residents.

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Greg Vladi
ALBERTINE
albertine.com
ALBERTINE

ALBERTINE is a reading room and bookshop that brings to life French-American intellectual exchange. A permanent venue for free events and debates, the new space will offer more than 14,000 contemporary and classic titles from over 30 French-speaking countries around the world.

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Greg Vladi

The UWS Essence: From legendary Levain cookies to the classic Tom's Diner, these are the pillars of routine that keep the spirit of the Upper West Side alive.

Levain Bakery
levainbakery.com
Levain Bakery

The Levain Bakery is the original west 74th street bakery in New York City. Their massive cookie is a global and viral phenomenon. Locals buy it with astonishing frequency, and it becomes the weekly stop for dessert or to treat someone.

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Greg Vladi
Riverside Park
google.com
Riverside Park

Riverside Park is a beautiful urban park located in New York City, offering lush greenery, scenic views, and recreational activities. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy nature and outdoor activities in an urban setting.

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Greg Vladi
Tom's Restaurant
tomsrestaurant.net
Tom's Restaurant

Tom's Restaurant is a beloved diner located in New York City, famous for its classic American fare and its appearance in popular culture, particularly in the TV show Seinfeld. The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a diverse menu, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

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Greg Vladi
Zabar's Online
zabars.com
Zabar's Online

Zabar's family business has been thriving for 90 years, offering excellent food, service, and fair value. Shop Zabar's online and experience great taste of New York!

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Greg Vladi
GRAY'S PAPAYA
grayspapaya.nyc
GRAY'S PAPAYA

Gray's Papaya offers a unique taste of New York with its famous hot dogs and tropical drinks. The website provides information on their menu, locations, and nationwide shipping options for their iconic products.

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Greg Vladi
Book Culture
bookculture.com
Book Culture

It is the most beloved independent bookstore on the Upper West Side. It is a weekly meeting place for readers and students. It generates a lot of social buzz for its events and local atmosphere.

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Greg Vladi

High Culture: Discover the cafés, IMAX theaters, and the only viral babka that keeps Lincoln Center's elite coming back several times a week.

Breads Bakery
breadsbakery.com
Breads Bakery

Breads Bakery is an essential New York bakery baking from the heart of Union Square. Whether it's our slow-fermented sourdough, impeccably-made espresso or world-famous Chocolate Babka, the greatest joy of all comes from sharing our work with you.

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Greg Vladi
AMC Lincoln Square 13 in New York, NY | Showtimes & Movie Tickets
amctheatres.com
AMC Lincoln Square 13 in New York, NY | Showtimes & Movie Tickets

With its IMAX theater and central location, it is the cinema of choice. Movie enthusiasts visit at least once a week (or every two weeks) to see major releases.

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Greg Vladi
Central Park West & W 67th St, New York
google.com
Central Park West & W 67th St, New York

It's the everyday backyard. Residents, especially pet owners, visit daily or several times a week to exercise and enjoy the leash-free hours.

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Greg Vladi
The Smith Restaurant
thesmithrestaurant.com
The Smith Restaurant

The Smith is a casual American Brasserie with four upbeat locations in New York City and bar make it popular for quick business lunches or brunch, which many repeat weekly with friends.

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Greg Vladi
Fairway Market
fairwaymarket.com
Fairway Market

Although technically just north (on 74th), it is considered the main store for many Lincoln Square residents looking for high quality and variety on a weekly basis. People share photos of their fresh fish and the gourmet section.

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Greg Vladi
Joe Coffee Company
joecoffeecompany.com
Joe Coffee Company

Joe Coffee Company is a New York City based roaster sharing coffee through nationwide shipping, subscriptions, wholesale programs, classes, tech support, and our cafes.

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Greg Vladi

Here are some Upper West Side spots that offer personality and a distinctly local vibe more unexpected than your standard tourist or chain options. You'll find quirky cafés, creative restaurants, atmospheric bars, and coworking spaces that suit regulars and newcomers alike.

Slate Cafe
slatecafe.com
Slate Cafe

Bustling cafe and coffee bar with breakfast, sandwiches, salads and bowls.

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Greg Vladi
Prohibition
prohibition.net
Prohibition

Prohibition is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. A neighborhood icon since 1996, the venue transports guests into the new “Roaring 20’s” on arrival. Eat, drink and be merry in the main supper club room with live music, or tuck away in the more intimate speakeasy room in the back behind the big red door.

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Greg Vladi
Shalel شلال
shalel.kitchen
Shalel شلال

Shalel has served Upper West Side New Yorkers since 2000 and is dedicated to the variety and excellency of Mediterranean cooking. Shalel draws its inspiration from dishes and design of the coastal Mediterranean: Morocco, Palestine, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Italy, the Côte d’Azur, and Spain.

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Greg Vladi
ArtHouse Hotel Cocktail Bar
arthousehotelnyc.com
ArtHouse Hotel Cocktail Bar

Experience the best of New York City cocktail culture at the ArtHouse Hotel Cocktail Bar. Our award-winning bartenders craft delicious cocktails using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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Greg Vladi
Canto NYC
cantonyc.com
Canto NYC

Canto NYC showcases a selection of vibrant restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences. Explore the unique atmosphere and delicious menus that make dining in New York City unforgettable.

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Greg Vladi
The Yard: Coworking & Private Offices
theyard.com
The Yard: Coworking & Private Offices

Discover flexible coworking and private offices at The Yard. Work beautifully, connect meaningfully, and grow with a vibrant community.

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Greg Vladi