Your Guide to the Upper West Side - 40+ Places to Eat, Explore, and Enjoy!
The trademark brownstones in the Upper West Side
I absolutely love the Upper West Side in Manhattan, New York. I lived here for four years, on 80th between Broadway and Amsterdam, and it is hands-down my favorite neighborhood in the city. You still have the hustle and bustle that is quintessential NYC but at a more residential vibe. I’m not above being a single lady living with the stroller-walking peeps, among the brownstones. From the parks to all the restaurants, and the museums to the boutique shops, the UWS is the Upper Best Side.
I met so many people who moved to New York and chose the Upper East Side, being influenced by what’s been depicted on shows like Gossip Girl and Sex in the City, but after little time realized they liked the Upper West Side best. Lucky for me, I have a cousin who has been in the city for 20+ years, living in the UWS. So, I was able to visit her many times and explore the neighborhood myself, before taking the plunge and moving to the Big Apple. Side note, I honestly hate saying “big apple” I’m just trying to change up my words here, OK?
It’s very true in NYC that where you live is where you hang out the majority of the time. The chances of me going to the East Village or Brooklyn or even down to the West Village often, are not so high and definitely a planned commitment. After my few years here in the Upper West, and as an avid neighborhood stroller (it’s one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend), I’ve compiled a list of my favorite spots across these glorious blocks.
If you’re looking to visit or move to New York City and are considering your options, let me tell you, you will never regret the Upper West Side. How many times can I say “Upper West Side” in one paragraph? Not enough. But seriously, use the below list of some of my favorite spots and see for yourself why the Upper West Side is the best neighborhood in New York City.
Bakeries & Sweets:
Délice Macarons - Named for macarons but I love their pain au chocolat. Best one in the UWS in my opinion.
Mille-Fueille Bakery - Another great, small French bakery. Go in early on a weekend, grab a treat and a café (if that’s your thing), and snag one of the tables outside. They fill up quickly!
Daily Provisions - To be honest, this belongs more in the “restaurant” section but I went for the crullers. They have a signature flavor every month, so let me tell you… Mark your calendars for January (and sometimes February) because the lemon poppyseed cruller does. not. play!
Magnolia Bakery - This one is an NYC classic. The first time I ever went to one, I was in college and not going to lie, not impressed. My tastebuds have since fallen in love, and they can do no wrong here. Except for banana pudding (which is their staple) but bananas are disgusting. I highly recommend a chocolate cake slice with vanilla buttercream, the key lime pie cheesecake, or the peanut butter ice box bar.
Orwashers Bakery - Only two blocks from my apartment, I’d regularly hit them up for a donut or bagel. Nothing crazy exceptional, to be perfectly honest, but a trusted spot.
Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods - Literally downstairs from my apartment building, my mom loved their pie crust cookies so much that anytime I was visiting home, she’d request I grab a few to bring back.
Big Gay Ice Cream - I love soft serve. Stop the car, we’re going. Great spot with a variety of options.
Milk Bar - I recently made a copycat version of their cereal milk ice cream, because I love and miss it so much. Theirs is a soft-serve version (ohemgeee) and just divine.
Restaurants & Bars:
Elea - Best Greek spot on the UWS. Get some of the spreads, the horiatiki salad, and a small plate or two, and be ready for an exceptional dinner.
Café Luxembourg - Great spot for a solid breakfast, also has a lovely ambiance and is overall a good time.
La Sirene - Cozy little French restaurant with a variety of classic dishes.
Alice’s Tea Cup - Absolutely love this place. Themed inside like Alice in Wonderland, it’s a colorfully quirky little shop with an easy afternoon tea, great scones, and some delicious cake.
Osteria Cotta - Good proper Italian pizza, along with other items. I personally love the verdure pizza.
Motorino - Another great Italian pizza place, across the street from Osteria Cotta. The strachiatella pizza is amazing.
La Pecora Bianca - The first restaurant I ate at when I visited NYC this summer. Their rigatoni with vodka sauce and stracciatella is seriously so good.
Mido - I’m a simple gal who loves a good avocado roll. They don’t skimp on the avocado and I love them for it.
Old John’s Luncheonette - This might be my favorite spot in the UWS. It has all of the cute old-school vibes with class diner fare and the best housemade ice cream. My first visit here my friend and I sat in a booth outside, late at night, playing UNO and stuffing our faces with ice cream sundaes and truffle fries.
Jacob’s Pickles - Great southern spot in the city to get your biscuit fix, but like a cool biscuit, ya know?
Tiki Chick - Fun drinks (in fun glasses) and tbh, a really good fried chicken sandwich.
Flame - I mean who doesn’t love an onion volcano? Great spot for hibachi.
Thyme & Tonic - Another great stop for drinks on a night out
PopUp Bagels - I was only introduced to this sensation on my recent visit but these might be the best bagels I’ve ever eaten. Incredibly soft and no fuss - you get a bag of bagels and a tub of cream cheese and you’re out the door in minutes!
Caledonia - Loved to grab a glass of champagne here with friends, they also served it properly (in my now sober, esteemed opinion) in The Great Gatsby-style glasses.
The Hoptomist - Sister and next-door neighbor to Caledonia, grab a beer here but don’t miss out on the food. I love a drink spot that has legitimately awesome bites!
Jin Ramen - Hits just right on a cold NYC day, plus the ramen portions are huge!
Bluestone Lane - I went (and returned) for one thing only, the brekkie board. Which was a thick nutty slice of avocado toast topped with cherry tomatoes and feta, paired with a delicious yogurt parfait, layered with lemon curd and fresh berries. It’s the simple things that blow my mind.
Made in New York Pizza - Everyone needs a trusty NY pizza slice. This is it.
Maman - Cozy spot, loved grabbing a chai latte or hot chocolate and catching up with people here.
Lilly’s Cocktail and Wine - Great place for apps and lunch, if you’re feeling boozy, you can also scratch that itch here.
The Consulate - I still dream of their short rib cavatelli. Honestly perfection.
Hudson & Charles - Another recent one for my list, this is actually a butcher shop but everything is so fresh (literally, they were a butchering while we waited) and well sourced. I wasn’t hungry but they had some great-looking sandwiches on the blackboard.
Santa Fe - Solid Mexican restaurant for this list. Love their burrito.
Parks & Outdoors
Riverside Park - Honestly my favorite place to walk. You’re right next to the water, which is exactly where I want to be, especially for a cool breeze on a warm day. Nice paths, parks, and spots to sit and people-watch.
Central Park West - You can’t go to the UWS and not appreciate the convenience of this NYC staple: Central Park. If you enter on 79th, near the Natural History Museum, you can head towards Shakespeare Garden, the baseball fields, and Belvedere Castle. Then walk around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir before heading across towards the Upper East Side, where you’ll be let out right next to The Met. If you enter at 72nd, you’ll hit the iconic Strawberry Fields before grabbing a picnic at Sheeps Meadow (if you can find a spot!), then make your way towards Columbus Circle.
West 111th St People’s Garden - Yes, you’d be correct in assuming this is not in the Upper West Side. But, if you’re like me and want to stroll a few blocks, head towards the neighborhood of Morningside Heights to this charming little park next to The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. It’s a somewhat hidden gem with some beautiful sculptures.
Shops, Bookstores, Plants, Oh My!
Magpie - I love an uncluttered knick-knack shop. Need a card? Got it. Candle? You’ll find it here. Purse? Look no further.
Runaway Poppy - This is a knick-knack shop with a quirky artsy twist. I love to just pop in here and see what’s new. I even bought a child’s toy for myself here, because I love a rotary phone… even if it’s wooden and designed for a kid.
Westsider Rare & Used Books Inc - You can’t keep me out of a bookshop. This is a skinny little shop filled to the brim with all the used and rare books to fill your curiosity on a rainy day.
Strand Book Store - Another NYC staple. Grab a book, a puzzle, and maybe a tote, and get to reading!
83rd St Grocery - Sounds random but one of my favorite things about NYC is the plethora of flower stalls. This corner grocer was my favorite stop for some affordable bright blooms.
The Sill - If you love plants, give this shop a visit. Really knowledgeable staff with great products.
Phew! Sometimes you forget how much you know until you write it all down. If I haven’t convinced you that the Upper West Side is supreme, I don’t know how else to convince you. Especially for my fellow homebodies, the vibe of this neighborhood just hits right.
Let me know if you visit and love any of these spots, or just the Upper West Side itself, by tagging me @accentgolden on social. I hope you have the best time. Happy strolling!
