I don’t live on the Upper West Side for the food or nightlife –– anyone who knows the neighborhood is pretty aware that it’s not New York City’s capital for either. But even so, I do have a few local spots that I frequent and recommend, and I’m happy to share them in case you ever find yourself lost uptown or wandering through my hood. If you’re so inclined to visit my pocket of Manhattan, try any of these six local spots on the Upper West Side.
Fred’s, 476 Amsterdam Ave at 83rd St
A neighborhood staple since 1997, Fred’s remains an establishment of choice for locals due to its reliable eats and attentive bartenders. Named after former Upper West Sider “Fred,” a beautiful black Labrador Retriever who’s since moved on to doggie heaven, the tavern features adorable NYC pooches on every square inch of wall in its bar area and two dining rooms. The cellar-like charm makes this bar and restaurant a go-to place during cold-weather months (great selection of wines by the glass), and the crowd is always diverse and entertaining. What to eat: The pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries and the mac-n-cheese.
French Roast, 2340 Broadway at 85th St
Much more than an Upper West Parisian bistro, French Roast is terrific at any hour for a bite to eat, a cocktail, or a bit of both. Dinner is excellent here and brunch food is solid as well. Besides their regular lineup, they offer plates of the day plus specials. I’m not going to talk about the amazing desserts since they’re not part of my current meal plan. 🙂 The truth is I’d rather save my calories for red wine, and French Roast offers an award-winning list with great selections by the bottle and glass. What I order: A steak and a glass of Bordeaux or the salmon and and a glass of Beaujolais.
Mermaid Inn, 570 Amsterdam, between 87th and 88th
Mermaid Inn is a reliable choice for brunch or dinner, but the inn’s happy hour from 5 until 7 p.m. is one of the Upper West’s best-kept secrets. (Although I’m not sure how much of a secret it is anymore.) With delectable dollar oysters––yes, that $1 each––plus other apps like grilled shrimp and avocado sliders and amazingly fresh fish tacos I constantly crave, you won’t go hungry as you guzzle a $6 beer, sip $9 glass of wine or imbibe on a $9 cocktail. Can I get another round, please? Oh, and make my fish tacos a double!
City Diner, 2441 Broadway at 90th St
You’re probably thinking, it’s only a diner! True, but every NYC neighborhood needs a reliable Greek coffee shop or diner, and this one is mine. I’ve lived nearby for over 12 years and I can expect to see the same staff today as I did in 2009. The faces don’t change much and neither does the menu, and I love that about City Diner. The eggs Benedict is a mainstay for brunch (tell them light on the hollandaise), and on Fridays, the Chicken Avgolemono Soup calls my name. A bowl of it is Greek soul food.
St. James Gate, 441 Amsterdam Ave at 81st St
Every New Yorker needs a neighborhood Irish pub, and this one is mine. I especially like the Gate during warm months because the doors stay open, the light filters in through huge people-watching windows on Amsterdam, and I can grab a table outside with Bogey if I time it right. What I order: the fried calamari (favorite calamari in town), the spinach salad, and a big pour of Cabernet or Pinot Noir, or if I’m feeling adventurous, a vodka tonic.
Cibo e Vino, 2418 Broadway at 89th St
Cibo is a hop, skip, and jump from my digs, so it’s super convenient when I don’t want to travel downtown to some of my fave Italian spots. The pastas are delightful. Try tagliatelle alla Bolognese, or for a main course go for the Milanese-style breaded organic chicken breast with avocado and arugula salad. The trattoria offers outdoor seating year-round now, and Cibo’s bar is fantastic for grabbing a glass of vino and an appetizer or a salad at lunchtime.
Maybe I’ll see you in the neighborhood? Do you have any favorite local spots on the Upper West Side? Let us know in the comments.
Also, what you need to know about the Upper West Side if you plan on living there.
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Cindy says
I’m sorry but I grew up on the upper west side and your spots aren’t the upper west side proper!! Just my 2 cents as it bothers me I guess legitimate upper west sideders would know where the true UWS is..,
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for your comment. I am a little confused because all these places are in the heart of the Upper West Side. The neighborhood starts at 59th and stretches to 110th and spans from Central Park West to the Hudson River. These spots are in the West 80s, with one at 90th Street, so definitely Upper West Side proper. While I was not born here, I have lived in the neighborhood for over 12 years. I’d love to learn more about your “true” Upper West Side, please feel free to share!
David G. says
After walking too much of Manhattan (is there such a thing?) on a visit years ago, I happened upon “Good Enough to Eat” ; 520 Columbus at 85th.
It was a hot day and they had a few outdoor tables (pre-Covid)
Wonderful spot for not too much $$
DAVE
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Dave,
Another solid spot! Great for brunch, but go early to miss the lines.