coolstuff.nyc neighborhood guide

Upper East Side, Manhattan

Ah, the Upper East Side...a fabled neighborhood that is well known for old money, Gossip Girl, and grandparents, BUT it’s much much more than all that. The UES is where we love to go for a nostalgic taste of old New York, delicious diner food, and strong drinks before taking advantage of the many galleries and museums the neighborhood has to offer.

Ps. a big thanks to 2 of our favorite (former) Upper East Siders, Rebecca Schneider and Sara Wynn who sent us some of their favorites from their new homes of the West Village and Pairs, respectively.

Eat

Elios
For an ultra classic (& fancy classy) Italian meal with someone u luv.

Ejs Luncheonette
For quite possibly the best diner food in the city. (Get the BLT!)

JG Melon
For everyone’s favorite burger. We love to go here before a day at the MET. The best item combo is a burger, side of cottage fries, and a cup of chili to dip yr fries in. PS- they are CA$H only!

Hot Dog cart outside the Mark Hotel
For the best $6 hotdog in the city, served by a Michelin starred chef.

Neils Coffee Shop
For an old-school diner with all the classics.

Cafe Sabarsky
For a charming mid-day caffeine & dessy spot with coffee served on a silver tray.

Lexington Candy Shop
For another classic diner serving up American-fare in a time-warp interior.

Dorrian’s Red Hand
For a low-key spot serving burgers on english muffins.

Image credit: Timeout

Drink

Ralphs Coffee
For an impeccable iced latte on the first floor of the Ralph Lauren flag shop mansion.

Frenchy Coffee
For a Parisian croissant in the heart of East Harlem.

Brandy’s Piano Bar
For live music from 9:30p-4am.

Bemelman’s Bar
For a martini in a quintessential New York bar...a night here is bucket-list worthy.

Shop

The Corner Bookstore
For the neighborhood’s local spot for curated books.

Housing Works
For the UES location of the best thrift shop in the city.

Gabriella Hearst
For the only place in NYC to buy Officine Universelle Buly’s delectable fragrances and beauty products.

Image Credit: Gabriella Hearst

The Row
For an Upper East Side Townhouse filled with beautiful furniture and Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen’s minimalist fashion line.

Image credit: Vogue

Belgian Shoes
For the classic footwear preferred by Upper East Siders of yesterday and today. (If you’re in the mood to drop a penny, or lots of pennies, on some supple slippers).

Image credit: Belgian Shoes

Do

Charles Schurz Park
For a spot on the water with a view of Queens (yes it is that far north).

92nd Street Y
For every class you can think of.

Roosevelt Island Tramway
For a quick tram ride over to Roosevelt Island. (Does anyone live on Roosevelt Island?)