Bracketed by Central Park and Riverside Park, Upper West Side is a leafy residential Manhattan neighborhood. It is characterized by twin towered apartment buildings, and often depicted on movies and TV shows. Upper West Side is the neighborhood where Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan lived in You’ve Got Mail. It’s common to see families pushing strollers or walking dogs here. Upper West Side also has a deep sense of culture. There’s the American Museum of Natural History, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and the Beacon Theatre, as well as numerous eateries, shopping and nightlife opportunities.
Landmarks in Upper West Side
If you are an architecture buff, the Upper West Side has no shortage of landmarks. The Eldorado, Majestic, San Remo, and Century Apartments that were built in the 1930s all dot the landmark here. Other apartment complexes include the Ansonia, the Dakota, the Apthorp and Beresford. From elegant row houses to neoclassical monuments of worship and museum, the Upper West Side boasts incredible architectural riches.
Entertainment spots
The Upper West Side is a highbrow entertainment hotspot. The Lincoln Center (16.3 acre complex) hosts the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, jazz at Lincoln Center, and at least 8 other performing arts organizations. Visitors here can relax by the fountain on the campus’s extensive plaza before or after each show. Along Broadway stands the Beacon Theatre. This is an art deco music hall that first opened its doors in 1929. One of the area’s foremost landmarks, Beacon Theatre has hosted legends such as Michael Jackson, Allman Brothers, and the Rolling Stones. Close by in uptown is the Symphony Space, where several theatres showcase dance, music, comedy, readings, screenings, drama, and more. Whether you’re looking for an electrifying jazz session or a vibrant literary salon, the Upper West Side has got a lot to offer.
Brunch locations
The Upper West Side neighborhood has numerous brunch spots to complete its homey, residential feel. Feeling very hungry? Grab generous portions of popular menu items at the Good Enough to Eat joint on Columbus Avenue. There are waffles stuffed with bacon, sharp cheddar, and many other options to lift your spirits. If you’d like to get a real feel of Manhattan, head to Sarabeth’s. This is an upscale, green-awning classic that specializes in fun twists. Other mentionable brunch spots include the Caffe Storico, which is located inside the New York Historical Society. Barney Greengrass and Zabar’s are both excellent places to grab the classic New York morning meal – bagels and lox!
Upscale dining opportunities
The Upper West Side is a well-acknowledged upscale dining center. There’s a long list on the menu if you are looking for an awesome place to sit down for a lovely dinner. Tessa and RedFarm are among the most favorite picks in the area. The Leopard at des Artistes and Bar Boulud are two more places that need no introduction. Jean Georges is one of the top-rated French restaurants in the world. Tom Valenti’s Ouest has red leather booths where you can relax as you sip a martini. Farm-fresh dishes are also available here. The Fish Tag is a renowned Mediterranean seafood spot, while the Time Warner Center hosts acclaimed restaurants such as Thomas Keller’s Per Se, and A Voce Landmarc. Indeed, there’s not enough space on this page to explore all of Upper West Side’s finest dining spots.
Vibrant nightlife
Upper West Side has plenty of nightlife for your adventurous side. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center serves live jazz every night, and offers fantastic soul food and drinks. Another great place to enjoy jazz while you eat is Cleopatra’s Needle – located at 92nd Street along Broadway. Their mostly Middle Eastern menu is very popular. At The Dead Poet, cocktails are named after authors, so you can gulp down Robert Frost or Edgar Allan Poe. If you’re looking for an open air bar, there’s no better place to be than the Boat Basin Café.
Shopping
Some of the busiest commercial shopping strips in Upper West Side include Broadway, Columbus Avenue, and Amsterdam Avenue. Zabar’s – located on Broadway – opened its doors back in 1934 as a counter for smoked fish. Today – it’s a major spot where folks stop for bagels, coffee, knishes, homemade soups, and fish. Across the street at Westsider Rare and Used Books is a haven for bookworms. Here, you can find some very rare selections. Knitty City is the place to be if you need tools to complete any type of project. Across the American Museum of national History is the 79th Street Greenmarket, where you can stock up a week’s worth of fresh produce.
Recreation
The Upper West Side is one of the city’s best green spaces. Its literary sandwiched between stunning waterfront views and green spaces. Riverside Park sprinkles in some green along the Trump-constructed condos that loom overhead. It’s one of many extended parks and paths along the Hudson River that go all the way downtown. All this scenic stretch is calibrated by running and biking paths, playgrounds, tennis courts, cafes, public art, and baseball fields. In warmer months, the Manhattan Community Boathouse offers free kayaking tips from the 72nd Street pier. New York’s most popular park, Central Park, run’s alongside Upper West Side’s eastern boundary. Central park offers immense recreational opportunities, from the 55-acre Great Lawn to the Shakespeare Garden and Strawberry Fields.