The Upper East Side is a land of many things: Gossip Girl, The MET, and hot dogs. So don’t worry, we’re here to spill all the spots. XOXO, Secret NYC.
Nikole Rajgor - Staff Writer Intern•
The Upper East Side is an affluent neighborhood best known for its extravagance, but it’s also home to cozy restaurants, affordable thrift stores, and a Museum Mile beloved by all New Yorkers!
Here’s our guide to making the most out of the Upper East side!
Table Of Contents
- Cafes
- Desserts
- Bars
- Bookstores
- Shopping
- UES Parks
- Museums
Breakfast & Brunch
1. Green Kitchen
Green Kitchen is a casual spot providing a welcoming ambiance and solid breakfast. While their menu offers a wide variety of classic American breakfast foods, they’re most notable for their fluffy buttermilk pancakes, the batter of which they’ve been making fresh every morning since 1931! Their brunch specials menu includes cider mimosas (amongst other co*cktails), eggs Benedict, chicken & waffles, and more!
📍 1619 2nd Avenue
2. Gracie Mews
Gracie Mews is a family-owned diner with an extensive menu that includes omelets, specialty sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and even Mediterranean food!
Their breakfast, lunch and dinner options cater to people with all cultural diets, appetites, and cravings. Whether you want an Irish breakfast special or eggs “Mykonos style,” Gracie Mews has you covered.
📍 1550 1st avenue
3. Sojourn
Self-described as “The Upper East Side’s sexiest restaurant,” this New American eatery offers global cuisine in a modern setting—and a $30 weekend bottomless brunch! Their weekday dinner menu includes a happy hour from 4:30-6:30pm, where you can sip on $7 wine while dining on Kobe beef sliders, duck confit spring rolls, and manchego-chorizo croquettes!
📍 244 East 79th St
4. The Penrose
Aside from being one of the most iconic bars in the Upper East Side, The Penrose also offers two different brunch options, one on weekdays from 11AM-4PM, and a second one on weekends from 9:30-4PM. While the menu varies depending on the option, both menus offer pumpkin spice latte French toast sticks, veggie chimichanga and their signature Penrose burger.
📍1590 2nd avenue
Cafes
5. Innocent Yesterday
Innocent Yesterday (with a motto “Guilty Today”) presents an all plant-based menu that includes “build your own” mac-n-cheese, ice cream, and organic, locally grown coffee. Their hot chocolate, made with dark cocoa, molasses sugar and Madagascar vanilla bean, has the option of being iced and served with oat or soy milk.
This vegan bakery & café holds both indoor and outdoor space for those wanting to complete some work and grab a cup of coffee, and maybe even a Fruity Pebbles donut.
📍 252 East 77th St
6. Ralphs Coffee
Ralphs, owned by Ralph Lauren, is building a spot as one of the Upper East Side’s most beloved coffee shops. Its opulent interior is reflective of the neighborhood’s reputation for luxury. Located on Madison Avenue, their drinks taste as good as they look.
Most known for their cappuccinos, Ralphs does also make a good matcha latte, and it definitely doesn’t hurt that their hot drinks have foam art on them. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your morning coffee experience, Ralphs brings both elegance and specialty coffee blends!
📍 888 Madison Avenue
7. Hex & Co
For students, Hex & Co is the perfect after-class activity to wind down with friends. This gaming café holds over 1,000 board games and a unique menu that includes French toast waffle sticks, espresso drinks, and even co*cktails.
It costs $10 per player, but from Monday-Thursday, students can show their school ID for an $8 discount. Apart from board games, Hex & Co also offers signups for their youth and adult Dungeons and Dragons programs.
📍 1462 1st avenue
UES Diners & Restaurants
8. Papaya King
Recently, the beloved hot dog joint was in danger of closing. But people can only cross their fingers that Papaya King remains open, as this Upper East Side spot is the place to go when you want a classic New York City hot dog.
Their original combo comes with two hot dogs topped with kraut, relish, and onions, and one of their house-made tropical drinks. Among the flavors are star favorites such as Pina Colada, Strawberry Fields, Coconut Champagne, and of course, Papaya.
Their selection of fried treats includes pickles, Oreos, and curly fries. If you’re looking for a late-night snack under $10, Papaya King is a gem more than deserving of its title.
📍 179 East 86th street
9. Lex Restaurant
Located down the street from 92NY, Lex Restaurant is your classic Italian eatery. Apart from a sophisticated ambience, Lex offers an array of delicious pasta, meat and fish dishes. If you’re looking for a way to combine fine dining and Italian food on a night out, Lex is a reliable and consistent Upper East Side staple.
📍 1370 Lexington Avenue
10. Neils Coffee Shop
Despite the name, Neils is a diner (though they do serve coffee!). Whether you’re looking for a roast beef sandwich, or a late-night slice of their 7 layer chocolate cake, Neils has a never ending menu that also includes their famous burgers, vegetarian meals, Greek and Italian cuisine, and even special dishes named after Hunter College, which the diner is located a mere two blocks down from (students get a 10% discount).
Occasionally, their iconic exterior has been featured on shows such as American Horror Story and the Gossip Girl reboot.
📍 961 Lexington Avenue
11. Aunt Jakes
When unsure of what to eat, you can never go wrong with fresh, handmade pasta. For a price point average of $20, customers can customize their pasta by selecting their shape and sauce, with gluten-free and vegan options available.
Serving dishes both individual and family style, Aunt Jakes is the perfect choice for grabbing dinner with a friend, or celebrating a special occasion with family. On weekday evenings and weekend afternoons, the quaint Upper East Side spot hosts pasta-making classes and offers a 3-course prix-fixe menu.
📍 1555 2nd Avenue
12. Lexington Candy Shop
Since 1925, Lexington Candy Shop has been a respected, long-standing business, but has recently resurfaced to viral fame due to making their Coca-Cola from scratch!
This luncheonette is an old-school joint serving “Lexington butter” cheeseburgers, club sandwiches, tuna melts, and even pancakes. At their iconic soda fountain, you can get shakes, floats, and sodas, all made the old-fashioned way. With their flavors, Lexington Candy Shop is a time capsule savoring all the good traditions of authentic American dining.
📍 1226 Lexington Avenue
13. Sashimi Express I & II
Sashimi Express is a cash-only sushi place that has two locations on the Upper East Side: one on East 74th street, and another on East 78th. Offering a 3 rolls for $12 deal, this sushi spot prides itself on being “quick, affordable and fresh.” Depending on the location, there are other yummy options, such as seaweed salad, miso soup, and even bubble tea.
📍 226 East 78th & 223 East 74th Street
14. Centro Pizza
Centro is a neighborhood favorite for offering classic, reliable slices. Next door to Zazzy’s, another great pizza recommendation, Centro serves specialty slices such as penne vodka, buffalo chicken, and spinach and artichoke. Hot foods include sub sandwiches, chicken wings, Philly cheesesteaks, and pasta. Hopefully you leave some room for dessert, as they also sell slices of cake, tiramisu, cheesecake, and even cannoli’s.
📍 1469 2nd Avenue
15. THEP Thai
THEP, the Romanized version of the Thai word representing “divinity,” stays true to its namesake with its heavenly spin on Thai food.
Of course, signature Thai staples such as Pad Thai and Red Curry are served, but more contemporary dishes such as braised short rib udon.
Featured co*cktails (and mocktails!) include mules, mangogami, spiced cherry cola, and saffron rose soda. Thai food lovers wanting an advanced dining experience are encouraged to check this spot out!
📍 1439 2nd Avenue
16. Casa Birria NYC
If you shop right, you’re probably looking for a quick bite to eat afterwards. Casa Birria NYC is a Mexican food truck conveniently located on the 86th street shopping strip. This truck offers 3 for $10 tacos, consome to dip them in, tostadas, mulitas and quesadilla.
📍 East 86th St and Third Avenue
17. Butterfield Market
In the same vein as Whole Foods, Butterfield Market is an Upper East Side staple for those looking to shop for groceries or ready-made gourmet food. Prepared by Chef Jorge Flores, specials include spinach ricotta lasagna, turkey chili stuffed peppers, and roasted cauliflower with parmesan and garlic. There are also a variety of foods representing East Asian, Spanish, Italian, French and Mediterranean cuisines.
Make a pit stop to their bakery section for chocolate babka, strawberry French crullers, and house made hot chocolate. With two available locations on the Upper East Side, there should be plenty of reasons to check this gourmet market out.
📍1150 Madison Avenue and 1114 Lexington Avenue
Desserts
18. Chip City
As Crumbl makes waves with their first NYC location, ironically the Upper East Side, Chip City arguably holds solid competition with their own weekly assortment of cookies for the same price point. Among the flavor rotations is blueberry cheesecake, cannoli, Nutella sea salt, PB&J, lemon berry, everything bagel, and of course, a classic chocolate chip.
📍 1543 2nd Avenue
19. Anita La Mamma del Gelato
Apart from a beautiful green and gold exterior, Anita Gelato serves more than just looks. This gelato spot offers creamy gelato in unique flavors. Whether it’s refreshing mascarpone ricotta or a decadent Belgian chocolate, a taste of any scoop provides a delightful experience.
📍 1561 2nd Avenue
20. Sedutto
Sedutto leaves no ice cream flavor unnoticed. This spot carries over 40 different flavors, in both hard and soft serve. Amongst their specialty goods are spiked ice cream, espresso shakes, and ice cream/yogurt filled cupcakes. Not to mention, all of their ice cream and yogurt is Kosher!
📍 1498 1st Avenue
Bars
21. The District
If you’re looking for a classic bar serving good food, The District gives you the best of both worlds. Snack on some of their Bang Bang shrimp or nachos and chili while sipping on beer, wine, or even one of their signature co*cktails!
📍1679 3rd Avenue
22. The UES.
The UES is the definition of providing a unique spin on a “night out.” While you can simply go to this ice cream shop for a scoop, you can just as easily open the door adjacent to the register, which takes you to their very own speakeasy! In order to get in, you have to tell the person behind the ice cream bar the secret password: “I would like to visit the storage room.”
📍1707 2nd Avenue
23. Ethyl’s Alcohol & Food
Ethyl’s is a time capsule of the 70s. This themed bar acts as a host for speciality co*cktails, burgers, and go-go dance performances. They have a stellar happy hour from 5-7pm, where for $5, you can drink a choice of beer, wine, well co*cktail, or a disco juice shot. With eccentric vibes suited for those wishing to unleash their inner party animal, Ethyl’s is one of those places you have to experience at least once.
📍1629 2nd Avenue
24. The Toolbox
The Toolbox is a vessel for good drinks and an LGBT+ friendly atmosphere. This vibrant gay bar is truly one of a kind with their weekly themed events ranging from Karaoke nights on Tuesdays to a viewing party of Rupaul’s Drag Race every Friday night.
📍1742 2nd Avenue
25. Tacos & Tequila
Located right next to the Toolbox, Tacos & Tequila is a Mexican bar and restaurant offering more than just their namesake. This taqueria serves well-portioned plates of Mexican cuisine, from enchiladas, burritos, to even chilaquiles verdes. If you go between 12-7pm on weekdays (and weekends from 12-4pm), expect to pay $5-10 for one of their happy hour margaritas or sangrias.
📍1742 2nd Avenue
26. Iggy’s
Iggy’s is your standard Irish pub, with a flair for musicality. Outside of drinks, Iggy’s hosts karaoke everyday until 4 am! Along with their house co*cktails, the bar serves wines, beers, ciders and seltzers. While especially popular on Sundays during football season, each day offers a different event or drink special. Accompanied by a huge dance floor for those wishing to sing and dance, you’re guaranteed to have a good time at Iggy’s.
📍1452 2nd Avenue
Bookstores
27. The Corner Bookstore
The Corner Bookstore is a literature staple on the Upper East Side, selling an extensive collection of books of all genres, and hosting frequent events celebrating authors and the latest releases. Classics sell classics.
📍 1313 Madison Avenue
28. Choices Books & Gift Shop
For those interested in spirituality, Choices is well, a great choice. This shop sells an array of crystals, tarot decks, associated with energy, chakra, and other ways of nourishing your spirit, as well as religious goods for practitioners of Hinduism and Buddhism.
📍 220 East 78th Street
29. Albertine
A cozy bookstore with an enchanting celestial ceiling, Albertine brings the magic into reading. Located in the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, Albertine holds a record for having the largest French-language book collection in the United States.
📍972 5th Avenue
30. Unique Boutique
Unique Boutique is everything a thrift store should be: versatile and affordable. A small but bustling shop selling second-hand clothes, jewelry, ties, and other knickknacks, you can try your hand at finding your next wardrobe pieces at Unique Boutique.
📍1674 3rd Avenue
31. Thrift NYC
Thrift NYC is another small second-hand store selling unique, vintage finds for a $20-30 price range.
📍305 East 84th Street
UES Parks
32. Carl Schurz
The great thing about Carl Schurz is that you can go for two things: lounging amongst the beautiful greenery or marveling at the scenic East River waterfront that provides a front-row seat to views of Gracie Mansion, the Roosevelt Island lighthouse, Randall’s and Wards islands, and even the Triborough bridge.
📍East 86th Street and East End Avenue
33. John Jay
A small but facilities-heavy park with a basketball court and playground, John Jay is most popular in the summer for its public pool. With activities to do for both children and adults, this is a quintessential way of spending a warm day in NYC.
📍 FDR Drive, between East 76th and 78th Street
34. Central Park
Of course, Central Park isn’t a hidden gem by any means. But, if you happen to walk along the Museum Mile, it’s worth stopping by to catch a serene view of the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Especially once the cherry blossom trees bloom in the spring, or at night (preferably with a friend!) to see the moon when the city lights glimmer over the water.
📍 Between East 96th and 86th Street
Museums
35. MET Museum
Like Blair and Serena, The MET and the Upper East Side are inseparable. Why do you think the Gossip Girl characters frequently ate lunch on the steps? Aside from its world famous art, The MET has become a go-to place for date night, holding their very own weekly “date night” excursion on Friday and Saturday evenings.
📍1000 5th Avenue
36. Solomon R. Guggenheim
The Guggenheim Museum dedicates itself to being a gallery of the most innovative contemporary and modern art. A pivotal cultural and artistic addition to the highly acclaimed Museum Mile, The Guggenheim is known for its distinct architectural exterior, but hosts equally unique performances, exhibitions, and even workshops.
📍1071 5th Avenue
37. The Frick Madison
For those who have a particular interest in art from the Old Master era, The Frick Madison holds a striking collection of European paintings, sculptures, and other mediums. Currently, the original location is closed for renovation, but thankfully they opened up a temporary museum on Madison Avenue, for those wishing to marvel at their art as soon as possible.
📍945 Madison Avenue
38. Neue Galerie
Neue Galerie is a German and Austrian art museum displaying pieces from the early 20th century. You can shop, dine, and browse the variety of fantastic exhibitions presented by the museum.
Austrian-cuisine based Cafe Sabarsky hosts weekly cabaret performances, while Cafe Fledermaus hosts a Viennese-style movie screening with drinks and snacks every Friday. And while you’re there, make sure to check out Gustav Klimt’s “The Woman in Gold,” which is permanently on display at the museum.
📍1048 Madison Avenue
39. The Jewish Museum
A powerhouse for Jewish art and culture, The Jewish Museum is one of the oldest of its kind in the world, and the first in the United States! Celebrating 4,000 years worth of Jewish history, the museum has an extensive collection of nearly 30,000 pieces.
With a multitude of programs, performances, and even a film festival, this museum is an epicenter of media appreciating the Jewish experience, and an exhilarating visit that people from all backgrounds should make.
📍1109 5th Avenue
40. Asia Society
Offering a diverse collection of Asian and Asian-American art, Asia Society explores the many paths that traditional and contemporary artists can take with their respective work. Representing artists from varying regions of Asia, the assortment of paintings, sculptures and performances makes this a museum well-worth seeing if you are looking to appreciate the myriad of Asian cultures.
📍725 Park Avenue
If you’re looking for more under the radar museums, you can also check out The American Irish Historical Society, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design, and Society of Illustrators!
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