Dinner earlier than 6 p.m.
If you want to make the most out of your UWS experience, we suggest getting a good dinner in early. You can head to the Italian restaurant if you missed it at lunch. Bosino On 103rd. The restaurant is located in a charming alcove, with outdoor dining available in warmer months. Sicilian The service is almost family-like. The classic lasagna, the mushroom cream tortellini and the margherita are all highlights of the menu. You’d also be remiss not to ask about the specials for the evening, such as a braised rib ravioli. If you’re in the mood to try a new type of noodle or pasta, Jin Ramen The bowl of Tonkotsu at 82nd & Amsterdam is delicious. To get a taste of both East and West, Flor de Mayo Combining Chinese and Peruvian Cuisines This dinner is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisines. Georgian Food at Chama Mama is another great option—first timers will do well to order the Taste of Georgia platter for a smattering of dips, veggies, housemade bread, and Georgian smoked cheese. Adjaruli Khachapuri, with its cheese pulls that are made to be captured, is another popular dish. The last option is: Sushi WYou can enjoy a reasonably priced omakase with an optional sake pair in a cozy and romantic setting.
7 p.m. Sneaking in some sweets
If you held off on seeing a dessert menu at dinner, that actually might’ve been for the best as locals know you’re not without—perhaps even better—options elsewhere. The newly opened Softside Soft serve sugar cones are the perfect summer treat. They have four basic flavors: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and pistachio, but we recommend mixing it up with one of their sundaes like the Riff made with honey, olive oil, and sea salt, or their brûléed banana split. You’d rather indulge in something warm, gooey and delicious? Visit one of the most popular bakeries in the city: Levain. They cookies Like little mountains, they are made of layers of buttery cookie dough and chocolate chips. These cookies are for the Big Apple. Janie’s is another tasty option—order at least one pie crust cookie!—tucked away downstairs on 80th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam.
There are so many ice cream flavors to choose from, but our favorite is Salt & Straw, a West Coast favorite, finally arrived in NYC in last year. They opened two locations in NYC, one on the Upper West Side in Manhattan and the other in the West Village. Flavors often riff on the classics in unexpected ways—in the fall, for example, order Apple and Cheddar Cinnamon Rolls or Pear and Blue Cheese (the less adventurous might opt for the Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough).
8 p.m. Entertainment in the evening
White glove scene Lincoln Center Adds a touch of extravagance to an evening out (dress for the opera, ballet or New York PhilharmonicCrawling through the neighborhood jazz bars can be a wonderful way to experience live performances that are a bit more low-key. Only a few minutes from Lincoln Center. Dizzy’s Club Its rotating seasonal menu offers bites and views of Manhattan. The restaurant is located between 105th-106th Streets. Smoke Jazz & Supper Club It’s the ideal place for a dinner and show. This is all exposed brick with moody red curtains and a baby grands on the stage. Jazz, blues and Latin music are all part of the regular program, with soft lighting bringing friends from the shadows. Look ahead to find out who is playing at the Beacon—it’s a popular tour spot for comedians and musicians.
Sips and tipples at 10 p.m.
There’s no better place to dispel the myth that the Upper West Side of New York is one of those rare neighborhoods where people go to bed after sunset than to visit our legendary bars. Dive Bar Down on 96th claims to serve “beer that is as cold as the heart of your ex.” Some brews are as low as $5 per pint. Dive Bar, as its name suggests, welcomes those who want to let loose and indulge in some buffalo wings, nachos, or both. You don’t have to worry if you want to take a few photos of yourself in your best night out outfit. Nobody Told Me serves sophisticated light bites like oysters on the half shell and buttoned-up cocktails like the vodka and elderflower-forward Morningside—a nightcap worth dressing up for. It’s a great choice if you just ate at Sushi W, given its proximity. Drop by Tiki Chick If you want a frozen beverage (and, if you are hungry, the $5 fried-chicken sandwich is one of the best deals you can find), head to E’s Enjoy a beer with a spicy margarita or play board games.
Where to Stay
The Upper West Side is largely residential, so we recommend staying nearby instead—check out our list of the best Midtown Manhattan hotelsYou can also head to the iconic landmark across the park. Carlyle, The MarkIf you want to know more about a specific topic, please click on the link. The Surrey.
Madison Flager
Associate commerce director
Madison Flager is an Associate Commerce Director for Condé Nast Traveler, Where she is in charge of travel bookings, and the shopping content. She lived on the Upper West Side in New York for six long years before moving slightly north to Harlem.
Kat Chen
Kat Chen is a journalistic assistant at Condé Nast Traveler She is currently working on Destination Guides. She has lived in the UWS since 2005 before making the jump over the Hudson River.
