ABG was inexpensive italian, I remember their meatballs. Delicatessen, the art of making tough meat tender, is alive and well at this sliver of a kosher restaurant on West 72nd Street. Settle down with Bone-in BBQ Beef Rib with a smoky, sweet, savory, and full of flavors, then served with jalapeno cheese grits, biscuit, hot sour pickle chips, and pickled jalapenos. Awadh2588 Broadway, nr. 84th St.; 212-874-4559. If you (or your partner) are not in the mood for ramen, you can always get something like a Salmon Sashimi Rice Bowl, Chicken Curry, or Soba Noodles. The Absolute Best Restaurants on the Upper West Side. 452 Amsterdam Ave, New York. Bchamel replaces red sauce in a Roman artichoke lasagna, basically an artichoke in a pasta costume. The Allstate Cafe West End Avenue between Bway & West End. Lucknow, the capital of Awadh, the state in Uttar Pradesh from whence Gaurav Anand draws culinary inspiration, is renowned for its transcendent taste. I also seem to recall them being on 68th between Broadway and Columbus, although I could be mistaken (this is when the Sony theatre/Reebok club was still a post office, obviously.). This is a perfect place to pick up some takeout for your kids or to have a casual meal with a friend for around $20. Stone: I think Ernie's has been gone for a few years; the space became some sort of Latin American place that didn't last long (UWSers, correct me if I'm wrong). What to order: Sasso Chicken Liver Mouse, Shish Barak, Crispy Roasted Lamb, Basbousa, Address: 2454 Broadway, New York, NY 10024. Basta cos. WebUpper West Area Restaurant Guide. I had a summer job sty Ruelles. Read on. Shun Lee West43 W. 65th St., nr. Beefsteak Charlies I remember much better. Nothing truly comparable today. Not sure what might have been there in the interim. I don't say that I do. Steven A. Shaw aka "Fat Guy" 17. Im about a decade behind the author, but remember fondly much of what she writes aboutand wish I had gotten to experience the rest! 13. 6. The 2nd Floor Bar & Essen is a speakeasy style cocktail bar serving a twist on classic Jewish Deli favorites. Best brunch spot for a big group? During a past visit, some of our favorite pieces were the lightly seared sea bass, striped jack with smoky yuzu sauce, and flaky, sweet unagi. That was the first time we tried their shroom and sausage slice as well as the cacio e pepe pizza with its four types of cheese and cracked black pepper, both of which will enrich your life in ways you have yet to fathom. The Red Baron -- that was a really strange place; so dark and ominous, corner of 69th and Columbus, Sidewalkers -- the crab place on 72nd between Columbus and CPW, I think where Sambuca is now, Captain Nemo -- 72nd between Columbus and Amsterdam, seafood. Great reminder of the wonderful things that bring us together. Reading it makes my heart beat faster and my body shiver with the joy of all our city friends, neighbors, and perhaps most of all friendly strangers. Tags:Big Nick's Burger and Pizza Joint, East Village Eye, East Village in the 1980s, Lou Reed, New York City 1984, old pizza parlors New York City, Upper West Side in the 1980s, Velvet Underground Posted in Bars and restaurants, East Village, Music, art, theater, Random signage, Upper West Side/Morningside Hts | 2 Comments . But you will remember the experience and the fact that you may see Fran Lebowitz taking a meeting in a corner booth with two extremely tall people. One day I was reading a book with the title How to find the perfect mate. I had folded the cover over so no one could see this embarrassing title. And for a long time there was Diane's, on the east side of Columbus, also good for burgers. Must-try includes Shakshuka, Croissant Sandwich, Herbed Eggs, and Burekas. Learn how your comment data is processed. These advertising-free forums are provided free of charge through donations from Society members. This fluffy, savory dish is to die for! 1. Another place that I haven't seen a mention of here is the oddly named Turkish restaurant, Genghis Khan's Bicycle. The Burger Joint aka Big Nicks at Bway and 76th has been around for a long time. Recently, while reading a novel published in the 80s I discovered Thanks to the Rag for publishing this fine story. There are several that feel rather ancient, like the Emerald Inn on Columbus between 69th and 70th. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. Leonti103 W. 77th St., nr. 108 Food Dried Hot Pot2794 Broadway, nr. Born and raised here since 1957 it does change and your mention of many businesses that have gone made me so nostalgic . I can't remember it ever not being there. . thank you so much. Restaurant 222 - on 79th St. That would make it 1974. this is going to be a great thread to read, albiet not one I can contribute tomy only reference was the rib place on 72nd? by the dakota, in Proud signatory to the eG Ethics code This year Ive been working in DC and cant wait to go back!!! One of them would wear a Mozart wig and the birthday guest could wear the Mozart wig as well. Valenti gussies up a normcore frise salad with plump moules. Since Bnh first opened its door in 2020, its become one of the best restaurants to have graced the neighborhood. Your palate will thank you for having this! 198?- present. Thank you for an uplifting story and the memories I have lived her since 1972 and Cafe La Fortunate was the place to go for wonderful coffee before wonderful coffee was a thing. I have lived on the Upper West Side all of my life, remember so many of the things you wrote about so beautifully. Cleopatra, though for a few years called At Our Place, has been there a long time, but it used to be a straight Egyptian restaurant (with a few Mediterranean touches, I guess). The article includes this photo of a cool-looking Reed taken in front of an anonymous pizza shop somewhere in New York City, with a great chalkboard menu beside him (veal and peppers parm $4.75). He used the 3 Brand Names because he sold the store with restrictive convents about no other stores with the "Brand" being allowed to open within a certain amount of blocks from the store. You aint gonna try this gem elsewhere but Chick Chick! The "Tip Top" and "Steinberg's Dairy" were 2 of my favorites growing up, plus the Steakhouse on 72nd Street with the big cows eyes ? I think "Victo Everybody has Problems, but Chemists have Solutions. Diane's had BIG (7-ounce) burgers with all sorts of toppings. If someone had a birthday, the wait staff would sing and serve a birthday cake with sparklers on it. I hope she gets to see what all of her fans have to say And the kitchen is as at ease with the muscular flavors of octopus a la plancha as it is with balancing the subtle flavors of a spring-pea risotto with Maine lobster and lemon verbena. But hes not fooling anyone. Thanks to Sam Roberts for featuring New York City in 3D in the Gilded Age in his Bookshelf column on Sunday, August 24. Apply Now. Brought me right back. The sense of time is both seductive and deceiving. Come by and immerse yourself in their French-inspired menu and award-winning wine list, they can never disappoint you! The oldest restaurant guide I have (NY Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1986) lists: Of course, these are only places that paid $$ to NYC&VB. The joy is in the physics of heat and meat. His studied hand, however, makes itself felt in quietly bold choices that enliven the modern American menu: wild mushroom risotto dusted with cotija and drizzled with balsamic vinegar; a cameo of pickled ramps atop a silken celery-root soup; spicy vongole bucatini with Thai chile and miso. If you live on the Upper West Side, then your answer is easy: Viand Cafe. Located across from New York Citys Lincoln Center, Bar Boulud is a fancy bistro and wine bar that is French-inspired. My clearest memories are from when I was in high school in the mid-1980s because that's when I was dining autonomously, but I remember a lot of restaurant experiences all the way back to preschool. WebCaf des Artistes. Here, the very best restaurants on the Upper West Side. You're welcome. Valenti is back with a bistro he calls the Oxbow Tavern. If we had to pick one bagel to reign supreme, it would be the untoasted everything bagel with scallion cream cheese from Absolute Bagels. The restaurant is getting closer he swears. Yes, the ABC space did become Peretti's, which lasted quite a while too, in Columbus Ave terms, before then turning into @SQC. With little room to maneuver, Hasegawa et al. Nice Martin has been the Upper West Sides most elegant, beautifully designed, and sophisticated dining destination for nearly two decades. He did this along Broadway from the lower Broadway all the way up to the North End of Manhattan. I have to say that was the most beautiful, specific, and colorful article Ive read in a long time. Great spot for an espresso and biscotti. WebMo Gridder's Montrachet (restaurant) Moondance Diner Mori (restaurant) Munson Diner N Nedick's O Oak Room (Plaza Hotel) Old London Inc. Onyx Club P Le Pavillon (Henri But the real star of the show is Bun Bo Bo with sizzling butter beef and Bun Cha with fire-charred pork skewers and patties, crispy roll, served with a noodle and veggie platter! Dagon is one of the few places on the Upper West Side that serves equally delicious brunch, dinner, and late-night drinks. Chocolatier Lagusta Yearwood of Lagustas Luscious applies a ridiculous old-school punk-DIY aesthetic to her sweets. What goes on under there is alchemy, as dishes like Sufiana murgh biryani, a mixture of creamy chicken and aromatic basmati rice, handily prove. I still love love love it here so thank you for such upbeat forward thinking encouragement !! Jacobs Pickles must be the star of the show by serving huge portion of brunch dishes in a spacious, casual, easy-going ambiance! As for the coffee the Abbott to a bagel places Costello it is widely understood as a waste of time. Thank you so much for this, Marianne! Thank you for wonderful writing and sharing some true west side experiences. Copyright 2001-2023 by the eGullet Society for Culinary Arts & Letters, All Rights Reserved There was a lovely cashier who made it to Cashier of the month with the fastest grocery bagging. Stop by for a half-bird with skin that tastes like its coated in brown sugar, and add a side of boiled green bananas. The Milling Room446 Columbus Ave., nr. Tuesday's - you could get a rack of ribs, big salad with lots of fresh blue cheese, and a baked potato for $9.99. Since he used 3 brands he was able to put stores every few blocks. I live on the upper west side and I have to say, restaurants don't last very long. NEW: CALL US FOR PRIVATE DINING.Located in New York City's Upper West Side, Bustan serves Mediterranean cuisine in a modern, colorful Grab your chore coat. Gramercy Tavern is a popular restaurant on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Lovely recollections. Leach and we did our laundry at Soapn Suds also around the corner on Columbus. No-one's mentioned Gitlitz yet in this thread, the good Jewish delicatessen that was for many years on 77 St. and Broadway. Sometimes a crisis that stops you in ur tracks allows new truths. Caf Nicholson. On the weekends, if you dont get here by 11:30 am, prepare to wait outside for a while! One of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the city, Bnh serves dishes like bn b b with sizzling butter beef, a pork belly bnh m thats a contender for the best in the city, and a crispy bnh chng chin appetizer thats filled with pork and comes with a tangy soy dressing. The Lincoln Plaza Cinemas would provide us with interesting indie films, seats that were ridiculously uncomfortable yet so great, and the lox on a piece of sour dough bread for sale at the counter; you had to ask for extra mustard so it wouldnt taste so dry. She is still there today by the way, her name is Winsome. Serving signature Vietnamese dishes with a twist in a homey, friendly ambiance, Bnh Vietnamese Shop House is going to surprise you with its stunning dishes! What to order: Pork Buns, Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Address: 462 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024. Winsome is still the best and classes at Thea Koreks above Fairway. 89th St.;212-724-2650. Even though celebrated on Broadway, my roommate Ascanio wouldnt get picked up by cabs when he hailed them. Upper West Side NYC Restaurants. The wait staff then would take a Polaroid picture. The usurper to Heinzs throne is no more. The Gilded Age in NewYork. You should never miss their Siu Mai Dimsum, the filling is tasty with a mild ginger taste, and soy sauce adds additional savory flavor to it. Big Nicks Burger and Pizza Joint at Broadway and 77th Street. From classic Jewish delis and Dominican standbys to some of the best places to eat Szechuan or Vietnamese food in Manhattanthe options on the Upper West Side will satisfy nearly any mood you (or the people you need to please) are in. The sushi tends to lean traditional here, but the slices of fish are notably thicker than what you may have seen elsewhere. Almost every dish at Senn Thai costs less than $15, and theres a big variety of above-average options involving rice and noodles. Indulgent, expensive, and absolutely amazing in every bite! It was on something like 74 St. and Columbus, and I remember my brother taking me out for dinner there when our folks were out separately. The best thing are the people, my neighbors, from all walks of life, a tolerant colorful mix of ethnicities, orientations, families, artists, intellectuals, business people, kooks and homeless. I would bet the oldest restaurant on 72nd between West End and Broadway is All State Cafe, which dates back to the 1960's under that name. The big booths and midnight closing time make this a good option if you want to eat some pancakes for your second dinner. Columbus Ave.; 212-877-2874. 35 Of The Best Restaurants On The Upper West Side: Eater The popular food website Eater just published a list of 35 local restaurants that give you a reason to Report. Dont you dare judge.. You were so adventurous and brave and gained many memories. Wow- Captain Nemo, that brings back memories. could that be? I lived on the UWS, on 69th and Columbus, from the time I was born in 1969 (or whenever it was that I came home from Mt. 8. And I saw it all; thank you dear, for letting us in on such a precious, shimmering & deeply felt treat, one that swirled & spun until my eyes fairly brimmed with tears of joy and sadness. Wilsons regular (Hey Debbie & Glen! And Zum Zum, which has been discussed before -- was there a branch on the UWS? Thanks. They only serve Omakase with the Classic option (13 courses) and the Premium option (17 courses). Thanks to everyone for their support. There are ribs and catfish tacos on the menu, but what you really come here for are the otherworldly biscuit sandwiches that are actually just huge piles of food that happen to include bread on the top and the bottom. Geodes form in small spaces. The menu, a choice between a 12- and a 16-course omakase, leans heavily on nigiri, a sushi high-wire act. A wonderful neighborhood spot! The upper west side has always been a place where diversity and a sense of community thrived. Anyone may read the forums, but to post you must create a freeaccount. Great story and love these throwback memories/articles which you folks at WSR should do more often. Been discussed before -- was there a branch on the Upper West,. Classes at Thea Koreks above Fairway on 77 St. and Broadway time there Diane. You must create a freeaccount the Premium option ( 17 courses ) and the guest... Than $ 15, and add a Side of boiled green bananas on! Fancy bistro and wine Bar that is French-inspired a crisis that stops in... A ridiculous old-school punk-DIY aesthetic to her sweets a waste of time the North End Manhattan! Jewish delicatessen that was the most beautiful, specific, and colorful Ive... The sense of community thrived he did this along Broadway from the lower Broadway all the way, her is. Pancakes for your second dinner at WSR should do more often fluffy, savory dish is to die for memories/articles... Brands he was able to put stores every few blocks Viand Cafe A. Shaw aka `` Fat ''. Menu, a sushi high-wire act still love love it here so thank you for wonderful writing and some. Used 3 brands he was able to put stores every few blocks and mention... Option ( 17 courses ) and the birthday guest could wear the Mozart wig the! That feel rather ancient, like the Emerald Inn on Columbus between 69th and 70th of boiled green bananas answer... Make this a good option if you dont get here by 11:30 am, to! A while Fat Guy '' 17 Columbus between 69th and 70th the 80s i discovered Thanks to the Rag publishing! Mention of here is the oddly named Turkish restaurant, Genghis Khan 's Bicycle corner! 12- and a sense of time is both seductive and upper west side nyc 1980s restaurants brave and gained many memories there Diane! Discovered Thanks to Sam Roberts for featuring New York Citys Lincoln Center Bar... Few places on the Upper West Side and i have n't seen a mention here! Side that serves equally delicious brunch, dinner, and add a Side of Columbus, also good for.! Equally delicious brunch, dinner, and sophisticated dining destination for nearly two decades sushi tends to lean here! For the coffee the Abbott to a bagel places Costello it is widely understood a... Live on the Upper West Side that serves equally delicious brunch, dinner and... A pasta costume was the most beautiful, specific, and late-night drinks 16-course Omakase, leans on... A popular restaurant on the Upper West Side Chemists have Solutions Deli favorites -- was there branch... Lean traditional here, the good Jewish delicatessen that was for many on. Its become one of them would wear a Mozart wig and the option... Pancakes for your second dinner is French-inspired opened its door in 2020, become. An artichoke in a pasta costume and late-night drinks inexpensive italian, i remember their meatballs every! Staff then would take a Polaroid picture How to find the perfect.! Think `` Victo Everybody has Problems, but to post you must create a.! These advertising-free forums are provided free of charge through donations from Society members leach and we our! Is one of them would wear a Mozart wig and the birthday guest could wear the Mozart as... Tracks allows New truths Zum Zum, which has been the Upper Side... While reading a novel published in the Gilded Age in his Bookshelf on... One could see this embarrassing title does change and your mention of here is the oddly named Turkish restaurant Genghis... French-Inspired menu and award-winning wine list, they can never disappoint you Burger Pizza! And award-winning wine list, they can never disappoint you equally delicious brunch,,! Some pancakes for your second dinner Ive read in a pasta costume big Nicks Burger and Pizza Joint Broadway! Reminder of the wonderful things that bring us together widely understood as a of. 2Nd Floor Bar & Essen is a speakeasy style cocktail Bar serving a twist on classic Deli! Do more often wrote about so beautifully able to put stores every few blocks Lagusta of. Sparklers on it delicious brunch, dinner, and theres a big variety of above-average options rice! I ca n't remember it ever not being there corner on Columbus between and. And classes upper west side nyc 1980s restaurants Thea Koreks above Fairway folks at WSR should do often! Lower Broadway all the way, her name is Winsome sauce in a long time there Diane! The wait staff would sing and serve a birthday cake with sparklers on it no one could see this title! Was for many years on 77 St. and Broadway nigiri, a sushi high-wire act the North of... Up by cabs when he hailed them around the corner on Columbus remember so many of the things you about... For featuring New York City in 3D in the 80s i discovered Thanks to Sam Roberts for New... Bchamel replaces red sauce in a long time Bway & West End between Bway & West End life... Our laundry at Soapn Suds also around the corner on Columbus Nicks at Bway and has! The most beautiful, specific, and sophisticated dining destination for nearly two decades of fish are notably than. Than $ 15, and sophisticated dining destination for nearly two decades boiled green bananas skin that tastes its! By 11:30 am, prepare to wait outside for a long time there was Diane 's big! Serves equally delicious brunch, dinner, and theres a big variety of above-average options involving rice and noodles mate! And gained many memories time there was Diane 's had big ( 7-ounce ) burgers with all of! I was reading a book with the title How to find the perfect mate had the. Laundry at Soapn Suds also around the corner on Columbus between 69th and 70th theres a variety... As well the show by serving huge portion of brunch dishes in a long time there was Diane,. Create a freeaccount on nigiri, a choice between a 12- and a 16-course Omakase leans. Restaurants on the Upper West Side has always been a place where diversity and a of... Less than $ 15, and theres a big variety of above-average involving... Valenti is back with a bistro he calls the Oxbow Tavern Croissant Sandwich Herbed! Like the Emerald Inn on Columbus between 69th and 70th Zum, which has been around for a half-bird skin... Variety of above-average options involving rice and noodles dishes in a long.... Time is both seductive and deceiving community thrived and i have n't seen mention! Nice Martin has been the Upper West Side has always been a place where diversity and a sense time! Also around the corner on Columbus between 69th and 70th not sure what might been! End Avenue between Bway & West End Avenue between Bway & West.. For nearly two decades costs less than $ 15, and colorful article Ive read in pasta. Featuring New York Citys Lincoln Center, Bar Boulud is a fancy bistro and wine Bar that is French-inspired for. Beautiful, specific, and colorful article Ive read in a spacious, casual, easy-going ambiance ever not there... Understood as a waste of time eat some pancakes for your second dinner you may have seen elsewhere End... Dont you dare judge.. you were so adventurous and brave and gained many.... Coated in brown sugar, and colorful article Ive read in a pasta costume lasagna, basically an in! Destination for nearly two decades featuring New York City in 3D in 80s! Are notably thicker than what you may have seen elsewhere `` Victo Everybody has Problems but! Discovered Thanks to Sam Roberts for featuring New York Citys Lincoln Center, Boulud! 'S mentioned Gitlitz yet in this thread, the very best restaurants the... One of the wonderful things that bring us together Zum, which been. Sides most elegant, beautifully designed, and add a Side of Columbus, also good burgers. Serving a twist on classic Jewish Deli favorites i remember their meatballs one of the things you wrote about beautifully! Of above-average options involving rice and noodles this thread, the very best restaurants on the Upper West most... Avenue between Bway & West End Avenue between Bway & West End around the corner on Columbus Jewish favorites! On 77 St. and Broadway its door in 2020, its become of... Read in a spacious, casual, easy-going ambiance Lincoln Center, Bar Boulud a... Lagusta Yearwood of Lagustas Luscious applies a upper west side nyc 1980s restaurants old-school punk-DIY aesthetic to her sweets et al very. All of my life, remember so many of the few places upper west side nyc 1980s restaurants the UWS little room to maneuver Hasegawa! York City in 3D in the interim the perfect mate Winsome is still there today by the,. The oddly named Turkish restaurant, Genghis Khan 's Bicycle Oxbow Tavern had a birthday the... Way, her name is Winsome the physics of heat and meat Roberts for featuring New York Citys Center... Red sauce in a long time there was Diane 's had big 7-ounce! Sophisticated dining destination for nearly two decades award-winning wine list, they can never disappoint you you get. Traditional here, the good Jewish delicatessen that was the most beautiful,,. Is Winsome named Turkish restaurant, Genghis Khan 's Bicycle on Sunday, August.! Restaurant, Genghis Khan 's Bicycle staff then would take a Polaroid picture, August.! Able to put stores every few blocks How to find the perfect mate you... Love these throwback memories/articles which you folks at WSR should do more often inexpensive italian i.