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
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 cocktails), 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. 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
4. 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
5. 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 cocktails.
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
6. Papaya King
The beloved hot dog joint faced a real scare when its original corner location was demolished for luxury condos. But New Yorkers breathed a massive sigh of relief when Papaya King triumphantly relocated just down the block! It’s still the ultimate spot for a classic NYC hot dog. Their original combo gets you two franks topped with kraut, relish, and onions, plus one of their house-made tropical drinks (Pina Colada, Strawberry Fields, Coconut Champagne, and of course, Papaya). If you’re looking for a late-night snack under $10, Papaya King retains its crown.
📍 206 East 86th Street
7. 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
8. Aunt Jake’s
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
9. Lexington Candy Shop
Since 1925, Lexington Candy Shop has been a respected, long-standing business that just celebrated its monumental 100th anniversary! (And don’t believe the wild internet hoaxes that circulated in 2025 claiming they had closed—they are very much alive and well!).
This luncheonette is an old-school joint serving “Lexington butter” cheeseburgers, club sandwiches, tuna melts, and pancakes. At their iconic soda fountain, you can get shakes, floats, and their viral made-from-scratch Coca-Cola. Lexington Candy Shop is a literal time capsule preserving the absolute best of authentic American dining.
📍 1226 Lexington Avenue
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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 cocktails (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
13. 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
14. 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
15. Shoo Shoo
Shoo Shoo has officially settled in uptown—and brought its sun-soaked Mediterranean soul with it! Taking over a beautiful new space, this Nolita favorite’s polished Upper East Side twin sister is serving up vibrant mezze, schnitzel, and cocktails in a rare corner-patio moment that’s making the neighborhood very jealous.
Our favorites: the hummus, labneh, baba-ganoo-shoo, Greek salad, octopus, chicken schnitzel, and grilled branzino.
📍 1477 2nd Avenue
Desserts
16. 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
17. 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
18. 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
19. 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 cocktails!
📍1679 3rd Avenue
20. 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
21. Ethyl’s Bar & Restaurant
Ethyl’s is a time capsule of the 70s. This themed bar acts as a host for specialty cocktails, go-go dance performances, and an unbeatably eccentric vibe suited for unleashing your inner party animal.
But the best new addition? Beloved local Italian sandwich shop Regina’s Grocery recently moved its operations inside Ethyl’s, creating the ultimate disco-and-sandwich crossover. Come for the stellar happy hour from 5-7pm—where $5 gets you a choice of beer, wine, well cocktail, or a disco juice shot—and stay for an incredible hero.
📍 1629 2nd Avenue
22. 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
23. 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
24. 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 cocktails, 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
25. 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
26. 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
27. 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
Shopping
28. 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
29. 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
30. 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
31. 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
32. 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. Also, just opposite the park near Carnegie Mansion is The Church of the Heavenly Rest — a visually striking Upper East Side gem that’s free to enter.
📍 Between East 96th and 86th Street
Museums
33. 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
34. 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
35. 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
36. 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
37. 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!