Traveling to the Upper East Side - home to Gossip Girl, high fashion & beautiful brownstones?! Whatever the reason you're staying in the UES, we want you to experience it like the locals do (a.k.a. how one of our founders spends her weekend).
☕ Hutch & Waldo ($$)
Australian café all about community culture, flavor and vibe
Start your day with our friends at Hutch & Waldo! This spot is perfect for coffee drinks, along with seasonal & wholesome daytime bites. We recommend dropping by for a latte/iced matcha or grabbing a casual bite and sitting outside (no covering or heaters).
🍴 : Menu
📍: 247 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028
Central Park
We know. We know. Every movie, tv show & blogger in the world is sure to mention Central Park when visiting NYC. And while it may be a tourist symbol, it truly is an urban sanctuary that brought New Yorkers so much joy, peace and comfort especially throughout the pandemic. It is the most visited park in the U.S. and the most filmed location in the world for a reason.
If you're staying in the UES, take your coffee from Hutch & Waldo on the go and stroll to one of the East Side entrances along 5th Ave.
We recommend walking around Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, strolling by the Great Lawn towards the Belvedere Castle, visiting the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, and relaxing in Sheep Meadow. You can easily spend the day wandering, biking, picnicking or reading the many bench tributes throughout the park.
Pro Tip: you can almost always find street performers along 'The Mall' or under the arches of the Bethesda Fountain.
BRUNCH | DINNER | DRINKS
Pil Pil ($$)
From bottomless brunch to romantic dinners under the Tuscan "trees".
Brick walls, tree branches on the ceiling & colored bottles set the scene for this Spanish tapas & wine bar that we're in love with. Head here for bottomless brunch drinks ($20.95 per person - 90 minutes limit) or stop by for dinner! Choose a region from Spain and enjoy three different tapas for only $19.95.
🍴 : Menu
📷: @pilpilnyc
📍: 265 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075
The Penrose ($$)
Where intimate dates and endless people watching can be accomplished in one sitting.
Cradled in the heart of the Upper East Side, The Penrose is welcoming all who seek friendly company, good conversation, and solid drinks. Inspired by old American and Cork traditions, they serve locally sourced foods, well crafted brews, and drinks to please all. This spot is a go-to for brunch or late night drinks. Cozy up in one of their vintage booths with a new date or snag one of their beer hall style tables with all your friends!
🍴 : Menu
📷: @penrosebar
📍: 1590 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
AOC East ($$)
Where romance & good food go hand in hand.
French bistro & wine bar with covered & heated outdoor seating and a cozy & romantic vibe inside. This spot is perfect for dinner with friends or a date night. The staff is friendly and doesn't make you feel rushed. We recommend the French onion soup, burger or sliders, truffle fries, and pasta carbonara.
Bonus: Great spot for live music! ♫ ♬
🍴 : Menu
📷: @aoceast
📍: 1590 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10028
Want a more personalized experience while you're visiting!? Pick one of our travel plans, then Text Faros for recommendations, reservations & local insights before and during your trip!
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