Guidebook for New York
Drinks & Nightlife
Full service bar with menu. One of many bars in this, a University Neighborhood, and a good place to meet up with friends; Nutella Donut-Holes are only available only select days but they are divine!
24 locals recommend
Amsterdam Tavern
938 Amsterdam AvenueFull service bar with menu. One of many bars in this, a University Neighborhood, and a good place to meet up with friends; Nutella Donut-Holes are only available only select days but they are divine!
One of many college bars in the area, but one of the best. Serves bar food. Ideal as a hang-out for our college guests.
31 locals recommend
The Heights Bar & Grill
2867 BroadwayOne of many college bars in the area, but one of the best. Serves bar food. Ideal as a hang-out for our college guests.
Broadway Dive
2662 BroadwayFor those that can't do without PBR.
Lion's Head Tavern
995 Amsterdam Ave20 cent Wings on Mondays during Football season. 'Nuff Said.
One of 2-3 sports bars within a block. This is a favorite because of its large selection of good beers on tap; all sports screened here including soccer.
12 locals recommend
George Keeley NYC
485 Amsterdam AveOne of 2-3 sports bars within a block. This is a favorite because of its large selection of good beers on tap; all sports screened here including soccer.
Gay bar featuring weekly events like drag-queen karaoke and regularly features live performances.
11 locals recommend
Suite BAR NYC
992 Amsterdam AveGay bar featuring weekly events like drag-queen karaoke and regularly features live performances.
Looking for some improv Jazz while knocking back a few drams of single malt but not looking to go downtown? Then Smoke is the place for you!
143 locals recommend
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
2751 BroadwayLooking for some improv Jazz while knocking back a few drams of single malt but not looking to go downtown? Then Smoke is the place for you!
Hole-in-the-wall Sake bar. Serves small dishes and a large selection of good sake. Place for hipsters and an introduction to Japanese bar culture.
88 locals recommend
Sake Bar Decibel
240 E 9th StHole-in-the-wall Sake bar. Serves small dishes and a large selection of good sake. Place for hipsters and an introduction to Japanese bar culture.
THE soccer bar in New York City before Soccer was even popular in NYC. A popular hangout for Arsenal fans and bankers from London.
9 locals recommend
Nevada Smiths
100 3rd AveTHE soccer bar in New York City before Soccer was even popular in NYC. A popular hangout for Arsenal fans and bankers from London.
Interested in trying that rare single-malt but have no wish to buy the entire bottle? Check out the Brandy Library. Food and other spirits are available, and this is Sean's favorite bar.
26 locals recommend
Brandy Library
25 N Moore StInterested in trying that rare single-malt but have no wish to buy the entire bottle? Check out the Brandy Library. Food and other spirits are available, and this is Sean's favorite bar.
Multilevel Hookah bar with restaurant. The real attraction are the parties at night where live belly dancers and live entertainment guarantee a good time! Call for party details and reservations.
18 locals recommend
Le Souk
510 LaGuardia PlMultilevel Hookah bar with restaurant. The real attraction are the parties at night where live belly dancers and live entertainment guarantee a good time! Call for party details and reservations.
Cozy, Egyptian-themed hookah bar on the lower east side. Belly dancing shows available Thursday through Saturday nights.
6 locals recommend
Horus Cafe
93 Avenue BCozy, Egyptian-themed hookah bar on the lower east side. Belly dancing shows available Thursday through Saturday nights.
Food Scene
Quaint wine bar, with Al Fresco dining available in the summer. Good place to while away the afternoon and people watch.
Lura
949 Columbus AveQuaint wine bar, with Al Fresco dining available in the summer. Good place to while away the afternoon and people watch.
Starbucks
301 W 145th StThe always ubiquitous neighborhood Starbucks.
Columbia University favorite serving Greek food. Tasos, the proprietor is super friendly and always up for a conversation. Always order the Saganiki, or flaming cheese!
7 locals recommend
Symposium
544 W 113th StColumbia University favorite serving Greek food. Tasos, the proprietor is super friendly and always up for a conversation. Always order the Saganiki, or flaming cheese!
Famous as the facade used for the 90's sitcom "Sienfeld." Food is so-so and comparable to average diner fare but the restaurant is worth a visit for that all-important Selfie!
96 locals recommend
Tom's
2880 BroadwayFamous as the facade used for the 90's sitcom "Sienfeld." Food is so-so and comparable to average diner fare but the restaurant is worth a visit for that all-important Selfie!
Best Indian cuisine uptown. Buffet available Friday thru Sunday; great value for money if Indian is what you like.
13 locals recommend
Manhattan Valley
West 100th StreetBest Indian cuisine uptown. Buffet available Friday thru Sunday; great value for money if Indian is what you like.
Said to be Jack Kerouac's favorite cafe during his time at Columbia University. Pastries are always freshly made and a must-try!
143 locals recommend
The Hungarian Pastry Shop
1030 Amsterdam AveSaid to be Jack Kerouac's favorite cafe during his time at Columbia University. Pastries are always freshly made and a must-try!
A great alternative to McDonald's for those that need their burger fix; all burgers are handcrafted and free roasted peanuts are served as appetizers.
43 locals recommend
Five Guys
2847 BroadwayA great alternative to McDonald's for those that need their burger fix; all burgers are handcrafted and free roasted peanuts are served as appetizers.
OLLIE'S TO GO
2425 BroadwayThe quintessential place for take-out Chinese in Morningside Heights.
Authentic Vietnamese food, best I've had outside of Chinatown. Pho is delicious and Lemongrass chicken or Pork are the best items on the menu.
26 locals recommend
Saiguette
935 Columbus AveAuthentic Vietnamese food, best I've had outside of Chinatown. Pho is delicious and Lemongrass chicken or Pork are the best items on the menu.
Very good Thai Food. One of many in the area but this is the closets one to the apartment. Lunch menu is very good value, and Thai fishcake is a wonderful, off-menu item; ask for it by name!
22 locals recommend
Tum & Yum
917 Columbus AvenueVery good Thai Food. One of many in the area but this is the closets one to the apartment. Lunch menu is very good value, and Thai fishcake is a wonderful, off-menu item; ask for it by name!
A little pricey, but this is a proper sushi restaurant that also serves reasonably priced prix fixe dinners.
(New) Ichie Japanese Restaurant
1215 Lexington AvenueA little pricey, but this is a proper sushi restaurant that also serves reasonably priced prix fixe dinners.
This is where you pick up and drop off your keys; ask for Steve if issues arise. Also, made to order sweet or savory crepes; the perfect place for a lazy weekend brunch.
32 locals recommend
Crepes On Columbus
990 Columbus AveThis is where you pick up and drop off your keys; ask for Steve if issues arise. Also, made to order sweet or savory crepes; the perfect place for a lazy weekend brunch.
One of a chain of Thai restaurants in the city by the same name. Good Thai food. Very good value on the lunch menu. Be sure to try fresh mango with sticky rice if its in season!
10 locals recommend
Wondee Siam V
969 Amsterdam AveOne of a chain of Thai restaurants in the city by the same name. Good Thai food. Very good value on the lunch menu. Be sure to try fresh mango with sticky rice if its in season!
Chicken-and-Rice is an iconic street food in New York City, none more so than the original "inventors" of the dish, The Halal Guys: now available uptown!
11 locals recommend
The Halal Guys
720 Amsterdam AveChicken-and-Rice is an iconic street food in New York City, none more so than the original "inventors" of the dish, The Halal Guys: now available uptown!
Coffee and freshly baked bagels; another Columbia University staple.
8 locals recommend
Broadway Bagel
2658 BroadwayCoffee and freshly baked bagels; another Columbia University staple.
A favorite of Jewish families in the area, its impossible to find Whitefish around the holidays. Tongue and pastrami are their best dishes.
10 locals recommend
Artie's Delicatessen
2290 BroadwayA favorite of Jewish families in the area, its impossible to find Whitefish around the holidays. Tongue and pastrami are their best dishes.
A neighborhood favorite serving Southern comfort food: fried chicken, steamed mussels, and home made pickles. Highly recommended, but be sure to book a day ahead or be prepared for a 1-2 hour wait.
239 locals recommend
Jacob's Pickles
509 Amsterdam AveA neighborhood favorite serving Southern comfort food: fried chicken, steamed mussels, and home made pickles. Highly recommended, but be sure to book a day ahead or be prepared for a 1-2 hour wait.
Italian pasta place. Good value and large portions for the price. Fast and friendly delivery.
8 locals recommend
Acqua NYC
718 Amsterdam AveItalian pasta place. Good value and large portions for the price. Fast and friendly delivery.
Tasty, no fuss, Indian fast-food. Open till 3 am in the morning and a neighborhood favorite.
23 locals recommend
Roti Roll Bombay Frankie
994 Amsterdam AveTasty, no fuss, Indian fast-food. Open till 3 am in the morning and a neighborhood favorite.
Upscale diner, with full-service bar. A favorite of graduate students and junior faculty living in the area. The skirt-steak on toasted pita and chipotle mayo is one of their signature dishes.
23 locals recommend
Toast
2737 BroadwayUpscale diner, with full-service bar. A favorite of graduate students and junior faculty living in the area. The skirt-steak on toasted pita and chipotle mayo is one of their signature dishes.
Hawaiian and Japanese take-out. Menu includes all types of interesting rolls, and Hawaiian BBQ; the Loco Moco and fried oysters are personal favorites.
20 locals recommend
MAKANA
2245 1st Ave.Hawaiian and Japanese take-out. Menu includes all types of interesting rolls, and Hawaiian BBQ; the Loco Moco and fried oysters are personal favorites.
Tachos. Nachos. Giant Burritos! And Margaritas. Did I mention the Margaritas? Perfect for a hot summer's day.
20 locals recommend
Blockheads Burritos
951 Amsterdam AveTachos. Nachos. Giant Burritos! And Margaritas. Did I mention the Margaritas? Perfect for a hot summer's day.
Best Italian dining in the area. A bit of a trek from the apartment, but prices are reasonable and offers a wonderful selection of basic pastas with wonderful, hearty sauces.
50 locals recommend
Max Soha
1274 Amsterdam AveBest Italian dining in the area. A bit of a trek from the apartment, but prices are reasonable and offers a wonderful selection of basic pastas with wonderful, hearty sauces.
The most hip and trendy Russian Restaurant outside of Brighton Beach. Be sure to check out their Monday parties if you are in town for an extended stay!
22 locals recommend
Mari Vanna
41 E 20th StThe most hip and trendy Russian Restaurant outside of Brighton Beach. Be sure to check out their Monday parties if you are in town for an extended stay!
Russian restaurant. Not as pricey as Mari Vanna and converts to a nightclub in the evening; helps if you speak Russian.
Onegin
391 6th AveRussian restaurant. Not as pricey as Mari Vanna and converts to a nightclub in the evening; helps if you speak Russian.
Old fashioned Russian diner in the heart of the theater district. Late at night, you are likely to find middle aged couples dancing to Russian favorites belted out by the resident pianist.
10 locals recommend
Russian Samovar Restaurant and Piano Bar
256 W 52nd StOld fashioned Russian diner in the heart of the theater district. Late at night, you are likely to find middle aged couples dancing to Russian favorites belted out by the resident pianist.
THE best steak house in New York. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
503 locals recommend
Peter Luger Steak House
178 BroadwayTHE best steak house in New York. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Run by Luger's former head waiter, quality is comparable to Peter Luger's and is available at 3 locations in Manhattan, so you will always find a seat.
13 locals recommend
Wolfgang's Steakhouse
250 West 41st StreetRun by Luger's former head waiter, quality is comparable to Peter Luger's and is available at 3 locations in Manhattan, so you will always find a seat.
Pocha 32
15 W 32nd StBudae Jigae. Expect a long, long, line.
My favorite place for Korean Barbecue in the city. Expect a wait for a table at most times.
14 locals recommend
New Wonjo 원조
23 W 32nd StMy favorite place for Korean Barbecue in the city. Expect a wait for a table at most times.
Famous Korean Fried Chicken. Great with beer after a long day sightseeing. Expect a 15-30 wait for a table.
Bonchon 38th St
207 W 38th StFamous Korean Fried Chicken. Great with beer after a long day sightseeing. Expect a 15-30 wait for a table.
New York loves its pizza, and this is the best pizza chain in New York city. Fast and friendly delivery.
Famous Famiglia
2859 BroadwayNew York loves its pizza, and this is the best pizza chain in New York city. Fast and friendly delivery.
Also available at 423 Amsterdam avenue between 80th and 81st street. A perennial brunch favorite for Upper West Siders in New York City.
29 locals recommend
Sarabeth's
40 Central Park SAlso available at 423 Amsterdam avenue between 80th and 81st street. A perennial brunch favorite for Upper West Siders in New York City.
If you like Ramen, this is your place. Expect a lengthy wait for a table.
138 locals recommend
Totto Ramen Midtown West
If you like Ramen, this is your place. Expect a lengthy wait for a table.
If you've ever been to a Bangkok street market at night and dream about the food, this is the place for you. Be sure to check how spicy the food is before ordering!
102 locals recommend
Pure Thai Cookhouse
766 9th AveIf you've ever been to a Bangkok street market at night and dream about the food, this is the place for you. Be sure to check how spicy the food is before ordering!
Japanese barbecue. This place is only open after 6pm and is most crowded around midnight. Conveniently located in the East Village and open late, its a great place to satisfy post-clubbing munchies.
22 locals recommend
Yakitori Taisho
9 St Marks PlJapanese barbecue. This place is only open after 6pm and is most crowded around midnight. Conveniently located in the East Village and open late, its a great place to satisfy post-clubbing munchies.
Family-Style Italian dining: large portions for 2-3 people are the norm at reasonable prices. Ask for the Penne Alla Vodka.
68 locals recommend
Carmine's
2450 BroadwayFamily-Style Italian dining: large portions for 2-3 people are the norm at reasonable prices. Ask for the Penne Alla Vodka.
Interested in something a little different? Massawa has served traditional Ethiopian fare in the neighborhood for over two decades. Vegan fare available and recommended.
17 locals recommend
Massawa
1239 Amsterdam AveInterested in something a little different? Massawa has served traditional Ethiopian fare in the neighborhood for over two decades. Vegan fare available and recommended.
Quintessential Shanghai cuisine, famous for its "steamed juicy buns" or "xiao long tang bao."
196 locals recommend
Joe's Shanghai
46 BoweryQuintessential Shanghai cuisine, famous for its "steamed juicy buns" or "xiao long tang bao."
The most popular place for Dim Sum, a style of Cantonese cuisine served in bite-sized portions, in New York City.
70 locals recommend
Jing Fong Restaurant
380 Amsterdam AvenueThe most popular place for Dim Sum, a style of Cantonese cuisine served in bite-sized portions, in New York City.
If you are from South East Asia and yearn for authentic Sambal Kangkong, Prawn noodles, or Yong Tau Foo, this is the place to come.
6 locals recommend
Sanuria
18 Doyers StIf you are from South East Asia and yearn for authentic Sambal Kangkong, Prawn noodles, or Yong Tau Foo, this is the place to come.
Breads and pastries are the specialty here at this Paris-styled cafe; fresh baguettes in the morning are a favorite.
76 locals recommend
Silver Moon Bakery
2740 BroadwayBreads and pastries are the specialty here at this Paris-styled cafe; fresh baguettes in the morning are a favorite.
Korean, seafood hot-pot. Seafood is VERY fresh and kept live on premises until you order your meal. Great value for money and a perfect place to visit during the cold, winter months.
15 locals recommend
Sik Gaek
49-11 Roosevelt AveKorean, seafood hot-pot. Seafood is VERY fresh and kept live on premises until you order your meal. Great value for money and a perfect place to visit during the cold, winter months.
Best Greek restaurant in an area full of them; for some reason, its impossible to get fresh octopus in the city so if grilled octopus is what you like, this place is worth the trip.
226 locals recommend
Taverna Kyclades
36-01 Ditmars BlvdBest Greek restaurant in an area full of them; for some reason, its impossible to get fresh octopus in the city so if grilled octopus is what you like, this place is worth the trip.
Essentials
2 full levels of organic foods; includes a hot and cold salad bar.
541 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
100 W 125th St2 full levels of organic foods; includes a hot and cold salad bar.
Large grocery with a fine selection of fresh produce, conveniently located at the 110th Street and Broadway stop on the "1" line. Not as pricey as Wholefoods.
358 locals recommend
Westside Market
2840 BroadwayLarge grocery with a fine selection of fresh produce, conveniently located at the 110th Street and Broadway stop on the "1" line. Not as pricey as Wholefoods.
Kosher marketplace. Does delivery and has the best bison steak when available.
The Kosher Marketplace
2442 BroadwayKosher marketplace. Does delivery and has the best bison steak when available.
Italian grocer. Perfect if you are looking for fresh prosciutto, soppressata, or mozarella.
23 locals recommend
Milano Market
1582 3rd AveItalian grocer. Perfect if you are looking for fresh prosciutto, soppressata, or mozarella.
East Asian grocery store, carrying products and foodstuffs from Japan and Korea; has a small seating area upstairs if you are hungry and wish to sample their sushi or udon.
9 locals recommend
M2M Morning To Midnight
2935 BroadwayEast Asian grocery store, carrying products and foodstuffs from Japan and Korea; has a small seating area upstairs if you are hungry and wish to sample their sushi or udon.
A selection of organic produce and goods from local farms and vendors; every Thursday from 8am to 5pm, between 114th and 116th street and Broadway.
539 locals recommend
Columbia University
116th and BroadwayA selection of organic produce and goods from local farms and vendors; every Thursday from 8am to 5pm, between 114th and 116th street and Broadway.
Key Food Supermarkets
1769 2nd AveBudget grocery store. Open 24 hours.
Shopping
Columbia Deli
24 Hour Deli & Hot Grill! Perfect when the midnight munchies hit!
Caviar, Smoked Fish, and other Kosher goodies. Has dining space if you cannot wait to sample the dishes!
73 locals recommend
Barney Greengrass
541 Amsterdam AveCaviar, Smoked Fish, and other Kosher goodies. Has dining space if you cannot wait to sample the dishes!
Everything Else
Park West Cleaners II
103 W 104th StIf you need dry cleaning, this is the place!
Street fair with inventive street food; worth a look if you are adventurous and keen on trying new, hip items--like the Ramen Burger--before they become mainstream!
777 locals recommend
Smorgasburg
90 Kent AveStreet fair with inventive street food; worth a look if you are adventurous and keen on trying new, hip items--like the Ramen Burger--before they become mainstream!
Blondi's Hair Salon
Waxing available; 20% discount if you have a valid student ID!
General Store and Pharmacy. Pharmacy open 8.30 am to 8.30 pm on Weekdays and from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm on Saturdays, and 9.00 am to 6.00 pm on Sundays.
230 locals recommend
Duane Reade
2864 BroadwayGeneral Store and Pharmacy. Pharmacy open 8.30 am to 8.30 pm on Weekdays and from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm on Saturdays, and 9.00 am to 6.00 pm on Sundays.
I can't locate it on the map, but there is a closer CVS Pharmacy at 743 Amsterdam Avenue, right at the corner of Amsterdam and 96th Street. Pharmacy is 8am-9pm on weekdays, and 9am-6pm on weekends.
416 locals recommend
CVS
115 W 125th StI can't locate it on the map, but there is a closer CVS Pharmacy at 743 Amsterdam Avenue, right at the corner of Amsterdam and 96th Street. Pharmacy is 8am-9pm on weekdays, and 9am-6pm on weekends.
Pharmacy and general good stores. Pharmacy hours are 8.00 am to 9.00 pm on weekdays, 9.00 am to 6.00 pm on Saturdays, and 9.00 am to 4.00 pm on Sundays.
50 locals recommend
Rite Aid
32-14 31st StPharmacy and general good stores. Pharmacy hours are 8.00 am to 9.00 pm on weekdays, 9.00 am to 6.00 pm on Saturdays, and 9.00 am to 4.00 pm on Sundays.
For your couriered mail, shipping, and online printing needs.
17 locals recommend
FedEx Office Ship Center
207 W 125th StFor your couriered mail, shipping, and online printing needs.
United States Postal Service
511 W 165th StStamps, shipping, and regular mail service.
Equinox West 92nd Street
2465 BroadwayPopular gym in New York. Upscale with full service spa.
Free guest pass available online! Check out their website.
8 locals recommend
Crunch Fitness - 83rd Street
162 W 83rd StFree guest pass available online! Check out their website.
Budget, no frills gym easily accessible using the 125th street station on the "B" or "C" line.
103 locals recommend
Planet Fitness
3799 BroadwayBudget, no frills gym easily accessible using the 125th street station on the "B" or "C" line.
Sightseeing
Final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States.
144 locals recommend
General Grant National Memorial
Riverside DriveFinal resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States.
Cathedral in the Gothic Style. Never finished. Burial place of James Gandolfini, of "The Sopranos."
378 locals recommend
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam AveCathedral in the Gothic Style. Never finished. Burial place of James Gandolfini, of "The Sopranos."
My favorite bike rental if one wishes to ride instead of walk around Central Park. Easily accessible by taking the B or C train from 103rd and Central Park west to the 72nd or 59th street stops.
Bike and Roll NYC - Tavern on the Green
2 W 67th StMy favorite bike rental if one wishes to ride instead of walk around Central Park. Easily accessible by taking the B or C train from 103rd and Central Park west to the 72nd or 59th street stops.
Arts & Culture
What is more American than baseball? And who embodies baseball better than the NY Yankees? Seats available for under $10 and this is a great experience for the traveling sports fan in the summer.
514 locals recommend
Yankee Stadium
1 E 161 StWhat is more American than baseball? And who embodies baseball better than the NY Yankees? Seats available for under $10 and this is a great experience for the traveling sports fan in the summer.
Home of the OTHER baseball team in New York. If European and picking between the Yankees and the Mets: Yankees = Real Madrid and Mets = "Team in Relegation Zone."
328 locals recommend
Citi Field
41 Seaver WayHome of the OTHER baseball team in New York. If European and picking between the Yankees and the Mets: Yankees = Real Madrid and Mets = "Team in Relegation Zone."
Home of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. Besides playing hosts to those sports teams, MSG also plays host year-round to concerts and many other sporting events.
452 locals recommend
Madison Square Garden
4 Pennsylvania PlazaHome of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. Besides playing hosts to those sports teams, MSG also plays host year-round to concerts and many other sporting events.
The newest and hippest sports and entertainment venue in New York; home to the Brooklyn Nets, Brooklyn Islanders, and a host of other entertainment and cultural events.
1418 locals recommend
Barclays Center
620 Atlantic AveThe newest and hippest sports and entertainment venue in New York; home to the Brooklyn Nets, Brooklyn Islanders, and a host of other entertainment and cultural events.