619660 Wed May 13 16:45:38 -0700 2009 26 18 Manhattan 0 4681493 I’ve lived on the Upper East Side / Yorkville / East 80s for the past year (84th and 1st to be exact) and have come to rely on a number of quality, moderately priced restaurants. I’ll list what I’m partial to below. I’d be interested on any suggestions for branching out. I unfortunately don’t have the scratch to go out to higher-end places with any frequency (and when I do, I head downtown). Also, most days I'm a vegetarian, unless I can find really quality meat, preferably locally sourced. Without further ado: Taco Taco (2nd Ave., b/w 89th and 90th) – My go-to Mexican food in the area, though prices have been creeping upwards and I could use a lower-priced mexican option for take-out. If you haven’t tried the horchata fresca natural, then do yourself a favor next time and order it. The roasted poblano tamales are also a (cheap) treat. Wu Liang Ye (86th, b/w 3rd and 2nd aves) – My go-to Chinese, though again not as cheap as I would like and I’ve come to realize that typical NYC Chinese cuisine isn’t particularly kind to vegetarians. Green Kitchen (77th and 1st) – The best diner in the area in terms of food, service, price, and cleanliness. The Mansion (86th and York) – Another quality diner, and it has the virtue of being very close to me. Good Health (1st Ave., b/w 74th and 75th) – I order from this place a ton. Consistently good, healthy, tasty food at reasonable prices. Candle Café (3rd Ave., b/w 74th and 75th) – A little more pricey, but good veggie options nonetheless. Beyoglu (3rd ave., b/w 80th and 81st) – Love this place for a quality sit-down meal with friends. Wish they would start delivering. Chennai (1st Ave., b/w 86th and 87th)– Southern Indian and delicious, though sometimes inconsistent quality. I would like to explore other Indian options in the area, but don’t see anything that’s appealing. Spice (2nd Ave., b/w 73th and 74th) – Not great, but served as my go-to Thai along with Sala Thai…until I found out about… Land (2nd Ave b/w 81st and 82nd) – Really like the food here. Never too greasy, always tasty, reasonably priced, and the décor is nice when you eat in. Healthalicious (2nd Ave., b/w 83rd and 84th) – Wish they had more veggie options, but the grilled vegetable sandwich does a pretty solid job. Sushi Suki (York, b/w 83rd and 84th) – Thought this was the best sushi place, though I’ve never been blown away. Any other recs? M. Rohrs (86th, b/w 1st and 2nd Ave.) – I work from home, but sometimes need a place to sit for coffee. I actually don’t like this place that much (really weird decorations, signs, and just all-around incongruous), but it can be a good retreat from time to time. Emack & Bolio’s (1st Ave., b/w 81st and 82nd) – go-to neighborhood ice cream place. Still waiting to try: Cipolla Rossa, Sfoglia, Itzocan Bistro I should also mention that I’ve seen a few new places open up recently: Two Boots (84th and 2nd) – Have always loved Two Boots and am now glad to have it in the neighborhood, though I could use another pizza place for when I’m not craving Two Boots (sorry, Pintaile’s doesn’t do it for me). Giana’s Coffee Shop (1st Ave, b/w 82nd and 83rd) – This new slender coffee shop is great. Excellent coffee, and latte art if you’re into that sort of thing. The small euro sized sandwiches look pretty good too. They are just introducing wifi and the benches are comfy enough to work from your computer for an hour or so. Hummus Kitchen (2nd Ave, b/w 83rd and 84th) – Another solid addition, filling in an under-represented cuisine in the area. Unknown Name Creperie (York Ave. b/w 83rd and 84th) – Next door to that hell-hole of a bar (Saloon’s). Had one of their crepes, which was good, but not filling enough, especially for the price. Will have to come back for a Panini. The Big Cheese (1st Ave., b/w 81st and 82nd I think) – This new cheese shop is awesome and I hope it survives. They know their stuff and stock excellent cheeses for any palette. As for buying groceries, the neighborhood has turned me into a FreshDirect guy (sorry Gristedes and Food Emporium). I do use some shops though, like Ottomanelli’s Deli (makes me want to eat more meat), Nature’s Gifts (cheap fruit and veggies that are always on the verge of spoiling), and U Don’t Know Nothing Produce (if I need something in a pinch). Better food market suggestions would be appreciated (Agata and Valentina?). I could also use a go-to beer bar. Right now, it is Ryan’s Daughter. I also like the occasional trip to Brandy’s Piano Bar. But there has to be some better spots that aren’t frat party parodies. And finally, my General Rule of Thumb for the UES: when in doubt, trust the places on the streets; avoid the places on the avenues. Anything I'm missing?? Wed May 13 16:45:38 -0700 2009 292423 lbirds 1 4681611 Thanks so much for the great list - most of them I know since my Mom lives in your neighborhood, but others we haven't tried yet. You already have a couple of good diners on your list in Mansion and Green Kitchen, but Gracie Mews on 1st and 81st has been consistently good over many years. They have a steamed veggie platter - we're picky about our veggies and this doesn't disappoint. The Mews Waffle on the weekend brunch menu with the fresh berries on top is also great! I would say that out of all the many meals I've had there, the only thing I haven't liked are the burgers since they tend to be overcooked, but that doesn't sound like it will be a problem for you. For Chinese we've enjoyed Chef Ho's on 2nd btw. 89th & 90th (right near Taco Taco) Even though many people order the Peking Duck, we've found the veggies were quite good. Vespa on 2nd btw. 84th & 85th has a nice tiny back garden which is good for the upcoming (hopefully!) warmer weather. The pastas are delicious and there are good veggie appetizer selections, too. Pyramida (Middle Eastern) on 1st & 78th is so tiny - 2 tables I think? - that you pretty much have to get delivery, but everything is very fresh and tasty. Andre's Hungarian Cafe on 2nd btw. 84th & 85th is too meat intensive for your meals, but the coffee and pastries (esp. strudels) are delicious! That's all that comes to mind right now. Don't have better food market selections...I don't think they exist. Wed May 13 17:27:45 -0700 2009 4681493 61518 epcol 1 4682669 Thank you for all of the suggestions! I recently moved to the area and have been trying to figure out where to go. This is a great list. I'll definitely have to try Sushi Suki - I've only been to Poke on 85th between 1st and 2nd, but I wasn't a fan of their cash only/$18 minimum per person policy. Does anyone have any other suggestions for sushi in the area? I'm with you on looking for non-frat party bars...I will let you know if I come up with anything. Thu May 14 05:46:08 -0700 2009 4681493 150942 whitneybee 2 4682692 My favorite sushi places these days are Gajyumaru and Tokubei 86, in order of preference. Kurio on E. 92nd is a restaurant with a smaller bar, and has wonderful cocktails, if that helps on the bar situation at all. Where on the UES are you, more or less? Thu May 14 05:55:21 -0700 2009 4682669 10985 MMRuth 3 4684818 I'm on 86th, on the same block as Tokubei 86, but I'm willing to travel a bit for good food or a good bar. I'm glad to know Tokubei is solid though. I also want to add Cilantro to the list of good/affordable places - they have a $10 fajita night every Monday, and it's a great deal. Thu May 14 16:16:28 -0700 2009 4682692 150942 whitneybee 4 4684824 I would definitely go around the corner to the other place then and try it. We tried Tokubei first, but prefer the other one. They are both open for lunch on Saturdays, which can be somewhat unusual for a sushi place. I tried Cilantro once and wasn't that thrilled with it - but that sounds like a good deal. You might head up to El Paso Taqueria on 97th off Madison some night to see how you think it compares. Thu May 14 16:18:29 -0700 2009 4684818 10985 MMRuth 5 4685426 Thanks for the recommendations - it's good to know that they're open for lunch. As for Cilantro, we've been going to fajita night because my SO and I are both on fairly strict recent-college-grad budgets, and it's a really good deal. It is good though - we wouldn't be going if we thought it was inedible. I'll definitely look into El Paso Taqueria though. Thu May 14 20:00:43 -0700 2009 4684824 150942 whitneybee 6 4685885 I'll keep my eye out for other budget deals at good places then! I like the tacos at El Paso, and they are quite reasonable. Fri May 15 04:18:02 -0700 2009 4685426 10985 MMRuth 1 4682698 For groceries, you aren't that far from Citarella, which is my "basic" grocery store. Have you tried the newish cheese store - Big Cheese - just a couple of blocks south of you on 1st? They had a nice selection of cheese. If you eat fish, there is an excellent fishmonger in the area as well - Dorian's - York & 83rd. Edit - Just saw that you had mentioned Big Cheese. Thu May 14 05:58:12 -0700 2009 4681493 10985 MMRuth 1 4682728 Great list, lbirds!!! Here's some more: Burger One (Mex food/burgers) Grace's Marketplace There's a fantastic Greek grocery store on Lex between 80th and 81st (don't know the name) Mimi's Pizza Tamarind Uva Sushi of Gari Totonno's Candle 79 Pita Grill Payard Lenny's Tal Bagels (man, I'd kill for one in my hood!) www.thelunchbelle.com Thu May 14 06:14:19 -0700 2009 4681493 110996 LeahBaila 2 4685106 >There's a fantastic Greek grocery store on Lex between 80th and 81st Likitsakos - try the yogurt ... http://www.chow.com/manhattan_digest/2061 Thu May 14 17:54:10 -0700 2009 4682728 10496 squid kun 3 4685139 Same as Nature's Gifts actually - all owned by two Greek brothers. And yes, SQ, great yogurt! Thu May 14 18:05:20 -0700 2009 4685106 148845 scoopG 3 4685905 Ah, thank you! Will take note. www.thelunchbelle.com Fri May 15 04:33:22 -0700 2009 4685106 110996 LeahBaila 1 4682771 You can't beat Paty's Tacos (the truck on Lex at 86th) for inexpensive, authentic Mexican takeout. I had lengua taco's last night....SO GOOD! Tipsy Thu May 14 06:30:06 -0700 2009 4681493 16161 TipsyMcStagger 2 4682910 That's good to know - is it there only in the evenings, do you know? Thu May 14 07:28:37 -0700 2009 4682771 10985 MMRuth 3 4683009 A La Turka Turkish Finnegans Wake for a great burger. Irish Pub B Cafe Belgian Uva Vermicelli Vietnamese Thu May 14 07:56:19 -0700 2009 4682910 281129 CMG920 3 4683025 >>>>That's good to know - is it there only in the evenings, do you know?<<<< They claim 11am-11pm, 7 days a week. Tipsy Thu May 14 08:00:19 -0700 2009 4682910 16161 TipsyMcStagger 4 4685886 I saw them yesterday around 1 pm, in front of the Barnes & Noble. Fri May 15 04:18:40 -0700 2009 4683025 10985 MMRuth 1 4683167 Have lived in the 'hood for years, and these are my go-tos (I'm leaving out what others have mentioned, like Land, which is great Thai): Sushi -- Yuko for delivery, Sushi of Gari when I think I deserve it :) Chinese -- Hunan Delight; they also have sushi which is totally decent Pizza -- Al Forno or Delizia (they both have great food otherwise as well) Italian -- Divino, they'll make anything you ask for, and half orders of pasta are HUGE Thu May 14 08:50:39 -0700 2009 4681493 129657 nattie23nyc 2 4683628 Divino has a great, totally underrated brunch. And the staff is the friendliest. Decor is a bit tacky but everything else about the place makes up for it. http://www.divinoristorante.net/1/menu/ Thu May 14 10:53:34 -0700 2009 4683167 227494 jinglejangle 1 4683652 As far as grocery stores, A&V wouldn't be my go-to spot to get everything (a la Fairway) but it does have some great options. A special favorite of mine there is their fresh pasta. Reasonably priced, with a bunch of rotating options: cracked pepper, squid ink, etc. Prob my favorite in the city. Their produce is good but tends to be pricy. Meat is a decent selection though I would probably pick Citarella over it. Thanks for the exhaustive list of restaurants! Thu May 14 10:58:28 -0700 2009 4681493 77038 orthorunner 1 4683779 Hey, im a UE sider on 84th as well. For pizza you have to try Gotham Pizza on York and 75th, best in the area. For groceries I do a combination of YOu Dont kNow Nothing, agata & valentina (for certain produce, meats and fish), food emporium (for their sale items like OJ, ice cream, etc.) and then just hop on the crosstown to fairway to fill in the gaps. Sotto Sinque is decent for cheap takeout italian (pasta fagioli is cheap and a nice lite veg. meal). I would try mumdatz for more consistent indian than chennai(3rd and 85th) Guo's garden (1st btw. 86th and 87th) is decent strictly take out chinese that passes and you Cannot beat the tacos at the taco cart on 86th and Lex. Thu May 14 11:31:24 -0700 2009 4681493 264950 tubastu 1 4683789 When I lived in NY in the 70s, Green Kitchen was my favorite hangout after work. I have lived in California for the past 25 years and a few years ago someone told me it had closed down. I am glad to hear it is still around. Thu May 14 11:34:49 -0700 2009 4681493 17123 anndillman 1 4684192 I was just walking by the Ottomanelli, and noticed in that in the window they have a sign that they carry local, grass fed, etc. beef. Wondering if you have tried it? Thu May 14 13:14:52 -0700 2009 4681493 10985 MMRuth 1 4689409 May I also add Italian Village on 1st btw 79th and 80th. Up front they have pizza and in the back they have a very unassuming but nice comfortable restaurant area. I know it's fashionable to spend $25 for a pasta and $35 for a main course in an italian place these days (and believe me - I, too have done my Batali thing), but these folks do good old fashioned red sauce italian for $10 for pasta and ~$15 for a main. Recently had veal chop milanese which was excellent and you couldn't beat the rigatoni with sausage and broccoli rabe. Sat May 16 10:04:09 -0700 2009 4681493 61518 epcol 2 5149295 Osha- Thai Fetch- Brunch & better bar food Cafe D'Alsace- brunch Nina's- Argentinian style pizza. They also do a good french toast. Auction House- a "downtown" style bar Mon Nov 02 10:19:30 -0800 2009 4689409 62257 Little Cupcake 1 5206612 I've lived in the area for 5+ years, and would love to contribute my humble opinion. We sadly order an embarrassing amount of take out, and have tried a lot of places looking for staples. Sushi- Delivery-have lately settled on Sushi Suki and they have been good and reliable. Inase is also very good, good for eat in too, more authentic I believe. Dine in- Poke, pricey but love the food and BYO. Pio Pio-great for rotisserie chicken as others have mentioned. We like their sides and love the green sauce. Diners-Gracie Mews (81st and 1st) reliable and tasty, Peter's (1st and 83rd/84th) is a great option, with interesting (and so far always tasty) options like grilled octopus and grilled calamari as a salad add in. Kinsale's- I used to work around there, and like their wings (when they don't use the teeny ones) and just a good irish pub. As for grocery, I happen to like Agata's. Tends to have items I don't find at the more basic grocery stores, and many a times I have found items to be cheaper here than at the Gristede's, DAg, and/or Associated near me. Though they are certainly pricey for many things. Pizza- I've had a hard time up here. I tend to rely on Gotham Pizza, and I also like Pintaile's (mostly when they have the Salamino). Recently, I got a slice at Don Filippo, and I recall it being quite tasty, but I haven't been back to confirm. Used to love the Grandma slices at Ana Maria Trattoria before it closed. I've also been known to like Famiglia. We also order from Taco Taco a lot. Others- Cafe Mingala-one of those rare things that we have on UES that is hard to find elsewhere, Burmese. Sometime hit or miss, but they are very nice and I feel good patronizing them. Bagels-I like H&H Bagels Midtown east. Rip off, maybe?? But I love the everything bagel. Indian-struggled to find one I liked for a while, now I order from Dakshin, has been pretty good. Mansion Diner (a person taking delivery orders about 3y ago), refused to deliver to my friend's address despite being well within their delivery zone, the person on the phone was quite rude. I'm excited I found this thread, somehow I missed the Greek market that's been mentioned on Lex 80/81, it's near me and I'm excited to check it out. Tue Nov 24 19:51:05 -0800 2009 4681493 250513 Parsnip chronicles