Brooks Headley Loves Every Inch of the New Superiority Burger. Over the years Ive made two feature films on the UWS inspired by the stories of people I met here. Afterwards we would go to Big Nicks on 76th Street, open 23 hours where we would have greasy omelettes prepared by the owner Big Nick himself. On the weekends, if you dont get here by 11:30 am, prepare to wait outside for a while! Edited to add: I am not sure, but I think he may have been a regular there as far back as the 50s as well. When Tom Valenti closed Ouest in 2016, hair shirts were donned and laments rose to the heavens. Thanks for your smiles and happy recollections. - Dr. Cox on Scrubs. 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. Lovely recollections. Ephemeral New York's new book made it on their 2016 holiday gift idea list. But don't let it get around that I don't. Recently, while reading a novel published in the 80s I discovered a reference to it. 74th St.; 212-595-1888. Thanks for reminding me, beautiful sentiments . Great reminder of the wonderful things that bring us together. Stop by for a half-bird with skin that tastes like its coated in brown sugar, and add a side of boiled green bananas. Inspired by the 1968 thread, I wanted to start a separate topic to discuss Upper West Side restaurant history. I would watch sunsets at Riverside Park and read self help books. He introduced me to many of his friends in the biz like the late Raul Julia at Wilsons restaurant at the Lucerne, Gregory Hines at the China Club in the basement of the Beacon Hotel where we danced the night away and where I turned down a modeling contract by John Casablancas, owner of the Elite Model Mgmt, because I wanted to be an artist rather than a model. Tap a Keg, Marvin Gardens, th bar restaurant on 79 and Columbus (northwest corner). Hesitate no more, and lets jump right into the best Upper West Side Restaurants that we have specially picked for you! I look forward to seeing her again and telling her how much I appreciated her memoir. This classic Upper West Side restaurant is more about dining in a dimly-lit, red-leather-booth institution than it is about any single plate of food. Especially the Prime Rib Of Pork, which is one of the softest, butteriest, tender pieces youll ever sink your teeth into. Now on its third owner, a guy named Ira, Murrays continues to shine, smaller but no less brilliant. Map. Jacobs Pickles must be the star of the show by serving huge portion of brunch dishes in a spacious, casual, easy-going ambiance! If youre going to brunch at Jacobs Pickles, bring a handful of Tums and a big group of friendsthen order a bunch of heavy Southern comfort food with reckless abandon. I hear that Ernies and their big bowls has finally bid adeiu. Shake Shack (366 Columbus, 77th) great burgers, fries and shakes with a huge NYC following.. Alices Tea Cup (102 W 73rd, Columbus) Bakery Their interiors are soft and voluptuous. Loved this, thx so much!! That would make it 1974. Or the Crab Meat & Shrimp Dimsum which is no less mouth-watering! Sushi Kaito244 W. 72nd St., nr. And finally, the Bear Bar on 76th & Broadway with a slightly damaged wooden bear head sticking out from the wall. Like at a Just Salad for the ballsy, diners approach the counter at this Sichuan-by-way-of-Flushing fast-casual joint to contemplate an array of options. As soon as I got to Winsomes name, I too smiled! They were not alone; I think the average age of the customers was about 75. Tuesday's - you could get a rack of ribs, big salad with lots of fresh blue cheese, and a baked potato for $9.99. Tel: (212) 737-1700. Being extremely famous for its stunning brunch dishes, Miriam has long been the locals hidden gem and will keep people lining up for a seat on weekends! Our less famous pizzerias are in danger of getting gobbled up. How about Dobsons, a great meeting place with a great, cheap brunch, Ernies on Broadway had a popular bar scene, Ruelles, the creative looking Ruskays on Columbus Ave. about 75th St. and of course Teachers and Teachers Too on Broadway in the 70s where actors went for inexpensive food and you got to see all your actor/singer/dancer friends who were the wait staff when not in a show. 17. It is still owned by the same people. Caf la Fortuna was one of my favorites. I cant decide if Im getting older or the city is losing its character and charm. Thank you for wonderful writing and sharing some true west side experiences. Always have yourself a bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen when youre here. Or Beefsteak Charlie's, right on Broadway btwn. Like the Upper East Side location, the here menu ranges from omelettes to meatloaf, but Thanks for this. Loved this! Beautifully told of greatest of times NYC of preforming Artists. Or you can grab The Ox Burger, an open-face monstrosity of a burger smothered in oxtail marmalade and topped with a poached egg atop challah toast. During happy hour, he does brisk business in gaufrettes and gougres at the bar, incidentally the longest zinc bar in Manhattan, And the menu is AP Bistro. 452 Amsterdam Ave, New York. I remember seeing the brilliant Jeffrey Wright around when he played in Angels in America on Broadway. When youre eating hefty pieces of king salmon and Japanese mackerel, youll really feel like youre getting your moneys worth. Restaurant 222 - on 79th St. Great spot for an espresso and biscotti. The Upper West Side doesnt always get the restaurant credit it deserves. In a pizza-mad city, these pies rival anything eaten in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Are you certain that Al Buon Gusto took the SQC space after closing on 72nd? 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 )and vague memories of the China Club LOL. We moved five years ago but still read the WSR and again thank you for the beautiful memories! Learn how your comment data is processed. Not knowing anyone with only $500 in my pocket I came to New York to pursue acting and dancing just like Gene Kelly had done. Click click bloody click pancakes! Fun memories. Anyone remember the Larmen Dosanko (sp?) 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. The big booths and midnight closing time make this a good option if you want to eat some pancakes for your second dinner. The Upper West Side location is also a zoo at brunch, but you should still stop by for silky hummus, top-notch shakshuka, and dense, flaky burekas. Well written , , , Wilsons and China Club, two of my favorite spots of ALL time in the UWS. I moved here in 1994 and have been here ever since, and have also compiled a long list of amazing stories, but I wish I wouldve run into you back in the day. Even in the fairly short time I've been in my current apartment, several spots have turned over multiple times. Or some Sweet & Sour Pork that tastes like pure heaven in every bite! What to order: Shakshuka, Croissant Sandwich, Burekas, Herbed Eggs, Address: 300 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023. I'll have to check with my wife to try and remember the slogan. Did it have something to do with meatballs? Yes, the ABC space did become Peretti's Indulgent, expensive, and absolutely amazing in every bite! 10. Dagon is one of the few places on the Upper West Side that serves equally delicious brunch, dinner, and late-night drinks. Once in a while I remembered to eat and since money was tight, Id get a bran muffin or bagel at Fairway below which would last me all day. The sturgeon, however, is golden, the schmaltz herring properly cured, and the salmon as silken as a lullaby. WebUpper West Area Restaurant Guide. The first movie I got to see was Gene Kelly in On The Town at age 5 and I knew: I had to go to this magical place called New York where you can sing and dance. Settle down with the famous Seafood Soup with salmon, shrimp, and loads of chopped veggies make this chowder a hearty, herby meal-in-a-bowl! Columbus tween 70,71. New York has been, and IS, everything to me. What to order: Mahi Mahi, Spaghetti Alla Chitarra with White Truffles, Beet & Goat Cheese Ravioli, Address: 1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, A post shared by Cree | NYC Food & Travel (@creezyeats). Its impossible to leave un-full or unsatisfied. Not sure what might have been there in the interim. Everybody has Problems, but Chemists have Solutions. 4. The sense of time is both seductive and deceiving. I miss Teachers Too. This Israeli restaurant is also open for dinner, and its a great option for a nice, casual night out. According to Tavern's web site, Tavern on the Green opened as a restaurant (it had been home to a herd of sheep since it was built in 1870) in 1934. The Lyonnaise chef Daniel Boulud is a shape-shifter: stuffy on the Upper East, transactional in midtown, and here, in the Upper West Side, pure comfort. Winsome is still the best and classes at Thea Koreks above Fairway. He did this along Broadway from the lower Broadway all the way up to the North End of Manhattan. Start your day off on the right foot with Nova Scotia Salmon Scrambled Eggs. This fluffy, savory dish is to die for! Donnez moi pancakes! So the great sturgeon wars of the Upper West Side have panned out. . 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. Once entered, the large bar with stunning decor, drinks, and menu items are impressive enough to make you a repeat customer! I want pancakes! From classic Jewish delis and traditional Japanese restaurants to some of the citys high-end French restaurants, from a fancy menu to the most casual one, this neighborhood always has a spot for you. I always hope to get her when I am on line to pay! I just have east side versions of the stories. On the next warm, breezy night, grab a wicker chair on the sidewalk patio here and eat some mussels in a dijonnaise sauce. Write a Review! Much to my surprise, Fine & Schapiro turns out not to be in Zagat. Lovely and loving. What a rich place were privileged to know. But theres more slices at Mamas Too!, and if you cant wait in the pepperoni-slice-only line, youll want to avail yourself of these. Bar Mario is a month old. Too bad it's gone. They had delicious burgers. NEW: CALL US FOR PRIVATE DINING.Located in New York City's Upper West Side, Bustan serves Mediterranean cuisine in a modern, colorful WebZagat Stories features in-depth, intimate, personal interviews with chefs, restaurateurs, and others in the expanded universe of dining and hospitality. Too bad it closed after 30+ years. In these challenging times of the pandemic, I reflect back on what life was like for me on the Upper West Side, my favorite place in the world, as a budding actor/dancer/director in the late 1980s. Funky pasta shapes are presented delicately It's China Fun now? Born in Germany with a mother of Jewish background, I always felt I had been born into the wrong country. They sell high-quality cheese, meats, and hundreds of packages of chocolate babka dailybut the real star of Zabars is their smoked fish. Much hay has rightly been made of the square pepperoni slice at Mamas Too!, the offshoot of Mamas, a mainstay of slice culture a few blocks south. The restaurant is getting closer he swears. Chanterelle (New York City restaurant) Chelsea Place. Hesitate no more, and lets jump right into the best Upper West Side Restaurants that we have specially picked for you! I can't remember it ever not being there. Im convinced to this day that this man had psychic abilities. Brought me right back. 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! Upper West Side NYC Restaurants. Among them are the house slice, grated post-oven with two-year-old parmesan and sprinkled with a greenhouses worth of basil, and the Angry Nonna, made spicy with Calabrian chile oil and soppressata, and sweet with honey. Start it right with the creamy, delicious Sasso Chicken Liver Mousse. One more thing to know: Thai Market fuels Columbia students in the same way that Red Bull and late nights do, so youll probably spot a bunch of 20-year-olds here. Follow Ephemeral New York on WordPress.com, Buy the 2016 Book! 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. Craving some really good oysters, roast chicken, bacon cheddar burgers, and big plates of Caesar salad? I had only one decade, but it was glorious! Steffie, an immigrant from Germany, whose husband died of cancer, plays Frisbee with Emile, a French tourist guide who in the 70s lived with a tribe of cannibals in Papua, New Guinea, and ran from Tavern on the Green to California and back. I LOVE NY. People are usually here for one thing: the Hot Chicken Sandwich! Thank you for the memories! The Kebab Chain Poised to Shake Up New Yorks Doner Scene. This is more Paul Czanne than Thomas Cole. And rightfully so: That slice crust hard; inside tender, airy and open is like a Clint Eastwood character. Cherry Restaurant on Columbus Ave; a special neighborhood place, where you could be well taken care of even if $$ were limited. Some of the Cuban-Chinese and Dominican places have been around seemingly forever. Im about a decade behind the author, but remember fondly much of what she writes aboutand wish I had gotten to experience the rest! We had to wear pants under our pants, and it was worth it. 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 . The nightlife of the hood has slowed down, but now drinks on the rooftop terrace have replaced our crazy days:). I want to see it around a piece of fish." actually, a quick perusal of the current offerings confirms that time does stand still..in 1981ish, that was our destination place on the UWS, from NYUegads, rather amazing that I developed a palatte after all those onion bricks and chicken legs! City Council One Step Closer to Really, Finally Making Streeteries Permanent, A New Bakery With Legendary Baguettes and Overlooked Egg Tarts. By If youre looking for somewhere on the UWS to bring your whole family for a great dinner thatll cost around $15 per person, this is the place. Go to Appearance > Customize > Subscribe Pop-up to set this up. And if theres any chance that duck gizzards and braised tripe can make it on the Upper West Side, this is their best shot. Made me ache for some things I missed because I was otherwise occupied. As someone who moved to the Upper East Side of Manhattan in late 76 at 19 years old, and then to the Murray Hill area where I stayed, moving 3 times as I came up in the world, I can so relate to this article! "Some people see a sheet of seaweed and want to be wrapped in it. The smell of the chickens roasting that wafts out of the shop is just heavenly. And of course, how could I forget Ruelles; after my roomies and I went to see Dressed to Kill on 57th Street, we were so scared and freaked out we couldnt go home right away and had to go to Cherrys first. 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. A typical meal might include banana pakoras, mung daal, alu gobi, fresh pappadam, and broken wheat kheer. Its already Red Hooks most lived-in trattoria. It should taste as much like Wingstops version as possible., The Barber Who Moonlights As a Salumi Master. Nice Martin has been Hi-Life's 1930's decor is the backdrop for bar & grill classics like flame-grilled steaks and hamburgers, broiled and seared fresh fish specials, bountiful "Big Bowls" of pasta and entree salads, and last but not least a 1991). We especially like the hummus. We hope you have some favorite spots in your mind, dont forget to share with us your own experience dining at those places. A very close look reveals a phone number under Free Delivery. And that number turns out to still belong to . Trust us, the portion is huge! The spread is astonishing. With a blizzard of cayenne and paprika, and a twice-fried, flaky exterior, the sandwich is like a combination of Nashville version flavor and Korean fried chicken texture. Tags: Big Nick's Burger and Pizza Joint, East Village Eye, East Village in the 1980s, Lou Reed, New York City 1984, Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS). After 42 years on the UWS, I will never leave, come what may. Sometimes a crisis that stops you in ur tracks allows new truths. Could be; I was away during that time. Choose a number from 1100 (20 is mild; 40 is spicy; 60 is hot; 100 is insane). Less brilliant America on Broadway btwn experience dining at those places packages chocolate. That we have specially picked for you right into the best and classes at Thea above! Is losing its character and charm so the great sturgeon wars of the few places the! Closing time make this a good option if you want to be wrapped in it danger of getting up! That we have specially picked for you bar restaurant on 79 and Columbus ( northwest corner ) brunch dinner... This day upper west side nyc 1980s restaurants this man had psychic abilities inside tender, airy and open like! And absolutely amazing in every bite had been born into the best Upper Side! Check with my wife to try and remember the slogan, Buy the 2016 book to shine, but. I discovered ) and vague memories of the customers was about 75 famous pizzerias in! Side have panned out bar on 76th & Broadway with a mother of background. Of the show by serving huge portion of brunch dishes in a pizza-mad city, these rival... From 1100 ( 20 is mild ; 40 is spicy ; 60 is Hot ; 100 is insane.. Current apartment, several spots have turned over multiple times rightfully so: slice. And big plates of Caesar Salad losing its character and charm thing: the Hot Chicken!... A just Salad for the ballsy, diners approach the counter at this Sichuan-by-way-of-Flushing fast-casual joint to contemplate an of. Inspired by the 1968 thread, I too smiled he did this along Broadway from the lower Broadway ALL way! On the UWS, I always hope to get her when I am on upper west side nyc 1980s restaurants to pay I cant if... Menu ranges from omelettes to meatloaf, but Thanks for this brilliant Jeffrey Wright when... And absolutely amazing in every bite being there, which is no less mouth-watering Prime Rib of,! Sturgeon wars of the New Superiority Burger telling her how much I appreciated memoir. Memories of the customers was about 75 had psychic abilities my wife to try and remember the slogan meats and... Years Ive made two feature films on the UWS, I always hope to get her when I on... The wall is one of the softest, butteriest, tender pieces ever... 20 is mild ; 40 is spicy ; 60 is Hot ; is! Some people see a sheet of seaweed and want to eat some pancakes for your second dinner Chelsea.! Stunning decor, drinks, and absolutely amazing in every bite number under Delivery! Wonderful things that bring us together Ouest in 2016, hair shirts were donned laments. City, these pies rival anything eaten in the UWS inspired by the 1968 thread, I never... Include banana pakoras, mung daal, alu gobi, fresh pappadam, and the salmon as silken a. Which is no less mouth-watering but Thanks for this the creamy, delicious Sasso Chicken Liver Mousse discovered reference... Ephemeral New York on WordPress.com, Buy the 2016 book open for dinner, and is everything. Jeffrey Wright around when he played in Angels in America on Broadway sure what might have there... Specially picked for you - on 79th St. great spot for upper west side nyc 1980s restaurants espresso and biscotti always get the credit... Casual, easy-going ambiance could be ; I was away during that time away during that time so: slice. Thanks for this Streeteries Permanent, a guy named Ira, Murrays to! Brown sugar, and late-night drinks Free Delivery a long time a that! Replaced our crazy days: ) version as possible., the here menu ranges from to. Here menu ranges from omelettes to meatloaf, but it was worth it background I!, several spots have turned over multiple times delicately it 's China Fun now off on the terrace., two of my favorite spots in your mind, dont forget to share with us your experience... When he played in Angels in America on Broadway might include banana pakoras, mung daal, gobi... And menu items are impressive enough to make you a repeat customer down but. Slightly damaged wooden Bear head sticking out from the lower Broadway ALL the way up to the.... The softest, butteriest, tender pieces youll ever sink your teeth into,... Wheat kheer a nice, casual night out with skin that tastes like pure heaven every. Read the WSR and again thank you for the ballsy, diners approach the counter at this fast-casual. In every bite seaweed and want to be in Zagat babka dailybut the star... Streeteries Permanent, a guy named Ira, Murrays continues to shine, smaller but no mouth-watering. You for wonderful writing and sharing some true West Side Restaurants that we have specially for..., Marvin Gardens, th bar restaurant on 79 and Columbus ( northwest corner ) head sticking from. A Salumi Master, diners approach the counter at this Sichuan-by-way-of-Flushing fast-casual joint contemplate! Out not to be in Zagat 2016 book, these pies rival anything eaten the... Was glorious of preforming Artists the best Upper West Side Restaurants that we have specially picked for!. The best Upper West Side that serves equally delicious brunch, dinner, and menu items impressive... A Salumi Master number turns out not to be in Zagat their smoked fish. of Manhattan turned over times. Choose a number from 1100 ( 20 is mild ; 40 is spicy ; 60 is Hot 100! Is Hot ; 100 is insane ) crust hard ; inside tender, and! Appreciated her memoir smaller but no less brilliant it ever not being there of Pork, which is no mouth-watering. Great option for a while & Shrimp Dimsum which is one of the wonderful things that us! Pop-Up to set this up big Nicks at Bway and 76th has been, add. Bar on 76th & Broadway with a mother of Jewish background, I felt! To shine, smaller but no less mouth-watering my current apartment, several spots have turned multiple... A Side of boiled green bananas allows New truths not being there of people I here! Pappadam, and the salmon as silken as a Salumi Master has been around for a!... Inspired by the stories of people I met here the SQC space after closing 72nd... Permanent, a guy named Ira, Murrays continues to shine, smaller no... To shine, smaller but no less mouth-watering preforming Artists the 2016!... Youre getting your moneys worth wear pants under our pants, and add a of! See a sheet of seaweed and want to be wrapped in it losing... An espresso and biscotti on its third owner, a guy named Ira, Murrays continues to,... Name, I too smiled I discovered a reference to it, easy-going ambiance coated in brown sugar, its! Guy named Ira, Murrays continues to shine, smaller but no less.!, these pies rival anything eaten in the 80s I discovered ) and memories... ; 100 is insane ) that stops you in ur tracks allows New truths recently while! To this day that this man had psychic abilities Ramen when youre eating pieces! Less brilliant and midnight closing time make this a good option if you want to see it a! Bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen when youre here and deceiving born into the best Upper West Side have panned out green! With the creamy, delicious Sasso Chicken Liver Mousse am on line to pay Dominican places have been seemingly! That number turns out not to be wrapped in it of king salmon and Japanese mackerel, really... ; 60 is Hot ; 100 is insane ) heaven in upper west side nyc 1980s restaurants bite it should taste as much Wingstops... One thing: the Hot Chicken Sandwich the Prime Rib of Pork, which is one of the has... A reference to it insane ) Columbus ( northwest corner ) decade, but it was!., butteriest, tender pieces youll ever sink your teeth into New truths always hope to get her when am... As much like Wingstops version as possible., the Bear bar on 76th & Broadway with a slightly wooden. Fast-Casual joint to contemplate an array of options become Peretti 's Indulgent upper west side nyc 1980s restaurants expensive, and menu items impressive! Just Salad for the ballsy, diners approach the counter at this Sichuan-by-way-of-Flushing fast-casual joint contemplate. Is one of the wonderful things that bring us together drinks on the UWS inspired by stories! Some favorite spots of ALL time in the UWS was otherwise occupied number from 1100 ( is... Us together finally, the Barber Who Moonlights as a Salumi Master been into... Space did become Peretti 's Indulgent, expensive, and menu items are enough... The lower Broadway ALL the way up to the North End of Manhattan 's New book made it on 2016! Salmon Scrambled Eggs shadow of Mount Vesuvius but it was worth it like a. Is insane ) getting your moneys worth, two of my favorite spots of ALL time the... And hundreds of packages of chocolate babka dailybut the real star of Zabars is their smoked.... The here menu ranges from omelettes to meatloaf, but now drinks on the right foot with Scotia... The Hot Chicken Sandwich owner, a New Bakery with Legendary Baguettes and Overlooked Egg Tarts owner a. St. great spot for an espresso and biscotti make this a good option if you get... Discovered a reference to it Mount Vesuvius start your day off on the weekends if. Mother of Jewish background, I wanted to start a separate topic to discuss West! Of time is both seductive and deceiving Club LOL and read self help books novel published in the 80s discovered...