Guidebook for New York
Food Scene
All the good eats in the area
a cute tiny hip bar that serves wine, good cheese plates, and small production of draft beer. Delicious taco, spicy tomato soup & grilled cheese (has NY cheddar, pork belly, kimchi & fried egg)
59 abantu bendawo batusa
Earl's Beer and Cheese
1259 Park Avea cute tiny hip bar that serves wine, good cheese plates, and small production of draft beer. Delicious taco, spicy tomato soup & grilled cheese (has NY cheddar, pork belly, kimchi & fried egg)
Good Luck if you get a table; this little place packs personality and a punch. Their burger is reasonable priced, the beef patty cooked to perfection, and they have 15 different type of sauces for it!
57 abantu bendawo batusa
Joy Burger Bar
1567 Lexington AveGood Luck if you get a table; this little place packs personality and a punch. Their burger is reasonable priced, the beef patty cooked to perfection, and they have 15 different type of sauces for it!
4 little words: BYOB!!! Oh and delicious, authentic Indian food with friendly services to boot too.
8 abantu bendawo batusa
OM
1531 York Ave4 little words: BYOB!!! Oh and delicious, authentic Indian food with friendly services to boot too.
The lobster meat that is used in the sandwiches come straight from maine, directly to Luke's shop, no middle men in between. It is much cheaper than getting it anywhere else in NYC!
53 abantu bendawo batusa
Luke's Lobster Upper East Side
242 E 81st StThe lobster meat that is used in the sandwiches come straight from maine, directly to Luke's shop, no middle men in between. It is much cheaper than getting it anywhere else in NYC!
Get the Shack stack! It's cheese burger, with deep fried Portobello mushroom filled w/cheese on top.It's so good, you won't be able to say a word while eating it.They're famous for their shakes too.
993 abantu bendawo batusa
Shake Shack
Madison AvenueGet the Shack stack! It's cheese burger, with deep fried Portobello mushroom filled w/cheese on top.It's so good, you won't be able to say a word while eating it.They're famous for their shakes too.
For quick bite and beer, GREAT selection of whiskey too, oh and if you’re in for some shots, get the pickleback :)) Gastropub with food items like Oyster sliders (personal favorite!)
200 abantu bendawo batusa
The Penrose
1590 2nd AveFor quick bite and beer, GREAT selection of whiskey too, oh and if you’re in for some shots, get the pickleback :)) Gastropub with food items like Oyster sliders (personal favorite!)
Authentic British pub (but with very good food) it is a deceptive little place but pack with personality and great drinks.
58 abantu bendawo batusa
Jones Wood Foundry
401 E 76th StAuthentic British pub (but with very good food) it is a deceptive little place but pack with personality and great drinks.
It's noisy, frenetic, and cramped, but oh so worth the inconvenience. The menu is small as well, and you haven’t lived if you haven’t tried Heidi’s famous Paella.
29 abantu bendawo batusa
Heidi's House
308 E 78th StIt's noisy, frenetic, and cramped, but oh so worth the inconvenience. The menu is small as well, and you haven’t lived if you haven’t tried Heidi’s famous Paella.
Despite the hilarious name there’s nothing funny about their mussels. They take cooking mussels very very serious and it shows. Be sure to make reservations because this place is always buzzing.
72 abantu bendawo batusa
Flex Mussels
1431 E 82nd StDespite the hilarious name there’s nothing funny about their mussels. They take cooking mussels very very serious and it shows. Be sure to make reservations because this place is always buzzing.
All ramen here are made with some sort of meat base, pork, soup so be warned people who doesn't do that.
Tiny place that seats only about 20 or less but the wait is short and so worth it!
69 abantu bendawo batusa
Naruto Ramen
1596 3rd AveAll ramen here are made with some sort of meat base, pork, soup so be warned people who doesn't do that.
Tiny place that seats only about 20 or less but the wait is short and so worth it!
the atmosphere is great. It's a tiny place, but it's open, and airy. The FOOD so fresh! perfectly spiced! attractive presentation!
8 abantu bendawo batusa
Gong Thai
173 E 99th Stthe atmosphere is great. It's a tiny place, but it's open, and airy. The FOOD so fresh! perfectly spiced! attractive presentation!
It is very familyish and neighborhoody, which I love. They have outdoor seatings, and open airy feel even inside. Simple thin crust pizza (but NOT your usual $2/slice either)
35 abantu bendawo batusa
Lexington Pizza Parlour
1590 Lexington AveIt is very familyish and neighborhoody, which I love. They have outdoor seatings, and open airy feel even inside. Simple thin crust pizza (but NOT your usual $2/slice either)
Take out ONLY! The most aunthentic Thai place in NYC, hands down! All their curry and noodle are amazing, favorites are Panang curry and papaya salad. Be careful when you're ordering spicy :)
1590 Lexington Ave
1590 Lexington AvenueTake out ONLY! The most aunthentic Thai place in NYC, hands down! All their curry and noodle are amazing, favorites are Panang curry and papaya salad. Be careful when you're ordering spicy :)
Definitely a Great Alternative to Starbucks, place is a gem in the neighborhood so desperately in need of a "hipster" type of coffeeshop
46 abantu bendawo batusa
East Harlem Cafe
1651 Lexington AvenueDefinitely a Great Alternative to Starbucks, place is a gem in the neighborhood so desperately in need of a "hipster" type of coffeeshop
Good old Starbucks next to the 96th street station if that is what you're in to
753 abantu bendawo batusa
Starbucks
301 W 145th StGood old Starbucks next to the 96th street station if that is what you're in to
Sit down, good Thai restaurant. Try their Laabgai Salad if you like spicy.
17 abantu bendawo batusa
Pro Thai
1575 Lexington AveSit down, good Thai restaurant. Try their Laabgai Salad if you like spicy.
Delicious Southern Style Chicken (roast, fried...) same with their wings, and pies. Kosher too!
Roast Homestyle Chicken
1569 Lexington AvenueDelicious Southern Style Chicken (roast, fried...) same with their wings, and pies. Kosher too!
La Shuk
1569 Lexington AveAuthentic Moroccan food, tasty fare and charming place.
Wonderful cappuccino, espresso, Real Italian coffee, almond pastry and great pressed sandwiches on brioche bread.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Da Capo Aperitivo e Caffè
1392 Madison AveWonderful cappuccino, espresso, Real Italian coffee, almond pastry and great pressed sandwiches on brioche bread.
Judy's
1505 Lexington AveA Dominican favorite!
Cozy South African wine bar. Hence, all of the South African wines, they are very good and interesting. Friendly knowledgeable staff, and cool atmosphere.
24 abantu bendawo batusa
Kaia Wine Bar
1614 3rd AveCozy South African wine bar. Hence, all of the South African wines, they are very good and interesting. Friendly knowledgeable staff, and cool atmosphere.
Sfoglia
1402 Lexington AveGreat neighborhood restaurant. for authentic Italian food and wine.
Excellent Indian food and service for a very affordable lunch buffet.
32 abantu bendawo batusa
Brick Lane Curry House
79 2nd AveExcellent Indian food and service for a very affordable lunch buffet.
Small take away place in a corner, good hot dogs, delicious tater tots and nice smoothies.
26 abantu bendawo batusa
Papaya King
1535 East 86th StSmall take away place in a corner, good hot dogs, delicious tater tots and nice smoothies.
Go here for an authentic New York (everything!) Bagel. Get the works: with lox, onions, cream cheese, tomatoes, and capers. Their breakfast Bagel with egg, cheese and sausage is very goo too.
Hot & Crusty Bakery Cafe
1276 Lexington AveGo here for an authentic New York (everything!) Bagel. Get the works: with lox, onions, cream cheese, tomatoes, and capers. Their breakfast Bagel with egg, cheese and sausage is very goo too.
Comfort authentic Deli food w/overstuffed sandwiches, hearty matzo ball soup, unbelievable knishes – traditional kosher. Not cheap, the tabs “not cheap”, but GREAT for a “true Jewish deli experience”
38 abantu bendawo batusa
2nd Ave Deli
162 E 33rd StComfort authentic Deli food w/overstuffed sandwiches, hearty matzo ball soup, unbelievable knishes – traditional kosher. Not cheap, the tabs “not cheap”, but GREAT for a “true Jewish deli experience”
Fantastic gorgeous little cafe with seating. Great for breakfast and lunch, & quick dinner: Tuna melt, so are all their wraps, smoothie, Chicken Schnitzel or the Roasted Butter Lemon Salmon...
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Effy's Kitchen
1567 Lexington AveFantastic gorgeous little cafe with seating. Great for breakfast and lunch, & quick dinner: Tuna melt, so are all their wraps, smoothie, Chicken Schnitzel or the Roasted Butter Lemon Salmon...
They have good HH & fish taco is my favorite here, while it’s not super cheap like in Mexico it’s the very next best thing you can find in NY (which seems to have shortage w/GREAT authentic Mexican)
69 abantu bendawo batusa
El Paso Mexican Restaurant
123 East 110th StreetThey have good HH & fish taco is my favorite here, while it’s not super cheap like in Mexico it’s the very next best thing you can find in NY (which seems to have shortage w/GREAT authentic Mexican)
T &J JAMAICAN!
Small little authentic Jamaican place. Mostly take out but they do have a small counter for eat in. Their meat patties are amazing (spicy beef!) same for chicken soup, and all the stews (ox tail!)
1257 Park Ave
1257 Park AvenueT &J JAMAICAN!
Small little authentic Jamaican place. Mostly take out but they do have a small counter for eat in. Their meat patties are amazing (spicy beef!) same for chicken soup, and all the stews (ox tail!)
Nice little modern bar/restaurant with a low-key lounge vibe. Latin fare, huge selection of wines. Unlimited Mimosa, Sangria, & beer during brunch hours. Definitely will be going back.
Barbarrio
1621 Lexington AveNice little modern bar/restaurant with a low-key lounge vibe. Latin fare, huge selection of wines. Unlimited Mimosa, Sangria, & beer during brunch hours. Definitely will be going back.
Chill neighborhood spot, but with average drinks and food
83 abantu bendawo batusa
The Lexington Social
1634 Lexington AveChill neighborhood spot, but with average drinks and food
Drinks & Nightlife
The room is tiny and cozy, which was no biggie on a quiet Sunday afternoon. The menu is not long, but they’re all awesome craft cocktails, without the elaborateness from the other establishments.
24 abantu bendawo batusa
Guthrie Inn
1259 Park AveThe room is tiny and cozy, which was no biggie on a quiet Sunday afternoon. The menu is not long, but they’re all awesome craft cocktails, without the elaborateness from the other establishments.
Great low key, and relax lounge. Red velvet lounge chairs, and heavy curtains bring a Medieval feel to it.
68 abantu bendawo batusa
The Auction House
300 E 89th StGreat low key, and relax lounge. Red velvet lounge chairs, and heavy curtains bring a Medieval feel to it.
Typical Irish pup/Sport bar. Cheap drinks, spacious, and open til 4AM, what NOT to like?
Kinsale Tavern
1672 3rd AvenueTypical Irish pup/Sport bar. Cheap drinks, spacious, and open til 4AM, what NOT to like?
Large gastro pup with great selection of beers and American pup food. Their happy hour on the weekdays is an amazing deal and even without happy hour prices, everything is reasonable and worth every penny (and calorie lol). They also have different themed nights, as well as games you can borrow from the bar and play while you drink.
The Rochard NYC
1504 Lexington AveLarge gastro pup with great selection of beers and American pup food. Their happy hour on the weekdays is an amazing deal and even without happy hour prices, everything is reasonable and worth every penny (and calorie lol). They also have different themed nights, as well as games you can borrow from the bar and play while you drink.
Grocery stores
(Now changed to Ideal Food Basket) Beautiful new supermarket in the neighborhood. Extremely friendly staff that I think will fit in very nicely with the community. Prices are fair, cheaper than most New York grocery stores
34 abantu bendawo batusa
Ideal Food Basket
1635 Lexington Ave(Now changed to Ideal Food Basket) Beautiful new supermarket in the neighborhood. Extremely friendly staff that I think will fit in very nicely with the community. Prices are fair, cheaper than most New York grocery stores
Basic New York bodega (chips, soda, beer, juice, milk, basic produce, ice cream...) but with Hispanic snacks, drinks, and ingredients also (flour tortillas, queso fresco, mole, tomatillo, tostadas...)
El Tepeyac Mexican Food
126 Lexington AveBasic New York bodega (chips, soda, beer, juice, milk, basic produce, ice cream...) but with Hispanic snacks, drinks, and ingredients also (flour tortillas, queso fresco, mole, tomatillo, tostadas...)
AMAZING butcher this is 1 block away at 103rd and they have every single type of meat imaginable, & the price is very cheap too. These guys are professionals, they cut/chop all the meat as your desire
1629 Lexington Ave
1629 Lexington AvenueAMAZING butcher this is 1 block away at 103rd and they have every single type of meat imaginable, & the price is very cheap too. These guys are professionals, they cut/chop all the meat as your desire
As the name suggest they sell all type of fish and sea food here. I really enjoy this little hole-in-the-wall joint. You can also buy prepared seafood, They have tons of options and not just seafood
149 E 103rd St
149 East 103rd StreetAs the name suggest they sell all type of fish and sea food here. I really enjoy this little hole-in-the-wall joint. You can also buy prepared seafood, They have tons of options and not just seafood
Liquor/wine store
Mercedes Liquor Store
102 E 103rd StThey carry all sort of liquor, and basic wine.
GREAT neighborhood wine store! Lots of organic wine, all hand-picked by the owner
17 abantu bendawo batusa
Vinyl Wine
1491 Lexington AveGREAT neighborhood wine store! Lots of organic wine, all hand-picked by the owner
24hours pharmacy/convenience store. Staff is pretty good and helping you find things when you need it.
416 abantu bendawo batusa
CVS
115 W 125th St24hours pharmacy/convenience store. Staff is pretty good and helping you find things when you need it.
Coffee Shop
Coffee shop in the neighborhood
How could you go wrong with fresh baked pastries and yummy coffee? I will give their croissant breakfast sandwich a solid 4.5 stars - homemade croissant, bacon, egg, and cheese. They had to use shredded Swiss because they were out of regular but still delicious!
This cafe has great potential and I would def come again. Cute decor, kind people, nice selection of pastries and coffees. Even a cold case of spindrift and dr brew kombucha.
7 abantu bendawo batusa
Frenchy Coffee NYC
129E E 102nd StHow could you go wrong with fresh baked pastries and yummy coffee? I will give their croissant breakfast sandwich a solid 4.5 stars - homemade croissant, bacon, egg, and cheese. They had to use shredded Swiss because they were out of regular but still delicious!
This cafe has great potential and I would def come again. Cute decor, kind people, nice selection of pastries and coffees. Even a cold case of spindrift and dr brew kombucha.
My favorites (NOT in the neighborhood)
All my favorite places to eat & drink that not in the neighborhood
Best Carrot Cake in town! My favorite thing about the carrot cake is raisins and nuts.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Lloyd's Carrot Cake
1553 Lexington AveBest Carrot Cake in town! My favorite thing about the carrot cake is raisins and nuts.