The Uptown Manhattan Guide

@goop
 on 2022.02.03
62 Places
@goop
While downtown admittedly gets a lot of air time at goop—see our guides to the West Village/Soho, East Village/LES, Tribeca, and beyond—we have some loyal uptown girls here, and even those of us who you won't typically find above 34th Street have their beloved spots uptown. If you're visiting NYC, Uptown is where you head to see so many of the sites that have classically made the city, "the city." Walking through Central Park, which stretches from 59th Street to 110th, is a non-negotiable activity for tourists (but also one that Manhattan lifers don't tire of). Uptown is also, of course, home to some of the city's most iconic museums like the Met; and the relatively quieter city neighborhoods of the UES and UWS have an appreciated family-friend vibe. If you don't have kids in tote, though, there's still something to be said about brunching and bar hopping up here where everything feels a bit less scene-y. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations.

Journelle

Lingerie store · Upper East Side

"Over the past few years, this lingerie boutique has grown and opened up several shops all over the city. It turns out there was a real hole in the marketplace when it came to lingerie: A place where you can find pretty lingerie that you don't feel silly wearing everyday, which means a tasteful mix of brands like Bordelle, Stella McCartney, Cosabella, and Princesse Tam-Tam, in both basic nudes and bright colors. There's also a location in Union Square and Soho."

Zabar's

Gourmet grocery store · Upper West Side

"Come here for the bagels, and the rugelach, and the chocolate babka, and the smoked fish, and we could go on and on. This Upper West Side specialty grocer, which has been operated by the Zabar family (out of the same location) since the 1930s, is still the place to stock up on old-school Jewish delicatessen fare. It’s one of those classic city shops that’s as worth it for the goods as it is for the characters who shop there regularly."

Dr. Laura Schiller, MD

Obstetrician-gynecologist · Upper East Side

"Dr. Schiller knows everything about women's health and is a wonderfully reassuring doctor to see when you're pregnant (or wanting to be). In fact, she contributed her wisdom to a goop issue on postpartum depression. "

Upper West Side Yoga and Wellness

Yoga studio · Upper West Side

"Beyond the extensive list of yoga classes offered by husband and wife Stephan Kolbert and Ingrid Marcroft and their team, UWS Yoga offers meditation classes and sessions in their infrared sauna. You have to pre-book, so try and snag an appointment right before or after a yoga or meditation session for an extra detox boost."

Alice's Tea Cup

Tea house · Upper West Side

"These Alice in Wonderland-themed spots are pretty cute (there are now three outposts), making them a great option for a mid-afternoon snack or a birthday party destination. Pioneered by Lauren and Haley Fox, these teashops offer perfectly brewed teas, healthy snacks, and prettily arranged sweets—from cupcakes to cookies. There are also two locations on the Upper East Side."

Fairway Market of 74th Street

Grocery store · Upper West Side

"Beyond being one of the more perfect independent grocery stores around, Fairway is the perfect New York cross section: You'll see young families, old ladies in fur coats, students looking for good food at good prices, and just about every New York "type" you can think of. This outpost is almost open 24 hours (6am-1am)."

Central Park

Park · Central Park

"This massive, man-made, historic park in the middle of Manhattan might just be the thing that makes city life bearable for so many of its citizens: With acres of green space, it’s a public oasis offering incredible playgrounds, swimming pools, public concerts, running tracks, dog parks, gondola dotted lakes, a boathouse, a wonderful zoo, and the John Lennon Memorial. It’s a wonderful place."

Central Park

Park · Central Park

"This massive, man-made, historic park in the middle of Manhattan might just be the thing that makes city life bearable for so many of its citizens: With acres of green space, it’s a public oasis offering incredible playgrounds, swimming pools, public concerts, running tracks, dog parks, gondola dotted lakes, a boathouse, a wonderful zoo, and the John Lennon Memorial. It’s a wonderful place."

Bemelmans Bar

Bar · Upper East Side

"This is a seriously charming, truly legendary New Yorker's bar: For starters, the clubby space is covered in Madeline author Ludwig Bemelmans's whimsical murals—a tribute to the city's quirky inhabitants—and to top it off, you might just run into Woody Allen playing the clarinet (his band plays Monday nights). "

Fivestory New York

Permanently Closed

"Proenza's first brick and mortar location is everything you'd expect from this much-loved label: The space is a slick, geometric gray, with inlaid marble walls that are the perfect backdrop for the duo's structural pieces. There's now an additional boutique in Soho."

Fivestory New York

Permanently Closed

"Proenza's first brick and mortar location is everything you'd expect from this much-loved label: The space is a slick, geometric gray, with inlaid marble walls that are the perfect backdrop for the duo's structural pieces. There's now an additional boutique in Soho."

Children's Museum Of Manhattan

Children's museum · Upper West Side

"This interactive museum touches on everything from the science of sleep to jazz. During warmer months, there’s also an outside water park, where kids can sail boats and study erosion through sand. With 38,000 square feet, there’s plenty to keep little ones occupied."

"Housed in Andrew Carnegie’s former Georgian mansion, the Cooper Hewitt still maintains the original dark wood-lined interiors and imposing staircase. After closing for three years for a major upgrade on the design galleries at the hands of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the Cooper Hewitt had a grand re-opening at the end of 2014 with an expanded exhibition space. There's also an interactive Process Lab where visitors learn about the design process, and an Immersion Room highlighting the museum's expansive wall-covering collection. The museum was already one of the best in the world for design—both contemporary and ancient—so it's no surprise that it's better than ever. Don’t miss their shop, which is incredibly well done."

The Frick Collection

Temporarily Closed

"COVID-19 update: Soon to re-open at Frick Madison location. Check out the roster of virtual offerings including drawing classes and art discussions with resident experts. Housed in a classic early 20th-century mansion commissioned by the industrialist Henry Clay Frick, the collection boasts iconic works from the Renaissance to the early 19th-century, including pieces by El Greco, Goya, and Rembrandt. We especially love the absolutely over-the-top rococo room with wall-to-wall frescoes by Honoré Fragonard. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Modern art museum · Upper East Side

"COVID-19 update: Open (Mondays are for members) with a pre-booked time slot. Aside from being one of the most significant buildings of the 20th-century, and the apex of Frank Lloyd Wright’s career, the Guggenheim is a world-class art museum and cultural center, too. No matter the show—usually solid retrospectives—it’s worth the entrance fee just to wind your way through the snail-like building and look down from the top at the mesmerizing view below. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art museum · Central Park

"COVID-19 update: Open for visitors with pre-booked, time-slot tickets. The current About Time: Fashion and Duration exhibit is fantastic and uplifting. This beloved institution—reigning supreme on NYC’s Upper East Side—has been shepherding millions through its halls since 1880. You’ll find some of the art world’s most iconic pieces, as well as important artifacts from ancient to modern times. It’s also home to the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, which dates back to 15 BC. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

Serendipity 3

American restaurant · Upper East Side

"It’s really all about the frozen hot chocolate here, to the extent that we can’t really vouch for many of the other offerings on the menu. We do know that Serendipity 3 (named for its three founders, not three outposts) came into its own as a coffee shop. Nowadays, it offers a dense menu of classics (both savory and sweet), though kids really do freak out for the hot chocolate. Reservations suggested."

JG Melon

Bar & grill · Upper East Side

"Kitschy, often crowded, and rowdy on any night of the week, this 1970s bar makes a great, laid-back stop in the otherwise pretty upscale Upper East Side. We go for their excellent Bloody Mary’s and their famous, oft-lauded burgers served from lunch until late into the night. (There's now a second location in Greenwich Village.)"

Neue Galerie New York

Art museum · Upper East Side

"Walking into this Upper East Side townhouse is a quick time warp into the golden age of Vienna, before the First World War. The permanent collection, displayed almost as if it were in an elegant home, includes works by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele and many design pieces from Josef Hoffman, Koloman Moser, and Werner Werkstatte. We never tire of visiting the galleries and then heading downstairs for a tea and Linzer torte at the perfectly achieved turn-of-the-century-style Cafe Sabarsky, where you dine surrounded by Adolf Loos furniture. "

BK Antiques

Antique furniture store · Upper East Side

"Led by Barbara Kirshbaum, who has been on more than 120 buying trips to Europe and Asia, BK Antiques carries furniture, lighting, accessories, original artwork, and silver from the 18th-, 19th-, and early 20th-century. BK Antiques also has an exclusive collection of limited editions: high-end desk accessories; a series of small “drinks” tables in wood, iron, and stone; oak console tables; barstools; wastebaskets and custom iron and wood benches."

Per Se

French restaurant · Upper West Side

"Napa's French Laundry may have put Thomas Keller on the map, but Per Se, which is perched above Central Park, confirms his legendary status. Chef Eli Kaimeh's menu changes daily, and the meal itself can last for hours as you advance from seasonal course to course, but it's all superb. Having one of the best meals in New York City comes at a price, though, as the set dinner menu starts at $325 (you can now order á la carte). The private room also happens to have one of the best views in town."

Masa

Japanese restaurant · Upper West Side

"This is a bit more casual and much more affordable than its big brother next door (Masa), though it's still one of the best places for sushi in New York. "

Barney Greengrass

Breakfast restaurant · Upper West Side

"This old-school delicatessen has been around for over 100 years and carries every conceivable kind of smoked fish. It's a fun stop even just to see the hand-painted 1950’s sign outside, and the vintage Americana interiors it has carefully stewarded through the decades. Greengrass is also a restaurant that’s particularly great for breakfast—there are plenty of egg and bagel options to accompany your choice of smoked fish. And, in keeping with tradition, portions are huge, so go hungry."

ZITOMER

Pharmacy · Upper East Side

"This mega-pharmacy is so large (15,000 square feet, spread across three floors), it’s actually deemed a department store: Sure, you can drop off a prescription, but most people come here to pick up anything from old-fashioned throat lozenges to Mason Pearson hairbrushes to fancy shampoo and lipstick. The prices fit the setting (it’s just a stone’s throw from The Carlyle), but they have the services to match, from quick delivery, to house accounts, to shipping prescriptions to you anywhere in the world. They also have an excellent toy store named Zittles which consumes the entire third floor, carrying old-fashioned favorites like Barbie, Madame Alexander dolls, and a solid selection of dress up clothes."

Han Dynasty Upper West Side

Sichuan restaurant · Upper West Side

"The food here is full of flavor and spice (the dan dan noodles are particularly insane). It's a no-frills kind of place, and the reasonable tabs make it a great place to go with a group on a budget. (Note that it's no longer BYOB, though.) There's also a location in the East Village."

Maria Radu Skin Care

Permanently Closed

"Maria Radu sticks to a no-nonsense, European approach, which also happens to get great results. Not only is she the go-to for anti-aging and rejuvenating treatments, she's been known to work miracles on acne-riddled skin."

Milk Bar Upper West Side

Dessert shop · Upper West Side

"While working at Momofuku in the early days, Christina Tosi—office manager at the time—started baking the occasional treat for the team. And her insanely sweet, totally novel confections quickly took off. Soon, she had her own shop next door (and now many more in NYC) where she and her staff crank out ridiculously complex layered cakes, the aptly named Compost cookies, and unusual soft-serve flavors—all simultaneously nostalgic and unlike anything you've ever tasted. "

RedFarm

Chinese restaurant · Upper West Side

"COVID-19 update: Open for delivery. Chef Joe Ng is doing wonders in a great second floor space in the West Village (upstairs from Red Farm’s newer sibling, Decoy), and a second outpost on the Upper West Side. Red Farm’s menu focuses on fresh greenmarket product, artfully prepared fish, and delicious dim sum (including less familiar creations like Katz’s pastrami egg roll). From the dim sum selection, the Pac Man shrimp dumplings are as delicious as they are Instagram-worthy and the duck spring rolls are not at all greasy and taste surprisingly refreshing. We’re more than willing to endure the substantial wait (no reservations here) for a bowl of the Lobster Long Life noodles and the veggie fried rice. They put together prix-fixe menus for large groups in private spaces at both locations. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

Albertine

Book store · Upper East Side

"The French Embassy has pulled off a wonderful coup in bringing this gem-like French bookstore and reading room to Fifth Avenue. Named after the ethereal character from Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time, the Jacques Garcia-designed (who else?) space is beautifully decked-out with comfy leather couches for cuddling up with a novel, and a gleaming constellation fresco on the ceiling of the two-storey space. The only French bookstore of its kind in the city, it’s a gift to New York—in one of the few remaining Stanford White-designed Beaux Arts buildings, no less. "

Georgia Louise Atelier

Facial spa · Upper East Side

"Louise’s skincare philosophy is straightforward—energize skin cells, tone muscles, and stimulate the lymphatic system—and translates to treatments that include stem cell application via micro-needling, firming galvanic current, exfoliating dermaplaning, and acupuncture facials. Every session, whether it's a cryo facial or a radiofrequency session, starts with an in-depth consultation. There's a lengthy waitlist to get in with Louise herself, but a session with a member of her team is an exquisite, skin-perfecting experience."

Sushi Sasabune

Sushi restaurant · Upper East Side

"Inspired by the LA original of the same name, this is a “trust me” sushi spot, which means you’re at the mercy of Chef Takahashi and his team behind the bar. The barely seasoned omakase they make consists of incredibly fresh fish—sourced at the fish market early each morning—served on warm, perfectly moist rice. It’s a tiny, no-frills nook, and the best seats in the house are at the bar."

"For over 20 years, food academics, serious chefs, and home cooks alike have all come here to stock their kitchen bookshelves. In fact, Julia Child used to shop here. Besides the seemingly endless supply of cookbooks, academic journals, and food memoirs, it’s owner Nach Waxman and his team that make it really special. Well-informed but not intimidating, they’re happy to help you find the right book, or will track it down if they don’t have it."

Sol Cacao

Chocolate factory · Port Morris

"Three brothers developed a taste for quality cacao while growing up in the Caribbean eating chocolate made from trees they had grown (and picked from) themselves. Cut to: Dominic, Nicholas, and Daniel Maloney craft single-origin, bean-to-bar dairy- and nut-free, organic, fair-trade chocolate in Harlem. A square or two of Sol Cacao’s 70 percent plus chocolate is the kind of rich, slightly sweet, slightly bitter treat you enjoy with a glass of red wine after dinner or with a thimble of espresso in the afternoon—it’s to be savored. Find Sol Cacao sprinkled throughout New York City's best artisanal food purveyors like Chelsea Market, Chicky's General store, and Brooklyn Larder, as well as at Whole Foods and online. "

Lincoln Ristorante

Italian restaurant · Upper West Side

"The location of Lincoln Center's refined Italian restaurant makes it a no-brainer for before a show, but the menu (not to mention the seriously sophisticated, Italian-only wine list) actually stands up to our favorite hole-in-the-wall joints downtown. The menu fulfills cravings for all the classic dishes, from spaghettini al pomodoro to lobster risotto, plus a glorious bistecca alla griglia. If you come in the evening, don't forget to check out another bonus from the drinks program: The negroni and prosecco bars. "

Sarabeth's

Brunch restaurant · Upper West Side

"Sarabeth’s started out as a bakery in Chelsea Market in the 80s, where owner Sarabeth Levine perfected cookies, scones, and cakes (with unabashed amounts of sugar, flour, and butter). After she became legendary, she opened Sarabeth’s and basically launched the craze that is weekend Brunch. Years later, it’s still hard to get a breakfast reservation at any of her roomy, all-American, restaurants, but it’s so worth it for luscious pancakes and french toast, not to mention ideal omelettes. There are additional locations in the Upper West Side, Midtown, Gramercy, and Tribeca."

Ursus Books & Gallery

Book store · Upper East Side

"Ursus sells art and rare books along with a very special selection of 16th to 19th-century prints. For art lovers, this is where you'll find that rare edition on your favorite artist you can't find anywhere else. And if Ursus doesn't have it, their knowledgeable staff can help you track it down."

Creel and Gow

Boutique · Upper East Side

"Jamie Creel and Christopher Gow are serious collectors who spend much of their time traveling the world sourcing far-flung objects for their townhouse shop. We go just to see the wacky and elegant displays that mix coral and taxidermy, Suzani textiles and kitschy South African ceramics. It’s a real mix with prices to match, and if you’re looking for a truly offbeat gift—like say, a hand-blown glass hammer and nails—chances are you’ll find it here. "

Exceed Physical Culture

Permanently Closed

"This popular fitness studio focuses on resistance and interval training, which means that you primarily use your own body weight throughout the workout. There's a consistent class schedule, though they also do private training. There's a second location in Tribeca."

Parm

Italian restaurant · Nolita

"This offshoot from the Nolita original is part of the Major Food group (Dirty French, Carbone, etc.), and as-to-be-expected it's reliably really good. It couldn't be Parm if it didn't serve a really good one, along with other trattoria standbys like broccoli rabe, penne scampi, and chicken limone. There are also outposts in the Financial District, Williamsburg, and at Yankee Stadium."

Café Sabarsky

Austrian restaurant · Upper East Side

"This Viennese café, named for Neue Galerie co-founder Serge Sabarsky, is as luxurious as museum eats go. You can sit down to a full dinner, but it’s ideal for an indulgent coffee and sweet after browsing the galleries."

Le Moulin

Restaurant · Upper East Side

"Near the East River, Le Moulin à Café is part coffee shop, part bistro, part French grocery store—and charming. If you’re not ordering to-go, the counter spots overlooking York Avenue are prime real estate—and somewhere you can post up to do work, trading your latte for a glass of wine later in the day. There are also tables (with waiter service) in the back of Le Moulin, though."

Café Carlyle

Cafe · Upper East Side

"Open for business since 1930, The Carlyle is just a few blocks from Central Park and Museum Mile. And you can’t check-out without stopping for a drink in Bemelmans Bar, which has murals painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, the author of the Madeline series. This is one of the best hotels in the world in terms of service, décor, comfort, and amenities."

JINsoon Upper East Side

Nail salon · Upper East Side

"Jin Soon Choi, the fashion world's go-to for nails, has taken her tiny nail (and wax) salons to the next level. Each mani and pedi is more like a mini spa treatment for your hands and feet, with a menu of massages, essential oil, and hydrating treatments to choose from. Her technicians are great, the space is low-key, and blessedly low-tech (no vibrating massage chairs here), and she has a five-free line of polishes, too (goop did a collab with her). There are also locations in the West Village, East Village, and Tribeca. "

Kimara Ahnert Make Up Studio

Beauty salon · Upper East Side

"Whether for a special event or for a makeup 101 refresher course, booking an appointment at this deeply feminine shop is a worthwhile expense. Come with a few girlfriends for a facial, followed by makeup."

FD GALLERY

Art gallery · Upper East Side

"This gorgeous estate jewelry shop looks more like an exceptionally appointed apartment than a store and has more than earned its name: the collection of estate jewelry spanning every era and every designer (Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels are the biggies) is nothing if not museum-worthy. Rare treasure hunters in particular flock to FD as it’s one of the few U.S. distributors of JAR. Also worth noting are the vintage accessories by Chanel and Hermes and photography by Man Ray, Richard Avedon, and more."

American Museum of Natural History

Natural history museum · Upper West Side

"Just across the street from Central Park, this sprawling space—established in 1869—is home to more than 32 million specimens: Enormous dinosaur fossils, a stampede of elephants in the main hall, and a host of gorgeous dioramas are just the start. Post visit, head to Shake Shake across the street for a grilled cheese and milkshake."

Maris Dusan

Spa · Upper East Side

"Lidia Tivichi somehow makes the entire process of pain removal painless. Seriously. Hands down, she does the best wax we've ever tried."

Elio's

Italian restaurant · Upper East Side

"The food is classic Italian by way of New York—but it’s the beautiful presentation and cozy uptown vibe that make this spot so special. It’s a siren song for some of the city’s most interesting personalities, like Joan Didion and Jerry Seinfeld."

The Mark Hotel

Hotel · Upper East Side

"Here, you’ll get access to New York fantasy life, from 24/7 exclusive access to Bergdorf Goodman, Laduree macaroons at the bedside, custom bikes for touring the city, and Jean Georges Vongerichten-crafted picnics to go (he runs the The Mark’s restaurant). The rooms themselves are gorgeous; revamped by Jacques Grange, the interiors are sleek, and just a little splashy."

The Penrose

Bar · Upper East Side

"The Penrose was a very welcome addition to the Upper East Side when it debuted on Second Avenue a few years ago, and the gastropub still feels noteworthy today in a neighborhood that is more known for its collegiate sports bars than craft-centric joints. Some would say that it feels more downtown than uptown, probably because the Penrose was done by the same people behind downtown spots The Wren and Wilfie and Nell. All that said, beyond the exposed brick and vintage décor, this is really a neighborhood spot—and a solid one at that. Besides the drinks, the snacks are satisfying, and you might find yourself wanting to stay for dinner, or come back the next day for brunch."

The Jeffrey Craft Beer & Bites

Bar · Upper East Side

"Hidden under the Queensboro Bridge, The Jeffrey combines two storefronts that look completely unremarkable. Inside, though, you can get unexpectedly good coffee, drinks—and oysters. The espresso bar serves local roasts from Café Grumpy, and is also part growler-to-go-service. For later in the day and night, there are a few dozen rotating local and global brews, plus wines and a fairly extensive cocktail list. When the weather is nice, take your drink and oysters to the back patio."

Metropolitan Opera House

Opera house · Upper West Side

"COVID-19 update: The Metropolitan Opera has adapted to current restrictions with their new Met Stars Live in Concert series. Book your ticket, tune in from home and watch live performances from the likes of Anna Netrebko, straight from the Met stage. Whether it's your first time or you're a season ticket holder, an opera at the Met, with its shimmering gold curtains, monumental Chagall murals, starburst chandeliers, and red carpets, is one of the most unforgettable experiences in New York. From a classic Verdi to a contemporary John Adams opera, the production value, from the singers to the costumes and the sets, is pretty spectacular. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

The Lowell Hotel

Hotel · Upper East Side

"This luxurious Upper East Side hotel is rare for NYC (one with an on-staff florist and elegant club room for all guests to enjoy, even less so), with rooms so plush and inviting that you’ll be tempted to stay indoors rather than leave to explore the city. This is even more true now that it has Majorelle and Jacques, its restaurant and bar respectively, and palm-tree laden Pembroke Room for elaborate breakfasts, brunches, and high teas—all of which are the result of a recent renovation. The rooms are old-New-York in the best possible way: marble baths, plush beds, city views, and, also rare, space to stretch out. "

John Frieda Salon

Beauty salon · Upper East Side

"Serge Normant is one of the most talented stylists on the planet, and while it’s possible to get an appointment with him here, his co-workers are no slouches. If they’re not already booked on magazine photoshoots or fashion shows, they’re here giving outstanding cuts, color, extensions, and (formaldehyde-free) keratin and frizz-taming treatments. The spaces—there’s also a Chelsea location—are gorgeous, with details like glittery chandeliers, plush love seats, and atmospheric potted plants punctuating breezy, loft-like interiors.  "

P.J. Clarke's Lincoln Square

American restaurant · Upper West Side

"The P.J. Clarke’s on 55th Street—it’s been there since the 1880’s—is one of those classic NYC institutions where everyone who grew up on their burgers can think of nothing better. That sensibility translates to the downtown outpost, which seems to play particularly well with bankers who are thrilled to have a burger and a beer to wrap up the day. The Lincoln Square location is a hit with kids walking home from Central Park."

Total Skin

Beauty salon · Upper East Side

"Friends rave about Angella Kulangi and her results-oriented facials, as she takes everything—diet, exercise, water quality, and current skincare regime into account when she's evaluating skin. She also custom-blends products according to the time of year. Apparently, it's magic."

"Located on the top floor of Barneys’ Madison Avenue flagship, Fred’s is convenient for any mid-shopping pit-stop, but it’s also a good restaurant in and of itself. The menu is full of classic American comfort foods, from chicken soup, to turkey clubs, and large chopped salads."

SHOP Cooper Hewitt

Gift shop · Upper East Side

"Housed in Andrew Carnegie's former Georgian mansion, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum still conserves the original dark wood-lined interiors and imposing staircase, even after closing for a few years for a major upgrade in the hands of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, among others. The shop on the second floor is part of the revamp, too, with the architectural firm's custom modular shelving framing the tailor-made space. The wonderful mix of beautifully designed objects and utilitarian goods remains the same, however, and from designers young and old, from Ben Medansky vases to Tom Dixon spice grinders, and much more. It is by far one of the best museum shops on the planet. "

Bank Street Bookstore

Book store · Upper West Side

"The Upper West Side is home to some of the best teaching programs in New York, and with it comes one of the best bookstores for little ones. You’ll find everything from kids classics to the newest and best titles selected by the store’s knowledgeable staff. "

New York City Ballet

Dance company · Upper West Side

"Whether for an opera, a musical, or a ballet, an evening out at the gem-like Lincoln Center always makes for a wonderful, dressed-up night out. This season, we’re especially looking forward to George Balanchine's Firebird (scenery and costumes by painter Marc Chagall) and Swan Lake, and what the always avant-garde choreographers Christopher Wheeldon and Alexei Ratmansky have in store with Wheeldon’s American Rhapsody set to George Gershwin's music, and Ratmansky’s promised premiere in early 2017."

The Juhi Ash Center

Permanently Closed

"Dr. Richard Ash, who tragically passed away in 2015, has set up an enduring integrative medicine center in New York City, where you'll be shepherded through an extensive series of tests. After they'll create a totally customized, preventative, and restorative roadmap to optimum health. While it's not necessarily about detoxing, their steps to a healthier lifestyle often involve just that."

Erika Bloom Pilates

Pilates studio · Upper East Side

"To give you the best sculpt and tone in the business, Erika Bloom Pilates has three New York locations, one in Connecticut, and a new studio in Los Angeles. Each space is flooded with natural light, making it a relaxing and—oh yes, we’re going to go there—fun workout. The studio’s knowledgeable staff curates personalized routines that borrow from Pilates, yoga, Alexander technique, Feldenkrais, and weight training. There are also programs for pre- and postnatal women, osteoporosis, injury prevention, acupuncture, bodywork, and holistic health consulting."