The Upper East Side has long been associated with high-end shops, hoity-toity residential buildings, and ladies who lunch at overpriced restaurants. However, there was a dearth of affordable, cool, high-quality restaurants.
All that has changed as rents in the area have become increasingly affordable, luring in young people who are priced out of the more trendy neighborhoods downtown.
And with the young people come more innovative and affordable restaurants. When I moved to the Upper East Side last year, I was surprised to see how many cool new restaurants have made their home there.
For the purpose of this list, we're defining the Upper East Side as the area between 70th and 96th Street and between 5th Avenue and the East River.
Here are 25 UES restaurants and bars that are hip, affordable, and excellent.
Best Brasserie: Cafe D'Alsace
Sample stinky cheese, mussels Provencale, steak frites, and other classic Alsatian dishes at Cafe D'Alsace, a quaint brasserie. Sit at the long, open bar or in one of the cozy banquettes while enjoying your meal.
Best Date Spot: Felice 83
With its ambient lighting, cozy banquettes, and vintage vibe, Felice 83 is a great spot for a date. There's an extensive wine and cocktail list, and a nice array of Italian bar snacks, like veal meatballs, fried artichokes, and gooey burrata. There are also heartier mains.
Best Mediterranean: Beyoglu
Named after one of the hippest neighborhoods in Istanbul, Beyoglu serves delicious Turkish food that's meant to be shared. Order a bunch of different meze and some Turkish wine.
The restaurant has been around for awhile, but still feels buzzy and cool.
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