Discover Celebration Hotspots in Upper West Side
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All New Yorkers will defend the city, and the way of life. However, everyone has their “I hate NY” moment. I hate New York because there’s no space. Can’t breathe without something in your face. What’s yours?
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New York Locals
The Commodore I and Commodore II are iconic spots known for serving up some of the best crispy fried chicken and refreshing piña coladas in Williamsburg. 🍍✨ Founded by Chris Young and Taylor Dow, their success led to Commodore II’s opening in Manhattan’s East Village, bringing their famous menu to a whole new crowd. 🙌 With a strong focus on community and nightlife, Commodore II is already becoming a local favorite for both food lovers and partygoers alike. 🪩 🍽️ Stop by for a lively atmosphere, great eats, and a taste of what made The Commodore a Brooklyn staple! 🎉
Time Out New York
Halloween revelers of all ages—and all species—will descend upon the Meatpacking District on Saturday, for the area's annual Halloween celebration, Treats in the Streets. From 11am to 6pm, the west side neighborhood will offer all treats and no tricks at participating restaurants and businesses, including pumpkin ring toss, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, cornhole, pumpkin painting Halloween mask making, spooky storytime readings and plenty of sweet treats, including mini dipped croissants from Maman, Petrossian chocolates and signature tea, Halloween cookies from RIVIAN, mini apple cider donuts at The Standard, High Line and more. And, of course, Treats in the Streets' headlining event will return: the Meatpacking District’s 6th Annual Doggie Costume Contest, taking place on Gansevoort Street and Ninth Avenue. After both pups and their owners strut down the runway showing off their costumed best, a panel of judges will decide the top three looks of the day. The winner will receive an overnight stay at The Standard, High Line, while all three finalists will take home a personalized pet portrait by artist Laura Baran.
New York Locals
Lately Cafe Bar & Bistro has quickly become a Long Island City favorite since opening in April 2023. Founded by Eric Lee, this cozy neighborhood spot is known for its expertly brewed coffee and mouthwatering egg sandwiches. 🍳☕ But Lately is more than just a cafe—it’s a vibrant community hub that celebrates art, culture, and music, hosting events that bring neighbors together. 🎶✨ In May, they expanded with a new dinner menu and downstairs bar, offering a fresh take on seasonal ingredients and creative dishes. Join them for a memorable evening of great food, drinks, and local vibes. 🍽️
Infatuation
Shrine Bar Harlem A few of Harlem’s storied jazz spots are still around, but there are also some exciting spaces in the neighborhood where new artists are keeping the genre interesting. At the Shrine, you can listen to jazz and funk in a vibey purple room almost every night, and most of it is more danceable than the stuff at your dad’s favorite jazz club. This is a low-key spot where you’ll discover stray records in the crevices and mingle with a fun, younger crowd.
Infatuation
Tabú didn’t have to make their food delicious. The Tulum-themed Williamsburg spot could have just relied on their huge outdoor area covered with parasols, a DJ stand with its own water-feature as a backdrop, and their excellent cocktails to bring people in the door. But the food is good, bordering on great—making this a clubstaurant that’s as exciting on a Wednesday as it is on Saturday. On any of those evenings, you’ll find dancers in flowy costumes flitting between the fronded plants and two stone bars. And while we wouldn’t be surprised if the owners seriously considered filling the courtyard in with white sand at some point, there’s plenty of attention to detail in the seafood-oriented kitchen too. Tabú serves mostly smaller portioned food, so order a bunch of things, including a couple of tacos, a raw fish dish or two, and some stellar chips and guacamole.
See also
Discover the Best Dining in St. George Near NYC: Local Dining Experiences & Foodie Favorites
Time Out New York
Backyard Oyster Roast There are only five weeks until society tells you that it’s no longer socially acceptable to wear white and pumpkin spice is everywhere. So it’s time to make the most of the next few weeks, and what better way to bask in the summer heat than stuffing your face with oysters and Aperol spritzes? This Sunday, July 28, from noon to 4pm, The Noortwyck is hosting its second event for its Summer Series. The West Village American restaurant is pairing up with Popina, an Italian eatery, to bring you an “elevated oyster roast” and backyard barbecue. Popina, the host of the event, is right on the Columbia Waterfront in Cobble Hill, with a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline and a garden patio with lots of seating. It’s the recipe for a perfect summer’s Sunday in Brooklyn. Highlights of Sunday’s offerings include Peeko Grilled Oysters with nduja butter, roasted Jimmy Nardello peppers with grilled carrots and spiced labneh and Elote with szechuan pepper and black lime. Alongside the buffet will be an extensive wine list, a Spritz bar by Aperol & Campari, live music and beer from Threes Brewing.
Eater
Textbook, a Fort Greene cafe known for its tahini-coffee shakes, has opened in Bed-Stuy that’s a bakery doubling as a bar called Understudy. Fresh bread should be affordable for everyone. That’s why they have a “Name Your Price for Bread” policy. Their Chef Tony, the master baker behind Bakery by Textbook. Chef was born and raised in New York, and now calls Bushwick home. With over a decade in the industry, Chef Tony’s journey began as a dishwasher and has finally landed him the opportunity to run his own kitchen. His speciality? Bread! From working in kitchens in Italy, to building bread ovens in Morocco, he’s excited to show you everything he’s learned along the way. At Bakery by Textbook, expect a focus on Mediterranean ingredients and flavors, as Chef Tony eagerly prepares some of his favorite recipes. He can’t wait to break bread with this amazing community 💛
New York City Dreamland
Love a good Brooklyn spot Saraghina Caffè to tell my friends about! 💃🏻🍷🏙️ (even though the majority of people already know and love these spots, they were new to me)! Espresso Martini: pre-dinner, post-dinner, brunch only or anytime? Where do you belong?
New York City Dreamland
Happy Friday night pizza night for those who celebrate!!! 🍕🍕🍕🍕 I won’t be eating at Emmett’s on Grove Pizza place tonight, but I just can’t stop thinking about it!
Natasha Husein
A night out in Chelsea: - visit the art galleries - walk the High Line - dinner at Pepe e Gallo - Italian bistro known for simple authentic Italian food. Outdoor dining, private events, delivery, catering. Pizza, pasta & desserts.
Natasha Husein
This is your sign to host a summer soirée (aka block party) in your neighborhood! Make new friends, meet your neighbors, go offline and be present with community in real life! Also if you’re in the Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens area we do these gatherings once a month in Cobble Hill Park.
Infatuation
Summer Thursdays are the new Summer Fridays, thanks to a weekly pop-up series in The Meat Hook’s backyard. Pick a Thursday to play hooky at the McCarren Park pool and eat some BBQ afterwards. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! See you in the backyard!!!!
See alsoDiscover the Local Community in St. George Near NYC: Trending Discussions & Anonymous Posts
Infatuation
The Best Late Night Food In NYC: Love Korean BBQ Is it lame to say that the name of this Koreatown restaurant is exactly how we feel about it? Yeah, but it’s too late now. Open until 4am on Friday and Saturday, this fun three-story place has spinning rainbow-colored lights, a bar in the basement, and DJs every weekend after 6pm. They have several combos ($109 to $229) to choose from, which come with a cornucopia of vegetables to throw on the grill. Our favorite is the one with both beef and pork. Add some smoky, peppery japchae and their custardy truffled steamed egg—we’d come here just for those two things.
Crown | NYC
Movie night at Bryant Park. See 2024 movie lineup below: 🍿 July 8 - Old School (2003) 🍿 July 15 - Funny Face (1957) 🍿 July 22 - Cinema Paradiso (1988) 🍿 July 29 - How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) 🍿 August 5 - Arrival (2016) 🍿 August 12 - Titanic (1997) Bring a blanket, invite a friend, and snag your spot on the lawn to watch a feature film on the big screen under the stars. Lawn opens at 5pm and movie starts at 8pm.
Crown | NYC
Outdoor movie nights at Hunter's Point South Park, Long Island City. Summer is the best for such spending the time! Experience the magic of movies under the stars at Hunter's Point South Park! Bring your friends, family, and a cozy blanket for an unforgettable evening of cinema with stunning views of the NYC skyline. 🌆🍿 Relax on the waterfront, enjoy the cool breeze, and watch your favorite films in this beautiful setting. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer night!
Discover Local Celebration Spots in Upper West Side Near NYC
The Upper West Side near NYC is a treasure trove of local celebration spots. Known for its vibrant community and rich cultural tapestry, this area brims with hidden gems perfect for all your socializing needs. Whether you are searching for trending event venues or intimate social gatherings, the Upper West Side offers a plethora of options to cater to your moods and occasions.
Riverside Park: Quintessential Community Gathering
One of the most beloved local celebration spots in Upper West Side near NYC is Riverside Park. Nestled between the Hudson River and Riverside Drive, this park is a serene getaway that locals cherish for casual hangouts and larger community events. The park's sprawling green spaces and picturesque views of the Hudson River make it an ideal setting for neighborhood picnics, yoga classes, and even weddings. Users on Kikihub often recommend the 79th Street Boat Basin, a popular location within the park that offers stunning sunset views and serves as a perfect backdrop for any celebration.
Trendy Nightlife at Prohibition
For those seeking a taste of nightlife and socializing, Prohibition on Columbus Avenue stands out among trending event venues in Upper West Side. This bar lives up to its name, offering a speakeasy atmosphere that attracts locals looking to unwind with live music and a diverse cocktail menu. It’s a frequent recommendation in anonymous chats on Kikihub for its energetic vibe and commitment to featuring local bands. Prohibition is especially popular for birthday parties and casual meetups, ensuring an unforgettable night out.
Lincoln Center: A Cultural Hub
Lincoln Center is more than just a performing arts venue; it is a cultural epicenter for celebrations in Upper West Side near NYC. Home to the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic, Lincoln Center offers a variety of entertainment and event opportunities. Residents often flock here for its open-air events, especially during summer when the plazas bustle with music and dance performances. For a more curated celebration, consider renting one of its elegant spaces, often highlighted on Kikihub for their grandeur and sophisticated ambiance.
Intimate Gatherings at The Milling Room
For a more intimate and upscale dining experience, The Milling Room on West 82nd Street emerges as a top recommendation. This American bistro, nestled in a historic building, combines rustic charm with contemporary elegance—perfect for anniversaries, engagement parties, or small family gatherings. The seasonal, farm-to-table menu and extensive wine list ensure a culinary treat. According to local insights shared on Kikihub, The Milling Room is particularly favored for its private dining options, offering a personal touch to every celebration.
Hidden Gem: Lotus Garden
Perched above West 97th Street, the Lotus Garden is an enchanting, hidden oasis that many locals may not even be aware of. This community-maintained space, only accessible by key, is a beautiful spot for small, private celebrations. With its tranquil ponds, lush flora, and serene paths, Lotus Garden is ideal for intimate weddings, peaceful retreats, or simply a quiet escape from the urban hustle. Locals often rave about this secluded spot on Kikihub, praising its beauty and exclusivity. If you’re searching for a unique venue steeped in local charm, Lotus Garden is one not to miss.
Trending Event Venues: Seasonal Highlights
Savor the unique festivities that the Upper West Side has to offer by exploring seasonal trending event venues. During the warmer months, the area comes alive with street fairs, farmers' markets, and outdoor concerts. For vibrant seasonal celebrations, head to the annual New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks at Central Park’s Great Lawn. This event is a well-kept local secret perfect for those warm summer evenings and is highly recommended on Kikihub for its electrifying atmosphere and world-class performances.
Community Events at The Center at West Park
The Center at West Park on West 86th Street is another local favorite for hosting a variety of community events. Housed in a historic church, this center offers a unique and adaptable space for various celebrations. From theater productions to community fundraisers and private parties, this venue is highly versatile. It’s a popular choice on Kikihub for its community-centric events and its commitment to fostering local art and culture.
