Explore Upper West Side: Hidden Gems & Trending Spots
Kuta Yousef
Where the real women from Brooklyn New York
AK
Amelia kate
trying to make some coffee ☕️ you can wanna join
3
AK
Amelia kate
who's keen to meet up l,m available for fun
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Taylor Roberts
Only the ladys getting much attention here Lol
1
Melanie Yu
How do you decide your Halloween costume? Honestly, I’m just a monster for food 👹 can’t wait for Halloween this year, catch me haunting the snack table
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Anonym
3 Stories of the Worst Date Ideas 😨 1. The Silent Treatment Date “I thought a movie night would be perfect for our first date. Turns out, sitting in silence for two hours with someone you barely know is painfully awkward. The post-movie conversation? Even worse—‘So, uh, how’d you like it?’ Don’t make this mistake!” 😰 2. The Sweat & Regret Gym Session “I wanted to impress them with my love for fitness, so I suggested a gym date. Big mistake. Between my failed attempt at benching too much and their visible discomfort, we both left feeling embarrassed and awkward. Lesson learned: not everyone finds sweat romantic.”🥴 3. The Meet-the-Family Surprise “I thought it’d be fun to bring my date to a family barbecue. Turns out, it was overwhelming and way too much pressure. They spent the entire time dodging questions from my overly curious relatives. Needless to say, there was no second date.”💩 What’s your worst date idea story?
12Anonym
Looking for New friends 25+
6See also
Discover the Best Dining in St. George Near NYC: Local Dining Experiences & Foodie Favorites
Faith Hurst-Joseph
anyone from Westchester, NY +25 only
Anonym
Junior year. First day of high school. Vibes? Absolutely rancid. In walks the teacher—a crusty old guy rocking a full-blown pedo ‘stache. Like, he didn’t just have one; he owned it. His shirt’s half-tucked, half-hanging like he just rolled out of a dumpster, and his whole aura screams, "Don’t trust me around your goldfish." Everyone’s side-eyeing this dude hard. The pedo vibes were strong. He starts attendance, head down, not looking at anyone. But then he gets to my name. Pauses. Looks up. His creepy pedo mustache twitches as his eyes lock onto me with laser focus. And then: "Ah, Mr. So glad you’re here. How’s your family? Is your little sister still playing piano? That model ship still on your dresser? Your room’s still blue, right?" Excuse me, WHAT? My brain just blue-screened. This crusty creeper just dropped a full FBI file on me, including my room décor. Then he hits me with: "Ah, of course it is—it’s only been, what? A week?" My guy goes back to roll call like he didn’t just audition for "Top 10 Creepiest Teachers of All Time." I’m sitting there panicking, ready to sleep with a bat under my pillow because this pedo-looking dude apparently knows my entire life. Next day, I find out the truth: he’s my uncle’s best friend, and the whole thing was a prank. My dad was in on it too. They made him grow that pedo ‘stache just for the bit. The twitchy eyes, the serial killer vibe, the half-tucked shirt? All part of the performance. Man went full method acting for this. After that, he shaved off the ‘stache of nightmares, dressed like a normal human, and stopped giving "might kidnap you in a van" energy. I gotta admit, it was a god-tier prank. Even if I thought I was about to be on a true-crime doc for two days straight.
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Anonym
What was your best and worst sexual experience? * Hold down the send button to drop an anonymous comment if you’re feeling lowkey 👻
Noel Y. Calingasan
Washington Square Park DOG HALLOWEEN today in New York City 👻 🐕 The beloved Halloween event in NYC Washington Square Park is back! I went to see the event today and it was a lot of fun! The parade and costume contest are bigger and better than ever.
Dana Edwards
where is cntrl mt?
Anonym
IMHO seeing the statue from the water is a much better experience than going to the island.
Anonym
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?
1See alsoDiscover the Local Community in St. George Near NYC: Trending Discussions & Anonymous Posts
Food Baby
Go to Time and Tide for an amazing meal of seafood in all forms! The menu has sections for Raw Fish, Small Fish and Big Fish, with great dishes in each one, and you obviously need to start with that giant Goldfish cracker. 👶🏽🐠 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽
NYC Tourism
Hundreds of Uber, Lyft drivers block Manhattan traffic to protest lockouts by apps
newyorkcity.explore
i’m a woman in my mid 20s. i live in a city of 700k in the south. when i go out at night i always have at least one weapon on me to protect myself (usually a keychain knife and sometimes a stun gun). i have been a victim of stalking in the past so having these things on me makes me feel more comfortable. how can i do the same in nyc? ill be flying. i know there’s different rules there especially regarding things like pepper spray. i can ship items to my friend’s house but i know there’s rules on that too. thanks!
Storytime NYC
NiuKee Shumai. Trying this new shumai spot on Broome st! You have to check out NiuKee Shumai, a new shumai spot in SoHo. They serve delicious shumai, fluffy buns and a flavorful bone broth soup! Each shumai dish comes with 6 pieces for $6.95 and you can choose from beef & onion, pork & shrimp, chicken, or vegetarian. The cutest buns are made fresh to order, with red bean & ube, and are so soft and fluffy.
Secret NYC
How about some weird parties?.. Hosted by Teksupport and el studio, Black Lotus is an immersive theatrical event initiative that transforms an undisclosed NYC location into an extravagant soirée, soundtracked by some of the world’s most noteworthy house and techno talent. This year’s lineup includes Crosstown Rebels and Day Zero founder Damian Lazarus, multi-instrumentalist DJ and producer Mita Gami, Miami-based Tiffy Vera, and a special surprise act TBA on 10/24 and Guy Gerber, Kaz James, Nick Morgan, and Michael Malih on Halloween night. Learn more about how to grab tickets here. When: October 24 & 31 Where: Manhattan TBA
Daytrip NYC
What the hell is going on in NYC with the hotel prices tomorrow? I just need one night!
Noel Y. Calingasan
PIER 97 is NOW OPEN at Hudson River Park: New York City’s newest recreational and lounging green space!!! Designed by !melk, Pier 97 features a playground with water spray features, a synthetic turf field, a sloping sun lawn, sculptural shade structures, an elevated walkway with seating, an “all-ages” slide and a sunset deck complete with bistro tables, chaise lounges and two-tiered walls with seating. The pier also features flexible gathering areas surrounded by flowers and plants to provide space for organized or impromptu events. History: Hudson River Park’s northernmost pier was built between 1921 and 1934, and then served for decades as the hub for the Swedish America Line. While it remained an active dock through the 1970s, Pier 97 was used as a parking lot by the City of New York Department of Sanitation until 2011. Hours: Open daily 6 AM - 1 AM 📍 Access through West 57th Street in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, New York City
See alsoLocal Networking Events & Trending Community Gatherings in St. George Near NYC
Cheryl
If you’re a fan of black sesame, you must try the black sesame soft serve from Matcha Cafe Maiko NYC! love how strong the black sesame flavor is. every bite makes you crave for more! it’s only here for a limited time, so don’t miss out! • black sesame soft swerve • black sesame frappe • maiko special (ube/matcha) 📍Matcha Cafe Maiko
Cheryl
What do you think about vegan sushi? And did you know there’s a vegan sushi spot located inside canal street market? I honestly didn’t know what to expect since it was my first time having vegan sushi, but it was SOOO good. each dish was so unique and had such a burst of flavor. • crispy broccoli tempura • dahon chkn fried mushroom • dahon signature roll • avocado truffle oshizushi • miso truffle eggplant nigiri • poke ku 📍DAHON VEGAN
Foodie_NYC
I had a great dinner at Kalye (“Street” in Tagalog). It’s an amazing, affordable Filipino restaurant on Broome Street specializing in Filipino street food. Kalye, a small, unassuming restaurant, delivered an amazing parade of unique, delicious food based on the owner’s chef heritage, as seen on the restaurant’s page. “Our menu is full of Rob’s cherished family recipes, offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes that will make you feel like you’ve traveled straight to the Philippines. From our famous Ube Sliders to other traditional Filipino favorites, every bite is a celebration of our culture and love for good food. Whether you’re here to dine in, taking food to go, or having it delivered to your doorstep, Kalye makes enjoying Filipino food easy and convenient.” Totally enjoyable unique experience. Salamat, Chef 💖🙏🏼💖
Foodie_NYC
🍦 My Treat 🍦 Butterfield Market is now serving soft serve frozen yogurt that comes in 4 flavors; plain, chocolate, peanut butter and coffee. I had the Coffee loaded up and it was amazing❗️ Yummmmmmelicious . 🥳
Melanie Yu
My “NYC Must Try” 🥳 Double Chicken Please! The Double Chicken Portrait Studio & Gallery experience came full circle through a 3-part portrait studio activation, where photographers Moe Aljaff, Damien Guichard & GN Chan captured small group portraits in their own distinct styles!
megan li
Get ready for incoming NYC spam… I’m not the biggest fan of BBQ pork buns, but these from Mei Lai Wah changed my mind. I want to take home an entire suitcase full of pineapple BBQ pork buns 🤩 You can get all their signature buns like their baked pork buns and pineapple custard buns - they are seriously so good. Plus new options like popcorn chicken, rice rolls, and skewers after 7pm!
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Time Out New York
Grand Central Terminal gains a massive French brasserie! However, this historic landmark has given us plenty of reasons to bide our time there... This month, the terminal gained another tenant, sure to ease the trials of traveling with its Parisian charms. Grand Brasserie took over the former City Winery space on October 8. Designed by the Rockwell Group, it seamlessly blends into the historic architecture of Vanderbilt Hall and mimics the various sidewalk cafes found in Paris—the front of the restaurant welcomes with towering greenery and black and white bistro chairs. Passing through the wrought iron bar entryway, the main dining room houses red leather banquettes and enough chairs to seat a staggering 300 souls. As if that wasn’t enough, the 100-seat Green Room is decorated with black and white photos of New York’s past and features a grand marble bar with bottles that climb up to the ceiling.
See alsoDiscover Top Cocktails in St. George: Local Bars & Nightlife Near NYC
Dallas fun fam
Pumpkin patch Any good pumpkin patches with kid activities?
Natasha Surti
Sundays are for Brunch 🥂 🍽Where I went: Bubby’s ✔️What I got: Fried Chicken & Pancakes 💰What I paid: $25 ⠀ 🤔What I think: A group of us happened to stumble upon Bubby’s while walking to the pier on the west side last summer and we knew we wanted to go here for brunch when we walked past someone eating this very dish! The chicken was seasoned perfectly and had just the right amount of breading on the outside so the batter on the outside wasn’t too heavy. The pancakes were cooked to perfection as well and the sweetness of them with the maple syrup complemented the fried chicken.
Explore Upper West Side: A Treasure Trove of Local Secrets
Discover the Juicy Secrets of Riverside Park
When you explore the Upper West Side, you can't miss the natural beauty and hidden gems embedded within Riverside Park. This linear park, stretching four miles along the Hudson River, offers more than just scenic views. Locals often share secrets about secluded spots ideal for a peaceful day out. Head towards the 91st Street Garden—famously featured in the movie "You've Got Mail"—for a burst of colorful blooms and quiet moments. The secret pathways near the Bird Sanctuary are also worth a visit, offering tranquil spots for birdwatching or simply soaking in nature.
The Enchanting World of West 104th Street
West 104th Street is a favorite among locals due to its peaceful, yet vibrant atmosphere. Strolling down this quaint lane, you'll find stunning brownstones and private gardens that tell stories of an older, elegant New York. The Upper West Side is also renowned for its stoop sales—famously held on this street—where you can snag some trendy spots and quirky treasures. Don't miss the annual West 104th Street Block Association Sale, a local secret that brings together the community for a day of shopping and socializing, peppered with unique finds.
A Literary Haven: Book Culture on Columbus Avenue
Bookworm or not, exploring Book Culture on Columbus Avenue is a must. This independently-owned bookstore is a hidden gem, offering a wide selection of titles that cater to niche tastes. Locals often frequent the basement of this bookstore, where lesser-known reads and literary treasures await discovery. Participate in one of their low-key, yet enriching, book discussions to gain deeper insights and meet community members who share similar interests. Additionally, keep an eye on their calendar for readings by both local and nationally acclaimed authors.
A Food Lover’s Delight at Zabar’s
No local exploration of the Upper West Side is complete without visiting Zabar’s. This iconic food emporium on Broadway has been a staple for food lovers for decades. Locals know of the treasure trove of high-quality delicacies hidden within its walls. Don't just stick to the popular smoked salmon and bagels; venture into their cheese department for some artisanal options, or explore their array of olive oils and freshly baked goods. Real insiders suggest visiting early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds and secure the freshest items.
Hip and Trendy Cafés Along Amsterdam Avenue
When it comes to finding the trending spots for sipping coffee or enjoying a casual brunch, Amsterdam Avenue is your go-to place. Home to a range of cozy cafés and bustling brunch spots, this avenue is popular among locals who enjoy a laid-back vibe. Try digging into the pancakes at Good Enough to Eat or sip on a meticulously brewed espresso at Joe Coffee. The inside scoop is to head to these trending spots during mid-morning on weekdays when they are less crowded, allowing for a more intimate local experience.
Uncover Artistic Vibes at Symphony Space
A local gem for art and culture aficionados is Symphony Space on Broadway. Known for its diverse range of programs, this center is the perfect place to explore innovative performances and cultural events that aren't typically highlighted in mainstream media. Locals frequent Symphony Space for its eclectic mix of shows—from contemporary dance troupes to Indie film screenings. Be sure to check their calendar for "Selected Shorts," a deeply revered series where renowned actors read classic and modern short stories, offering a perfect blend of literary and performative art.
The Community Gardens of West 89th Street
Upper West Side's community gardens on West 89th Street are often overlooked but hold a trove of local secrets and hidden gems. These small, lush green spaces are maintained by local volunteers and serve as serene retreats from the city's hustle and bustle. Perfect for a quiet afternoon of reading or meditation, they also host community events like plant swaps and garden parties. Local tips suggest visiting during early spring for a riot of tulips or late summer for a showcase of mature perennials.
Vintage Shopping on Columbus Avenue
For those who love a good vintage find, Columbus Avenue between 72nd and 86th Streets is a treasure trove. From stylish retro clothing stores like "Cure Thrift Shop" to eclectic vintage furniture outlets, this area is packed with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Locals often share that the best way to score something truly unique is to visit frequently as the stock changes regularly. The staff at these shops are incredibly knowledgeable and can often provide fascinating stories behind each item, adding an extra layer to your local exploration.
Hidden Gems in the American Museum of Natural History
While the American Museum of Natural History is a well-known Upper West Side landmark, most visitors overlook some of its hidden gems. Locals know to seek out the lesser-known exhibits, such as the "Hall of Northwest Coast Indians," which features exquisite examples of Native American art and culture. Another well-kept secret is the museum's "behind-the-scenes" tours, which offer an up-close look at artifacts not on public display. Keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions that are often rich in local and cultural insights, providing a deeper understanding of the city's diverse heritage.
The Hidden Culinary Delights of West 72nd Street
West 72nd Street is a food lover’s paradise, home to numerous hidden gems that offer a taste of both local and international cuisine. From quaint bakeries to hidden speakeasies, this street has it all. Tea & Sympathy is a British-style teahouse that transports you across the pond with its authentic tea service and classic British treats. Additionally, the Sugar Bar is a local secret—owned by the legendary Ashford & Simpson—where you can indulge in soul food while enjoying live music performances. The inside scoop from locals is to visit during happy hour for great deals and a lively atmosphere.
