Upper East Side (UES) No Reservations Restaurant Guide
Upper East Side (UES) No Reservations Restaurant Guide
Deleted User
While the Upper East Side is notoriously expensive and upscale, I'm here to prove that great eats are easily accessible to everyone! In this guide you'll find an assortment of 12 casual sit-down, 5 fast casual, and 3 late night spots for meals from breakfast to way past dinner. You'll also find a mix of cuisines including French, Italian, and Asian. I hope this guide makes you consider the UES for your next dining experience. Happy eating!
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Casual Sit Down
Caffe Buon Gusto
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This is easily my favorite restaurant on the UES. They have an extensive and reasonably priced wine selection, delicious homemade pasta and sauces, and friendly service. It is authentic, unpretentious, and absolutely delicious! A must try.
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AOC East
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There are plenty of French bistros on the UES, but many require reservations and are pricey! AOC East is low key, reasonably priced (including a great wine happy hour), and delicious! I recommend the meat and cheese charcuterie board, carbonara pasta (see photos), and asking for a wine pairing. You can’t go wrong with anything here.
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THEP Thai Restaurant
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THEP is a neighborhood go-to. Given its strong drinks, delicious Thai food, and gorgeous decor, the popularity is understandable. This is a great place for a quick lunch, take out dinner, or a larger gathering. The restaurant has personal “outdoor” booths with AC in the summer and heat in the winter. It is an obvious choice for any occasion and mood.
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Up Thai
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UP Thai is another great neighborhood Thai eatery. They have delicious seasonal specials. It is perfect for take out or dine in for any occasion!
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Sushi Gama
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Another great neighborhood eatery. They have great lunch specials and the quality is consistently delicious. I also appreciate the cleanliness of the restaurant as well as the variety of indoor and outdoor seating. My go-to for a sushi lunch.
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Uva Next Door
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A great cozy place for pizza,pasta, and drinks. Can’t go wrong with UVA Next Door for a date night or a night with friends! Bound to be a crowd pleaser.
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Calexico
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Calexico is such a fun spot! I love their margaritas (especially during happy hour) and sharing starters and tacos with the table. It’s so spacious and the vibes are great.
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Sojourn
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I can’t give enough praise to Sojourn! I love their diverse menu options, wine selection, and friendly service. They have one of the best happy hour menus in the area. You really can’t beat $7 wine and the appetizer selection. According to the website, they are relaunching bottomless weekend brunch, so be sure to check that out!
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Who’s Jac W.?
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Who’s Jac W is a new restaurant on the UES that feels like it’s been around a while! There is live music, strong drinks, and great appetizers for sharing. I came here with a group of coworkers and we had a great time!
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The Meatball Shop - Upper East Side
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I love The Meatball Shop for dinner. They have a great variety of options that are always filling and delicious. You can’t go wrong here for a hearty meal!
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B. Cafe
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I love this no frills, delicious, reasonably priced cafe! I especially recommend the moule frites (a traditional Belgian dish) and the Brussel sprouts appetizer. You can also enjoy a great happy hour here.
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Fast Casual
Le Botaniste
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Even though I’m not vegan, I love this vegan “fast-food” restaurant. It’s set up like a Chipotle or Sweetgreen in the front, but with fresh, steaming plant-based food and knowledgeable and friendly staff serving it. I love how sustainable this place is, you won’t find any plastic dishware here! All the menu options are great and the broths are perfect for fall and winter days.
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Bigoi Venezia
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If you’re ever in the mood for a great bowl of pasta but don’t want to sit down at an Italian restaurant, this is the place for you! Delicious, fresh noodles served with a sauce of your choice made fresh. A great lunch spot in the neighborhood!
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Two Wheels
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A great place for a quick and hearty lunch or dinner. I love the plant decor inside as well as the pho!
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Ella's Cafe Espresso & Wine Bar
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Ella’s is a fairly new UES café that became an instant neighborhood favorite. They have a great variety of Israeli staples for breakfast, brunch, and lunch and great coffee! There are a lot of tables inside and outside, but they fill up quick and stay busy.
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Open Late
JG Melon
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This cash only, UES staple is my go to for late night burgers and martinis. I love its no frills menu, interior, and staff. A must try in NYC!
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Uva
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A great place for after work gatherings! I love their pizza, pasta, and drink selection as well as cozy interior. A definite go-to after late work shifts.
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NR
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Although this place fills up fast for dinner, you don't need a reservation to get in. I love to sit at the bar and watch the mixologist at work. They have such a unique cocktail menu, I recommend the Transparent Tomato, but I admit there are many others I simply haven't tried. Great selection of starters and ramen, perfect for the winter months!
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