74St Café New York
American overlooking Beacon Theater
Geoffrey from New York
Prior to its 1980s renaissance, the Upper West Side was slightly 'gritty', if a middle-class settlement can ever be considered 'gritty'. Things have changed but grocery stores with family names—Zabar’s and Citarella’s—and others like Pioneer and Fairway are still in place.
Fairway first got attention because it sold things like uncommon olive oils, distantly sourced cheeses, species of fish like Tile and Monk, and organically raised meat.
But, for Fairway, agony arrived after the family sold an eighty per cent stake in the company to a private equity firm, which soon afterwards cut workers’ pay and benefits and eliminated jobs to turn a profit for investors. That style had been set by US politician Mitt Romney, who did similar work as the head of Bain Capital and was, in fact, an accused corrupt venture capitalist.
Things got worse, and Fairway suffered more, but this year, management has reopened the second-floor restaurant, presenting much the same menu (and prices) while maintaining its overview of Broadway.
Among those offerings are its $13 breakfast special (home style fried potatoes, two pieces of toast, two eggs and four or five slices of sliced bacon) and its enormous $17 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance. It’s a classic with a beef patty, two slices of cheese, a heap of French fried potatoes and a small salad—the equivalent of two hamburgers minus the second bun. You can add a bottle of Mexican Coca-Cola (made with sugar, not corn syrup) for $3.
New York Spotter Geoffrey
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Monumental Women
Central Park Monument Representing Real Women
"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Der Krung
Best Thai spot in town
"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...
by
Christian
Neely
Barbies, Barbies, Barbies
Apthorp Cleaners
"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Taco Mix
Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dinastia
Cuban - Chinese
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Studio Museum in Harlem
Artists of color
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Stand Up NY
UWS Comedy Club
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
NYC Pride March
The Greatest Show on Earth!
This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Willy Wall
Secret floating bar
Willy Wall is the clubhouse of the Manhattan Yacht Club in NYC, but anyone can head out there for cheap drinks and fantastic skyline views...
by
Nick
Papa
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite New York
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
