Neighborhood
Home to families, singles, college and grad students, performers, intellectuals, celebrities, and die-hard Upper West Siders.
This quintessential NYC neighborhood has coffee shops, small bakeries, intimate bars and cozy family restaurants on nearly every block, with plenty of fancy eateries and legendary gourmet markets such as Zabar’s, Fairway, and Barney Greengrass.
Here, cultural and educational institutions abound…from Columbia University, Barnard College, and the Julliard School of Music to Lincoln Center, the Beacon Theater, American Folk Art Museum, and the Museum of Natural History. You’ll find these attractions – and many more – in a neighborhood bordered by historic Central Park to the east and glorious Riverside Park to the west, at the doorstep of the aptly named Riverside Tower Hotel.
We’ve put together some neighborhood highlights, recommended by our hotel team, our guests and our UWS neighbors.
Restaurants
RedFarm
10-minute walk / 5-minute drive from Riverside Tower Hotel
2170 Broadway – Modern Chinese restaurant known for innovative dim sum like their Pac-Man dumplings and Katz's pastrami egg rolls. RedFarm fuses Chinese culinary tradition with NYC's farm-to-table movement for a fresh take.
Kebab aur Sharab
13-minute walk / 6-minute drive from Riverside Tower Hotel
247 West 72nd Street - A New York Times Critic’s Choice, inspired by the street food and comfort food offerings that Chef Salil Mehta grew up with, from iconic restaurants and street carts in India.
Motorino Pizza
15-minute walk / 7-minute drive from Riverside Tower Hotel
510 Columbus Avenue – Considered one of the best pizzas in NYC, featuring Neapolitan-style pizzas from a wood-burning oven, with gourmet toppings and an impressive selection of antipasti, beer and wine.
Sarabeth's Restaurant
6-minute walk from Riverside Tower Hotel
423 Amsterdam Avenue -Colorful homestyle cooking, warm atmosphere and family-friendly service have had locals and visitors feeling at home for nearly 30 years.
Cafe 82
6-minute walk from Riverside Tower Hotel
2282 Broadway – This easygoing diner has a huge menu of American fare and Mediterranean specialties, featuring bountiful breakfasts, burgers, steaks, chops, soups salads, sandwiches, you name it!
Serafina
8-minute walk / 5-minute drive from Riverside Tower Hotel
2178 Broadway – Dedicated to souring all key ingredients from Italy for an authentic dining experience, this local go-to serves home-made sauces over fresh pasta. Try crowd favorites like the lobster ravioli or truffle pizza.
Barney Greengrass
14-minute walk / 4-minute drive from Riverside Tower Hotel
541 Amsterdam Avenue at 86th Street – Named one of the New York Times' 100 Best Restaurants in NYC, this Upper West Side institution is famous for churning out some of the best bagels and lox in the city!
Gray's Papaya
14-minute walk / 8-minute drive from Riverside Tower Hotel
2090 Broadway – Grab a hot dog and fruity beverage at this beloved food counter that's been featured in numerous movies and TV shows like You've Got Mail and Sex and the City.
Tiki Chick
12-minute walk / 7-minute drive from Riverside Tower Hotel
517 Amsterdam Avenue – This retro tiki bar is bursting with tropical vibes and non-stop fun. The menu features creative cocktails served in unexpected, photo-worthy glasses as well as a few island-inspired food options.
Things to Do
New York Comedy Club
7-minute walk from Riverside Tower Hotel
236 W. 78th Street – One of NYC’s premiere comedy clubs since 1986! From Jerry Seinfeld to Chris Rock and Amy Schumer, Stand Up NY continues to feature the brightest stars of today and tomorrow.
Children's Museum of Manhattan
8-minute walk from Riverside Tower Hotel
212 W 83rd Street – Five floors of fun and a great destination for kids and parents alike. CMOM emphasizes early childhood education, creativity, health and world cultures.
Grand Bazaar
14-minute walk / 5-minute car from Riverside Tower Hotel
100 W 77th Street (at Columbus Ave.)- NYC’s biggest curated weekly market featuring artisans, antiques and food purveyors, open every Sunday year-round, indoors and outdoors. Come hungry and shop from locals!
Zabars
3-minute walk from Riverside Tower Hotel
2245 Broadway – Family-run Zabar’s is quite possibly the most beloved grocery store in NYC with a mind-boggling selection of gourmet items to choose from— everything from smoked fish, caviar cheeses, coffee, and an incredible bakery to kitchen goods & housewares! It’s an experience!
Levain Bakery
10-minute walk from Riverside Tower Hotel
351 Amsterdam Avenue – Founded on the Upper West side, stop by for fresh breads, giant cookies and other baked treats. This cozy shop has become a destination for epicurious travelers from around the world.
Riverside Park
1-minute walk from Riverside Tower Hotel
Located just steps from Riverside Tower Hotel, this beloved local gem stretches four miles from end to end. The waterfront esplanade overlooks the Hudson River while the interior pathways are covered in greenery that make the hustle of the city feel far away.
Central Park
15-minute walk / 6-minute drive from Riverside Tower Hotel
This 843-acre landmark is an oasis in the heart of the city. Winding paths take you through the vast landscape where you'll encounter lakes, green spaces, and attractions like Belvedere Castle, the Central Park Zoo, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Loeb Boathouse.
American Museum of Natural History
12-minute walk / 5-minute drive from Riverside Tower Hotel
200 Central Park West – This world-renowned institution brings history and science to life with immersive exhibits like towering dinosaur fossils, a life-size whale model, and a massive planetarium. Plus, don't miss the Butterfly Vivarium featuring over 80 species. Perfect for all ages!
The Strand Book Store
12-minute walk / 4-minute drive from Riverside Tower Hotel
450 Columbus Avenue – A cozy outpost of the iconic Union Square location, this location is quieter and less crowded. Browse shelves of new, used, and rare books plus shop their collection of bespoke NYC souvenirs.
Getting Around
By Subway
The 79th Street 1 train station is a 4-minute walk from the hotel. The downtown train will get you to Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, Times Square, Penn Station, 14th Street, and South Ferry for the Staten Island Ferry. Take the 1 train uptown for Columbia University and Harlem.
By Bus
Several MTA bus routes serve the Upper West Side, including the crosstown M79 to the East Side and the north–south routes along Broadway and Riverside Drive. The front desk can tell you which stop is best for your destination.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Cabs are easy to find at 79th Street and our front desk can help you hail one. Rideshare pickups are also easy from the hotel’s front entrance.
On Foot or By Bike
