Manhattan Valley, often forgotten by people who still believe the Upper West Side harshly cuts off at 96th street, is a gem of a neighborhood on it’s own. For those wanting to explore a few blocks north, they will experience not only the beauty of this community, but also the vibrant community that makes residents of Manhattan valley proud to call these blocks their home!
Ranging from 96th Street north to about 110th, and with Broadway to the west and Central Park to the east, these are the restaurants, bars, and other places that we recommend in Manhattan Valley:
Best Manhattan Valley Restaurants
Mama’s TOO
2750 Broadway
Recently named the 2nd Best Square Slice in New York City, Mama’s TOO is arguably the best slice of pizza on the West Side of Manhattan. These toppings-loaded square focaccia slices are a must try for any pizza lover!
Thai Market
960 Amsterdam Ave
Manhattan Valley is home to many great Thai restaurants, but Thai Market stands alone for the exceptional quality of its food and a menu full of items not found anywhere else. Two must-tries are the Kow Soi and Pad See Ew!
Marlow Bistro
1018 Amsterdam Ave
Manhattan Valley’s reigning casual fine-dining establishment, Marlow Bistro opened its doors in late 2016 and has been busy ever since. With effervescent pastas, crackly-crust pizzas, an exceptional brunch menu, and friendly service, it’s no wonder many people call this one of their favorite restaurants on the Upper West Side.
Absolute Bagels
2788 Broadway
Ask a few Manhattan Valley residents their favorite bagel store and the answers may get contentious, but no bagel spot is more beloved than Absolute Bagels. With lines that often wrap around block on the weekends, this Thai-owned business that serves Thai iced tea alongside coffee and always-warm bagels is 100% worth it. Cash only.
Awash
947 Amsterdam Ave
If you’re going out with vegetarians, Awash is a great option—but of course, the meat options are delicious as well. Eat with your hands by dipping spongy ingeera bread into a variety of stews and sauces and enjoy the fragrant aromas and plentiful spices of Manhattan Valley’s best Ethiopian cusine!
Sun-chan
2707 Broadway
Tragedy gripped our neighborhood recently when the beloved grill-master at Sun-Chan passed away. Thankfully, this yakitori spot continues to grill on in her honor, churning out perfectly-charred chicken skewers, fish options, and eel bowls among other Japanese delights like sushi and teriyaki.
Jerusalem Restaurant
2715 Broadway
This beloved Middle Eastern hole-in-the-wall is incredibly budget-friendly and super delicious, with a falafel sandwich clocking in at around $6 and loaded with homemade falafel balls and creamy tahini and served with a side of sweet-and-spicy hot sauce that is so addictive. The babaganoosh platter is also great for sharing!
Hungarian Pastry Shop
1030 Amsterdam Ave
This super-old school neighborhood establishment has continuously offered excellent service and delicious desserts for decades, served up in a low-key environment where WiFi is unheard of and drip coffee refills are free. Some go-to’s are the almond croissant, linzar tart, lemon cake, and cherry danish. Wash them down with a cappuccino!
Cool Fresh Juice Bar
2661 Broadway
Most juice bars in this city will charge an arm or a leg, but Cool Fresh Juice Bar keeps it cheap while offering fresh, high-quality refreshment out of a hole-in-the-wall space. They have an incredibly wide variety of juices and smoothies to choose from, as well as acai bowls and bubble tea!
Best Manhattan Valley Bars
Bob’s Your Uncle
929 Columbus Ave
Bob’s Your Uncle has everything. Cheap and delicious drinks, a friendly neighborhood vibe and board games/shuffle board in the back!
Ellington in the Park
105th in Riverside Park
Looking for a spot to sip your drink al fresco? Head to this bar located in Riverside Park for a perfect view of the sunset over the Hudson!
Lions Head Tavern
995 Amsterdam Ave
For those looking to watch sports and enjoy a beer, this spot has everything you are looking for! They have great deals on beers, hot wings and are always lively come game time.
Dive 106
938 Amsterdam Ave
Beer lovers, look no further! With so many beers on tap, you’ll be here for hours trying all this bar has to offer.
West End Hall
2756 Broadway
With a great outdoor space in the back, West End Hall is a must-visit in the spring and summer time!
Best Places To Explore
Columbus Amsterdam BID
This BID offers tours of Manhattan Valley monthly! These walking tour topics change monthly so the information is never the same and there is always more to learn. Fun and free.
Cathedral of St John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Ave
This landmarked Morningside Heights cathedral is the biggest in North America and has so much to offer—with a stunning interior space, gardens in the back home to three roaming peacocks, and a variety of events all year-long including Vertical Tours, a spooky and spectacular Halloween party, and some incredible concerts.
Nicolas Roerich Museum
319 West 107th Street
Nicholas Roerich’s paintings which are showcased in this brownstone-turned-museum are so vivid, colorful, and captivating. These paintings encapsulate the spirit and beauty of the Himalayas where he painted them and showcase an artist who was once a West Side resident.
Straus Park
106th / 107th and West End
Straus Park is named for Isidor Straus and his wife Ida, who died on the Titanic. The parkoften has free concerts and other activities for everyone to enjoy.
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Jori Rose Schwartz
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