Where to stop on Broadway?
June 28, 2011 10:54 AM Subscribe
NYC Filter - Where should I stop on Broadway?
Next Tuesday, I'm planning on taking a walk from Washington Heights to Battery Park along Broadway. Other than my planned lunch at the Shake Shack, what should I be sure to stop and see? Free / cheap is best.
(disclaimer: i used to live in nyc, so i don't really care about touristy stuff. i'd rather find hidden gems that i'd otherwise just walk right by.)
Next Tuesday, I'm planning on taking a walk from Washington Heights to Battery Park along Broadway. Other than my planned lunch at the Shake Shack, what should I be sure to stop and see? Free / cheap is best.
(disclaimer: i used to live in nyc, so i don't really care about touristy stuff. i'd rather find hidden gems that i'd otherwise just walk right by.)
There's an Audobon Society center somewhere in that area, as well as the Hispanic Society of America Museum. And the Battery Park wing of the National Museum of the American Indian down in Battery Park.
(I did this same thing myself some years ago, except starting up in the Bronx. Yay!)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:10 AM on June 28, 2011
(I did this same thing myself some years ago, except starting up in the Bronx. Yay!)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:10 AM on June 28, 2011
Fairway Market Cafe, 2127 Broadway. Really good desserts/coffee.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 11:13 AM on June 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 11:13 AM on June 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
You could stop for a takeout café con leche at one of the numerous Cuban-style Spanish restaurants on Broadway in Washington Heights. I like them better than much more expensive coffee drinks.
posted by Paquda at 11:13 AM on June 28, 2011
posted by Paquda at 11:13 AM on June 28, 2011
Hm. I live in Washington Heights, and can't think of anything worth stopping for here. In Morningside Heights, there is, of course, Columbia University and all of its attendant shops and restaurants. I seem to recall a really good Cuban restaurant near Columbia, which I can't remember the name of.
Going down to the UWS: there's not a lot here on Broadway, honestly, that is not either touristy or mainstream stores that you could find in any mall in America (that has its benefits and its drawbacks, depending upon your perspective).
Further downtown, south of Columbus Circle, there is a Grom cafe, which sells Italian gelatoes. Which you have to have. Then, further south, below Times Square, there are a lot of odd shops in the 20s.
Union Square has...well...it's NYU, so it's basically like Columbia University, only further south....
posted by dfriedman at 11:23 AM on June 28, 2011
Going down to the UWS: there's not a lot here on Broadway, honestly, that is not either touristy or mainstream stores that you could find in any mall in America (that has its benefits and its drawbacks, depending upon your perspective).
Further downtown, south of Columbus Circle, there is a Grom cafe, which sells Italian gelatoes. Which you have to have. Then, further south, below Times Square, there are a lot of odd shops in the 20s.
Union Square has...well...it's NYU, so it's basically like Columbia University, only further south....
posted by dfriedman at 11:23 AM on June 28, 2011
Depending on how far up you start from, there's Carrot Top Pastries on Broadway and around 164th, if you want, uh, carrot cake and other pastries for breakfast. There's also Absolute Bagels on 107th and Broadway.
posted by chengjih at 11:35 AM on June 28, 2011
posted by chengjih at 11:35 AM on June 28, 2011
Further downtown, south of Columbus Circle, there is a Grom cafe, which sells Italian gelatoes. Which you have to have. Then, further south, below Times Square, there are a lot of odd shops in the 20s.
In front of that Grom, the city sectioned off about half the street (I think when it used to be 2-way) and they put tables and chairs around.
posted by spec80 at 11:43 AM on June 28, 2011
In front of that Grom, the city sectioned off about half the street (I think when it used to be 2-way) and they put tables and chairs around.
posted by spec80 at 11:43 AM on June 28, 2011
The Strand, of course. And check out if Grace Church is open to the public while you're walking by--beautiful inside.
posted by mlle valentine at 12:04 PM on June 28, 2011
posted by mlle valentine at 12:04 PM on June 28, 2011
I seem to recall a really good Cuban restaurant near Columbia, which I can't remember the name of.
That would be Havana Central at the West End, which is good but not great.
posted by Jahaza at 12:08 PM on June 28, 2011
That would be Havana Central at the West End, which is good but not great.
posted by Jahaza at 12:08 PM on June 28, 2011
You'll go by the Lincoln Center Apple Store. Also the new David Rubenstein Atrium with its 'wichcraft cafe.
The Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle has its notorious statues. If you take the elevator upstairs, there's a nice view of central park.
I wouldn't miss the Maine Monument across the Circle.
If you've lived in New York before (and post to Metafilter) you've probably been to the Strand, but Westsider Books has it's attractions.
posted by Jahaza at 12:17 PM on June 28, 2011
The Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle has its notorious statues. If you take the elevator upstairs, there's a nice view of central park.
I wouldn't miss the Maine Monument across the Circle.
If you've lived in New York before (and post to Metafilter) you've probably been to the Strand, but Westsider Books has it's attractions.
posted by Jahaza at 12:17 PM on June 28, 2011
Doh! While the Time Warner Center has elevators, I meant to suggest taking the escalator upstairs.
posted by Jahaza at 12:21 PM on June 28, 2011
posted by Jahaza at 12:21 PM on June 28, 2011
You can't get in without meeting a resident, but Pomander Walk is the definition of a hidden gem in the city. Go to 94th between West End and Broadway and look through the gates - maybe you'll get lucky.
Fauna, on 87th between West End and Broadway, is a pet shop that has a remarkable collection of birds that aren't for sale
The Ansonia is fantastic - if you have a loose idea of what time you'll be in the low seventies, see if you can stop by and view one of the apartments for rent or sale, or at least sneak into the lobby
posted by Mchelly at 12:47 PM on June 28, 2011
Fauna, on 87th between West End and Broadway, is a pet shop that has a remarkable collection of birds that aren't for sale
The Ansonia is fantastic - if you have a loose idea of what time you'll be in the low seventies, see if you can stop by and view one of the apartments for rent or sale, or at least sneak into the lobby
posted by Mchelly at 12:47 PM on June 28, 2011
Rita's Water Ice between 92 & 93
Beard Papa between 76 & 77
Soldier's and Sailor's Monument Riverside at 88
posted by kimdog at 1:02 PM on June 28, 2011
Beard Papa between 76 & 77
Soldier's and Sailor's Monument Riverside at 88
posted by kimdog at 1:02 PM on June 28, 2011
The Hispanic Society, a great little museum with Spanish (and some Latin American) art, at 155th Street (tucked away in the back of the larger complex there).
posted by LeeLanded at 1:32 PM on June 28, 2011
posted by LeeLanded at 1:32 PM on June 28, 2011
At Duane Street there's the African Burial Ground, that's pretty interesting & easy to miss.
posted by yarrow at 2:09 PM on June 28, 2011
posted by yarrow at 2:09 PM on June 28, 2011
I seem to recall a really good Cuban restaurant near Columbia, which I can't remember the name of.
That would be Havana Central at the West End, which is good but not great.
Ugh, Havana Central is crap, not even close to good. You might be remembering the old Rosita's at 109th and Bway. You can do far better north of 125th or on Amsterdam.
posted by fourcheesemac at 2:20 PM on June 28, 2011
That would be Havana Central at the West End, which is good but not great.
Ugh, Havana Central is crap, not even close to good. You might be remembering the old Rosita's at 109th and Bway. You can do far better north of 125th or on Amsterdam.
posted by fourcheesemac at 2:20 PM on June 28, 2011
I'm fond of the tamales sold from a street vendor at 145th and Broadway by the subway stop. The cheese ones are quite delicious. I had a recommendation of a bakery at 181st but they've changed management and I can not longer wholeheartedly recommend their quesitos. Paul's Pizza near 137th and Broadway (3409 Broadway says the google) has a good uncomplicated slice of pizza.
Sing for Hope's Piano thing is going on now. I spent a day last year wandering around from piano to piano listening to a lot of people play music which ranged from the ridiculous to the sublime. You can check out a couple on the map I linked.
I've done this walk a couple of times - except starting at the Broadway Bridge at 225th. I sort of wish you were doing this on a weekend and you wanted company. Hm, if anyone else is interested maybe this can transition to an IRL.
posted by sciencegeek at 2:50 PM on June 28, 2011
Sing for Hope's Piano thing is going on now. I spent a day last year wandering around from piano to piano listening to a lot of people play music which ranged from the ridiculous to the sublime. You can check out a couple on the map I linked.
I've done this walk a couple of times - except starting at the Broadway Bridge at 225th. I sort of wish you were doing this on a weekend and you wanted company. Hm, if anyone else is interested maybe this can transition to an IRL.
posted by sciencegeek at 2:50 PM on June 28, 2011
Try the Zabar's cafe at 79th and Broadway. Best grilled cheese sandwich ever. And the apple crumb cake is great, too. If you want bagels, try Absolute Bagels at 108 or so.
posted by lalas at 3:03 PM on June 28, 2011
posted by lalas at 3:03 PM on June 28, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks for all the advice! FWIW, I've made an IRL for this and would welcome company!
posted by youcancallmeal at 3:58 PM on June 28, 2011
posted by youcancallmeal at 3:58 PM on June 28, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mizrachi at 11:07 AM on June 28, 2011