Before or after a visit to the spacious and expansive art collection housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a fortifying meal is a must.
Sure, there are on-site dining and drinking options, from cafes to carts, and authentic New York City hot dog vendors just seconds away from the museum’s famous steps. You’ll also find beautiful, swanky hotel bars and restaurants nearby, like the legendary Bemelman’s Bar at the Carlyle Hotel and the beautiful Café Sabarsky, housed in the nearby Neue Galerie.
But when it comes to where locals eat after a museum visit, it’s a different story. Here are some of the best spots on the Upper East Side for a pre- or post-museum bite, approved by locals.
J. G. Melon
Since 1972, Upper East Siders, locals, and tourists have been coming to Melon’s for the legendary burgers and cottage fries. Lucky for museum goers, it’s only a 15-or-so-minute walk from the Met and open for lunch until late. With green-checkered tablecloths and a saloon-like vibe, eating griddled burgers and fries at this cash-only institution should be on every visitor’s NYC bingo card anyway, but the proximity to the city’s best museums makes it a must-visit before or afterwards. 1291 3rd Ave., Upper East Side, jgmelon-nyc.com
Pastrami Queen
Serving some of the city’s best pastrami, this Jewish deli offers the “real deal” hand-carved sandwiches, according to the late, great Anthony Bourdain. After relocating from Brooklyn to Queens and then eventually settling on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New Yorkers line up for the massive Kosher sandwiches that are equally simple and satisfying.
Yes, the pastrami on rye is the one to order, but the corned beef sandwich, brisket, and matzoh ball soup shouldn’t be overlooked either. Plus, they serve breakfast, should this be a pre-museum stop. 1125 #2 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side, pastramiqueen.com
Lexington Candy Shop
For over a century, this no-reservation luncheonette has fed New Yorkers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which makes it the ideal spot to hit before or after the museum, especially if you’re a history buff. Set in an old-timey candy shop, the American diner still has guests lining up in droves for the famous French toast, pancakes, soups, salads, burgers, and retro drinks like root beer floats, egg creams, and malteds. Hopefully this legendary luncheonette will keep feeding locals and visitors for another 100 years. 1226 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side, lexingtoncandyshop.com
Via Quadronno
With excellent paninis and Italian coffee drinks, for approximately three decades Via Quadronno has been delivering all of the charming Italian elements of a neighborhood trattoria without any pretense, despite its location. Tucked away on 73rd Street, about 10 minutes away from the Met by foot, it may seem unassuming. Yet, Upper East Siders rely on it for fresh pastas, salads, and baked eggs for breakfast, not to mention gelati.
Luckily for visitors, they take reservations during dinner, but not lunch, which is first come, first served. In warmer months the outdoor seating makes it the ideal spot to come for a post-museum drink and bite. 25 E. 73rd St., Upper East Side, viaquadronno.com
Up Thai
With plants hanging from the ceiling and lanterns dotting the restaurant, Up Thai may seem like a cozy spot just for those in the know and indeed, it’s a hit with locals. That said, visitors shouldn’t miss out on the excellent crispy duck, clay pot dishes, curries, rice dishes, and of course, pad Thai, before or after a museum visit.
Plus, Up Thai tends to be a crowd pleaser when it comes to museum visitors of all ages who can’t decide where to eat. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant also serves cocktails, beer, and wine. 1411 2nd Ave., Upper East Side, upthainyc.com
Tandoor Oven
This long-standing Tandoori and Indian restaurant has been serving Upper East Siders some of the best chicken tikka masala in the city for decades, and fortunately for museum goers, it’s a short walk from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Open for lunch and dinner, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, everything coming out of the tandoor oven is incredible, from the veggies to the goat and lamb. Bonus, reservations are accepted.175 E. 83rd St., Upper East Side, tandooroven.com
