Columbia University is really taking over the neighborhood. Morningside Heights, that is! There have been a lot of complaints about the gentrification of the neighborhood--but frankly I can't think of a better thing to happen to it. More students means more housing means: more cafes, more places to shop (thus more competition in prices), and a safer neighborhood. So you won't hear any complaints from me!
There are tons of restaurants popping up along Amsterdam below 110-I was surprised how many, one after the other, have opened in the last year.
Herewith a list of places in the area of 120th Street within walking distance as well as general info about the area (of course this is Manhattan so as far as I am concerned everything is within walking distance!
Bus:
M11 on Amsterdam and 120th takes you downtown, down Columbus Ave. 104 on Broadway takes you down Broadway. 104 runs more frequently.
Subway:
The 1 stops at 1116 and Broadway and takes you downtown, down the West Side, all the way to the Staten Island Ferry stop. You can switch to the 2 and 3 (express and which goes to Brooklyn) at 96th, 72nd, etc. Go through the Columbia campus to get to the 116. It is lovely. The 1 also stops at 110th, then 96th...etc.
Food shopping:
Apple Tree Market across the street—open 24 hours (also great prepared foods)
Broadway around 116th—grocery store (prepared foods)
110 and Broadway—D’Agonstino's grocery store (prepared foods)
Drugstore:
Duane Reade (Everywhere but closest is 122 and Broadway)
Restaurants:
V&T Pizza –Amsterdam bet 110-111. Cheap pizza and Italian—old fashioned and very good:
Kitchenette- Amsterdam bet 122 and 123: Cutesy 50-ish diner theme, old fashioned pastries to go (eg cupcakes). Medium prices.
Symposium-113 bet. Amsterdam and Bway: Greek –inexpensive
Cottage-Amst. and about 114 (across from St John the Divine church)- good Chinese…inexpensive
Mama Mexico-- Bway and 102—always busy—I have never been there but supposed to be good
MAX——Amsterdam and 123 Italian, pasta—limited menu but pretty good. Outside eating.
Ollies—Bway and 166—very popular but generic Chinese (they also deliver)
Indian place (forgot the name)—on Amsterdam bet. 120-121. Good Indian food. Also delivers
Ethiopian place (forgot the name)—Amsterdam and 121. Never ate there.
Hungarian Café—about Amsterdam and 114--this is a MUST—across from St John the Divine…famous café…coffee and croissants plus other Hungarian sweets…oreder then sit at table, they will bring coffee to you.
Café—forgot the name…but cute sit down café, coffee and sandwiches, on Amsterdam and about 122 on the west side of the street…lots of students
Tom’s Restaurant—another “must” this is the Greek coffee chop that Seinfeld uses as the outside shot for its “Restaurant” scenes…reasonably priced burgers, typical diner fare.
- *Amsterdam Restaurant and Tapas Lounge 11am–1am1207 Amsterdam Ave, between 119th and 120th Sts. - lots going on here, outside and inside...right on Amsterdam and 120th. .
*Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Mon–Thu 11:30am–11pm 646 W 131st St, between Broadway and Riverside Dr-young crowd, fun, loud...LIVE MUSIC every night (here is the calendar). Cute decor (" Weathered gas-station signage and barbershop mirrors constitute the artfully gritty decor at this honky-tonk saloon")
Sezz MediMon–Wed, Sun 11:30am–4pm, 5–11pm; Thu–Sat 11:30am– 4pm, 5pm–midnight 1260 Amsterdam Ave, at 122nd St. Brick oven PIZZA.Massawa Daily 11:30am–11:30pm1239 Amsterdam Ave, at 121st St. Ethiopian, for something new and different.
*Pinkberry 2873 Broadway, between 111th and 112th Sts, FROZEN YOGURT. Yummy, tangy taste. I only have tasted the original flavor.Caffé Swish Mon–Thu, Sun 11am–11:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am–1am 2953–55 Broadway, between 115th and 116th Sts--ASIAN/ FUSION
