NYC restaurants located within a 5 minute walk of 81st Street – Museum of Natural History Station | Ratings, Reviews & Maps

Table seating is limited. Place your order at the kiosks. Lower level has an odd smell to it. Very limited staff interaction. My sandwich was messed up. Clearly this location is in demand, the line was to the door the whole time we were there. Cheese fries were good.
Jason Saltsman - 2 months ago

The burger was good but small for the price, the Korean fries were a joke! Served cold and not really flavourful. I liked my shake shack burger but my company did not really enjoy his cheese and bacon burger. Mediocre…very fatty and soggy buns. My shake shacks experience 6 years ago next to the flat iron building was waaaay better!
Walk with Jonas - 7 months ago

The hamburger is tasty, only if you don't take into account the burnt patty. Little place to sit, no straws and napkins in service. Given that during visits there was a queue to the very entrance, but it was surprising that it moved quickly, that is, the staff works very quickly.
Doc MUSIC - 6 months ago

This Shake Shack is located right next to the American Natural History Museum, that’s why we decided to stop here to grab a quick lunch before heading in. The staff immediately welcomed us with a smile and directed us to the kiosks to order. We just had a couple burgers and fries. Everything was good, not sophisticated or anything, simple but good! The fries were swimming in cheese which for us was a bit too much but that’s absolutely personal taste. We paid roughly 20$ for a satisfying and filling lunch, great stop!
Luca Lozzi - a year ago

We all know what it is, Shake Shack is consistently good but this is about shouting out the staff. Last Saturday (8/12) around 2pm there was a logjam of people in the lobby, elbow to elbow. It was impossible to create an orderly line but the staff did a good job sorting us all out. Naturally, in a high pressure environment like that there will be conflict and a little ruckus broke out in the kitchen..which was quickly put down by who I’m assuming was the manager. She firmly set everyone straight without freaking out and the machine kept rolling. Good work 👍🏼
Jeremy Keesee - a year ago

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We have dined at Sushi of Gari on the Upper West Side twice, once in the restaurant a long time ago, and then again for takeout tonight. The sushi has been great on both occasions. It's not my favorite Japanese in Manhattan, but along with Sushi Yasaka, it is definitely the best Japanese cuisine on the Upper West Side. Gari is the more formal experience while Sushi Yasaka is more laid back. Both places are great.
A R - 4 months ago

After nearly 20 years, Gari remains one of our family’s favorite omakase places! The fresh fishes, their rice and unique sauces make Gari’s sushi among the best. Service is impeccable.
eric yao - 4 months ago

The pictures on Google does it no justice. It is SO nice inside, everyone is professional, warm and welcoming. The sushi was probably one of the top 5 sushi places I have ever been. I will definitely go back and encourage others to do the same
Dawn Colbert - 4 months ago

*Okay granted this is partially our fault buttttt - we asked the waiter for a recommendation for sake. The waiter provided us 3 small samples to try but he did not offer to share the price of the bottle nor did we ask. When the bill came, we found out it cost us $220!!! I felt like this was dishonest and put a damper on our otherwise wonderful meal. Ambiance (5/5): The establishment is pretty small but very organized and neat, clean, and welcoming! We were seated next to the chef's table and loved watching the preparation right in front of our eyes. The chefs worked together seamlessly to prepare the various dishes with special garnishes, sauces, and presentation. Service (4/5): We were warmly greeted at the door. Warm towels for wiping at the beginning of the meal and during the middle course. He went out of his way to ask us in advance if we wanted a birthday dessert since there was only 2 left in the back so he could reserve it. They came out with a sparkler candle for us! Free green tea with the dessert. Food (5/5): We chose the combo omakase for $180 (4 sashimi & 8 sushi). Every single dish was fresh and delicious! Presentation was exceptional and the tastes were infused with art.
Steph W - 12 months ago

Mediocre Japanese restaurant. The sushi was nothing special and certainly not worth $60 for the sushi deluxe. The teriyaki chicken was dry and overcooked. I asked for extra teriyaki sauce to make it moister and was informed that extra sauce costs $5. Really? The gyoza had little flavor. Anyway, I won’t be returning. Too many great Japanese restaurants in this city
John Maull - 7 months ago

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I love the pizza! Can't recommend the Farmer's Market enough. They offer a lunch special which is an individual pizza + soup or salad for $13 and it's SO worth it!
Isy Gp - 3 weeks ago

Went for my mom's Bday, Sat in the back. They were SEVERELY understaffed and made it clear. Despite that, the server was so amazing and attentive. There were 2 people working the entire place and they worked so hard. Bless their heart. Please hire more people. Food was amazing btw! Drinks were mehhhh. I wouldn't get more drinks but pizza was so good!
Anthony Parris - 6 months ago

We got the cheese and tomato pie and it was delicious! A simple deep dish pizza done right. Nothing exceptional, but a quality pie with quality ingredients and good service.
Shreya Shukla - 4 months ago

One of the BEST pizzas I’ve ever eaten, if not the best. If you come here, I recommend the deep dish pizza, which is the one that made me fall in love with this restaurant. I actually know this pizzeria from Orlando, and I felt a lot of joy when I discovered there is one here in NY!!!
juliaa d e - 3 months ago

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The food was delicious—loved the Bronzino, salmon teriyaki, iced coffee, and green salad. Service was impressively fast, even though the place was packed. I did have a minor stomach ache afterward, though I’m not sure it was related to the meal. Regardless, the food was excellent and the atmosphere was great.
Michael - 2 months ago

We had a great experience!!! The ambiance to the food to the service is just beyond. I can not come to this place enough it is just amazing and is consistent with the great food… you will not be disappointed. Marco who was our server was kind and nice and really took care of us!!! Highly recommend
Malka Klitnick - 3 months ago

Highly recommended! A very nice calm place, with a perfectly good atmosphere. It is kosher Chalav Yisrael and Pas Yisrael. The service is richly provided and the main thing: Delicious, tasty food.
Naftuly - 4 months ago

Delicious meal. Delicious coffee. If you want to treat yourself or someone else, this is a wonderful place to do it. Lovely atmosphere. You can sit at the bar and there are quite a few tables inside - not sure how big a party it can accommodate tho. The menus are digital which is quite cool. There are numerous appetizers to choose from. Also ask for the specials or the soup of the day. There are also several entre options to choose from: pasta dishes, salads, fish or pizza. The cocktails look good (I didn't have) - the macchiato coffee is delectable - I'm still thinking about it, yum! Definitely leave room for dessert - one (or all of them) is a must have. Our server was funny, attentive, patient and made fantastic recommendations
Liseli P. - 8 months ago

Popped in after a show and was pleasantly surprised! The staff was very welcoming even though they were closing soon. Place was pretty full, and they seated us quickly. Our server was outstanding and delightful throughout our entire meal! His delivery was quick but not rushed, and the food came out just as fast and hot off the grill. Shout out to Ahmed! We will definitely be back for another amazing dining experience!🤩🤩👍👍
philip nirchi - 3 months ago

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A great gluten free spot right next to modern bread and bagel. An amazing menu for yummy goodness, the onion rings are killer and I loved the mocktails. We stopped for a light lunch but got a salted pretzel to go. Super great spot, service was a little slow but nothing major. The price isn’t the worst either considering everything is celiac safe.
Vanessa Pires - 2 months ago

The hours of this restaurant are strange and seemingly inconsistent so be sure to check their website, although we unfortunately ran into a closure due to passover that was not posted on their website. The food selection was decent and accommodated many different dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free) The food was delicious when it came out and was piping hot. The chicken sandwich lacked a bit of seasoning in the batter but the crispy-ness was on point. The tacos have a back of the tongue kick which is reasonably mild. The Onion rings and vinegar are on the salty side which I enjoy and were nice and crispy too. The Onion rings are accompanied but a delicious and mildly spicy mayo-like sauce. The Kung Pao was a little overly saucy but the flavor was great as well. The fish tacos were delicious and had an abundance of toppings.
Nick Wanuch - 6 months ago

We used to come to the restaurant (Spring Natural Kitchen) before it was Thyme and Tonic. we decided to give it a try because we like the concept of healthy vegan food. we really wanted to like it, but was quickly disappointed. We don’t think we’ll ever come back. Ordered the Bolognese (mushroom) sauce was OK but the pasta was horrible. Just a bowl of chopped up spaghetti(gluten free).. we also ordered chicken for appetizers and the barbecue sauce on the chicken was way too salty. Best thing was the salad which we enjoyed very much. We also ordered two mocktails. All-in we paid over $100 for food we unfortunately didn’t enjoy.. We can get much better food for a better price in numerous other restaurants in the UWS neighborhood.
Mika Kish - 5 months ago

I would like to thank the owners of Thyme and Tonic and Modern Bread and Bagel! They have single-handedly changed the landscape of Gluten Free Kosher Dairy Free delicious dining. First and foremost it’s amazing kosher gluten free healthy and you would never know. I am able to eat things including deserts that I haven’t eaten in 10 years. The restaurant ambience is terrific too! You don’t have to worry about bringing business people there or family and friends who don’t have allergies . You will want to eat everything on the menu . Try the Guacamole and plantains, Franks in a Blanket, soft pretzels, churros, delicious burgers, vegan burgers, salad options with or without schnitzel. Or try the Pastrami brisket with cornbread and coleslaw and rib skewers. All #glutenfree #dairyfree. Best of all it’s closed on #Shabbat
Ava Parnass - a month ago

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This pizza restaurant is a slice of heaven for pizza lovers. The aroma of freshly baked pies fills the air, inviting patrons to indulge in a cheesy delight. The menu offers a variety of toppings, from classic pepperoni to gourmet combinations, catering to diverse tastes. Each bite is a burst of flavor, with a perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and crust. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere for diners to enjoy their meal. Whether you're craving a traditional Margherita or a specialty pizza, this restaurant is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings with its delicious offerings.
Chris X. C. - 6 months ago

Famous Original Ray’s has a cute, old-school diner vibe that really adds to the experience. The pizza was good, but with the fierce competition in New York, it didn’t quite measure up to some of the city’s best slices. I ordered the pepperoni pizza, and the pepperonis were cooked perfectly—crispy and crunchy, which I loved. The rest of the food we tried was also solid, making for a decent overall experience. That said, it feels more like a reliable spot for everyday New Yorkers to grab a meal rather than a must-visit tourist destination. Worth a try, but maybe not at the top of the list for visitors.
Geenath - 2 weeks ago

Quick slice of pizza. Good flavor, they heat it up well and have various toppings and extra herbs and spices like crushed red pepper flaked you can add. A bit pricey at a bit over $4 per slice though.
Leonard - 6 months ago

The MOST LOVELY staff working here! The pizza is great, but honestly the lovely team behind the counter made picking up my order an absolute joy. Pizza pies were hot, delicious, and the extras like plates napkins and extra toppings made the meal delectable. Can't reiterate enough how lovely the people were - thank you not only for the great pizzas but being so wonderful. Top notch atmosphere for which I will be a customer for life. THANK YOU!
Tom Rush - 2 months ago

Spacious opened in 1982 Hamy been here in 25 years. 2 Bathrooms also:)
NYC Guide - 2 months ago

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The taco here are so small and mine were barely warm. (see pics of taco compared to my hand). Every time I come here they bring complimentary chips and salsa, which is great, but the chips are usually stale and almost colder than room temperature. (Did they take these out of the fridge?) I tried the steak fajitas, but the steak had no flavor. I also had the tostadios, which were also not warm. I’m noticing a patten here - they can’t seem to warm things up. There are better options in the area that are tastier and warmer. And, looking closer at the bill, they sneak in an unmarked credit card surcharge, which I think is slimy. I do think the restaurant had a nice ambiance and I like the chocolate lava cake.
Shawn C. - a month ago

I enjoyed the Aztec nachos ($15 plus tax) and the garlic sautéed shrimp ($28). The accompanying French string beans were done exceptionally well. If anything, I wish the heat was upped a bit, as even the salsa was too mild. The menu is abbreviated compared to many traditional Mexican restaurants, but I think it works out better this way since diners avoid overchoice and Cilantro can concentrate on quality.
Augusto Paulino - 2 weeks ago

Stopped in here for a late night dinner. It was nice evening so we sat outside. Margaritas were very good and we shared an order of Shrimp fajitas. It was a nice presentation served with a choice of Flour or Whole Wheat tortillas, Sauteed Onions & Peppers, Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream & Guacamole. Guac was fresh and homemade. Great dinner!
A.L. Harris - 4 weeks ago

If you're visiting the museum in New York and craving Mexican cuisine, this small restaurant is a must-visit. Despite the slightly longer wait, it was absolutely worth it because the food was fresh and bursting with flavor. The drinks were fantastic, perfectly complementing the food, and the prices were reasonable, reflecting the quality of the dishes. Our waitress was friendly, respectful, and attentive, enhancing our dining experience. Overall, this spot is a hidden gem, and I highly recommend it to anyone in the area. Just be prepared to wait a bit, but trust me, the food will not disappoint!
Karim Rivera - 2 months ago

Great experience! We really enjoyed the nachos and chicken fajitas. We sat outside on a warm October night and can’t wait to come back. Our first time and definitely won’t be our last. Maria was very kind and attentive! She gave great service
Jade McDonough - a week ago

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This location of Starbucks is really nice - I stopped by this weekend while on Columbus Avenue to do some shopping on the Upper West Side, and I had a good experience!! The store is very clean + well-kept, and the staff were kind when I visited. My coffee was made exactly as I ordered it, and the bakery item I purchased was heated accordingly. On another note, this Starbucks is conveniently located by The Strand's Upper West Side location, which is a perk!!
Kristen L. Matulis - 3 weeks ago

The service was nice and the coffee was tasty. The place is a bit tiny and has not have many seats but it's fine.
David Chitanava - a year ago

My Favorite Starbucks! The outdoor seating is fantastic! The staff is the most friendly and helpful of any Starbucks I have visited! Romantic Jazz music lightly filled the air from the restaurant next door. It created just the right feel for an evening of my favorite Strawberry Frappuccino!
Dennis Jarrin - 2 years ago

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The pasta here is always delicious. Simple sauce perfectly done. Very authentic. The folks at the upper West side restaurant are mostly Italian. I love the breakfast pastries, and the weekend. Brunch includes fabulous yogurt, and fruit. I’ve had many meals here and enjoyed every dish.
Rickie L Jones - a month ago

Had a great dinner here tonight. Was able to get a nice table outside and do some great UWS people watching while enjoying a good bottle of Cab. Service was excellent from the hostess, the nice woman behind the bar, and Dillan our server, all making the evening so enjoyable. Everything we ordered was cooked perfectly. Great night, Great atmosphere, great food.
A.L. Harris - 4 months ago

A great surprise, it's one of those places where it's so pleasant that time seems to stand still. Perfect coffee, cappuccino and avocado toast. Friendly service, cozy and lovely.
Mauricio - 4 months ago

Came around for dinner and sat outside since it was nice and cool. Service from Alexsei and Dillan was excellent - they were always attentive. Had a relaxing dinner. The Funghi Flatbread was light and delicious. And the RUM Cake. Yum. Not super sweet but delectable.
KrisKat Meow - 5 months ago

Thanks to the reviews here and on Yelp, we opted out of dining in and ordered to go. Even so, the person taking our order had us waiting a bit to order, while they chit chatted with their colleague. The pasta we got was just ok. Carbonara was actually pretty flavorful; but the gnocchi was bland. With all the sauce that was given, it certainly LOOKS like a flavorful dish; but I could barely taste the pesto. I even saved some to take home and season, thinking it may have just been under-seasoned; but it wasn't much better. The texture of the gnocchi itself was decent, which is a positive note. Lastly, take a look at the photo. Does this look like an acceptable amount of pasta for $25 to you? It's not the worst place; but there are much better establishments for dining in the area.
Deb Lin - 4 months ago

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