discernment1438

Hi; Any suggestions for decent cafes, coffee shops, or diners near the Metropolitan Museum of Art? I'm there Friday night with some friends and were looking for a place to relax afterwards. Since it's the Upper east side I'm wondering if there are reasonable places. Thanks!

nytraveler

If you walk over to First or Second Ave there are a plethora of casuale places - restaurants or bars.

Closer is the Nectar Coffee Shop (Madison & 79th) but I've never been there and Serafine Pizza (Mad & 79th - pretty good).

mclaurie

Closest to the museum would be places on Madison Ave. which tend to either be pricey or just basic coffee shops. In addition to the Nectar that nyt mentions, there's also one closer on Madison & 82-83 st. that's good. There are nicer places heading east. You don't have to go as far as 2st or 2nd ave. though. You'll find some options on 3rd Ave. including Luke's Bar & Grill on 3rd b/w 78-79 st. Closer to the museum on 86th & Madison/Park is Demarchelier French bistro which has a $26 3 course prix fixe if you're interested. http://www.demarchelierrestaurant.com/prixfix.html

Gwendolynn

Across Madison (between 79 and 78) from Nectar is Viand.... a larger coffee type shop. They also serve wine. There's a Starbucks on 87th and Lexington.

TC

There's a marvelous place called E.A.T. at 1064 Madison (Between 80th and 81st). It is owned by Eli Zabar and the food is excellent. You walk in through the deli section, where you could make choices from the counter to take to your table or you can continue on to the adjoining room to sit and have wait service. We always dine here after the Met.

http://static.elizabar.com/stores-lo.../EAT/index.htm

jroth

3rd Avenue between 83 and 79 St. - lots of places - also between 83rd and 86th. A couple: Beyoglu, Shalizar, Cafe Julien. EAT does have first rate food - but it is not just high priced - it is over-priced. Viand on Madison Ave. is close enough to the museum. There is a diner on 79 St. just west of 2nd Avenue.

AnnMarie_C

bkmk