Author(s):
Katie Labovitz
“They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway…” but the Theater District isn’t the only place where this famed New York City street shines! When you’re in Manhattan, you must visit the stretch of Broadway on the Upper West Side known as Lincoln Square—as it is home to fabulous shopping, dining and cultural destinations waiting for you to explore. Let us take you on a northbound tour of this noted neighborhood and fill you in on some of the best places to stop.
The Shops at Columbus Circle (10 Columbus Circle, 212.823.6300, theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com) resides at the southwest corner of Central Park where Broadway bisects Eighth Avenue into Central Park West. This upscale urban mall offers a diverse selection of over 50 boutiques that include the leading manufacturer of cut crystal accessories and decor (Swarovski, swarovski.com), fashionable apparel for all (BOSS Hugo Boss, hugoboss.com), decadent French pastries (Bouchon Bakery, thomaskeller.com/bouchonbakerycafé), elegant stationary and gifts (Papyrus, papyrus.com), indulgent gourmet sweets for adults (Sugarfina, sugarfina.com) and a restaurant with French-inspired fare, generous international wine list and a health-conscious kid’s menu to boot (Landmarc, landmarc-restaurant.com)!
Nearby you’ll find the Mandarin Oriental New York (80 Columbus Circle, 212.805.8800, mandarinoriental.com/newyork/fine-dining/the-lobby-lounge/). This hotel’s Lobby Lounge is a wonderful place to grab a light meal or a late-night cocktail while you take in awe-inspiring views of the Manhattan skyline and Central Park.
Fans of art-house films can catch a screening at Lincoln Plaza Cinemas 6 (1886 Broadway, btw W. 62 & W. 63rd sts., 212.757.0359, lincolnplazacinema.com). Travelers in the area needing any sort of roadside assistance can take comfort knowing that Manhattan’s only branch of AAA is also right there (1881 Broadway, btw W. 62 & W. 63rd sts., 212.757.2000, ny.aaa.com).
If you head west down W. 62nd St., you’ll happen upon Rosa Mexicano (61 Columbus Ave., 212.977.7700, rosamexicano.com). There, you simply must try the Guacamole en Molcajete—made fresh at your tableside and served with warm tortilla chips and salsa. Also delight in Rosa Mexicano’s signature cocktail, the frozen pomegranate margarita.
Back on Broadway, Breads Bakery (1890 Broadway, at W. 63rd St., 212.633.2253, breadsbakery.com) has fresh breads and pastries daily, including rugelach and chocolate babka—Polish sweet loaf bread filled with twists of chocolate. A great spot for a delicious breakfast is The Smith (1900 Broadway, at W. 63rd St., 212.496.5700, thesmithrestaurant.com). The Smith is also perfect to grab dinner before—or late night drinks after—seeing a show at Lincoln Center.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (10 Lincoln Center Plaza, btw W. 62 & W. 65th sts., 212.875.5456, lincolncenter.org) is a complex of venues where some of NYC’s greatest performances take place. Visitors can take in everything from the New York Philharmonic, Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera, movies, jazz and more. Also on-site is the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center (40 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212.870.1630, nypl.org/locations/lpa). This branch features circulating, reference and rare archival collections of materials related to the performing arts including sheet music, historic recordings, programs, photographs and videotapes. The library has a series of free public programs in the Bruno Walter Auditorium that feature performances, master classes, readings, panel discussion and screenings with notable members of the performing arts community.
In addition to wonderful shows, Lincoln Center offers impeccable cuisine. Lincoln Ristorante (142 W. 65th St., btw Broadway & Amsterdam Ave., 212.359.6500, patinagroup.com/lincoln-ristorante) is an upscale Italian restaurant with fresh takes on traditional dishes and a stunning view of the plaza, thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
If you’re in need of somewhere to relax during your full day on Broadway, there are two triangle-shaped public parks with movable tables, chairs and umbrellas awaiting your use. Dante Park (Columbus Ave. & W. 63rd St., 212.639.9675, nycgovparks.org/parks/dante-park) and Richard Tucker Park (Columbus Ave. & W. 66th St., nycgovparks.org/parks/richard-tucker-square) are perfect spots to bring take-out or enjoy farm-fresh produce—Richard Tucker Park hosts a Greenmarket on Thursdays and Saturdays!
Elegant Mediterranean fare is served at Chef Daniel Boulud’s vibrant Boulud Sud (20 W. 64th St., btw Central Park West & Broadway, 212.595.1313, bouludsud.com). Guests can enjoy family-style feasts or à la carte offerings including hand-made pastas and fresh seafood. Nearby, the sophistication continues at The Emporium Ltd. (20 W. 64th St., btw Central Park West & Broadway, 929.376.5477, theemporiumltd.com). This antique shop boasts an eclectic selection of vintage jewelry, home decor and fine art.
For classic looks and accessories for men, women and kids, visit the Lincoln Square branch of Brooks Brothers (1934 W. 65th St., at Columbus Ave., 212.362.2374, brooksbrothers.com). Century 21 (1972 Broadway, at W. 66th St., 212.518.2121, c21stores.com) is the best place to shop for discounts on fashionable, high-end brands. The latest in Apple tech can be found at the Apple Store Upper West Side (1981 Broadway, at W. 67th St., 212.209.3400, apple.com/retail/upperwestside) while cozy sheepskin boots and slippers are available at UGG Australia (160 Columbus Ave., btw W. 67th & W. 68th sts., 212.671.1190, ugg.com).
Fans of art museums should visit the American Folk Art Museum (2 Lincoln Square, btw W. 65th & W. 66th sts., 212.595.9533, folkartmuseum.org). This esteemed institution showcases self-taught artists of the past and present with powerful portraits, intricate quilts, pottery and various other mediums. Kaufman Music Center (129 W. 67th St., btw Broadway & Amsterdam Ave., 212.501.3300, kaufmanmusiccenter.org) is both a school and performance venue. Its Merkin Concert Hall houses concerts as well as long-running series that feature new artists, seasoned performers and family-friendly entertainment.
With so much to experience on Broadway in Lincoln Square, you will find there is always magic in the air.
This content sponsored by Lincoln Square Business Improvement District.
Market:
New York City
Subtitle:
“They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway…” but the Theater District isn’t the only place where this famed New York City street shines!
Interest Type:
Cultured
Foodie
Kid-friendly
Luxurious
Relaxing
Timely content:
Video content: