Westsider Books is a real gem. This is the kind of bookstore that you enter to discover books that you didn’t know about or stumble upon a book that you forgot about and wanted to read,

It’s rather small, but the books line the walls from floor to ceiling and it has a kind of magical feel to any book lover who enters. I love to just let my mind wander across all the titles and authors. It’s a real one-of-a-kind and definitely worth the trip uptown.

They opened in 1980 and they sell rare & used books. Their website is a little wonky so I haven’t included it here. They also have a location at 233 West 72nd Street which I haven’t been to yet.

Westsider Books - 2246 Broadway, near 81st Street - 212 362 0706

Gray's Papaya is a real New York thing to do! A hot dog and a papaya juice are the typical things people order. They also have the standard NYC breakfast of bacon, egg and cheese on a roll. Gray's Papaya was a favorite of the girls on Sex and the City as well. It has been featured in many films and a favorite of many famous and not famous New Yorkers.

There were other locations in the past that have closed due to the cost of rent.  I understand that there's another location on Eighth Avenue as well. They're open 24 hours 7 day per week and the food is very inexpensive. No website. I have a photo somewhere in my archives that they endorsed Obama for president in 2008.

Gray's Papaya - 2090 Broadway at 72nd Street

I don't make it up to the Upper West Side that often. But when I do, West Side Restaurant is one of my regular places to go for a meal. It is your standard Greek/American diner. Of course, they don't have a website! They are open to 1:00am and I like their breakfast. 

West Side Restaurant, 2020 Broadway at 69th Street