Acker Merrall and Condit Co.
Address: 160 West 72nd Street
Phone: 212-787-1700
Website: home.ackerstore.com
This is one of the oldest wine dealers in all of Manhattan. With an extremely knowledgeable staff, they also stock some of the finest wines in the world. In fact, some bottles are auctioned off like fine works of art. From simple table wines to bottles fit for a queen, they've got it all.
Alphabets
Address: 2284 Broadway (between West 82nd & 83rd Street)
Phone: 212-579-5702
This place is all about whimsy and campy fun. With two other locations downtown, this is the place to go for silly cards and gifts, from funky t-shirts featuring cartoon characters to Betty Boop pjs to Flintstones lunch boxes. Gismos and gadgets for kids of all ages.
April Cornell
Address: 487 Columbus Avenue (between West 83rd & 84th Street)
Phone: 212-799-4342
Website: www.aprilcornell.com
Victorian quaint permeates everything here. These luxury linens attract a huge following among those looking for something a bit flowery. They also feature a nice selection of natural fiber clothing for baby and mom. If the country look appeals to you, this is definitely your place.
Aquarius Aquarium Installation
Address: 214 Riverside Drive (West 93rd Street)
Phone: 212-749-4970
Website: www.aquariusaquariums.com
If the river views have inspired you to get in touch with your inner fish lover, you've come to the right place. This is not about the little ten gallon tanks you grew up with. It's about elaborate custom tanks that function as animated walls. If a 250 gallon salt water tank is what you're in the mood for, go fish.
Assets London
Address: 464 Columbus (between West 82nd & 83rd Street)
Phone: 212-874-8253
These trendy European fashions continue to attract a fierce following among those looking for a "downtown" look. In fact, their other branch is located downtown. Both offer a really fabulous selection of high-quality, up-to-the-minute threads with a decidedly adventurous bent.
Bacchus Wine Made Simple
Address: 2956 Broadway (at 71st)
Phone: 212-875-1200
Website: www.bacchusnyc.com
Part of a nationwide chain of wine shops based out of California, Bacchus Wine specializes in low-production vintage. Its main appeal, however, is the clear, no-nonsense way their wines are organized. For true connoisseurs, the classes and tastings are not to be missed.
Silks, linens, cottons and natural blends in sleek, tailored styles perfectly mesh with urban business casual. Definitely restrained and somewhat conservative in bent, they also feature a fair smattering of dressier wear fit for sophisticated wining and dining.
Beacon Wines & Spirits
Address: 2120 Broadway (at 74th)
Phone: 212-877-0028
Website: www.beaconwine.com
One of the more popular wine ships on the upper west side, Beacon has developed a loyal following based on a broad selection of vintage and excellent, courteous service. That, and they offer fast, free delivery.
Betsey Johnson
Address: 248 Columbus Avenue (between West 71st & 72nd Street)
Phone: 212-362-3364
Website: www.betseyjohnson.com
Back in the day, Betsey Johnson paved the way for gothic fashion. Once known for her black lacy, lace-up dresses, she has since evolved into a broader range of styles and colors. The emphasis remains the same: Fun, flirty and fully feminine. Whether your taste runs toward traditional or punk, you will always find something for that special occasion.
Wanna get into that roller blade thing? How about snowboarding? Whether you're already into it or just want to give it a whirl, this is your place. The knowledgeable staff will get you all geared up for fun on wheels.
Citerella
Address: 2135 Broadway (at West 75th Street)
Phone: 212-874-0383
Website: www.citarella.com/
Considered one of the finest fish sources in the city, Citarella is as famous for their fabulous selection of fresh seafood as they are for their utterly marvelous and artistic window displays (which is what made them so outrageously popular in the first place). Although overshadowed by the fish, the meat here is also outstanding. There's also a nice selection of prepared foods. The only negative, in fact, is the crowd. But still and all, if you like fish, you'll adore this place.
Filene's Basement
Address: 2222 Broadway (at West 79th Street)
Phone: 212-873-8000
Website: www.filenesbasement.com
Want designer stuff on budget prices? Dive in. Known for their chaotic racks and mounds of great fashion finds, this is not the place for the anal-compulsive or courteous shopper. The staff will ring you up, but don't go asking them whether they have something else in the back. It's not a relaxed shopping environment, but you could very well get the deal of the century.
Fischer Brothers & Leslie
Address: 230 West 72nd Street
Phone: 212-787-1715
Website: fischerbros.com
Since 1949, Fischer Brothers has been the glatt kosher butcher of choice for thousands. Delivering as far as Connecticut and New Jersey, aside from their renowned cuts of meat, their prepared kosher meals have garnered a growing following. They offer everything from beef to poultry and bread, with special menus available for the Jewish holidays.
If you're a soap opera lover, you've probably seen the floral arrangements of Flowers by Reuven. They are the exclusive florist for several of the leading daytime shows in the area. For over 25 years, customers have been coming here for their stunningly fresh, interesting selection of flowers and dramatic arrangements. They pride themselves on treating their smallest to largest customer with exactly the same level of courtesy and respect.
Greenstones
Address: 442 Columbus Avenue (between West 81st & 82nd Street)
Phone: 212-580-4322
Pricey, high-quality kids clothes that hail from Europe. Their line of French apparel is particularly popular. Ranging from cute to precious to downright downtown, you will wish that you could still fit into some of these fabulously inventive threads.
Harry's Shoes
Address: 2299 Broadway (at West 83rd Street)
Phone: 212-874-2035
Website: www.harrys-shoes.com
This family-friendly shoe store has been around forever. Loud and bustling, there's a huge selection of major brand footwear and a helpful staff. Be prepared to pick a number and wait for those coveted kids' Merrells or Sketchers if you come on a busy weekend afternoon.
Known for showcasing some of the grooviest, second-hand things in town, all four locations of this store have garnered a serious following among those looking for something a little different, who want to give a little to charity at the same time. The granddaddy of Manhattan thrift shops, you never know what you'll pick up here, from a turn-of-the-century hand-carved mannequin to a restaurant-grade espresso maker.
Indiana Market
Address: 102 West 86th
Phone: 212-736-3531
Website: indiananyc.com
For your next event, Indiana Market & Catering can do it all. From hearty Midwestern food to flowers and professional servers, if you're planning an upper west side party, this is always a safe way to go.
Nancy's Wines for Food
Address: 313 Columbus Avenue (between West 74th & 75th)
Phone: 212-877-4040
Website: www.nancyswines.com/
The name says it all. This place is all about finding the right wine for your evening's repast. Less emphasis on trendy labels, the focus here is on creating a well-rounded dining experience by helping home chefs choose just the right bottle of wine. Of particular note is their selection of German bottles.
New World Coffee
Address: 416 Columbus Avenue (at 79th Street)
Phone: 212-874-1936
Website: www.new-worldcoffee.com
Ever since Starbucks started dominating the world of upscale java, this chain has been hurting bad. But truth be known, they serve a fine cup of coffee with a nice selection of baked goods to go along.
Origins
Address: 2327 Broadway (between West 84th & 85th Street)
Phone: 212-769-0970
Website: origins.com
Beauty products with an organic, faux-Zen bent. Whatever the folks at Origins are doing, it certainly seems to be working. With a growing following, their skin and bath products make popular gift items, and many swear by their skincare regimens.
Really Great Things
Address: 284 Columbus Avenue (between West 73rd & 74th Street)
Phone: 212-787-5354
Yeah, it's sort of expensive, but the clothing here is completely out of the ordinary. Couture from Europe and Japan among other domestic selections. If you're on a budget, try the 300 Columbus Avenue location, which features a more affordable ready-to-wear collection.
Robert Marc
Address: 190 Columbus Avenue (between West 68th & 69th Street)
Phone: 212-799-4600
Website: www.robertmarc.com
These great looking designer glasses make the term "four eyes" an enviable condition. Fashion statement lenses with that urban European feel that will make you look and see better. Not for the meek of heart or wallet.
Schweitzer Linen
Address: 457 Columbus Avenue (between West 81st & 82nd Street)
Phone: 212-799-9629
Website: www.schweitzerlinen.com/
These are high-quality linens at really good prices. One of three Manhattan locations, here you will find a terrific selection of high thread-count sheets and bedding. Definitely somewhat expensive, but always of exceptional quality.
Sixty-Seven Wines and Spirits
Address: 179 Columbus (67th Street)
Phone: 212-724-6767
Website: www.67wine.com
This wine store carries over 10,000 different labels, including a ton of hard to find and rare vintages and popular favorites. They also deliver.
Soutine
Address: 104 West 70th
Phone: 212-496-1450
Website: soutine.com
This small bakery gets top billing as one of the finest in the city. The custom-ordered cakes and cupcakes are just the beginning. They also bake up top notch tarts, quiches and other items of exceptional quality. Of special note, their hors d'oeuvres are a guaranteed hit at your next party.
Considered one of the better florists on the upper west side, their floral designs are fairly innovative and a tad outside the norm. The flowers are, of course, quite fresh and healthy, as well. A bouquet from here is always bound to please.
This U.K. based chain has been around since the Bicentennial?that's 1976 to you folks who need a little boost with your history. Slightly more traditional than some of their newer competitors, they still proudly proclaim that their products are never animal tested, and that their company is environmentally responsible.
For those who take their coffee seriously, the Sensuous Bean is the only place in town. Featuring an extensive selection of fresh roasted beans, they offer a number of unique blends, including water-pressed beans (that's fancy talk for decaffeinated) and their ever-popular Indonesian variety. They also sell a number of loose-leaf teas from around the world and excellent baked goods from Villabate.
Theory
Address: 230 Columbus Avenue (between West 70th & 71st Street)
Phone: 212-362-3676
Website: theory.com
Featuring a sleek, urban, somewhat staid aesthetic, Theory has garnered a loyal following among women who prefer an updated classic look. Crossing from business casual to sedate evening wear with daunting ease, this is a one-stop shop for every fashion need, if your taste runs toward the understated.
Vintage New York
Address: 2492 Broadway (between West 92nd & 93rd Street)
Phone: 212-721-9999
Website: www.vintagenewyork.com
This very unique wine store does not focus on bottles from France, Spain or even California. Here, the one and only regional specialty is New York wines. Yeah, that's right. And if you think that sounds ridiculous, then perhaps it's time you expand your mind and support your local vineyards by picking up a bottle from the Hudson Valley or Long Island.
Yarn Co.
Address: 2274 Broadway (between West 81st & 82nd Street)
Phone: 212-787-7878
Website: theyarnco.com
You'll feel like you've entered a secret knitting society when you ascend the stairway to this private, yarn-filled sanctuary. Flocks of devotees congregate here to share their needling exploits.
