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Where to Eat on the Upper East Side

By Shaye Weaver | August 22, 2016 10:23am
 Ethyl's $5 burger with a side of herb fries and a Down East cider.
Ethyl's $5 burger with a side of herb fries and a Down East cider.
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DNA/Shaye Weaver

A slew of new eateries have opened up in Yorkville this year — despite ongoing disruptions from Second Avenue subway construction work.

From Korean Bimbimbap burgers to lamb shawarma, there are plenty of restaurants offering different cuisines that have popped up around the neighborhood from April to August.

Some restaurants have admittedly taken to flashy concepts to lure people in amidst the Second Avenue Subway construction outside, including Greek eatery 1633 and the new retro-themed bar Ethy's Alcohol & Food, which promises bubble-filled brunches, $5 burgers and go-go dancers.

"Guests shouldn't be subjected to what's going on outside while they are enjoying dinner or cocktails," 1633 owner James Palumbus said in June. "The ... community has been under siege with all the ongoing construction. Inside, it's kind of a hidden jewel of the Upper East Side, and we believe we have thoughtfully created an interesting experience that our guests will enjoy."

For those at a loss for what to eat tonight, DNAinfo has compiled 10 new restaurants in the neighborhood to try:

► Asian Eateries

Peng's Noodle Folk, 1659 First Ave. at East 87th Street

Opened: July 16

Peng’s Noodle Folk specializes in ramen and noodle soups, including marbled pork rib ramen, chicken katsu ramen, soy sauce beef stew noodle, homemade dumplings and rice topped with stews and meats. You can also order a beer, wine, sake or dessert with your meal. Prices for entrees range from $5 to $14.

Momokawa, 1466 First Ave. at East 76th Street

Opened: June 12

Kips Bay's Momokawa opened its second location further uptown with a menu of assorted sushi and sashimi, soups, noodles and other traditional entrees. There's also a wide variety of sake available. Sushi rolls and a la carte items begin at $3, salads, soups and noodles range from $12 to $15, and entrees for two people range from $45 to $124.

Mokja, 1663 First Ave. at East 87th Street

Opened: July

Meet the bimbimbap burger offered at this Korean eatery aiming to offer traditional dishes with a twist. The burger comes topped with vegetables, a fried egg and sauce, all in between a brioche bun ($13). The menu also includes a number of box meals ($14 to $18) and Korean barbecue ($20 to $25).

► Italian

Saba's Pizza, 1217 Lexington Ave. at East 82nd Street

Opened: August

 

Anyway you like it 👊🏻 1/2 bruschetta 1/2 pesto truffle oil #sabaspizza #eeeeeats #mondaydinner #dailypizza #nycpizza

A photo posted by Sabas Pizza NYC (@sabaspizza) on

This pizzeria offers round, square, and thin-crust pies with a wide range of toppings, from white cheese pies to baked ziti-topped pies. The eatery also has a number of salads, calzones, pastas and sides — all of which are kosher. Slices range in price from $3.25 to $4.50 and pies are $22 to $30 depending on the toppings.

Radicchio Pasta and Risotto, 1663 Third Ave. at East 93rd Street

Opened: July 29

Midtown’s Radicchio has relocated to the Upper East Side and is offering the same handmade pastas, including spaghetti bolognese, lemon fettuccine and gnocchi with pear, walnuts and gorgonzola. Risottos with bacon and gorgonzola, seafood, porcini and sausage pepper and mushroom are also on the menu. Pasta and risotto are priced at $12 to $18 and main entrees are $20 to $28 each.

► Farm to Table

Eastfield's Kitchen and Bar, 1479 York Ave. at East 78th Street

Opened: May

 

Where getting 4th of July ready! And so should you! Get here soonand let's celebrate together! #TheEastPole

A photo posted by The East Pole Kitchen & Bar (@theeastpole) on

The Martignetti brothers of East Pole and Pizza Beach launched their newest restaurant in the neighborhood, featuring what they call “elevated home-cooking” from around the world. It's diverse menu includes a braised lamb sharwama, chicken Kiev, Atlantic striped bass and pappardelle pasta. A cocktail list and desserts are also available. Entrees range from $15 to $32.

Sweetgreen, 1500 Third Ave. near East 85th Street

Opened: June 13

Health-conscious eatery Sweetgreen opened on the Upper East Side as part of broader plan to expand across the U.S. Customers can create custom salad with locally sourced ingredients, or try something prepared like its Mexican corn elote bowl with warm quinoa, farro, arugula, roasted corn and peppers with local goat cheese and other toppings. Prices depend on toppings.

► Different Atmosphere

1633, 1633 Second Ave. at East 85th Street

Opened: June 16

1633 promises to offer an escape from the noisy outdoor streetscape of Second Avenue with blacked-out windows and a "secret" side door entrance on East 85th Street. The menu is modern Greek, including the Mousse-AKA," a layered ground sirloin, and "The Cube," a brioche dough pie with spring greens, cheese and yogurt. Plates range from $12 to $28.

Ethyl's Alcohol & Food, 1629 Second Ave. at East 85th Street

Opened: May 12

Ethyl’s Alcohol & Food by Chef Paul Gerard offers a short and sweet menu including a $5 burger, chicken wings, smoked crab dip, dirty nachos and "chocolatey balls," made with cheese-stuffed meatballs covered in chocolate mole sauce. All items are under $12. The bar serves a wide range of cocktails and beers. Catch live entertainment on certain evenings, including go-go dancing and comedy nights.

► Cold Treats

M’o Il Gelato, 956 Lexington Ave. at East 70th Street

Opened: April 13

M’o Il Gelato, a company based in Bologna, Italy, has opened its third Manhattan location on the Upper East Side. Flavors include "Delirium," made with chocolate chip cookies and chocolate fondue; and "Monella," made with Amarena cherry, toasted almonds, hazelnuts and dark chocolate. Sorbets are also available. Prices depend on size, toppings and flavor.