Kips Bay and Murray Hill

Kips Bay is one of Manhattan’s best-kept secrets—a charming, often overlooked neighborhood that sits between Gramercy Park and Murray Hill (and yes, often confused with the latter). This small, welcoming pocket of NYC has a young vibe that makes it a favorite for locals who know where to find good food, a fun night out, and peaceful corners of green.

The streets of Kips Bay are dotted with cozy restaurants offering everything from amazing pizza to fragrant Indian cuisine, classic New York bagels, and must-try ice cream shops. Outdoor dining is big here—sidewalk cafes and intimate patios let you soak in the city buzz without the overwhelming crowds you’ll find in nearby Midtown.

When the weather’s nice, tiny parks and leafy side streets invite you to take a leisurely stroll. The East River Esplanade is right on the neighborhood’s edge, offering views of the water and a chance to hop on a ferry downtown—an underrated way to commute or simply see the skyline from a new perspective.

Kips Bay also shines in the “treat yourself” department. You’ll find tons of nail and hair salons, many at friendlier prices than flashier Manhattan neighborhoods. And if you’re looking to unwind after your self-care session, the local bar scene is vibrant, with laid-back pubs, stylish cocktail spots, and lively sports bars all within walking distance.

Quietly cool, delightfully diverse, and full of local gems, Kips Bay proves you don’t have to head to the usual hotspots to experience the best of Manhattan living.

3rd Avenue:

I have visited 99% of these places, and they are all excellent, above excellent, or great!

Sinigual – 41st Street. I love it and go there all the time. Great drinks and chips! A contemporary Mexican restaurant and bar located at 640 3rd Avenue in Manhattan, New York City.
Delectica – and 37th Street – nice small sit-down cafe. Order at the counter. I go here all the time for great salmon and salads
Sarge’s Deli Between 36th and 37 – Not kosher, but pretty good deli food. Amazing chocolate cake
Sophra Grill – Between 35 and 36 – Turkish – I like this place too for healthy Mediterranean- not too pricy
Jackson Hole Burger – 35th Street – Pricey burgers but good. Bar environment
Shuya Ramen – 35th Street
Ted’s Corner Tavern – 35th Street – Nice, bar with a good selection
Leslie New American – Between 34 and 35th Street – Been there. Nice environment, decent food.
Mazu Chinese – Between 33rd and 34
Hummus Kitchen – between 31 and 32
Rubys – beween 31 and 32nd – salads, sandwiches, crowded
Banc Cafe– yummy food/bar – Irish pub. Crowded make reservations (30th Street)
Blue Mountain Asian – My go to place, and they deliver! (28th Street)

Italian:

Sam’s Place
Norma’s Italian – 31 and 32 cute Italian bistro
Patrizias – 462 2nd Avenue

Bars

Tara Rose
Peter Dillions
Banc Cafe: Live music Friday and Saturday
Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar
Bookmark Lounge : 299 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017

Museums/Libraries

Museum of the Dog: 101 Park Ave: The AKC Museum of the Dog preserves, interprets, and celebrates the role of dogs in society and educates the public about the human-canine bond through its collection of art and exhibits that inspire engagement with dogs.
Morgan Library: 225 Madison Ave: A beautiful library with a Cafe – A museum and independent research library located in the heart of New York City, the Morgan Library & Museum began as the personal library of financier, collector, and cultural benefactor Pierpont Morgan. As early as 1890, Morgan had begun to assemble a collection of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints.
Scandinavia House: 58 Park Ave: Nordic cultural center with exhibitions and events (not a traditional museum but cultural programming). Also has a wonderful Nordic Cafe.

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20 great local restaurants

A lesser-known area for people, mostly locals, to eat, is the stretch between Union Square(14th Street and Park Avenue) and Murray Hill(27th and Lexington Ave