East 37th St, Murray Hill

Just a few blocks south of the United Nations, this street gets increasingly residential as you head towards the East River, with the western end of the street clustered with office and commercial buildings. The atmosphere is laid-back, with plenty of preppy bars to appeal to the Murray Hill set, (check out Better Burger and Margarita Murray's or two places to reminisce with old Deerfield buddies), as well as slightly classier venues designed to appeal to the diplomatic types hanging about the UN, such as the Wharf Bar and Grill. The atmosphere here is, by and large, not family-friendly, although the United Nations International School is popular with diplomats' kids. Rather, you're more likely to find young twenty-somethings who all know (and have hooked up with) each other, living on a cushy combination of finance-job bonuses and parental support. It can be fun, for those into the lifestyle, but those seeking either Old World elegance or arty bohemia would be advised to look elsewhere.

Making its way towards the city's unofficial diplomatic village, East 37th Street's character is largely defined in terms of its proximity to the U.N. The crowd here is international and cosmopolitan - sophisticated enough to enjoy a drink or two, but hard-working (and often old) enough to want to be in bed by midnight. This gives rise to a curiously mature bar and restaurant scene scene, with old standbys like the Rare Bar and Grill, the kitschy-but-established Duke's New York, the Silver Leaf Tavern, and the bar at the Kitano - places that, while by no means "trendy," nevertheless draw a consistent crowd. Proud parents will celebrate the proximity to the prestigious United Nations School, while foodies will enjoy the cheap, trattoria-style dining that fills this neighborhood, including Sarge's Deli and Josie's East Side. The area may not be the most happening in town, but it's a well-situated family and young couple neighborhood that's particularly convenient for diplomatic- and U.N.-types.