East 88 St, Yorkville

Reaching from the south stretch of tony Carnegie Hill into more laid-back Yorkville, East 88th Street is defined in large part by its proximity to East 86th Street, the chaotic nexus of big-box chain stores and brand names that forms one of the largest shopping areas on the Upper East Side. Located a few blocks uptown, East 88th Street manages to avoid in large part the noise and stress of its southerly neighbor, while still reaping the benefits of proximity to major express subway stops and crosstown bus lines, not to mention a wealth of Best Buys and Barnes and Nobles. While nightlife here tends to be just as quiet as it is elsewhere on the Upper East Side, East 88th Street and its environs offer some good dining-out choices, which tend to fall on the eclectic and inexpensive side of the spectrum. Notable restaurants include Cafe D'Alsace on 2nd Avenue, constant standby Elaine's, known more for its scene than for its food, and plenty of takeaway pizza, Tex Mex, and Chinese food. The area's proximity to several of the city's best private schools, including CHapin and Brearley (both all-girls) make it ideal for families, although the quiet nature of some of East 88th Street's blocks can be discomfiting for those used to doormen and buzz.

There isn’t much that a visitor would find appealing on this street – the businesses that line its sidewalk are mostly looking out for residents or potential residents. This is a nice neighborhood, though, and if you’re thinking of moving in and don’t want to be too close to any tourists hot spots, check out the street on the east end, closer to the East River.