Craving some new food & drink places to explore just outside of Central Park? In this post we have 5 new places you may have never heard of to try! These could be the perfect spots to break up your “same old spots” routine you have going.
We found these new places because they were all “write in” answers in our first annual “Scoopies” awards survey. The goal of the Scoopies was to see who the community likes best in certain categories (“Best coffee shop”, “Best new restaurant”, etc) Learn more about the Scoopies and join over 1,700 people that have voted for their local favorites! It wasn’t just about who is “best” though, it was also about learning new places from others in the community…and then sharing them with you! It’s a win-win for you and for the local businesses that would love to have some new clients in a tough economic environment.
Disclaimer…we haven’t tried all 5 of these yet, I’m working my way through the list and so far I’ve made it to 3 of the 5! We can’t fully vouch for them all yet, but they’re highly rated and we think well worth exploring if you like trying new things.
5 “Hidden Gem” Food & Drink Places:
Located in the Clayton neighborhood, just 15 minutes to the West of Central Park, this coffee shop and gluten free bakery is very cozy and inviting! I popped by to try it out and was welcomed by the manager Clay. He talked me through what they offer and some of their favorites. There was plenty of indoor and outdoor space to linger, chat with friends and work. Well lit, unique, a little funky…everything you’d hope for in an independent coffee shop. For those of you that love something off the beaten path try this one out! Here is a recent write up on the place from Conde Nast Traveler to tell you more about it. Located at 2539 Bruce Randolph Ave.
A delicious bakery 12 minutes from Central Park! Just looking through the google images and menu of this place is making me drool. I stopped by and tried the ham and cheese Scrambler (amazing!) and I think the “Benny” may be happening soon. I also hear the “Rosti”, which is fried potato hash brown over Gruyere Fondue, is a must try. Located at 6217 E 14th Ave.
Your new spot for breakfast! The menu looks amazing (I’m thinking Chilaquiles or Croissant Sandwich for the first visit) and the location looks inviting. I’ll be trying this one out soon! Located at 1420 E 18th Ave in City Park West, about 18 minutes to the West of Central Park.
Eric, the owner, is a craftsman. If you pop in any time they’re open at 11690 E Montview Ave #110 you’ll find him back by the ovens hard at work on his latest creations. The bread is amazing. Fresh loaves of sourdough, pinsa, baguette, focaccia, and more. Stop in, get something special to bring home and while you wait have a delicious espresso drink or one of his amazing homemade cookies. If you appreciate someone who cares about their craft and you love bread this place is worth a visit. Here is a little more about The Baking Room on our Central Park Scoop Instagram.
This high-end Mexican restaurant and bar in Uptown caught my eye! I had never heard about it until someone suggested it on the Scoopies in the “Best New Restaurant” category. The food not only looks amazing, it also looks like a true work of art! You can tell they are passionate about their work and I’m very curious to head down and try it out. Located at 500 E 19th Ave.
There you have it! Five new places for you to explore, get outside of 80238 and enjoy! If you make it to any of them my contact info is below, I’d love to hear what you think.
