The museum scene on the Upper West Side (and Midtown — Museum of Modern Art) is more scattered than its counterpart on the Upper East Side. As you walk around, give yourself lots of time to rest and refresh with these wonderful restaurant choices. And, remember, most museums are closed on Monday, so check the schedules carefully.
Five Napkin Burger
If Claes Oldenburg’s “Two Cheeseburgers, with Everything” sculpture at the MoMA leaves you wanting more, then head over to Five Napkin Burger. Satisfy your burger craving with the restaurant’s original 5 Napkin Burger, or take your pick from the other menu choices which include hand-crafted sushi maki rolls, salads and enticing entrees. Once you’ve decided on what to eat, you’ll be faced with an even tougher question: what to drink? Take your pick from one of the 50 beers, 100 wines and 10 specialty cocktails on the menu and enjoy the casual, social atmosphere at Five Napkin Burger.
630 9th Ave at W. 45th St., (212) 757-2277, http://www.fivenapkinburger.com/
Artie’s
After an exhilarating trip to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, treat your kids to lunch at Artie’s Delicatessen. Artie’s menu is chock full of kid-friendly options including hot dogs, macaroni, and sugary sweets for dessert. But don’t worry—they also have plenty of dishes to choose from if you’re over the age of 10. Check out one of “Artie’s Favorites,” such as Artie's Own Famous Roumanian Pastrami Sandwich, or even one of the Chicken Specials for $12.95 that you can share with the whole table. Exhausted from babysitting all day long? Treat yourself to a slice of birthday cake at Artie’s, even if it’s not your birthday!
2290 Broadway at 83rd St., (212) 579-5959, http://arties.com/
Shake Shack
Chances are you’ll work up an appetite during your Lunchtime Winter Bird Walk at the American Museum of Natural History. Feed your hunger at Shake Shack, a modernized “roadside” burger stand located just one block away from the museum. The lines are long at Shake Shack, but for good reason: the ShackBurger. Boasting a burger that receives rave reviews and has led to copycats trying to emulate their recipe, Shake Shack is the talk of the town. Relax in the enclosed sidewalk café or catch a game on the big screen TV in the restaurant’s lower level “rec room.” Otherwise, skip the long wait and order any cold item in the C-line if you’re dying to get back to that next exhibition at the museum.
366 Columbus Ave. at 77th, (646) 747-8770, http://shakeshack.com/
Kefi
After getting a taste of Greek culture at the American Museum of Natural History, indulge in some Greek food at Kefi Restaurant. Serving dishes from his own childhood, chef Michael Psilakis showcases authentic Greek cuisine, ranging from Souvlaki—skewered meat and veggies—to Tsoutsoukakia—Greek meatballs, which were voted New York’s best meatballs in 2007 by New York Magazine. But don’t let the fancy names and award-winning dishes fool you, everything at Kefi costs less than $18. Looking for a simple sandwich? Look no further! Several Greek sandwiches have been added to the menu, which makes for the perfect lunch when paired with soup for only $9.95.
505 Columbus Ave at W. 84th St., (212) 873-0200, http://www.kefirestaurant.com/
Just went to Shake Shack and now I understand what all the hype is about…the ShackBurger is simply amazing! Don’t let the long line deter you– it moves pretty quickly and the food is well worth it. They also have great ice cream!