The Best Lunch on the Upper West Side? Here's Why Locals Choose The Ellington

If you live or work on the Upper West Side, you already know how hard it is to find a lunch spot that gets it right. Not too loud, not too precious, good food that doesn't make you feel like you're eating at a chain. That's exactly what The Ellington has been quietly doing at 2745 Broadway for years.

We're not a destination restaurant. We're better than that we're a local. And for a lot of people on the UWS, that makes us the default answer when someone asks where to go for lunch.

Here's what makes it worth your hour.

The Space- Walk in off Broadway and the room does something immediately,  it slows you down. Whitewashed barnwood walls, oxidized tin ceilings, vintage mirrors catching the afternoon light. It's the kind of room that was designed to make you feel like you're not in a rush anymore, even if you are. The bar runs along one side, the dining room opens up on the other. In warmer months the glass-enclosed patio out front is one of the better people watching spots on the whole stretch of Broadway.  It seats 60, but it rarely feels crowded. That's by design.

What to Order:

We keep the lunch menu focused dishes that are genuinely good rather than an overwhelming list of options. 

Here's what regulars come back for:

-The Ellington Burger -Our signature build: a proprietary beef blend, pepper jack cheese, tasso ham, grilled portobello mushroom, and chipotle aioli. The tasso ham is the thing that makes it you won't find that combination anywhere else on the UWS. It's been on the menu since we opened, and it's staying there.

-The Steak Sandwich-Tender steak, whole grain mustard mayo, sautéed onions, brie, fresh arugula, toasted focaccia. A proper lunch for anyone who wants something substantial without it being heavy. One of our most ordered dishes at the bar.

-Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich - Buttermilk-brined, fried to order, served with slaw, baby arugula, and our house sauce. The kind of thing that makes you wish you'd ordered two.

-Fresh Burrata- Beefsteak tomatoes, frisée, watercress, basil oil, balsamic reduction. The lighter option that doesn't feel like a compromise. Worth ordering as a starter if you're going for the burger.

Afternoon Tea - Something a little different and genuinely one of the more underrated things we do. A curated tea service that works as both a proper lunch and a reason to slow down for an hour in the middle of the day.

Getting Here:

We're at 2745 Broadway, between 105th and 106th Street. The closest subway is the 103rd Street station on the 1 train we're a two-minute walk. You can also come from the 110th Street station on the 1, B, or C lines. Lunch runs daily from 12pm to 4pm. Walk-ins are always welcome at the bar. 

If you're coming with a group or want to guarantee a table, you can book ahead on Resy.

A Few Things People Ask Us

Do you take reservations for lunch?

Yes,  book via Resy, or just walk in. The bar always has space.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available on Broadway and the side streets. There's also a garage on 103rd Street if you're driving in.

Is it family friendly?

The dining room is open to all ages. We have a kids' menu, and the staff are used to it.

Is there live music at lunch?

Occasionally on weekends most often during our Sunday Jazz Brunch, which runs without a cover charge for diners.

If you're on the Upper West Side and you want a proper lunch, not a $40 salad, just well-made food in a room that feels like it belongs to the neighbourhood,  The Ellington is probably already what you're looking for.

Find us at 2745 Broadway. Reservations at Resy here. or just walk in and sit at the bar.

Exploring more of the neighbourhood? If you're heading downtown after lunch, The Red Lion in the West Village is worth an evening. For brunch done properly, Tara Rose is a strong shout. And if it's a proper pint you're after, Tara Mor pours what we'd argue is the best Guinness in NYC