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Ellington in the Park
$$ · American

Riverside Dr & W 105th St, New York, NY 10025
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ZipPicks Awards

Best American in Upper West Side

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Ellington in the Park 7.6
Upper West Side-Manhattan Valley
Vibes: Outdoor Dining Oasis Group Dining Gatherings Family Friendly Favorites Instagram Worthy Wonders
A park-set American spot that wins on location: Hudson views, picnic-energy tables, and a menu designed to keep families and groups moving. Treat it as “scenery-first” dining—one round of tacos or comfort classics—and you’ll leave happy without expecting fine-dining precision.
Must-Try Dishes: Crispy fish tacos, Chili lime chicken tacos, Mac & cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.1 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7.6 Food Quality: 7.4 Atmosphere: 9 Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: A Riverside Park restaurant where the view is the main feature.
Who should go: Families, walkers, and park-day groups
When to visit: Sunny afternoons or early sunset hours
What to order: Fish tacos, chili lime chicken tacos, mac & cheese
Insider tip: Check weather and go early—bad timing can derail the experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Riverside Drive and nearby side streets; can be limited on weekends and during peak park hours. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and park-appropriate — sneakers, shorts, sundresses, and jeans are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — park activity, kids, and groups create background noise, but table conversation is still possible.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak sunset hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of peak summer days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly items including sides, salads, and some taco options.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free dishes available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor dining with views, relaxed group meals, and pairing food with a park outing.
Skip if: You’re looking for refined cooking, quiet conversation, or a destination-worthy food experience.