ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Steakhouse in Upper West Side
Best Happy Hour in Upper West Side
Best Trendy Restaurants in Upper West Side
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Upper West Side
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Upper West Side
Best Burgers in Upper West Side
Best American in Upper West Side
Master Critic Review
The Ellington
8.1
A polished Broadway New American room that’s strongest when you treat it as a burger-and-brunch-plus-cocktails spot rather than a ‘try everything’ restaurant. The menu leans crowd-pleasing—eggs, sandwiches, and a signature burger—so your best experience comes from ordering clean and letting the room do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ellington Burger, Southern fried chicken sandwich, Breakfast wrap
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A modern Broadway dining room where brunch and burgers lead the wins.
Who should go: Brunch plans and cocktail-forward dinners
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner
What to order: Ellington Burger, fried chicken sandwich, breakfast wrap
Insider tip: Anchor with one main and add one shareable—skip ordering across categories.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Broadway and gets difficult after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual—jeans are fine, but the room leans polished, especially at night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—fine for conversation, but expect some ambient buzz during peak brunch and dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetarian-friendly brunch items and salads, plus flexible substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a vegan-forward menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options and accommodations available; best to flag needs to the server.
Best For
Better for: A polished neighborhood hang with strong brunch energy, a dependable burger, and cocktails—more about vibe and consistency than culinary ambition.
Skip if: You’re looking for a destination-level New American menu or a quiet, intimate dining room; there are better options if food innovation is the main goal.