Upper West Side Groceries

Apples at Morningside Heights Farmers' Market.

As I mention in the Lunch section, bringing your lunch and cooking your own meals saves both money and your health. I know, I know, you’re ridiculously busy. But taking the time to make your favorite pasta dish, or at least eat a bowl of cereal and banana, can stave off insanity.

Barzini’s
2455 Broadway Ave at 91st St.
Relatively small, but packed with great, often local, produce. Home to the best homemade mozzarella on the UWS. Excellent ice cream and microbrew selection. Limited meat and seafood.

Farmers’ Markets
On 116th, Thursday & Sunday
On 97th at Amsterdam, Friday until 1 pm
The market closest to Columbia has limited offerings, particularly in the winter, but you will find lots of local apples, potatoes, greens, onions, bread, jams, mushrooms, beef, pork and sometimes dairy. In the fall and winter, the best way to start your Thursday morning is with a freshly made apple cider donut and spiced apple cider from one of the stands. The market at 97th is a bit bigger and includes a seafood stand.

Fairway
Unless you are the Dalai Lama, a visit to the 72nd street branch of this well-stocked, reasonably priced gourmet emporium will make you murderous. Go at off hours or be ready to weaponise your elbows against vicious old ladies. The 125th street location is much more expansive—it includes a “cold” room for meat and dairy—but somewhat less convenient (for me anyway). Great place to stock up on coffee, olive oil, pastas, cheese, red meat, and seafood. Diverse selection of veggies and fruits as well.

Westside Market
2840 Broadway Ave at 110th St.
The best grocery store closest to campus. Good dairy selection, fresh pasta, decent seafood. Some evenings you can make a meal out of the free cheese, salami and other samples around the store.

Zabar’s
Broadway Ave & 80th St
Home to the best rugelach I’ve ever eaten. Excellent selection of smoked salmon and other fish. Cheese, cheese and more cheese. Good bulk coffee at reasonable prices ($6-7/pound).