Another Summer on the UES
Another Summer on the UES
📍 Upper East Side, NYC
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There’s something about returning to a place you once called home that feels both familiar and new, like slipping into a favorite dress and discovering it fits you just a little differently. The Upper East Side has always held a special place in our hearts. It’s where David and I lived in those early just-married years, where the rhythm of weekdays was punctuated by weekend museum visits. Now, we return with Brennan in tow, and suddenly everything feels touched by a softer glow. There’s joy in reintroducing ourselves to old rituals, this time as a family of three. Here’s a look at one of our favorite kinds of days, a summer stroll through the Upper East Side.
Coffee To-Go from Butterfield Market
We love to begin our mornings at Butterfield Market, either the location on Madison or Lexington will do. There’s something indulgent about their iced coconut coffee in the summer. It’s strong with just a hint of extra flavor. The bustle here is so unique to the Upper East Side: locals in tennis whites, dog walkers with New York Times tucked underarm, the scent of fresh flowers and warm croissants. Brennan gets a banana to nibble on while we sip and gather our energy for the day ahead.
Walking Through the Neighborhood
From there, we take a long walk through the neighborhood: past our old building, the corner store where we used to grab last-minute groceries, and a few familiar doormen who give a quick nod as we pass. The Upper East Side feels almost unchanged, which is part of why we love coming back. The blocks are quiet, the sidewalks shaded by old trees, and everything moves at a steady, unhurried pace. Brennan stays busy in her stroller, taking it all in.
Visiting the MET
This summer’s standout exhibit at the Met was Sargent and Paris, which traces John Singer Sargent’s early years in the French capital. It was fascinating to see how his bold portraits challenged the norms of the time. The exhibit includes a mix of finished works and preparatory sketches, showing how Sargent developed his style and navigated the Paris art world of the late 19th century. The highlight, of course, is Madame X, displayed with several of his contemporaries’ portraits of Parisian women. It’s a striking reminder of how modern and daring his work really was—and how much of it still feels relevant today.
Exploring 81st Street Studio
Just downstairs from the main lobby at the MET is the 81st Street Studio, an interactive space designed for children. It’s airy, light-filled, and just stimulating enough for a one-year-old. This was our first time visiting this space, but Brennan loved the textures and exploratory nooks. It’s a hidden gem if you’re visiting the Met with little ones, somewhere to let them stretch and play before heading back into the world.
Bellinis from Sant Ambroeus
After the museum, we needed a little grown-up refreshment. We slipped into Sant Ambroeus on Madison and ordered two chilled bellinis: peachy, sparkling, and perfectly effervescent. This space always feels like a whisper of Milan, and there’s something deliciously decadent about sipping a cocktail in a marble-clad café at noon on a Sunday.
Lunch at JG Melon
Of course, no visit to the Upper East Side is complete without lunch at JG Melon. It’s unassuming and legendary, and still serves one of the best burgers in the city. We grabbed a table outside because the weather simply too perfect to spend indoors. Brennan happily munched on her first ever cottage fries while we savored cheeseburgers and Bloody Bulls. It’s the kind of meal that hardly requires a menu, just a big appetite and fond memories.
A Round of Drinks at Bemelmans
After Brennan’s stroller nap, we found ourselves at Bemelmans Bar, another classic, and one that always feels like stepping back into a more glamorous era. In Brennan’s short time with us, this is already her third visit to this historic bar. Be warned though, it’s not quite for the faint of heart. To enjoy this space with a baby, go early and already know what you want to drink. Once seated, David and I took turns talk with Brennan around the room until she finally settled down with a drink of her own.
Shopping Down Madison Avenue
Our final stretch was a walk down Madison Avenue, with a few detours onto side streets. We browsed through a mix of longtime favorites and newer discoveries, Ralph Lauren’s flagship for the one and a few boutiques we popped into along the way. We weren’t on a mission to buy anything, but I always love seeing the seasonal displays, the color stories, and how each shop interprets timeless style. Even just window shopping here can be oddly energizing.
By the end of the day, we were sun-kissed, content, and just a little tired. Brennan was giggling in her stroller, clutching a crumpled museum brochure like a trophy. And we were grateful for the rituals that stay the same, for the ways life evolves, and for the gift of introducing our daughter to the city that shaped us.
Love from NYC,
Katie
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