It seems like every time I think I’ve got all the neighborhoods in Manhattan pegged, I discover a new neighborhood or sub-neighborhood. Today, I’m sitting at the Starbucks on 87th & Lexington in the Upper East Side. This particular area is in the southern portion of a smaller neighborhood named Carnegie Hill — which is ironically no where near Carnegie Hall.
The neighborhood runs from 86th street up through 96th and was named after a mansion that was built on 91st street which has now been converted into a museum owned by the Smithsonian. In fact, within this neighborhood is NYC’s Museum Mile on 5th Avenue. From 81st street through to 105th street exist ten distinct museums to visit including The Met and The Guggenheim. There’s even a museum dedicated to the history of New York City itself. And, although I’ve only visited The Met so far, I feel some of the others calling my name — especially since the temperature continues to drop.
As for the Starbucks itself — it’s fairly impressive. It’s large, contains multiple rooms with tons of seating, and is near some of the best transportation options in the Upper East Side. Something also worth noting is that dozens of adorable dogs passed by on the sidewalk outside during my visit. After all, were just west of Yorkville — home to the baby carriages and dog leashes.
The Good:
The Location… Just north of one of the few 4/5/6 stations in the Upper East Side and very close to a small retail patch — almost like a mini Herald Square.
The Size… Much larger than most. There is a giant lobby as well as a smaller seating room in the back.
The Seating… Plenty to go around. Tables-for-two and a communal table in the front lobby, a long seating bar against the hall wall, and a small seating room in the back with more tables and a long sofa.
The Bad:
The Crowd… Being right above one of the UES’s main train stations and a lot of shopping, it attracts quite the crowd.
The Restroom… Just the one.
Barista Friendliness:
Drink of Choice:
Tall Pike… I added a little bit of cinnamon and nutmeg. You’d be surprised how much that can enhance the taste. After all, it’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas.
Overall Starbucks Rating:
A grande sized Starbucks in Carnegie Hill.
Starbucks and the City 
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