41 Places (and Counting) Columbians Should Visit in Morningside Heights and Manhattanville

Check out our 2022 updated list of restaurants, markets, pastry shops, pet stores, and more when you return to campus this fall.

August 19, 2022

Whether you're heading back to campus after a long summer break or you’re a brand new member of the Columbia community, this list has some suggestions for classic restaurants, useful stores, and plenty of places to indulge yourself.

We’ve only scratched the surface of great places to patronize in the neighborhood. If you’re looking for even more information on local and locally owned businesses, check our the Columbia Neighbors Shop & Dine Local guide and the list of 34 Coffee Spots on and Around Columbia’s Campuses.

The sandwich has come a long way since the Fourth Earl of Sandwich asked his servant to bring him meat stuffed between two slices of bread. Get a great sandwich today.

Milano Market sandwich

Hamilton Deli It's half hole-in-the-wall, half bunker, but the sandwiches are great and they'll make you a custom salad too.

Milano Market Westside Bring a hearty appetite to this Italian food specialty store. Their sandwiches are delicious and about the size of your face.

Pret Find healthy made-that-day sandwiches and salads at this chain store originally based in London.

Subconscious If Freud lived in Morningside Heights today, he would probably go to this deli for his sandwiches.

Cooking at home? You’ll find a great selection of grocery stores near Morningside campus.

Appletree Market Find prepared foods, everyday food items, and health products at this grocery store on Amsterdam and 120th Street. 

HMart Find a huge selection of Korean speciality items, as well as all the staples for your pantry, including Hello Kitty toilet paper! 

Morton Williams Conveniently located across the street from College Walk on Broadway, you can stock up on essential and weekly groceries here.

Westside Market near Columbia University

Westside Market Located on 110th Street and Broadway, Westside Market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, specialty items, and all your food needs. 


“Anyone who says that money cannot buy happiness has clearly never spent their money on pizza.” — Andrew W.K.

Koronet Pizza

Koronet You can’t go wrong with a delicious slice from this New York City establishment. And if you need a boost while doing some late night studying, it’s open until 2 a.m. every day.

Mama's Too This lunch favorite offers something a little different — square pizza. Check it out!

V & T Restaurant and Pizzeria Choose from a wide variety of toppings for pizzas or order some other Italian dishes. 

Looking for a nice sit-down meal? Check out these Columbia favorites.

Community Food & Juice restaurant

Community Food & Juice Brunch is calling! Enjoy a mimosa along with your brioche french toast. They have a wide selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Le Monde Try a niçoise salad or steak frites at this classic French brasserie.

Treat yourself. Chocolates, pastries, ice cream, and more.

Häagen-Dazs It's hard to resist this famous chain's cookies and cream and dulce de leche ice cream. So don't! Get a scoop at their Broadway and 113th Street location today.

Hungarian Pastry Shop A Morningside Heights institution and refuge for Columbia students since the 1960s, this old-fashioned cafe (no WiFi!) has coffee, pastries, and great ambiance.

Insomnia Cookies When it’s midnight, where can you satisfy your warm cookie craving? This place.

Mondel Chocolates Established in 1943, this shop is the perfect place to get special handmade chocolates for a loved one or maybe just for yourself.

Super Nice Coffee and Bakery Stop by the 108th Street and Amsterdam location for mouth-watering doughnuts and pastries. Are you vegan? No problem, they have some treats for you too.

Various bubble tea shops. Bubble tea lovers, rejoice! Last count, Broadway, between 108th Street and 125th Street, had five stores where you can imbibe your favorite drink. Try them all!

Stock up on allergy meds, tissues, toiletries, or first aid supplies at local pharmacies.

Hartley Pharmacy

Hartley Pharmacy Get caring, personalized service at this mom-and-pop pharmacy on Amsterdam and 120th.

Town Drug Pharmacy This locally owned pharmacy can fill your prescriptions and has medical equipment, including canes, walkers, and nebulizers.

Columbia Classics

Bus Stop Diner A bit further uptown, don’t miss this diner with great service, prices, and portions.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Harlem

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Bring your motorcycle and your dog to this award-winning barbeque restaurant located under Riverside Drive Viaduct.

Tom’s Restaurant Take a selfie outside and enjoy diner food inside in a classic setting that you will probably recognize from the "Seinfeld" series.

Need to hang some shelves? Here are a couple of neighborhood hardware stores that can help.

Clinton Supply Co. From having your keys copied to getting plumbing advice, this hardware store can help you out.

University Hardware & Housewares

University Hardware & Housewares Since 1938, this family-run business has provided a large selection of kitchen, bath, bedroom, and hardware home goods, and they offer student discounts.

 

Here are some not-to-miss places in Manhattanville!

Chokolat Patisserie and Culture Tea Bar If you're craving bubble tea and French pastries, stop by this charming storefront.

Dear Mama Coffee Enjoy a selection of handcrafted pastries, delicious sandwiches, and of course, coffee.

Jin Ramen You can't beat the convivial atmosphere and delicious homemade noodles at this Harlem outpost of Jin Ramen.

Oliva Chef and proprietor Franklin Becker uses simple ingredients to create delicious small plates that are healthy and flavorful.

On the go? Grab a quick meal from a food truck on Broadway outside of Earl Gate and south of it (these are subject to change).

El Toro Rojo Truck Head down to 115th and Broadway to enjoy a birria taco. Birria is a spiced meat stew originally from the Mexican state of Jalisco.

Fogon Grab some delicious Mexican and Peruvian dishes.

Uncle Luoyang's food truck

Go For Fusion Try the Indian Chinese dishes from this truck.

Huitzilin This truck serves up everything from breakfast egg sandwiches to tacos.

Korean Food Box Do you need a delicious meal in the hurry? Visit this food truck that serves Korean dishes, fast.

Uncle Luoyang This popular food truck serves Chinese dishes at reasonable prices. Expect a line!

Check out these local pet stores for your four-legged companions.

The Pet Market, Morningside Heights

Pet Central It’s a little further south, down on 100th Street and Broadway, but with great prices and customer service, it’s worth the trip.

The Pet Market This pet store specializes in organic and natural products for cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and other small animals. If you’re lucky, you might get a glimpse of the store’s tabby.