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

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 visit in the neighborhood. If you’re looking for even more information on local and locally owned businesses, check out the Columbia Neighbors Shop & Dine Local guide and the list of 30+ 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.

Absolute Bagels, 2788 Broadway: Are bagels a sandwich? We say yes. And you can't find a better spot in NYC. Come prepared — this establishment is cash-only and will likely require waiting in line.

Ban Ban Shop, 2911 Broadway: Customizable banh mi-style sandwiches and bao buns. 

Columbia Deli & Cafe, 3210 Broadway: We count 50+ different sandwiches on the menu at this spot directly across from the Manhattanville campus —make sure you check out the "Columbia Wrap," feat. "Blazing Buffalo Chicken," pepper jack Cheese, and hot peppers. 

Milano Market Westside, 2892 Broadway: Bring a hearty appetite to this Italian food specialty store. Their sandwiches are delicious and about the size of your face.

Pret, 2955 Broadway: Find healthy made-that-day sandwiches and salads at this chain store originally based in London.

Saiguette, 935 Columbus: In the mood for banh mi? Saiguette's version is particularly large with many tasty meats to choose from. 

Strokos Gourmet Deli, 1090 Amsterdam Ave: A popular spot for students and health workers from Mount Sinai Morningside alike. 

Subsconscious, 1213 Amsterdam: If Freud lived in Morningside Heights today, he would probably go to this deli for his sandwiches.

Wu & Nussbaum, 2897 Broadway: Stick with us here — delicious bagel sandwiches AND noodle bowls all in one nice spot.

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

Appletree Market, 1225 Amsterdam: Find prepared foods, everyday food items, and health products at this grocery store on Amsterdam and 120th Street. 

HMart, 2828 Broadway: Find a huge selection of Korean specialty items, as well as all the staples for your pantry, including Hello Kitty toilet paper! 

Morton Williams, 2941 Broadway: Conveniently located across the street from College Walk on Broadway, you can stock up on essential and weekly groceries here.

Trader Joe's, 123 W. 125th: Recently opened in Harlem, you can find your TJ's staples like "Mandarin Orange Chicken" and "Unexpected Cheddar Cheese" here.

Westside Market, 2840 Broadway: Located on 110th Street and Broadway, Westside Market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, specialty items, and all your food needs. 

Whole Foods, 100 W. 125th: The ever-popular grocery store chain is conveniently located on 125th St.

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

Fumo, 2791 Broadway: A great sit-down spot for wood-fired pizza with a variety of delicious sides. 

Koronet, 2848 Broadway: 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, 2750 Broadway: This lunch favorite offers something a little different — square pizza. Fair warning: There is limited outdoor-only seating. Check it out!

Trufa Pizzeria, 3161 Broadway: Find single slices and whole pies from this offshoot of Trufa Restaurant in Hamilton Heights.

V & T Restaurant and Pizzeria, 1024 Amsterdam: Choose from a wide variety of toppings for pizzas or order some other Italian dishes. 

Can't beat a bowl.

Dig Inn, 2884 Broadway: This popular chain features salads and sandwiches, but is known for its bowls.

Fieldtrip, 2913 Broadway: Founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef JJ Johnson, Fieldtrip specializes in bowls from across cultures, abiding by the tagline "rice is culture."

Junzi, 2896 Broadway: Authentic, healthy Chinese create-your-own bowls.

Sweetgreen, 2937 Broadway: Known for salads, but now featuring rice bowls, you can make-your-own or order seasonal faves off the menu.

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

Community Food & Juice, 2893 Broadway: Brunch is calling! Enjoy a mimosa along with your brioche french toast. They have a wide selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

La Salle Dumpling Room, 2897 & 3141 Broadway: Dumplings so tasty, there are two sit-down locations to choose from

Le Monde, 2885 Broadway: Try a niçoise salad or steak frites at this classic French brasserie.

Max Soha, 1274 Amsterdam: From crostinis to a sublime chicken marsala, Max Soha is a classic.

Pisticci, 125 La Salle: Want a delicious pasta? Look no further! From fettucini to meatballs, Pisticci has you covered. 

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

Häagen-Dazs, 2905 Broadway: 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 St. location today.

Hungarian Pastry Shop, 1030 Amsterdam Ave: 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, 1028 Amsterdam Ave: When it’s midnight, where can you satisfy your warm cookie craving? This place.

Mondel Chocolates, 2913 Broadway: 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, 196 W. 108 St.: Stop by the 108th St. 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.

Duane Reade Pharmacy, 2864 Broadway and 568 W. 125th: The popular pharmacy chain, located near the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses. 

Hartley Pharmacy, 1219 Amsterdam: Get caring, personalized service at this mom-and-pop pharmacy on Amsterdam and 120th.

Town Drug Pharmacy, 501 W. 113 St.: This locally-owned pharmacy can fill your prescriptions and has medical equipment, including canes, walkers, and nebulizers.

Columbia Classics

Bus Stop Diner, 3341 Broadway: A bit further uptown, don’t miss this diner with great service, prices, and portions.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, 700 W. 125 St.: Bring your motorcycle and your dog to this award-winning barbeque restaurant located under Riverside Drive Viaduct.

Tom’s Restaurant, 2880 Broadway: 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., 1256 Amsterdam: From having your keys copied to getting plumbing advice, this hardware store can help you out.

University Hardware & Housewares, 2906 Broadway: 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, 3111 Broadway: If you're craving bubble tea and French pastries, stop by this charming storefront.

Dear Mama Coffee, 611 W 129th St.: Enjoy a selection of handcrafted pastries, delicious sandwiches, and of course, coffee. Located in the Jerome L. Greene building on the Manhattanville campus. 

Jin Ramen, 3183 Broadway: You can't beat the convivial atmosphere and delicious homemade noodles at this Harlem outpost of Jin Ramen.

Manhattanville Market, 3229 Broadway: Chef and proprietor Franklin Becker has worked his magic to bring together some delicious options in this food hall — from biscuits, to pizza, to salads, to tacos. 

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.

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

Hooda Halal: Located at 115th & Broadway, get your fill of delicious shawarma. 

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

Momo Delight: A staple of Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine, Momos are delicious both fried and steamed. 

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.

Pet Central, 2643 Broadway: 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, 2821 Broadway: 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.