What we’re about
Welcome to Neighborhood Bites: UWS Edition — a local dining group where food brings neighbors together.
Each month, we visit a different Upper West Side restaurant to share a meal, meet new people, and support the spots that make this neighborhood feel like home.
This isn’t just about eating out — it’s about showing up with curiosity, conversation, and a little community spirit. Whether you’re new to the city or have your favorite corner booth, you’re welcome here.
We keep things simple: you pay your own way, enjoy great food, and maybe even leave a little feedback for the venue to help them improve (anonymously, via a quick QR scan). Every time you do, you’re entered into our monthly giveaway for a gift card to a local favorite — our treat for helping support small businesses.
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🥂 What to Expect
We’re building a group where:
• People show up on time, ready to connect
• Conversation flows and no one gets left out
• Everyone contributes to the experience (a story, a smile, a question — anything!)
• We’re kind, open, and inclusive — but also social by nature
This is a dining group, not a dining hall. If you’re looking to eat quietly and keep to yourself, this might not be your vibe (and that’s okay!). But if you’re excited to meet others over great meals, you’ll fit right in.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Dinner at LeylaLeyla, New York, NY
Please read through all details below to secure your spot! 🙏
We’re kicking off Neighborhood Bites with an intimate dinner at Leyla, a warm Mediterranean brasserie tucked on a tree-lined block of West 74th Street. Known for its Turkish rustic-haute cuisine and elegant small plates, Leyla blends coastal and regional flavors from Istanbul with a local, neighborhood vibe — perfect for a shared meal and good conversation.
We’ll be ordering à la carte (pay-your-own-way) with a total group size of six to keep things cozy and easy to connect. Some highlights from the current menu include:
- Slow-Cooked Short Rib Pide with eggplant spread and kaşar cheese
- Lahmacun — Turkish flatbread with minced meat, sumac, and parsley
- Grilled Mastic Octopus over artichoke purée and hanguk spices
- Kataifi Zucchini Fritters with mint yogurt dip
- Fava Bean Bruschetta on sourdough with pickled carrot and dill
Most apps fall in the $15–18 range; mains run around $26–37. You can view the full menu here: https://www.leylanyc.com/menus/dinner
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➕ A Little Neighborhood Perk
After dinner, you’ll have the option to leave a bit of feedback for the restaurant via a quick QR scan. By doing so, you’ll be entered into our monthly giveaway for a gift card to a local favorite. It’s our way of giving back to the neighborhood (and thanking you for showing up).
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📅 Event Details
- Date: August 7, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM (Please arrive on time)
- Location: Leyla – 108 W 74th St, NYC
- Group size: 6 people max
- Reservation name: Kevin
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⚠️ RSVP & Payment Info
To help keep things smooth and respectful for everyone, and make sure no seats go to waste, I’m asking for a $10 deposit to confirm your spot.
Here’s how it works:
- RSVP on Meetup to hold your spot temporarily
- I’ll DM you with Venmo/PayPal details. Once you send your deposit, your seat is confirmed
- First to pay = first to lock in
- If the event fills up and someone on the waitlist sends their deposit before you do, I'll offer them your spot (so act fast!)
- You’ll get your $10 back at the event — or you can put it toward a shared appetizer or dessert for the table, your choice
This helps us avoid last-minute flaking (which really throws things off in a group of six), and keeps the experience thoughtful and fair for everyone attending.
- Coffee + Conversation at Slate CafeSlate Cafe, New York, NY
We’re keeping it casual and cozy with a Thursday morning meetup at Slate Cafe, a sunny neighborhood spot on the Upper West Side known for its espresso, soft pastries, and local feel.
Whether you’re starting your workday, in between meetings, or just want a friendly way to ease into the morning, this is a no-pressure gathering for good conversation over coffee. Nothing formal — just pull up a chair, say hey, and meet a few neighbors.
We’ll keep it small so it’s easy to connect (and not overwhelm the space). You’re welcome to come for the whole time or just drop in for a quick chat before your day kicks off.
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🥐 A Little About Slate
Known for their top-notch coffee, sleek interior, and delicious breakfast (mushroom scramble is my favorite), Slate is an easy hang for locals and regulars. Their menu includes espresso classics, teas, house toasts, and seasonal bites. You can view the current offerings here:
https://slatecafenyc.com***
📅 Event Details
- Date: August 14, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Where: Slate Cafe – 2109 Broadway (Entrance on 74th),
New York, NY 10023 - Group Size: ~6–8 people
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🙌 What to Expect
- Come as you are
- Order what you like (pay-your-own-way)
- We’ll be at a table with a small sign that says Neighborhood Bites — come say hi!
