The Ultimate Guide to Lincoln Center
After 17 years at Bryant Park, Fashion Week will stake its claim on Lincoln Center for the first time this month. The move is not without its perks: the mall-like Columbus Circle, a high-low mix of restaurants, proximity to Central Park (you know, if you feel like going for a stroll in those spike heels). But at the end of the day, it’s still the Upper West Side. We’ve charted a map for all your Fashion Week essentials, from booze to Band-Aids. Scroll below to find the top spots in a 15-block radius for free coffee, a wireless hookup, an emergency pair of ballet flats, and a celebratory glass of wine (or, depending on your day, a shot of tequila). Get to know your new week-long stomping grounds.
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Drinks
AQ Kafe1800 Broadway, nr. 58th St.; 212-462-0005
This Euro-inspired café opens at 7:30am on weekdays and 8am on weekends, serving strong La Colombe coffee to take the edge off after-party hangovers. Order baked egg dishes in the café or grab a house-made granola parfait to go.
Bar Baloud1900 Broadway, nr. 64th St.; 212-595-0303
Boulud's earth-tone bar is a classy spot for a post-show drink, offering 2-ounce flights and 30 varieties by the glass ($9 to $26). Skip the communal table for a booth, where you can pick at heaping plates of charcuterie and cheese.
Rosa Mexicana61 Columbus Ave., at 62nd St.; 212-977-7700
Whether you've botched an interview, tripped on a runway, or just limped around town in 5-inch heels, Rosa's stable of 50 by-the-glass tequilas will ease the stress of the day.
Candle Bar309 Amsterdam Ave., nr. 74th St.; 212-799-0062
This divey gay bar may be the welcome antithesis of Fashion Week, revered for its low-key vibe, loaded jukebox, and generous happy hour: $4 beers and $5 well drinks from 3 to 9pm.
Clo Wine Bar10 Columbus Circle, nr. Eighth Ave., fourth fl.; 212-823-9898 This tech-savvy wine bar overlooking Columbus Circle offers more than 100 varieties by the taste or glass, with an iPad-like touch screen for browsing the menu by region, price, or flavor.
Food
Josie’s Restaurant West300 Amsterdam Ave., at 74th St.; 212-769-1212
This health-conscious eatery is vegetarian- and vegan-friendly: veggie burgers, stir-fry, tofu-topped salads, and soups; plus a smattering of fish, chicken, and beef dishes for meat-eaters. Take advantage of $5 glasses of wine from noon to 5pm.
Magnolia Bakery200 Columbus Ave., nr. 69th St.; 212-724-8101
The infamous cupcakery's uptown outpost makes a cozy place to nurse a banana pudding-induced sugar buzz. Unlike the tourist-slammed Bleecker location, this shop is usually devoid of lines.
Levain Bakery309 Amsterdam Ave., nr. 74th St.; 212-799-0062
Though it's a bit of a hike, Levain's dense chocolate chip cookies ($4) might actually taste better than skinny feels. Watch your outfit — they're fresh-from-the-oven melty.
Soutine Bakery104 W. 70th St., at Columbus Ave.; 212.496.1450
Though it's best known for its elaborate cakes, Soutine also churns out fresh croissants and bread every morning. During Fashion Week, receive a free coffee with any breakfast pastry and a free cookie with any soup or sandwich. Plus, complimentary delivery to Lincoln Center.
Tucker Square GreenmarketColumbus Ave., at 66th St.; Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8-5
Hit up the Greenmarket for fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Dovetail103 W. 77th St., nr. Columbus Ave.; 212-362-3800
After a day of show-hopping, splurge on sautéed foie gras, beef cheek lasagna, and brioche bread pudding at this celeb-luring uptown restaurant. Vegetarians can reserve a seat for Monday night's three-course meat-free menu.
Shake Shack366 Columbus Ave., nr. 77th St.; 646-747-8770
If Dovetail isn't your scene, round the corner for a ShackBurger and Concrete at Shake Shack's uptown location.
Shopping
Tani Shoes131 W. 72nd St., nr. Columbus Ave.; 212-595-1338
This well-stocked shoe store is equipped for footwear emergencies, including an ample array of Hunter rain boots and Bloch ballet flats.
Apple1981 Broadway, nr. 67th St.; 212-209-3400
Let the tech-experts at the Genius Bar figure out your iPhone glitches or swing by during down-time to scroll through the latest collections on an iPad.
Burberry Brit160 Columbus Ave., at 67th St.; 212-595-0934
Burberry's leather-and-shearling coats have been beckoning from the pages of countless glossies this month — ogle them in person at the Upper West Side Burberry Brit store.
Betsey Johnson248 Columbus Ave., at 72nd St.; 212-362-3364
When you tire of the runway parade of muted, minimalist looks, swing by Betsey Johnson for your fill of neon-hued corsets and petticoats.
Beauty
Fontainebleau Nails & Spa155 W. 66th St., nr. Broadway; 212-501-7011
Settle into one of the ten-plus massaging armchairs for a $35 pedicure and a meticulous $18 manicure. Choose from a range of OPI and Essie polishes.
Fabio Scalia44 W. 63rd St., nr. Broadway; 212-245-4606
Blow-outs start at $50 at this second-story salon, helmed by Fashion Week backstage veteran Fabio Scalia. Book a day in advance to secure an appointment.
Jeunesse Spas for Life160 Columbus Ave., at 67th St.; 212-595-0934
Located in the basement of the Empire Hotel, this tranquil seven-room spa's vigorous 60-minute Swedish massage kneads out stress-, high heel-, and heavy handbag-induced knots.
Duane Reade1889 Broadway, nr. 63rd St.; 212-586-6749
The closest standby for quick fixes (BandAids, stain remover, etc.) is a mere two blocks away from the action.
WiFi
Riverside Library127 Amsterdam Ave., nr. 65th St.; 212-870-1810
A free, mercifully silent spot to check your email; the second floor has public computers and WiFi.
Barnes & Noble1972 Broadway, at 67th St.; 212-595-6859
The spacious fourth-floor café has free Wifi and is open until midnight seven days a week. On September 13, hear fashion photographer and ANTM judge Nigel Barker read from his new book, Beauty Equation: The Art Behind the Science of Beauty (7:30pm).
