…for their special contributions to our neighborhood’s fabric.

2201 Broadway (at 78th Street)

Apthorp Pharmacy opened in 1910, just a few years after its namesake Landmark building was built. On this beautiful block, it is possible to not only picture life a century ago, but to also enjoy the personal, quality service that only an independent, neighborhood pharmacy can deliver. For those who have watched in dismay as small local businesses have been replaced by national retailers, Apthorp is more than a pharmacy. It is a neighbor that understands the needs of the UWS community and an irreplaceable link between the com-munity’s past and present.

2485 Broadway (at 92nd Street)

Anyone who has stopped by “Cleo’s” to take in a set or two can attest to the uniqueness that is Cleopatra’s Needle. An UWS fixture since the ‘70s, Maher Hussein and his brother took over in 1989, moved it a few blocks and have been serving Middle Eastern food and live music for more than 25 years. Imagine ‘Cheers’ as a jazz bar—although it’s New York, so everybody may not know your name. Try a jazz open mic night, when the house trio helps turn dreams into reality for anyone with a song in their heart and no gig of their own.

2350 Broadway (at 86th Street)

When Ernesto Gallardo arrived on Upper Broadway in 1970, it was to work with jeweler Leo Blau, who himself had already been in business for 45 years. Within six years, Ernesto had bought out Mr. Blau, in the process moving to larger quarters on 86th Street and adding his own name to the awning. With the help of family, including his wife, son, brother, niece, and daughter, Liza, who is Gemological Institute of American (GIA) certified and now runs Ernesto’s, the jeweler has built a loyal clientele who value integrity and individualized care…even beyond rubies.

2264 Broadway (at 81st Street)

The Eye Man, the destination for eyewear on the Upper West Side, has been family owned and operated since 1976. Locals can still find owners and licensed opticians Richard Baum and Lloyd Chautin behind the desks, just as they have been for the last 40 years. One happy change is the many children in the shop—hence the constantly replenished jelly bean bowl. When The Eye Man first opened, Broadway was considerably rougher and the shop operated out of a 100 square-foot sliver of space. As those original clients grew up, the shop expanded, and now new generations are receiving the honest, personalized service Rich, Lloyd, and Hedda are well known for.

985 Amsterdam Avenue (at 108th Street)

Hardware, paint, glass…you name it, Iglarsh Supply Company has it, serving generations of Upper West Siders since 1943. The current owner, Pat Rella, took over in 1987, continuing the Iglarsh tradition of helping keep neighborhood buildings in good repair and running smoothly. With son John now managing day-to-day operations, this family-run business heads into its 75th year as strong as ever, quietly supporting and meeting the needs of a historic community that needs all the good building stewards it can get.

2199 Broadway (at 78th Street)

La Caridad 78 bills itself as “serving the Upper West Side since 1968”, and in that chronology lies a great story. Cuban-Chinese restaurants emerged as a uniquely New York concept in the 1960s when Chinese refugees from the Cuban Revolution arrived in neighborhoods like the Upper West Side. The dishes they brought with them were Cantonese interpretations of Cuban standards and the food was plentiful and affordable. La Caridad 78 is one of the few remaining destinations for Chino-Cubano cuisine and one that many New Yorkers think of with special fondness.

102 W. 86th Street (at Columbus)

Long before Jean-Georges, there was La Mirabelle, a neighborhood tradition serving classic French bistro cuisine since 1984. Authenticity is the daily special at Mirabelle—patrons return week after week, decade after decade for the fresh ingredients, traditional menu, and intimate family atmosphere. Any given evening might find a table celebrating a major milestone, a local returning after a season at the beach, or a nervous couple sharing a first dinner date. All are warmly received with inimitable French style and are, for the evening, part of the La Mirabelle family in the heart of the quartier.

2781 Broadway (at 107th Street)

In 1985 brothers Orlirio and Roberto Martin transformed their successful Latin specialty market, originally opened in 1970, into Martin Brothers, the beloved wine and spirits emporium. Four years ago, the leadership passed to Orlirio’s daughter, Elizabeth. She remains dedicated to maintaining the legacy built by her father and uncle and keeping Martin Brothers Wine & Spirits a staple of the local community. Residents and business of the Upper West Side can continue to count on the service, attention, and passion for all things wine and spirits of this dedicated local business.

2429 Broadway (at 89th Street)

Offering much more than just fish, Murray’s Sturgeon has purveyed fine specialty foods at its legendary Broadway store since 1946. Through the narrow shop’s single plate glass front window, the view is quintessentially New York UWS. The food critic Craig Claiborne called Murray’s ‘’perhaps the finest in the city.’’ New York magazine proclaimed it the ‘’Tiffany of smoked-fish stores.’’ New Yorkers of all kinds drop in for the atmosphere as much as the smoked and pickled delicacies. When it comes to Murray’s Sturgeon Shop, the word “legendary” fits to a T.

209 W 96th Street

PlantShed began life more than 30 years ago as a local Upper West Side florist and today serves New York City and beyond with fresh flowers, unique plants, and delivery services. Their love and passion for flowers and plants made them work hard to be the best in city-wide flower delivery. PlantShed is also leading the way as an eco-minded florist, with a sustainable greenhouse, plus gardening services. Their unique handcrafted arrangements, beautiful bouquets, indoor or outdoor plants, and gardening supplies help make it possible for everyone to make their own corner of the city bloom.

2246 Broadway (at 80th Street)

Through the rise and fall of retail giants, bibliophiles keep returning to the stacks of Westsider Books. Some may remember Westsider’s earlier incarnation as Gryphon Books in the mid-1980s. They may also remember Dorian Thornley, an employee at Gryphon, who with business partner, Bryan Gonzalez, bought Westsider in 2002. They appreciate both diehard and first-time visitors who stop to marvel at Westsider’s towering shelves of rare and used books and perhaps pick up a new read for their subway trip. As independent bookstores continue to fight for a foothold, it is more important than ever to support those that remain and celebrate the special character of these neighborhood institutions.