Fun fact about this place. I used to live in the building above it. I had to move out because the building was infested w/ mice and the landlords insisted it was not their responsibility (it is). There were literally mice jumping out of drawers when i opened them. Exterminators (I paid for) said it was a lost cause because the building was infested. I was on the top floor. Where do you think the mice were coming from? I feel bad for all the people who eat at the Beach Cafe and don't know what goes on in that building. read more

If geriatric bar-hogging boozers are what you like, come here. This place is living in a time warp. Dress code is exacted on appropriately dressed patron who had on a conservative shirt without sleeves--it made us bolt the place. It's was 84 degrees on a Saturday and we wanted to sit outside. It's called The BEACH CAFE--and you must have a long sleeved shirt on? I am a conservative looking woman who lives in the neighborhood and I will NEVER come here again. read more

This is a real neighborhood gem. Dave runs a great restaurant; good food and friendly service. He has worked hard to survive the subway construction and will continue to be the favorite place in this neighborhood for years to come. Chris, Paul, Laura and the rest of the staff are top notch. They help make Beach Café what it is today. read more

we were trying to go to brunch at annie's, but the wait was an hour and a half...so we strolled the streets of the upper east side and came upon this cute restaurant. brunch starts with a bread bowl that has normal french (i think) bread and little mini blueberry muffin tops. The main course comes with a small bowl of really tiny chopped fruit. I got a spanish egg white omelet. It was fluffy, huge, and did not taste like it was cooked in too much oil. There could have been more veggies in my omelet, but I didn't ask for that so its not their fault. the service was great and the cost was normal for brunch fare. i probably won't go here again b/c i don't live that uptown and i like to try a new place for brunch everytime...but for a neighborhood brunch spot this place is great in regards to food, service, and atmosphere. read more

The food is just not good. The service was also terrible. They added 20% tips to the bill even if we were only two. We will never come back.

Get the brunch special with huevos rancheros, it's awesome. $20 for an entree and three drinks? Great spot

The food is mediocre but you are overcharged for everything. Wait staff is rude. Not worth it at all. Don't come here.

Turned away rudely because we had a stroller. The place was literally empty during an early weekday lunch and even though we offered to fold the stroller and sit outside since no one was there but they said it was there house policy. There were no signs posted that we could see about this policy. Our baby is so well behaved and quiet. We have never been turned away from a restaurant before and am shocked by the rude attitude about it. Will never be returning. read more

Pretty absurd no stroller policy. Never heard of anything like this in NY, I had a 'wtf?' moment when we suggested we fold ours up to a very compact size and they said they couldn't have any strollers on their premises. read more

DON'T BOTHER!! We went for the brunch on a Saturday. The food was MEDIOCRE at best, and overpriced for what they gave you. The service was generally inattentive. And the final killer was $4.00 for a cup of coffee. I won't be back ; there are lots of better cheaper places in Manhattan. read more

Love this place!! First of all, the service is impeccable here! They are on top of everything and so nice! The food was amazing too! We had clam pizza, waffle fries, garlic bread, bib salad, wedge salad, and fantastic oysters! They had a great HH too!! read more

I have been going to this restaurant for years and although people complain about the bar moving and the new owner, I think these are the positive changes! The menu is much better and of higher quality and the atmosphere is much more upbeat. Thursday night ladies night and the new frozen drink specials are now offering deals for the younger crowd which is extremely appealing, the outdoor cafe is also opening soon with twice the amount of seating as in the past! read more

This was just a really bad, really expensive meal. I probably should've assumed that this is how it would turn out based on all the old Upper East Siders inside, most of whom don't have taste buds and run from any creative, non-bland foods. And that's exactly what this was. I ordered a salsa-egg dish that tasted more like marinara sauce. For $15 it did not even come with home fries. I ordered fries on the side and they most definitely came from the freezer. And the tea was $4. So for $25 you can have eggs coated with marinara sauce, store-bought fries, and tea. The waitress said this place has been around for a while and the problem with places like this is that their older clientele is inured to tasteless, boring food. The menu was so tired and the food was as bland as can be. read more

An excellent restaurant- what is there to say? The atmosphere is unique and pitch perfect, every time. The place is a UES treasure. Let's hope it doesn't go anywhere. And that burger? One of the best. My qualm really more regards the service, which can be pretty amiss. I've had this experience twice now, and I don't intend it to be ill-spirited. But the servers - at least on the main dining floor (not the bar) - can be pretty sloppy, all over the place, and with poor attention spans. A burger I ordered medium arrived sorely undercooked, very raw, and hailing over waitstaff can be a challenging exercise in itself. Anyways, that is my only qualm, and I wouldn't normally make it, save for that the restaurant isn't exactly an inexpensive one. read more

I went there today. I ordered eggs benedict and they arrived cold! Even the hollandaise sauce was cold!! (They had the hollandaise sauce separately which I thought was nice as I could add as much or as little as I wanted.) The chef didn't even know or couldn't be bothered to poach the eggs; they seem to have a machine that created the poached eggs that they seem to had been microwaved?... but that meant that the egg white had a different/worse texture. My husband ordered one of the specials, "crock madam", it was okish, at least his eggs were not cold. Definitely not going back. We were actually walking around 70th for quite some time on 2nd ave and we couldn't find any other place open at 12pm. Very funny. Seems UWS has more places for brunch? read more

Fantastic comfort food with hamburgers that are better than JG Melon and French fries that even McDonalds envy. Don't forget to try the grilled cheese with egg for a mid morning brunch. For those watching the waist, go for the cob salad and take half home. For dinner, the sophisticates love the chicken Marsala and a little sin--the banana split. Don't miss the great food at very reasonable prices. read more

Awesome hamburgers and great krispy delicious french fries. I have tried them all, including Jackson Hole, and these are really great! Also fantastic and friendly service. read more

We have been here once before, but had a shockingly bad encounter on our second visit. Walking in at 4:30PM, the bar was completely full, and we were seated at a table near the bar after telling the host that we were just having drinks. He told us that was fine, that our waitress would be right over, and he cleared the utensils from our table. After waiting 5 minutes, the bar tender came over and told us that we would have to stand "near the bar" in order to qualify for happy hour. He cleared a spot between two chairs and said we could stand between a large group, where there was one chair for the two of us, and no standing room. We reminded him that the waiter told us we could have the table, he shrugged and walked away and then NO ONE would serve us. Just stay away--unnecessary BAD attitudes from everyone who works there. DO NOT BOTHER! read more

The Beach radiates warmth for weekend brunchers eager for a few rounds of mimosa with their poached eggs. They've recenty turned up the heat with fun music and improved decor. read more

Stumbled upon this place and thought to give it a try. The Gorgonzola cheese bread might have changed my life a bit. Other reviews are correct, skip the bathrooms if you have the choice. Decent service, would go back. read more

The hostess guy was rude and unpleasant. The service was slow. I had to stand up and approach the waiter to jot down my order. At the end I was charged an extra 8 dollars for tip even though it was me and my wife. I told the hostess guy to revisit the check and then it took another 20 minutes. Finally I was tired of waiting so I went to the front to receive the final bill. I didn't leave any tip and the hostess guy had the audacity to tell me "really!?" And then screamed "don't come back her!" I mean how ghetto is this place .I won't ever eat here anymore. read more

Stopped here for a quick bite to eat and a drink and had a great experience. The food was exactly what we needed, very good and quick to come out. The best part of the establishment however was the bartender Ryan. He went above and beyond and continuously came over to make sure we were happy with his suggestions and to check if we wanted more rounds. Definitely recommend! read more

Nice atmosphere and reliable food. Their salads and burgers are really good. The atmosphere is nice without being stuffy. I always have an enjoyable experience and a decent meal here. read more

Beach Cafe has one of the best lunches around the Upper East Side. It's great value, good atmosphere, and a terrific staff. They have a bar and serve dinner, but the lunch....If you are looking for a place to have lunch with friends, business people, or family, it's perfect. You can hear! The menu is great, too. read more

My friend and I went in 7/9 and were there before shift change at 4. Prior to shift change the staff were great. After shift change it was all we could do but beg for a beer from the bartender Paul. AND...there were only 4 other customers. Oysters and burgers were good read more

Just a quick note of disappointment. We used to dine here periodically with no complaints. However, today we wanted to have brunch outside with our sleeping newborn and small stroller (while restaurant was close to empty). The hostess informed me that it was "against regulations" to be seated with a stroller. We certainly have never heard of such a "regulation" elsewhere so our only assumption is that it was a policy of the management. Very disappointing. Will certainly not return. read more

The main hit is fabulous burgers, Cobb salad, great bar and drinks. It's an old timey warm and inviting decor comfortable for a leisurely meal, wonderful outside eating area on 70th side street so little noise. owner appears very attentive and caring and really tries to please. They had a very difficult time combatting the Second Ave subway construction and really tried to do interesting special things to accommodate. read more

The Beach Cafe is my "Cheers". My local haunt, usually with a bunch of folks I know, and of course, everyone knows Dave Goodside the owner. He couldn't be nicer or more welcoming. And the food is comfort food at its best. Chicken Pot Pie, Meatloaf, the best fries and burgers in town. Lots of salads, and Gorgonzola Cheese Bread that you shouldn't miss if you're from out of town. A major treat. Really great, comfortable atmosphere, great background music but not ear-splitting, TVs over the bar to keep you in touch with the game or CNN but without the sticky floor and screaming kids at the sports bar. A place for grown-ups who want a great meal, in a familiar relaxed atmosphere at great prices. That's what's been keeping me coming back -- with friends, family and clients for years. read more

I've been living in the neighborhood over 20 years and this place used to be so wonderful. Every since they moved the bar, changed the butter, and replaced some of the regulars on the menu it is now just okay. Wish Dave could step up to the plate and give us back what we were used to. I would occasionally get the wedge salad to go but sometimes it felt like it was just taken out of the fridge. Give me some real food. PLEASE read more

I have been coming here for the last two years ever since moving upstairs to the restaurant. It used to be my favorite place in the neighborhood - good food, outdoor seating, and fine service. Over the last year this restaurant has become impossible to go to. I have a child and since they don't believe in highchairs I used to bring a booster seat- this has now been outlawed. Recently I tried ordering from the restaurant - now they do not deliver. And just today I went in on a rainy afternoon with my husband and another couple for a glass of wine and they forced the men to remove their hats- it was 4:30 on a rainy Saturday. I think we officially can never dine there again. Excited that five napkin burger is soon opening across the street. read more

unimpressive. the menu is glorified bar food but this place tries to be something a bit more. i'm not really sure what though. if i wanted bar food, i would go to a real bar. if i wanted something nicer, i would go somewhere else. not really sure what the niche is here. i got a turkey burger that was fine but i could've easily gone to the supermarket and cooked the same burger myself. read more

The rating for Beach Café would be much higher if you filtered out the one star reviews of customers disgruntled by this restaurant's policies, mainly they have a no stroller policy and no booster/high chairs nor a children's menu so they are not interested in catering to families with young children, They also have a dress code and do not allow sleeveless attire and require men to remove their hats if seated inside. I applaud their standing their ground. There are many restaurants which accomodate young children and given that modern parents tend not to consider other parents by encouraging their children not to be loud and removing them from the dining room if crying, it is nice that this is a restaurant where one can avoid such things. It is also nice they take a stand against overly casual attire by prohibiting sleeveless tops. I remember when some restaurants prohibited jeans and some more formal places required jackets for men. No sleeveless tops is a very minimal way to keep the place from getting too casual and it is really aimed at no tank tops and other activewear type garments but must be equally enforced for both sexes as "no sleeveless" tops in fairness. Ok many reviewers are angry this place does not desire young child patrons or bare arms or hats worn inside, so there are a multitude of other places in which to dine. If you can handle these rules, it is a very pleasant restaurant with good food. I went because they are running a summer cabaret series with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances by a different artist each week. It was unusual and a nice change to see patrons for a cabaret act dressed up more than businesss casual. Most men wore jackets. Now that I am aware of the Beach Café and its offerings, I will try the brunch with three cocktails included some Sunday. read more

This place reminds me of a small hometown cafe in the middle of the city. There are quite a few regulars along with lucky people who just dropped in and found " a find." It is a home away from home. The weekend brunches include French toast that is the best in town ( in my opinion.). The burgers are divine. But best of all are the friendliness and warmth of the staff, especially Dave Goodside, the proprietor. To keep this place hopping, with the 2nd ave subway construction outside, speaks to the unique, totally NYC vibe of this place. Addendum: The subway is open , this place is mobbed (and rightfully so.) This place is really great and so laid back. And it is right next to the new 2nd Ave subway!!!! Last week Billy Joel stopped by. I've heard that he sang along with the ambient music in the restaurant. You never know who is sitting next to you here..not a sleeper anymore. And Monday is Lobster Night!!!! read more

What an awful pretentious place! Enforces the worst stereotype of upper east side snobbery! First knew I was in for a Fascist experience when the bartender disdainfully told me to take off my hat after I ordered my drink at the bar. Now, for the record, I wasn't wearing a baseball cap or skully--this was a wool black stetson cap. Classy, even if I do say so myself. But, judging by the bartender's reaction, you would have thought I was wearing a pointed clan hat. Although, then again, perhaps that would have been more in line with their fascist policy. Although I complied, I asked him why and he told me it was "policy" that it was a "neighborhood place." I then asked to speak to manager about it. I waited and waited and no one ever came. At one point, the bartender did whisper into manager's ear but the cowardly manager fled without taking the time to explain their fascist policy. I mean, this is not by any means a five star restaurant. Basically a tacky, dressed up dive bar pretending to being some sort of bush league East Hampton pub. Their food being absolutely awful (unfortunately I got sick the first time I ate there), I choose to get a quick drink while waiting for my wife to get off work, being the nearest bar in the vicinity. What a mistake! Snobbery mixed with fascism, I suppose if you like lousy food, disdainful service, and being told what to wear or not wear---well, then this is the place for you. read more

At first, I thought the atmosphere was nice and homey. The menu looked good, and my friend had been here many times throughout the years. She said they had a great happy hour with $1 shrimp. So we went and sat at the bar on a Friday night. The drink was a good size, but the happy hour no longer features $1 shrimp. Okay, so we had a dozen clams that were tasty. Wanted to order another order of clams, but they were out of them. We thought the bartender was kidding, but he was not. We asked him a few times if that was a joke, thinking he had a sense of humor, but clearly he did not. This was at 5pm and the special runs until 8pm, so that was a bit misleading. We ordered shrimp cocktail instead, which says on the menu "6 shrimp, 1 oz size." The order came and there were 4 shrimp, so we showed that to him and he said, "That's the difference now. It only comes with 4 shrimp." My friend says, okay, so you'll get us the other 2 shrimp? No, he just took it away. How do you advertise 6 shrimp, serve 4 and then take it away from the customer because they are questioning why it's not what's on the menu? The worst bartender EVER. He did not deserve the tip we left him. He let this place down. This is not a place to give your money to. Sadly, I was not impressed, will NEVER go back and will certainly spread the word about how bad business this is. They really cannot afford to be so horrible with the construction going on. They should welcome any business they can get. read more

we have been there over the years.............in the past 5 it has been lousy... cant reserve a table... made to stand at the bar...which means getting banged into people on there way to th e bathrooms.... the owner dave offer no consideration to regular clients...the floor plan of the place changes on a regular basis...the owner trains the bartenders on how to make weak drinks ...generally a lousy place read more