Edgar’s Café is located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. While recently in the neighborhood to meet some friends, I discovered this delightful restaurant.

Edgar Allan Poe Memorabilia

After examining the menu outside, I peered inside and noticed the ubiquitous helpings of Edgar Allan Poe memorabilia. Intrigued, I entered and was immediately greeted by smiling staff who offered me comfortable seating with a sidewalk view.

Twilight Zone

Although I had a good appetite and was interested in ordering lunch, I gazed around to discover I had entered the twilight zone of Poe’s imagination. Looking up at a stuffed raven, I gulped while imagining the spooky atmosphere set in Poe’s eponymous poem. I didn’t know he lived in this neighborhood when he wrote The Raven between 1844 and 1845.

Quoth the Raven Nevermore!

Staring back at the bird, I mumbled, “Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore—Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night’s Plutonian shore! Quoth the Raven Nevermore.”

Existential Glare

Although it was November, I sensed Poe’s time, December, with days of darkness and winter, eerie imagery, and otherworldly forces at work. I was mesmerized by the raven’s existential glare.

Being and Nothingness

I glanced at Poe’s portrait and returned to The Raven, now ompelled to ruminate about Jean-Paul Sartre’s seminal work Being and Nothingness. Shaking in disbelief, had I heard the raven repeat its haunting refrain of “Nevermore?”

A Magical Place

Shuddering, I grasped the menu for comfort while imagining some mysterious force knocking on the rear door of the café. As if awakening from a dream, I looked up at the smiling young lady who delivered water and fresh bread.

Relieved, I wasn’t surprised to discover that Edgar’s Café is billed as a “Magical place with a cafe, wine, beer, food & desserts.”

Edgar Salad

The menu had many choices; although it was mid-afternoon, one could still order breakfast items.



It was brisk outside, so I began with hot, tasty Pasta Fagioli with the fabulous Edgar Salad.

Spinach and Cheese Ravioli

The ravioli options looked lovely,  so I ordered the Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

The food was fresh and delicious, portions were generous, and the staff was amiable and attentive.

I’ll be back!

Edgar’s Café

50 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY, 10025
+1 212 595 6261

For information and menus, go to https://www.edgarscafe.com/

Readers may also enjoy our reviews of Via Quadronna Off Madison,  Tea Around Town,  Kurant Wine Bar, Balthazar, Copinette French Restaurant, Hutong New York, and The Palm Midtown.