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.
The Entrance to Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
Seating at Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
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.
The sidewalk menu posted at Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
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.
The Raven perched at Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
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.”
Edgar Allan Poe memorabilia and my table at Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
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.
The bar area at Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
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?”
Dining Area with a portrait of Edgar Allen Poe. Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
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.”
Fresh Italian Bread at Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
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.
A cup of Pasta Fagioli at Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
The Edgar Salad at Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese at Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
Spinach and Cheese Ravioli
The ravioli options looked lovely, so I ordered the Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with Pesto Sauce at Edgar’s Cafe. Photo by Valérie Blanchard
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.
