FOOD: Fred's -- Upper West Side

I often write about places on the Upper West Side because I live there, and today I'm going to talk about a local spot I love to go to.  Fred's is the quintessential neighborhood spot on the UWS and for a good reason.  It's this time of year especially that I love to go there.

Fred's is named after a dog, a black lab named Fred, and the whole inside of the restaurant is filled with photos of dogs--which is perfect for dog lovers and makes for a very charming and cozy ambiance.   The main part of the restaurant is below ground level, but the candles, stone walls, and fireplace make for a really cozy dinner on a Fall or Winter night.

The menu is also pretty perfect.  They have everything--from salads to burgers to pasta dishes and seafood--but my favorite is by far the mac and cheese.  I have to say that it's probably the best I've had--and that's saying a lot.  It's filling but not too cheesy, and is boasted as one of the best spots for this dish in the city.  And for good reason.

Brunch is good, but I'd say my favorite meal at Fred's is definitely dinner.  So next time you're on 83rd and Amsterdam, check this spot out--I guarantee you'll be coming back.

Fred's
476 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY