53rd St Between 1st Ave and 2nd Ave

This stretch of 53rd St has an eclectic mix of brownstones, high rises, diners and sex shops. Beginning on the east side of the block is the Madison Restaurant, which depending on your opinions on design, could either be a really cool looking place, or an eyesore. Personally, I dig it...it's got the right vibe for the neighborhood. Across the street you'll find Parnell's Pub, which looks to be a typical after work uptown joint.  Why they picked the SNL-alum to name it after, I'll never know. Down a few doors, however, is something you won't typically expect to see up here, the Come Again "Erotic Emporium". At the very least, one has to love the name.

The rest of the block is ripe with great architectural detailing that ranges from classic to modern. Dotted throughout is a series of businesses, including a Mexican restaurant , cleaners, and beauty salon. Towards the end you'll run into a few more eateries and a KARAOKE bar! The block, of course, would not be complete without two parking garages directly across the street from each other. If you're a history  nut, then  The Timekeeper building at 307 East 53rd may be of interest to you.  According to the sign:

Constructed in 1886 A.D., as a factory for the manufacture of cigars. On the site, and on its adjoining properties, had been clapboard rowhouses, stables, and a foundry.

Some forty-five years later, The Timekeeper became a center for the production of specialized woodworking of custom design.

After its 100th anniversary, painstaking rehabilitation was beguna, and in 1989 the building re-opened for use as a modern office and retail space.

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