FAQ
general information
What is Taste of the Upper West Side?
Taste of the Upper West Side, now in its 14th year, is a much-beloved neighborhood event that showcases the significance and scope of the Upper West Side’s culinary community. It attracts about 3,500 guests over two nights. At the event, over 60 chefs from our district’s best restaurants serve tastings of their signature dishes, over two nights. The range is deliciously diverse, and attendees will experience the wonderful cuisines of our area’s finest restaurateurs.
Who does Taste of the Upper West Side Benefit?
All revenue from our events go into a dedicated account of the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which in turn uses those dedicated funds for beautification and improvement projects in the area. It has provided the operational funds for Wellness in the Schools in the area for the past ten years, built the sustainable streetscape block between W.76th-W.77th Streets (in front of the schoolyard fence) as well numerous other projects. Please visit the Columbus Avenue BID website to learn more about how we support the neighborhood.
Where does Taste UWS take place?
Taste of the Upper West Side is held in the O’Shea School complex schoolyard on Columbus Avenue, between 76th and 77th Streets.
*Please note: This activity is not sponsored or endorsed by the New York City Department of Education or the City of New York.
What happens in the case of bad weather?
Taste UWS occurs rain or shine! All tickets are non-refundable.
Is there a dress code?
We suggest festive smart casual attire, we ask that you don’t wear t-shirts or shorts, please.
Is Taste UWS ADA accessible?
Taste UWS strives to be an accessible event and we are dedicated to continually improving our efforts to ensure you have access to all the event amenities. An ADA accessible restroom is always available. For any accessibility-related questions and/or needs please email us at taste@columbusavenuebid.org or call us at 212-877-2678. We welcome and encourage all feedback and suggestions from our patrons. We will do our best to help you have a great experience at Taste UWS.
Can I bring my child?
No one under the age of 21 will be admitted, and must provide a valid form of ID when asked to do so. No children are allowed at the event (including children in carriers, strollers, etc.).
Is Taste UWS able to accommodate my dietary restrictions?
We do not control what chefs prepare and cannot guarantee that participating chefs and restaurants will prepare dishes without common allergens, including nuts, dairy, gluten, etc. It is important to always ask the chef whether or not certain allergens or food items are in the dishes you are going to consume.
Do I have to pay for food and drinks once I’m inside the event?
No! Your ticket covers all food and beverage consumed at the event. Just bring your appetite and enjoy!
tickets
What is the process for receiving tickets once they are ordered?
Each ticket holder will receive a confirmation email immediately after the order is placed, with tickets attached. You can print out the tickets with barcodes, show your phone for entry, or if using the SquadUp app, you can save your tickets to Apple wallet or passbook.
Will I have to wait in line to get in if I already purchased my ticket?
Depending on when you arrive, there may be a line to get in but we have taken multiple measures this year to increase the efficiency of check-in so as to mitigate the wait.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Tickets can be purchased at the door if the event is not yet sold out. Events do sell out quickly, so we encourage you to purchase your tickets early as there will be a surcharge to purchase at the door.
What is the refund policy?
All ticket purchases are final but they are transferable. If you wish to transfer your ticket, login to your SquadUp account at www.squadup.com and head to the “Tickets” page. From there, you can transfer your ticket(s) to another guest.
Are Taste UWS tickets tax deductible?
Yes! Taste of the Upper West Side Presented by American Airlines and Mastercard is hosted by the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District, a 501(c)(3) not for-profit organization. Contributions are fully tax-deductible, with the exception of $25 per ticket.
getting involved
How can I find out more about becoming a sponsor?
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Olga Rodriguez Santini at Olga@teama21.com for more details.
Can I volunteer at Taste UWS?
Yes, absolutely! Volunteers are needed to help with things a few days before the event, as well as at the events themselves. Sign up to volunteer at Taste UWS here. For more information, contact Nicole Paynter at nicole@columbusavenuebid.org or 212-877-2678.
be in the know!
Is Taste UWS on social media? How can I contribute?
Taste UWS has a very active and exciting social media campaign and we love participation. Follow us to get the inside scoop, and don’t forget to tag all of your photos with #TasteUWS to join the conversation.
Please follow/like our pages
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TasteUWS/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@tasteuws
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tasteuws/
Please send all other questions and inquiries to taste@columbusavenuebid.org
