Ralph’s Café

Even if you don't live on the Upper East Side, it's worth making a stop at Ralph's next time you're wandering along that stretch of Madison Avenue—or, more likely, are stuck there playing tour guide to out-of-towners. This spot is known for its iconic green-and-white aesthetic and outdoor tables that provide an ideal vantage point for people-watching, but the coffee here is actually really good. Our favorite thing, though, is the Ralph's chocolate chip cookie, which is vastly underappreciated. It's made with at least three different kinds of chocolate and a bit of flaky salt, and it has the ideal size and texture for this kind of cookie.