Community Corner

Papaya King, Tenant Battle, Secret Brothels: Top UES Stories Of 2022

Here are the most-read Upper East Side Patch stories of 2022, from a boathouse closure to new restaurants to Papaya King's likely demise.

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From development battles to a boathouse closure to a new Jewish bakery, here are the most-read Upper East Side Patch stories of 2022.
From development battles to a boathouse closure to a new Jewish bakery, here are the most-read Upper East Side Patch stories of 2022. (Google Maps; Courtesy of Adir Michaeli)

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Upper East Siders have been through a lot in 2022, and Patch was there to write about it.

From a tenant-developer battle to a host of new restaurants to a pair of secret brothels to the looming demise of Papaya King, here are the top Upper East Side Patch stories of 2022 — ranked by the number of minutes people spent reading them.

1. Central Park Boathouse To Close Permanently After Brief Reopening

"The economics just don't work anymore," said the owner of the iconic lakeside restaurant, which will close for good—laying off 163 people.

Find out what's happening in Upper East Sidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Major Upper East Side Corner Faces Demolition, Including Papaya King

Developer Extell has filed plans to demolish a prominent 86th Street corner that includes the Papaya King flagship, which faces legal woes.

3. Whole Upper East Side Corner To Be Demolished, Across From Extell Site

"It's heartbreaking," says the owner of Aero Locksmith, one of a dozen businesses being displaced by Yorkville's latest major teardown.

Find out what's happening in Upper East Sidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The owner of an East 86th Street locksmith posted a note in the shop's window in October, announcing its move ahead of the demolition. (Nick Garber/Patch)

4. New UES Restaurants: Gracie's Diner Moves, Bar Coastal Replaced

The return of Sandro's, a new location for Gracie's Diner and a replacement for the shuttered Bar Coastal are among the next UES openings.

5. Lone Upper East Side Tenant Defeated By Extell In Quest For New Tower

The developer may no longer need to build awkwardly around a single tenant thanks to a new ruling, which some say sets a worrying precedent.

6. Secret Brothels Run Out Of Upper East Side Spas, City Says

A pair of Upper East Side massage parlors are facing action from the city amid accusations that they offered sex to paying customers.

In separate suits, the city accused Sunshine Body Work (left), a massage parlor at 400 East 74th St.; and Sun Spa, a parlor at 230 East 78th St., of offering sex acts for money. (Google Maps)

7. Pizzeria, French Bistro Among New Upper East Side Restaurants

A Mexican eatery, a pizza shop and an expanding Peruvian joint are some of the Upper East Side's next restaurant openings. Here's the list.

8. Acclaimed Jewish-Style Bakery Opens Upper East Side Shop

Michaeli Bakery is opening its Yorkville bakeshop Thursday, bringing its famous babka, rugelach, challah and cookies to an uptown audience.

9. Ultra-Elite UES Members' Club Faces Opposition, Plus More Openings

The British "club king" who reportedly hosted Prince Harry and Meghan's first date wants to open an UES venue. Neighbors are not thrilled.

10. New Upper East Side Restaurants: Italian Spot, Pub, Indoor Golf Venue

A new home for a popular pub, a pair of restaurants by the owners of Barking Dog, and an indoor golf space are among the next UES openings.

Thanks for reading Patch this year — stay tuned for lots more neighborhood news in 2023!

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