Next up on our Bronx neighborhood itinerary ideas is Pelham Bay. You can grab coffee, get outside in one of the city’s biggest parks, have a leisurely lunch, browse vintage finds and finish the day with something sweet — all within a pretty small stretch of the neighborhood.
Here’s how I’d spend a day in Pelham Bay.
Time: Half to full day
Best for: Families, couples, friends and anyone looking for a change of scenery without leaving the Bronx
Cost: $–$$ depending on lunch and shopping
Getting there: Car or public transportation
Best time to go: Spring through fall, although Pelham Bay Park is worth visiting year-round
Start with coffee at Sundays Off
Begin your day at Sundays Off Café on Crosby Avenue. It’s a small neighborhood coffee shop that’s perfect for grabbing a coffee and something to eat before heading out for the day.
One thing to know: despite the name, Sundays Off is actually closed on Sundays, so plan this particular itinerary for a Saturday or weekday.
Take a walk through Pelham Bay Park
From there, head toward Pelham Bay Park and spend some time exploring the trails. At roughly 2,772 acres, Pelham Bay Park is the largest public park in New York City, and there’s a lot more to it than just Orchard Beach. You can walk through wooded areas, meadows and along trails that make it easy to forget you’re still in New York City.
Have lunch at Ilios Taverna
After your walk, head to Ilios Taverna on Middletown Road for lunch. The old Jimmy Ryans has transformed into a modern Greek/Mediterranean restaurant with everything from Greek salads and spanakopita to gyros, grilled dishes and seafood.
Go vintage at Third Eye Throwbacks
Right across the street, make your way to Third Eye Throwbacks. This little vintage shop leans heavily into ’80s and ’90s nostalgia, with vintage clothing, pop-culture finds, games and other throwback items. Check out the video we shared over on Instagram.
End with something sweet at Tarte
Before heading home, stop at Tarte Bakes & Coffee Shop on Middletown Road. Tarte is a neighborhood bakery and coffee shop with fresh-baked breads, pastries, tarts, breakfast items, sandwiches and coffee.
Worth mentioning…
If you have extra time, there are a few other places worth adding to your list.
Nona’s European Market is a good stop for European and Eastern European groceries, snacks and specialty foods.
Empire Bagels is another longtime neighborhood stop if you want to make the day more food-focused.
Confetti Paints is worth checking out when they have their paint events.
And keep an eye on the Pelham Bay Library and Pelham Bay Park calendars for family programs and other events. That can easily turn a simple neighborhood outing into a full day.
The itinerary at a glance
Start: Sundays Off Café
1508 Crosby Ave., Bronx, NY 10461
Walk: Pelham Bay Park
Middletown Road & Stadium Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465
Lunch: Ilios Taverna
3005 Middletown Rd., Bronx, NY 10461
Vintage shopping: Third Eye Throwbacks
3004 Middletown Rd., Bronx, NY 10461
Sweet treat: Tarte Bakes & Coffee Shop
2960 Middletown Rd., Bronx, NY 10461