Navigating through the blue-haired ladies that lunch and the glut of prima donna’s on trust fund accounts on the Upper East Side is the trade-off of seemingly cheaper rent and more square feet for your dollar. At first glance, the UES is a bit trite; it lacks the jazz of the Lower East Side and the trendiness of Chelsea.

Once you acquaint yourself with the neighborhood, however, you quickly find that what lies beneath is a vital stew of nightlife with a soupcon of old school culture. Upper East Sider’s skew a smidge older therefore the nightlife you’ll find above 59th Street also has a dash of class that you probably won’t find in the East Village’s best night spot. There is no bizarre fashion competition of who can wear the most outrageous mélange of orange rabbit fur with a pink pageboy – perhaps this essence of maturity is what brings most thirty-something’s to the East Side.

One of the most popular spots for singles on the East Side is Baraonda located at 1439 Second Avenue at 75th Street. The international crowd sprinkled with celebrities and sports stars shakes up this Italian restaurant. The best nights are Wednesday and Sunday when a swanky DJ is brought in to liven up the scene and get patrons dancing on the tables.

If a teeming bar scene that’s a little crowded and rowdy is more your deal the tried and true Merchants (61rst and First Avenue) fits the bill. The downstairs cigar bar and main seating area are date friendly but the upstairs bar is quite the single’s scene. With everyone from your high powered investment banker to your low-level theatre usher sallied up to the giant mahogany bar for mojitos there are a wealth of different personalities and lifestyles to sample.

For those that prefer an air of sophistication, put on your best duds and head to the Cafe Carlyle in the Carlyle Hotel, (76th Street and Madison). At around $60 per person you can buy atmosphere extraordinaire and hear great piano music. It is one of the best spots on the Upper East Side for a romantic first date.

When you are done at the Carlyle head to nearby Payard (73rd Street and Lexington) for espresso and dessert. Their pastries and ‘ambrosia’ cakes are sheer heaven; sit at the bar for the whole experience. Bartenders are very knowledgeable about wine, port and all other goodies offered at this little slice of France on Lex. Tip: If you arrive for the 5:45 to 6:00 pm dinner seating, they offer a prix-fixed menu in the main dining room. Where you can sample classics such as bouillabaisse and steak au poive.