Sushi Para

Upper East Side sushi spots tend to cluster near subway stops, but Sushi Para sits a few blocks east of Lexington, where Third Avenue feels less like a corridor and more like a neighborhood. The place caters to the lunch rush that spills out of nearby offices, yet keeps the lights on late enough for solo diners who prefer raw fish over takeout menus. Beer and wine share the drink list with small plates that double as quick bites or full meals, depending on how many you order.

At 1457 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028, they run an all-you-can-eat option alongside à la carte rolls, so the same counter can host a hungry intern and a couple splitting healthy options. Comfort food arrives in the form of tempura and fried dumplings, while the kitchen keeps pace with orders that rarely linger. Alcohol flows until closing, making it easier to turn a weekday dinner into a spontaneous nightcap without changing venues.

Call ahead at (212) 585-0300 if you’re aiming for a specific time; the map at this link drops you right at the door. Third Avenue’s sidewalks thin out after dark, so the short walk from the nearest train feels safer than it looks.