One of the best hidden destinations on the Upper East Side is Heidi’s House – By the Side of the Road located on 78^th Street between 1^st and 2^nd.  A very small destination around the corner from Bocca on 2^nd Ave is a great mix of well selected craft beer, French wine, and thoughtfully created comfort food.  Oh and Heidi actually does run the place and you can’t miss her vibrant energy and personable charm.  The place is small, I mean really small, but extremely cozy with only a few tables seating no more than three and a large bar which is even more inviting.

The 25+ beer selection is very good and well selected with a good mix of IPA’s, Belgian ales, lagers, and even a sour ale.  I had a Two Brothers Long Haul and a Flying Dog Raging Bitch.  Other beers on the list included Allagash White, Lagunitas IPA, Ommegang BPA, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, and Troubadour Obscura.

It’s not the beer that makes this place.  The food is incredible with dishes like shrimp tacos with cilantro, tuna tartar that melts in your mouth, macaroni and cheese with your choice of bacon or lobster added, and a homemade pasta entrée which changes daily.

Definitely try the wine.  Heidi knows her wine and clearly selects them herself and she will let you try them all until you find one you like.

Heidi’s House is located at 308 East 78^th Street.

Check out the menu on their website: http://www.heidishouse.net.