The University isn’t the only one getting ready for the onslaught of students. The local businesses are stocking up, polishing the brass, and laying out the welcome signs.

This is one of New York City’s most unique and fiercely liberal neighborhoods, it is the only university area in the world that boasts a restaurant that not only starred on Seinfeld but had a hit song written about it by Suzanne Vega, the one and only Tom’s (Diner) Restaurant. They stay open late for the college crowd and serve fantastic strawberry shakes, mounds of hot and crispy fries, and pound cake to die for.

The neighborhood boasts plenty of other fine eating establishment as well as book stores, bars, and specialty shops. These pictures were taken on Broadway from 110th to 116th street.