In a beautiful corner space where 73rd Street intersects with First Avenue lies Petaluma, one of New York's true neighborhood finds. Just like Americans raced east to Petaluma during the California gold rush, Upper East Siders regularly race to their own treasured Petaluma for a golden Italian meal, or perhaps a drink and some conversation at the lively bar. Stylish, elegant and airy, the restaurant is quite dramatic. Stunning picture windows decorate each side of the corner, providing the perfect view of both 73rd Street and First Avenue. You can't miss Petaluma, as above the entry, on the second story of the building, is a green and yellow flag with red lettering that spells the restaurant's name for all to see. Beige canopies with the same red lettering decorate each picture window. The outside of the restaurant itself is sand colored, accentuated with green, and each picture window on First Avenue has a clay pot with elegant shrubbery in front of it. There are several of these to the left side of the atrium on 73rd Street, in fact. Upon entering, you'll note that this restaurant has several dining options. If it is nice outside, one can dine at the restaurant's sidewalk café, which is nestled along 73rd Street. If one chooses not to brave the elements, however, there are several extremely comfortable dining areas inside, including at the bar, which is always a vibrant option.

Upon entering Petaluma, you'll note that there are a few stairs. Not to worry, though: If you can't do the stairs, the staff will accommodate you. The atrium is surrounded in glass and always has a beautiful floral decoration on one side of the stairs. Once inside, the hostess area is to the right, where you are sure to encounter a smile or a "Welcome back" if you happen to be one of the many regulars who return to this place for its delicious food and delightful service. The dramatic bar area is to the left. The bar itself is a rich, highly polished wood-top bar that seats about a dozen on leather upholstered wooden stools. Mirrors framed by thin wood columns line the back of the bar and in front of those are myriad bottles of spirits. The bar shape is a mirrored "L" shape, so that you can easily carry on conversations in the corner.