You’re walking down Columbus Avenue, dodging a stroller or two, and there it is. 185 Columbus Ave. It looks like a library from the outside, but it’s actually the Warby Parker 68th & Columbus store. Honestly, if you’ve lived on the Upper West Side for more than five minutes, you know this corner. It’s a weirdly perfect spot. You’ve got the Museum of Natural History a few blocks north and Lincoln Center just a short stroll south.
But why do people actually flock here instead of just ordering the Home Try-On box?
Basically, it’s about the vibe. New York is loud and fast, but this specific shop feels like a breather. It’s got these high ceilings and that signature "academic-chic" aesthetic that Warby Parker basically patented. They didn't just throw some glasses on a shelf and call it a day.
The Art You’ll Actually Notice
Most retail stores have generic posters. Not here. The Warby Parker 68th & Columbus location features a massive, custom mural by JooHee Yoon. She’s a New York-based illustrator, and she created this bright blue piece specifically for the space.
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It’s kinda cool because it’s a part-bird’s-eye, part-below-ground view of the neighborhood. It captures the chaos and the charm of the Upper West Side in a way that feels very "if you know, you know." It’s not just decoration; it’s a nod to the people who actually walk these streets every day.
Can You Get an Exam Here?
Okay, let’s clear up some confusion. When this store first opened back in late 2017, they didn't offer eye exams. You could buy frames, get adjustments, and talk to style experts, but no doctor.
Things changed.
Now, you can actually book a comprehensive eye exam at Warby Parker 68th & Columbus. They do the whole nine yards:
- Visual acuity tests (reading the shrinking letters).
- Refraction (figuring out your actual prescription).
- Eye health checks for things like glaucoma or cataracts.
- Digital retinal imaging (usually an extra $35, but worth it if you’re paranoid like me).
The best part? No "air puff" test. They use newer tech to measure eye pressure now, so you don't have to sit there flinching while a machine attacks your eyeball.
Finding the Right Frames Without Losing Your Mind
If you’ve ever tried to pick out glasses alone, you know the struggle. You put on a pair, look in the mirror, and realize you have no idea if you look like a sophisticated architect or a lost toddler.
The staff at this location—people like Gabriel or Habiba, who’ve been mentioned in heaps of local reviews—are surprisingly honest. They aren't just trying to up-sell you on the most expensive titanium frames. Honestly, they’ll tell you if a frame is too wide for your face.
The selection is solid. They’ve got the classics like the Durand and the Percey, but they also stock the newer "Editions" and limited runs. If you have a "fat head" (as one reviewer hilariously put it), they have wide fits that actually look good.
Real Talk: The Crowd Factor
I’m not going to lie to you and say it’s always a peaceful sanctuary. It’s the Upper West Side. On a Saturday afternoon, it can get crowded. Like, "squeezing past three families and a golden retriever" crowded.
If you want a chill experience:
- Go on a weekday morning. Right when they open at 10:00 or 11:00 AM is the sweet spot.
- Book your exam in advance. Don't just walk in expecting a doctor to be free.
- Use the "Favorites" feature. If you use the Warby Parker app, heart the frames you like before you go. The staff can see your list and pull them for you instantly.
Insurance and the "Hidden" Savings
People always ask about the money part. Warby Parker is famous for the $95 starting price, but once you add high-index lenses or blue-light filtering, it creeps up.
At the Warby Parker 68th & Columbus shop, they are pretty good about checking your vision insurance on the spot. They take UnitedHealthcare, VSP, Cigna, and a bunch of others. Even if they’re out-of-network for you, they’ll give you the paperwork to get reimbursed. Plus, they’re big on FSA and HSA. If you’ve got "use it or lose it" money at the end of the year, this is where a lot of locals spend it.
Why This Location Matters
There’s another Warby at 80th and Columbus (the one across from the Museum of Natural History with all the blue-footed booby statues). That one is great, but 68th Street feels more like a local "hub."
It’s near the Apple Store and the AMC Lincoln Square. It’s part of a Saturday routine. You get your coffee at Birch, you swing by Warby to get your frames tightened for free (yes, they do that even if you didn't buy them that day), and then you head to Central Park.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- The "Check-In" Hack: If the store is packed, check in with the person at the front desk immediately. They’ll put your name on a digital list so you can browse without worrying someone will jump the line ahead of you.
- Adjustments are Free: If your glasses are sliding down your nose, just walk in. You don't need an appointment for a quick frame adjustment.
- Check the Weather: If it’s raining, the store gets even busier because everyone ducks inside to stay dry while waiting for the M7 or M11 bus.
- Pupil Distance (PD): If you’re getting an exam, make sure they write down your PD. You’ll need it if you ever want to order more pairs online later without coming back in.
The Warby Parker 68th & Columbus store manages to do the one thing most New York retail fails at: it makes a chore feel like a genuine experience. It’s efficient, it’s well-designed, and the people working there actually seem to like their jobs. Just maybe avoid the 3:00 PM Saturday rush if you value your personal space.
To make the most of your trip, grab the Warby Parker app first and use the "Virtual Try-On" tool. It uses your phone's camera to map your face, which narrow downs which frames will actually fit your bridge width. Once you have a shortlist of 3-4 styles, head into the 68th Street store and ask a stylist to find those specific ones for you. This saves you from the "analysis paralysis" of staring at 500 pairs of glasses on a wall.