Playa Betty’s: Your Go-To Spot for Californian-Style Mexican in NYC

Playa Betty’s Introduce

Introduction / Overview

Located in the heart of the Upper West Side, Playa Betty’s brings a taste of sunny California's coastal vibes to the bustling streets of New York City. This popular Mexican restaurant offers a casual, trendy, and incredibly welcoming atmosphere that feels like a permanent vacation. As a black-owned business, it has cultivated a reputation not just for its fantastic food and drinks, but also for being a truly inclusive and friendly space for everyone, including families, college students, groups, and the LGBTQ+ community. With its vibrant decor, lively sports-friendly setting, and an emphasis on fresh, flavorful ingredients, Playa Betty’s stands out as more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a destination to relax, unwind, and enjoy good company. Whether you're a local looking for your next go-to spot or a tourist exploring the neighborhood, you'll find that Playa Betty's combines a laid-back feel with the high energy of NYC, creating a perfect escape from the daily grind.

Location and Accessibility

Playa Betty’s is conveniently situated at 320 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA. Nestled in a prime spot on the Upper West Side, the restaurant is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. The neighborhood is well-served by several subway lines, with stops just a short walk away, making it a breeze to get to from anywhere in Manhattan. Multiple bus routes also run nearby, offering another convenient option. For those who drive, both **free street parking** and **paid street parking** are available in the vicinity, which is a notable convenience in this busy part of the city. A key highlight of Playa Betty's is its commitment to accessibility; the establishment features a **wheelchair accessible entrance**, **wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **wheelchair accessible seating**, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their dining experience comfortably. The restaurant also embraces the city's pet-friendly culture by allowing **dogs to sit outside** in their outdoor seating area. This combination of central location and inclusive design makes Playa Betty's a hassle-free choice for diners.

Services Offered

Playa Betty's prides itself on a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of all its guests. For those who want to dine in, the restaurant offers **indoor and outdoor seating**, with the latter being a great option for people-watching on Amsterdam Avenue. You can choose between **counter service** for a quick meal or **table service** for a more relaxed dining experience. The restaurant is popular for all three main meals of the day: **brunch, lunch, and dinner**. They also offer **catering** services for events and parties, bringing their delicious flavors right to you. For added convenience, **takeout** and **delivery** services are available for those who prefer to enjoy their food at home. Playa Betty’s understands the importance of planning, so they **accept reservations**, and in fact, recommend them for **brunch and dinner**, especially on weekends, to guarantee a spot. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, with **fast service** being a highlight noted by many customers. You can pay using **credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**, making transactions quick and easy. They also provide **high chairs** and have a **kids' menu**, making it a great place for families.

Features / Highlights

**Standout Happy Hour**: A major draw for locals is the daily **Happy Hour from 3-6 PM**. It features a special menu, including the highly-praised **$5 Betty Burger**, along with great deals on drinks. It's the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
**Diverse and Inclusive Atmosphere**: Playa Betty's is a designated **Transgender safespace** and is known for being **LGBTQ+ friendly**, creating a welcoming environment for a diverse crowd. The restaurant is also **dog-friendly** in its outdoor seating area.
**Exceptional Drink Selection**: The bar is a key feature, offering a **great beer selection**, **great cocktails**, and a range of **hard liquor** and **wine**. Their house margaritas, like the classic **Betty's Margarita** and the **Spicy Mezcalita**, are a must-try.
**Menu Variety**: From **vegan** and **vegetarian options** to a dedicated **kids' menu**, the restaurant caters to a wide array of dietary needs and preferences. Items like the **Buffalo Cauli Bites** and the **Dharma Bowl** show their commitment to variety.
**Lively & Casual Vibe**: The ambiance is described as casual and trendy, with a **bar onsite** and a focus on **sports**, making it a fantastic spot to catch a game with friends.

Contact Information

**Address**: 320 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA

**Phone**: (212) 712-0777

What is worth choosing

For anyone in New York City, Playa Betty's is a top choice for a number of compelling reasons. The restaurant's ability to combine a laid-back, California-inspired atmosphere with seriously delicious food is a winning formula. It’s not just another Mexican joint; it’s a place that offers a genuine experience. The menu is a highlight, and certain dishes are particularly worth choosing. The **Quesabirria Tacos** are a standout, known for their rich flavor and tender meat, making them a popular and highly-recommended item. For a lighter but equally flavorful option, the **Malibu Chopped Salad** is a great choice, offering a fresh taste of the California coast.

Beyond the main dishes, the **Starters** are a fantastic way to begin your meal. The **Guacamole 2.0** is a generous, flavorful portion that's perfect for sharing, and the **Mexican Street Corn** is an absolute fan favorite. On the drink side, the **House Margaritas** are a major draw. The classic **Betty's Margarita** is a solid choice, while the **Spicy Mezcalita** offers a unique kick for those who like a little heat. The option to go **"Bottomless" with Mimosa, Sangria, or Cactus Pear Bellinis** during brunch is a huge plus for a fun weekend gathering.

Ultimately, what makes Playa Betty's a must-visit is the overall vibe and quality. The combination of excellent food and drink, a friendly and inclusive environment, and a wide array of services—from **outdoor seating** to **delivery**—makes it a versatile spot for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick, casual lunch, a lively happy hour, or a full dinner with friends, this restaurant has you covered. The positive customer reviews often mention the friendly staff and the consistently high quality of the food. It’s the kind of place you'll never get tired of visiting because the food is exquisite and the people are welcoming. It’s a true Upper West Side gem that captures the spirit of a beachside getaway right in the middle of the city.

Playa Betty’s Menu

Start Here TEASERS
7 Days a week! From 11am to 3:30pm. JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 3-6PM AND TRY OUR HAPPY HOUR ONLY $5 BETTY BURGER!
GUACAMOLE 2.0 $15.00
CRAFT YOUR OWN GUACAMOLE BY ADDING THE INGREDIENTS YOU LIKE
QUESO $14.00
AUSTIN-STYLE CHEESE DIP! Plain
MEXICAN STREET CORN $10.00
SERVED WITH CREMA, LIME JUICE, COTIJA CHEESE & TAJIN
TOT-CHOS $15.00
TATER TOTS WITH JACK CHEESE, GUACAMOLE, SOUR CREAM, PICO DE GALLO AND VEG OR BEEF CHILI
BUFFALO CAULI BITES $14.00
CLASSIC BUFFALO STYLE WITH SOY RANCH DIPPING SAUCE
PAWN PATROL $17.00
CHOOSE A GRAIN: CHEESY GRITS, QUINOA OR JASMINE RICE CHOOSE AN EGG: POACHED, SCRAMBLED OR SUNNYSIDE UP CHOOSE A BEAN: BLACK OR REFRIED CHOOSE A PROTEIN: TURKEY SAUSAGE, APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON, VEGGIE BACON, CHORIZO OR PORTOBELLO'S SERVED WITH GRILLED TOMATO, SPINACH, AVOCADO, AND PEPITAS

TACOS
TACOS SERVED ON CORN TORTILLAS EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
BAJA FISH $7.00
TEMPURA-BATTERED COD, WITH CABBAGE SLAW, JALAPEÑO CREMA, PICO DE GALLO AND COTIJA CHEESE
CARNE ASADA $7.00
GRILLED MARINATED STEAK TOPPED WITH CHOPPED ONIONS, SAN JOSE ORANGE SAUCE, CILANTRO & LIME
ROCK'N ROLL SHRIMP $6.00
CHILI DUSTED SHRIMP COOKED ON THE PLANCHA, JICAMA SLAW, DILL PICKLE - LEMON TARTAR SAUCE
SHROOMS ADOBO $5.00
GRILLED PORTABELLA MUSHROOMS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS, GUACAMOLE, CILANTRO AND LIME
SOUTHERN GIRL $6.00
FRIED CHICKEN WITH SHREDDED LETTUCE, PIMENTO CHEESE AND JALAPEÑO CREMA
SHORT RIB & EGG $7.00
MEXICAN COKE SHORT RIB WITH SCRAMBLED EGGS, SALSA ROJA, CILANTRO & COTIJA ON A FLOUR TORTILLA
MIGAS TACO $5.00
EGGS SCRAMBLED WITH SHREDDED CORN TORTILLAS, CHILE DE ARBOL, AND JACK CHEESE ON A FLOUR TORTILLA
CARNITAS & EGG $6.00
SCRAMBLED EGGS, MEXICAN SPICED - BRAISED PORK, AVOCADO CREMA, COTIJA CHEESE ON A FLOUR TORTILLA
CHORIZO/POTATO & EGG $5.00
SCRAMBLED EGGS TOPPED WITH CHORIZO, POTATOES, SALSA VERDE AND COTIJA ON A FLOUR TORTILLA
Taco Tuesday $4.00
$4 TACOS ALL DAY LONG every Tuesday!

BURRITOS, QUESADILLAS & BOWLS
BREAKFAST BURRITO $17.00
VENICE BEACH STYLE BURRITO STUFFED WITH SCRAMBLED EGGS, JACK CHEESE, GUACAMOLE & TATER TOTS.
BRUNCH QUESADILLA $18.00
SCRAMBLED EGGS, JACK CHEESE, POTATOES & PICO DE GALLO WITH GUACAMOLE & CREMA. CHOICE OF BACON, CHORIZO OR TURKEY SAUSAGE
PLAYA QUESADILLA $16.00
JACK CHEESE, BLACK BEANS & PICO DE GALLO WITH GUACAMOLE & SOUR CREAM.
HANG TEN STEAK BURRITO $20.00
OVERSTUFFED SAN DIEGO-STYLE SURFER BURRITO MADE WITH JACK CHEESE, GUACAMOLE, SOUR CREAM, LETTUCE AND FRENCH FRIES!!! OR MAKE IT NYC STYLE WITH RICE & BEANS

DHARMA BOWL
BUILD YOUR OWN HEALTHY BOWL
CHOOSE A GRAIN: YELLOW RICE OR FLUFFY QUINOA CHOOSE A GREEN: LEMONY KALE OR MIXED GREENS CHOOSE A BEAN: REFRIED OR BLACK BEANS CHOOSE A PROT $20.00

PLATES & SAMMIES
TACO LUNCH $16.00
ANY TWO TACOS WITH RICE & BEANS, LEMONY KALE OR MIXED GREENS
HUEVOS PLAYEROS $17.00
THREE EGGS BAKED IN CHARRED TOMATO SALSA WITH BLACK BEANS, QUESO FRESCO, AVOCADO & PICO DE GALLO WITH WARM CORN TORTILLAS
BETTY'S EGG-CHILADAS $18.00
CORN TORTILLAS STUFFED WITH SCRAMBLED EGGS, SPINACH, SCALLIONS AND FUNDIDO CHEESE. TOPPED WITH ENCHILADA SAUCE, LETTUCE, TOMATO, CREMA, COTIJA & PICO DE GALLO
FLUFFY CORN PANCAKES $15.00
VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP, DULCE DE LECHE CREAM, MACERATED BERRIES
QUESABIRRIA TACOS $21.00
THREE GRIDDLED CORN TORTILLAS STUFFED WITH BRAISED BEEF AND FUNDIDO CHEESE, WITH A RICH BEEF CONSOMME DIPPING SAUCE
MESSY BETTY $16.00
PORK CARNITAS, CHIPOTLE SAUCE, CHEDDAR CHEESE, SHREDDED LETTUCE, JICAMA SLAW & PICKLED ONIONS ON A POTATO BUN. SERVED WITH FRIES
CALI-STYLE CLUB SANDWICH $17.00
GRILLED CHICKEN, MONTEREY JACK, AVOCADO, LETTUCE, TOMATO & MAYONNAISE ON SOURDOUGH. SERVED WITH FRIES
BAJA BURGER $15.00
CHEDDAR, ONIONS, LETTUCE, TOMATO, PICKLES, BETTY'S BURGER SAUCE & FRIES

SALADS
ALL NATURAL CHICKEN BREAST OR TOFU +$2 GRILLED STEAK OR SALMON +$4
CAESAR CHAVEZ $17.00
ROMAINE, GRILLED CORN, COJITA CHEESE, CHIPOTLE - CAESAR DRESSING, CRISPY TORTILLA STRIPS
MALIBU CHOPPED SALAD $19.00
MIXED GREENS WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, JICAMA, GRILLED CORN, ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS, CHICKPEAS, RED ONIONS AND CITRUS VINAIGRETTE
KALEFORNIA $18.00
KALE, ROASTED SWEET POTATOES, QUESO FRESCO, POMEGRANATE SEEDS, PEPITAS, APPLE CIDER VINAIGRETTE

HOUSE MARGARITAS
FROZEN PALOMA $15.00
JOSE CUERVO 100% AGAVE TRADICIONAL SILVER, GRAPEFRUIT AND A PINK PEPPERCORN SALT RIM
BETTY'S MARGARITA $15.00
OUR OWN SECRET RECIPE MADE WITH JOSE CUERVO 100% AGAVE TRADICIONAL REPOSADO, SERVED ON THE ROCKS
SPICY MEZCALITA $15.00
400 CONEJOS MEZCAL, TANTEO CHIPOTLE, LIME, SERVED ON THE ROCKS WITH A TAJIN SALT RIM
SKINNY DIP $15.00
OLMECA ALTOS PLATA, ORGANIC AGAVE AND LIME, SERVED STRAIGHT UP

GO BOTTOMLESS
ALL YOU CAN DRINK: MIMOSAS, SANGRIA OR CACTUS PEAR BELLINIS $18.00
With the purchase of a brunch entree or at least two tacos for one and half hours

Start Here TEASERS
Open Sun-Weds 11am-10pm, Thurs-Sat until 11Pm. JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 3-6PM AND TRY OUR HAPPY HOUR ONLY $5 BETTY BURGER!
GUACAMOLE 2.0 $15.00
CRAFT YOUR OWN GUACAMOLE BY ADDING THE INGREDIENTS YOU LIKE
QUESO $14.00
AUSTIN-STYLE CHEESE DIP! Plain. dips served wit h tortilla chips
MEXICAN STREET CORN $10.00
SERVED WITH CREMA, LIME JUICE, COTIJA CHEESE & TAJIN
TOT-CHOS $15.00
TATER TOTS WITH JACK CHEESE, GUACAMOLE, SOUR CREAM, PICO DE GALLO AND VEG OR BEEF CHILI
BUFFALO CAULI BITES $14.00
CLASSIC BUFFALO STYLE WITH SOY RANCH DIPPING SAUCE
QUESO-FILLA $12.00
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE THE OOEY, GOOEY GOODNESS OF QUESO FUNDIDO, WE PUT IT IN A QUESADILLA
STOKED FOR POKÉ $15.00
SOY MARINATED TUNA*, AVOCADO, AND WASABI CREMA. SERVED WITH TORTILLA CHIPS

TACOS
ALL TACOS SERVED ON CORN TORTILLAS
BAJA FISH $7.00
TEMPURA-BATTERED COD, WITH CABBAGE SLAW, JALAPEÑO CREMA, PICO DE GALLO AND COTIJA CHEESE
AL PASTOR $6.00
GRILLED SPICED PORK SERVED WITH ONION, PICKLED PINEAPPLE AND CILANTRO
CARNE ASADA $7.00
GRILLED MARINATED STEAK TOPPED WITH CHOPPED ONIONS, SAN JOSE ORANGE SAUCE, CILANTRO & LIME
THE MARLEY $5.00
JAMAICAN STYLE JERK CHICKEN SERVED WITH BRAISED CABBAGE, SWEET PLANTAIN AND HABANERO - PLANTAIN AIOLI... IT'S IRIE MON!
MEXICAN COKE SHORTRIB $7.00
BEEF BRAISED WITH MEXICAN COKE, TOPPED WITH PICKLED RED ONION, GRILLED CORN, COTIJA CHEESE AND MEXICAN COKE GRAVY
ROCK'N ROLL SHRIMP $6.00
CHILI DUSTED SHRIMP COOKED ON THE PLANCHA, JICAMA SLAW, DILL PICKLE - LEMON TARTAR SAUCE
SHROOMS ADOBO $5.00
GRILLED PORTABELLA MUSHROOMS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS, GUACAMOLE, CILANTRO AND LIME
SOUTHERN GIRL $6.00
FRIED CHICKEN WITH SHREDDED LETTUCE, PIMENTO CHEESE AND JALAPEÑO CREMA
FLACO TACO $5.00
FALAFEL TACO WITH CILANTRO TAHINI, PICO DE GALLO AND SAN JOSE ORANGE SAUCE
TACO TUESDAY $4.00
$4 TACOS ALL DAY LONG every Tuesday!

BURRITOS & BOWLS
ALL BOWLS SERVED WITH GRILLED ZUCCHINI & ROASTED YAMS
HANG TEN BURRITO $20.00
OVERSTUFFED SAN DIEGO-STYLE SURFER BURRITO MADE WITH JACK CHEESE, GUACAMOLE, SOUR CREAM, LETTUCE AND FRENCH FRIES!!! OR MAKE IT NYC STYLE WITH RICE & BEANS CHOICE OF: STEAK, CHICKEN TINGA OR BAJA FISH
DHARMA BOWL $20.00
BUILD YOUR OWN HEALTHY BOWL CHOOSE A GRAIN: YELLOW RICE OR FLUFFY QUINOA CHOOSE A GREEN: LEMONY KALE OR MIXED GREENS CHOOSE A BEAN: REFRIED OR BLACK BEANS CHOOSE A PROTEIN: JERK CHICKEN, AL PASTOR, TOFU,

BIG WAVE Plates
BEACHFIRE CHICKEN $25.00
FIRE-ROASTED MARINATED CHICKEN, SERVED WITH GRILLED LIME HALVES, GRILLED SCALLIONS, CORN TORTILLAS AND MEXICAN STREET CORN
CALI CARNITAS $24.00
BRAISED PORK SHOULDER MARINATED IN MEXICAN SPICES, LIME AND ORANGE JUICE. SERVED WITH AVOCADO CREMA, YELLOW RICE, BLACK BEANS AND CORN TORTILLAS
TACO DINNER $20.00
CHOOSE ANY THREE TACOS. COMES WITH YELLOW RICE AND YOUR CHOICE OF REFRIED BEANS OR BLACK BEANS
TIA BETTY'S ENCHILADAS $21.00
CORN TORTILLAS STUFFED WITH YOUR CHOICE OF FILLING AND JACK CHEESE, TOPPED WITH LETTUCE, TOMATO, CREMA, COTIJA & PICO DE GALLO. CHOICE OF: MEXICAN COKE BEEF, CHICKEN TINGA OR GRILLED SHRIMP
MEXICAN COKE STEAK $26.00
SERVED WITH COTIJA MASHED POTATOES, MEXICAN COKE GRAVY AND ROASTED POBLANO AND CORN SALSA
QUESABIRRIA TACOS $21.00
THREE GRIDDLED CORN TORTILLAS STUFFED WITH BRAISED BEEF AND FUNDIDO CHEESE, WITH A RICH BEEF CONSOMME DIPPING SAUCE
MALIBU CHOPPED SALAD $19.00
MIXED GREENS WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, JICAMA, GRILLED CORN, ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS, CHICKPEAS, RED ONIONS, AND A CITRUS VINAIGRETTE

DESSERTS
CHURRO ICE CREAM SANDWICH $8.00
TWO CINNAMON SUGAR-COATED CIRCULAR CHURROS SANDWICHING CREAMY VANILLA GELATO.
HORCHATA RICE PUDDING $8.00
CLASSIC RICE PUDDING, MADE WITH MEXICAN HORCHATA SPICES AND SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK, TOPPED WITH TRES LECHES WHIPPED CREAM|

HOUSE MARGARITAS
FROZEN PALOMA $15.00
JOSE CUERVO 100% AGAVE TRADICIONAL SILVER, GRAPEFRUIT AND A PINK PEPPERCORN SALT RIM
BETTY'S MARGARITA $15.00
OUR OWN SECRET RECIPE MADE WITH JOSE CUERVO 100% AGAVE TRADICIONAL REPOSADO, SERVED ON THE ROCKS
SPICY MEZCALITA $15.00
400 CONEJOS MEZCAL, TANTEO CHIPOTLE, LIME, SERVED ON THE ROCKS WITH A TAJIN SALT RIM
SKINNY DIP $15.00
OLMECA ALTOS PLATA, ORGANIC AGAVE AND LIME, SERVED STRAIGHT UP

Playa Betty’s Details

From the business
Identifies as Black-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking

Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside

Playa Betty’s Photos

Playa Betty’s Location

Playa Betty’s

New York New York County New York Amsterdam Avenue

320 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA

Playa Betty’s Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 3090 user reviews.

brunchhappy hourbartendershort ribice cream sandwichtater totscomedy clubfrozen palomaalfredobuffalo cauliflower bites

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

6/28/25 finally had time to get here for happy hour(every day 3-6pm). Me and D sat outside, good people watching. Good service. The happy hour drinks are good and the food is good too. Love the $5 burger! Guacamole is good and a big portion along with all the fixings for it.Street corn was good too. We had several margaritas. We will be back.
June 29 · dave I
The vibes is really nice, people are super friendly and food exquisite. I got 3 tacos mushrooms, al pastor and the best Birria. I was so full to have more food but I’ll back to try more. This is the pelase that you never get tired of eat.
July 07 · anaMr guerra
Fantastic food, atmosphere, and service that works for a family dinner or night out with friends.We ate here after a long day at the Natural History museum. With 3 hungry young boys and 1 tired baby we made our way through the front door. Usually, our crew is met with a deep breath as the restaurant knows there is a 50/50 chance that our table will be rowdy, BUT not Playa Betty. We were met with a huge "Hello and Welcome!" and every family member received a fist bump from one of the waiters.Once seated, Craig greeted our table and informed us of happy hour, which I took part in. He quickly came back to tell me that the keg was being changed so it would take a few more minutes but I didnt mind trying the other beer instead. After receiving my beer, Craig returned with a sample of my original order now that the keg was changed, and he said, "I didn't want you to miss out on what you originally wanted!"Craig was an incredible server, acknowledging all of the kids that ranged from 1.5 to 12 years old. The whole restaurant catered to our kids and made them feel welcomed and appreciated. Only one of my kids got a kids meal which came with an ice cream at the end. Since this restaurant knows kid dynamics they voluntarily brought out ice cream for the other 3 free of charge.The atmosphere was absolutely incredible and would work for any occasion from family dinner to night out with friends after work. The food was out of this world good and the family could not get enough of the street corn.I highly recommend this place and will absolutely be going back!
March 29 · Adam Tijerina
Really solid tacos. I was a bit worried that the Taco Dinner would be too much food, but two tacos left me wanting a bit more. My friend also said that this is one of the few places that she can get real Austin-style queso.
September 02 · Matt B
Definitely recommend such a cute and delicious restaurant. Our server Anika was sweet & accommodating. Street corn and tacos are a must!
August 06 · Mallory Davis