Art galleries, the Joyce Theatre, excellent restaurants, the High Line, interesting shops, the Chelsea Market and proximity to the Hudson River are just some of the reasons why Chelsea is a favorite New York City neighborhood for me. Running from 15th to 39th Streets and from Fifth Avenue to the Hudson River, Chelsea is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Manhattan for both locals and tourists as well. The acclaimed development of the High Line, the 1.5 mile section of a former elevated freight railroad that has become NYC’s official “park in the sky,” has contributed heavily to the buzz that continues to surround Chelsea. The streets are filled with an ever-changing mix of apartment buildings, clubs, hotels, shops and restaurants.
West Chelsea is home to a large number of art galleries and a beautiful section of the Hudson River Park along the water. Strolling the blocks from 18th to 27th Streets between Ninth Avenue and the West Side Highway, it’s fun to stop into whichever galleries – David Zwirner, Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, Marianne Boesky are a few of the larger ones – catch your fancy.
Afterwards, you can head up to the High Line, over to the river or down Ninth Avenue past an eclectic array of stores and eateries to the Chelsea Market. Located on the west side of the avenue between 15th and 16th Streets, the Market has a collection of food, housewares and other shops and is also the home of The Food Network and Google. One block south is an island with tables and outdoor seating. It is the perfect spot to take a break, do some serious people watching, and enjoy some of the goodies you picked up at The Market.
On its eastern side, Chelsea has always been a place to search for antiques and collectibles. Small antique stores, selling everything from furniture to clothing to art, dot the blocks from 24th to 26th Streets between Fifth and Seventh Avenues. The Chelsea Antiques Center at 110 West 25th Street is a worthwhile destination by itself, housing over 150 vendors offering a huge variety of goods.
As an added bonus, there is ample free street parking in the neighborhood, especially during the weekend. On a beautiful day when you just want to be outside, consider a visit to Chelsea.
WHERE TO EAT
Cafeteria, 119 Seventh Avenue (at 17th) – very popular place for good, reasonably-priced American food 24/7, stop in for a drink, a snack or a meal, outdoor seating
Cookshop, 156 Tenth Avenue (at 20th) – a neighborhood favorite, customers return for fresh, local ingredients in a modern setting, outdoor seating in good weather
Donut Plant at the Chelsea Hotel, 220 West 23rd Street (bet/ Seventh and Eighth) – my favorite donut shop, classics and seasonal specials: love the glazed, try the jelly with homemade jam in every bite, cake donuts like blackout and carrot, cream-filled doughseeds are delicious little treats, good coffee too
Grand Sichuan, 229 Ninth Avenue (at 24th) – authentic dishes from various regions of China, no frills, lots of flavor, been around forever
Le Bergamote, 177 Ninth Avenue (at 20th) – the best French pastries and bread in the area, perfect spot for coffee and a treat, BLD available as well including sandwiches, salads, steak frites and roast chicken
Le Grainne Café, 183 Ninth Avenue (at 21st) – casual little French bistro/café, savory and sweet crepes, sandwiches, salads, eggs all day, a favorite spot for a meal or a steaming café au lait, open late
The Meatball Shop, 200 Ninth Avenue (bet/ 22nd & 23rd) – everything you wanted in a meatball – chicken, beef, pork or vegetable, anyway you want it – sliders, heroes, with pasta, in a sauce, always freshly made
Omai, 158 Ninth Avenue (bet/ 19th & 20th) – consistent, high quality Vietnamese food in a Zen-like setting, wonderful soups, spring and summer rolls, noodle and rice dishes, friendly service
Tia Pol, 205 Tenth Avenue (bet/ 22nd & 23rd) – tiny tapas restaurant, delicious chorizo, ham and cheese croquettes, stuffed peppers, fried chick peas and seasonal daily specials, small bar area and a few tables inside and out, always busy
Waldy’s Wood Fired Pizza, 800 Sixth Avenue (nr 27th) – excellent non-traditional pizza spot from Chef Waldy Malouf