Food, drinks, shopping, parks and art. What more can you ask for? Here are a couple cool places to check out while visiting the area.
SEE
Starbucks Reserve NY Roastery – espresso martini, please!
61 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
There nothing better than Starbucks in the city. Head over to the Starbucks Reserve to see and smell coffee/espresso beans, have a taste of something you would not be able to have at any other regular Starbucks. Once you’re done exploring, head upstairs to Arriviamo Bar and have an espresso martini that will change your life. If you want a light snack, there are plenty of options. Definitely a must when in Chelsea.
The Museum at FIT – entering the fashion realm
227 West 27th Street New York City 10001-5992
If you love art, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) has that covered. With different kinds of exhibitions, FIT always has something fashion forward to throw at museum-goers including three open galleries. In 1944, FIT was founded as the first college devoted to the apparel industry. Since then, it has won awards for innovation and excellence.
The High Line – highlight of Chelsea
between 14th St. and 34th St. and 12th Ave. New York, NY 10001
A former greenway and rail trail, the High Line is now an elevated park where people can stroll through to admire wonderful gardens, unique art pieces, and a creative park that features historical context.
Hudson River Park – picnic on the Hudson
353 West St, New York, NY 10011
This waterfront park on the North River also has a skate park, mini golf, carousel rides, kayaking and even dog parks. Hudson River Park is especially perfect on a hot summer day for families with kids or if you just want to have a delightful picnic on public lawns. There are also quick bites to eat here too.
EAT
The Shakespeare – upscale pub
24 E 39th St. New York, NY 10016
The Shakespeare is an upscale pub decorated in 14th century British snug. This authentic tavern serves fine craft beers and menu items that will take you to London, even if you never been there! Try the English bottled cider and yes, The Shakespeare also offers vegan dishes. This place can get very crowded so it is best to always make a reservation. Tip: this restaurant is underground and there is a speakeasy upstairs.
Westville Chelsea – vegan, vegetarian, & fresh produce
246 W. 18th St. New York, NY 10011
Hands down one of the best and healthiest places to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the Chelsea area. Over 24 market vegetables are delivered here daily. The atmosphere is causal enough to sport T-shirts and jeans, but also fancy enough for a leather mini skirt and heels! But like any other NYC restaurant, the inside is tight, luckily it does not feel claustrophobic.
Los Mariscos – tacos & Coronas
409 W. 15th St. New York, NY 10011
Craving authentic Mexican food for an affordable price? This is your places. Los Mariscos is a casual restaurant located in the Chelsea Market and is known for its tasty tacos. The menu is small but nothing beats true Mexican flavors like fish tacos and shrimp ceviches. Don’t forget to have a Corona at this fine place.
DRINK
Catch – upscale lounge
21 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014
This is a sophisticated lounge where you will find actors, models, and musicians. Here’s the best way to get in: through a promoter, but even so, the bouncers are very particular on who gets in because Catch is a small lounge. Once you enter and exits the elevator, BOOM, you’re in. There’s also a terrace / restaurant that highlights fresh seafood. Tip: look chic and you will get in.
PHD Rooftop – views of the city
355 W 16th St, New York, NY
If you want to see a great view of the city that never sleeps, head up to PhD. Upon entrance, you will be ID’ed, once you get through, you will be escorted to the elevators for the upstairs lounge. There is a DJ every night, make sure to snap a picture of the beautiful view.
The Tippler – hipster underground bar
425 W 15th St, New York, NY
If you are looking for a chill environment or somewhere to grab drinks before a night out, this is definitely your place. The Tippler is an underground bar located below the Chelsea Market. The bartenders know how to make delicious drinks and serve them with big smiles. Brick walls and angels on the ceilings exude a very hipster vibe. Here’s one of the coolest bars I’ve been to in Chelsea, definitely a dress down place. Fun Fact: they use paper straws here!
STAY
Kimpton Hotel Eventi – stylish green hotel
851 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001
We love a boutique hotel that practices green initiatives. Eventi does just that, spot on. Designed by Brooklyn-based firm Crème, the reception desk pays tribute to the nearby Garment District. It features in-room spa services, and a full-service spa. Both L’Amico restaurant and The Vine lounge are local hotspots and offer complimentary morning coffee as well as evening wine hour daily. The staff is trained once a year on implementing Eventi’s green practices, including: towel reuse programs, tracking energy use, using energy-efficient lightbulbs, and even educating guests with the hotel’s green initiatives.
SHOP
Chelsea Market – fresh local produce & meats
75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
If you are in the area and want to shop for food, you have to stop in at the Chelsea Market. This large indoor market is not only filled with fresh produce and meats but there’s also displays of art and design. If you are looking to make an incredible meal, definitely shop at the Spices and Tease store for adding the right seasoning for your tastes. Make sure to take a selfie in the bathroom, it is super cool!
192 Books – awesome local bookstore
192 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011
This is an awesome local bookstore! The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, ready to recommend absolutely any book in all sorts of genres. There is a very large selection, so if you came for a book, you will be leaving with probably more than one. If you decide to stick around and read, there are seats available to sit and relax. Look out for events and book signings!
STORY – clothing, home décor, books, & art
151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001 (Located in Macy’s)
This is one of the hippest places to shop in Chelsea. STORY’S interior space looks like it was taken from a magazine shoot, the store changes its theme every 4-8 weeks therefore it is never the same, and everything is for sale. Clothing, home décor, books, and art can be found here, in addition STORY also hosts free community events. There is nothing like walking into a store that unveils you a visual story while you shop!
