Depending on who you ask, Chelsea takes many shapes. Once known for its thriving meatpacking and garment industries, it’s now the site of world class galleries, restaurants, and shops…and the latest NYC location of The Malin.
We’ve compiled our favorites in the sprawling neighborhood along Manhattan’s west side to help you seize everything great Chelsea has to offer.
Where to book a power lunch meeting
The second outpost of some of New York’s best ramen (a bold claim) lies along a busy stretch of 8th Avenue. Inside, you can escape the bustle and enjoy a large menu of unique ramens, green tea in wonderful ceramics, and efficient service for when you’re on the go.
Where to get an afternoon sweet treat
The idea is simple: coffee and warm cookies, and the execution is perfect. The small space on 7th Avenue & 16th Street is a great pop-in if your route to Chelsea takes you along the 1/2/3 lines. Bonus points for serving the locally-roasted SEY coffee.
Where to have a coffee catchup
Serving the neighborhood for almost 15 years, The Commons is a quaint cafe along 7th avenue that serves as the perfect place to catch up with a friend or colleague. When the weather is nice, the outdoor tables are ideal for people watching over a textbook latte.
Where to celebrate a big win
Right on the edge of Chelsea bordering the West Side Highway, Meatpacking, and Chelsea Market is Crane Club: the genius and swanky American restaurant from veteran Chelsea chef Melissa Rodriguez. As an updated take on American Steakhouses, Melissa has created the perfect restaurant to order tons of sides and celebrate your latest achievement.
Go-to fast casual options
In a sea of lunch bowl chains, Electric Burrito shines as a beacon of hope that your midday meal can still be something delicious, independent, and quick. As the name suggests, they specialize in burritos, and also have a solid menu of tacos and burrito bowls. Don’t skip a side of queso!
Where to go for post-work drinks
While at times this spot can be tough to get into, the Lobby Bar’s cocktails and interiors are strong enough to keep it high on our list. Our tip? If you find yourself freed up a little early on a weekday afternoon, pop in and enjoy the gorgeous space to yourself alongside some small bites and their famous Duke’s Martini.
Best place to pick up a thank you gift
As designers and art school graduates, zines and indie publications hold a special place in our hearts. Printed Matter is Mecca for lovers of print, and their Chelsea shop is full of books as eclectic as they come.
Where to go for a team-building activity
It feels customary to take a ceramics class during (at least one) winter living in NYC. If we were to recommend one pottery studio, Greenwich House would be it. With locations in both West Village and Chelsea, they have lots of great spaces (new & old) to try your hand at wheel throwing or hand-building.
WHERE TO throw a big event
One of the coolest parts of The Malin’s Chelsea location is the all-new event space, The Malin Chelsea Events. Just around the corner on 26th Street, this 5,000-square-foot venue is suited for everything from brand launches and industry summits to screenings, celebrations, and cultural gatherings.
Where to get a workout in
The West Side Highway
While there are plenty of big-name fitness studios and gyms scattered throughout Chelsea, there is nothing more iconic than a jog or bike ride along Manhattan’s West Side Highway. The portion of this pedestrianized trail that passes through Chelsea offers access to some of the many piers in the neighborhood that have also been redesigned for pedestrian use.
Best places to find inspiration
This cultural institution has had a few homes across the city since its founding in 1930, and for the last decade that’s been downtown in the heart of Chelsea’s Meatpacking District. You can always expect to view important works from big-name American artists and every other year a major turnout for the famed Whitney Biennial.
Chelsea Galleries
Chelsea’s history of galleries goes back to the 80’s when Larry Gagosian was one of the first to open an arts space in the neighborhood. Here are some of our favorite new and longtime institutions to visit while gallery hopping: Karma, Lehmann Maupin, Gladstone Gallery, 303 Gallery, David Richard Gallery, Hollis Taggart, Mary Ryan Gallery, Gagosian, Pace, and Dia Chelsea.
