A Day in Meatpacking District
Little W 12th St
The sounds of Little West 12 Street aren’t much this time of day. But this part of the city, West 12th Street, is a crossroads of trends. This is where the High Line begins and a block away is the famed Chelsea Market. This morning you are just walking around and taking in the architectural beauty of the area’s industrial buildings. The history abounds as these buildings that were once the first meat markets in the city. Right now is the time to take in the silence and ambiance. The silence won’t last long.
Gansevoort Market
Chelsea Market is only a handful blocks away, but this is the Meatpacking District, and you need to keep faithful to your neighborhood. The Gansevoort Market offers a historic experience since this industrial building was first a farmers’ market back in 1884 and, quite possibly, one of the first marketplaces in this part of the city. Today, the market offers an abundance of unique eats and shops like Gotham Poke, The French Block, Dana’s Bakery, Heermance Farm Purveyors (organic produce), Mission Ceviche and Popup Florist.
Whitney Museum of American Art
It’s time to take a break from the food and take in the culture that dominates the neighborhood. The centerpiece of the area is the Whitney Museum of American Art. The close second choice is Ground Zero Museum Workshop. Whitney has quickly become one of the most popular art museums in the city. The museum’s vast, elaborate and intricate art exhibits have attracted eyes. Feast yours on exhibits like those of the works of Diane Arbus and Georgia O’Keefe.
The Wild Son
There aren’t many early morning places to find a good meal in the neighborhood, probably because the Meatpacking District is the king of nightlife in the city. But there’s one spot that has taken the bull by the horns. The Wild Son has become a popular breakfast destination, having gotten the breakfast sandwich down. The place serves standard choices like Good Morning Sunshine (sunny eggs, pulled braised bacon, avocado with rosemary aioli on brioche), and the out-of-this-world with Pernil Romero (slow braised pork with fennel, garlic and rosemary).
Bubby’s
You have gotten into a foodie-state-of-mind, and that can only mean lunch at Bubby’s. The American comfort restaurant became a city favorite with its nearby outpost in Tribeca. But this super large mess hall in the Meatpacking District is equally as good. Try their famed blueberry pancakes, or if you’re in the mood for savory – sink your teeth into the Green Chile Cheeseburger (utilizes New Mexico Hatch chilis). If it's something lighter you crave, order the Heirloom Tomato & Avocado salad (baby hemp leaves, greens, spicy pecans, onions, feta and cider vinaigrette).
Milk Studios
Your mind has become creative after the two hours at the Whitney. So let’s keep going with tour of the creative. There are two popular art-making establishments that have surfaced as the area’s best. Milk Studios and Highland Stages have dominated the recent art movement in the neighborhood. A photographer in you will have affordable access to interactive stages and studios for photoshoots.
A Night in Meatpacking District
Catch
Okay, time to get back to food now. For a small neighborhood, there’s a long line of great eats, including Standard Grill, TAO, Buddakan, Sugar Factory, Scarpetta, Spice One and Del Posto, But the best, trendiest and busiest is Catch. The seafood specialists are the brainchild of a former top chef. The place is gigantic with 400 seats spread over three levels. The food is classically prepared with little twists to popular seafood preps like the salmon belly carpaccio and bourbon-miso black cod lettuce wraps.
The Gansevoort Hotel
The one thing that has given the Meatpacking District its personality is the presence of the trendiest clubs and lounges in the city. The area has become a celebrity magnet so keep an eye out for Derek Jeter or Kim Kardashian. The most popular choices are 1 Oak, Highline Ballroom, and Cielo. The atmosphere gets a little more laid back at STK or at the Top of the Standard. If you’re looking to drink past dawn, make your way to The Gilded Lady and The Gansevoort Hotel.
