In some ways it is similar to your neighborhood market, except this indoor food hall has a verve for the gourmet that rivals anywhere else in Manhattan.
Located in the once-abandoned neighborhood that shares its name, Chelsea Market is the crowning example of the cosmopolitanism revival that Downtown represents today. It is similar to the average market with vendor stalls lining a maze of hallways. However, you may find a gelateria side-by-side with a butcher, or a Thai restaurant flanked by cheesemongers. Come here on an empty stomach, but leave only when you’ve tried something new.
This market has its origins as a factory for the New York Biscuit Company, later known as Nabisco. For decades, the plant was where Oreo cookies were produced. When production moved, the building served as a base for different types of industrial applications until it was developed into a market in the 1990s. See how this classic meeting ground for New Yorkers was re-invented.
The indoor Chelsea Market spans an entire New York City block. Anyone who’s been here will tell you that you must try something, but recommendations will vary.
If you like seafood and it’s cold out, try the clam chowder at Lobster Place. On a warm spring day, savor the sweet and spicy flavors of a Thai salad at Chelsea Thai. Around every corner could be your new favorite vendor to recommend to friends.
Many locals come to Chelsea Market to stock up on all their gourmet groceries in one convenient location. Spend some time browsing the diverse array of olive oils, cheeses and cooking supplies this market has in abundance. Even if you don’t plan to make a purchase, inhaling the fragrances swirling around these aisles is an experience you won’t want to miss.
To get to Chelsea Market, take the train to 8th Ave. or 18th St. Both stations are only a few blocks east of the market. Keep in mind that the High Line and Hudson River are very close, and the West Village is just south. Enjoy your trip to the market and leave with a full stomach, a special gourmet treat, great photos and magical memories.
