I’ve been eating here for many years and especially when I’m in the Chelsea Gallery district. It’s your basic Greek owned New York City diner. You can’t go wrong with breakfast and that’s exactly what I usually have there. It has a homey feel to it and apparently it’s still open 24 hours a day.
Chelsea Square Diner - 368 West 23rd Street 212-691-5400
Johny's Luncheonette is an old school diner style restaurant. It's been in business since 1994 and has a look that goes back even further than that. It is a standard greasy spoon style restaurant with basic American cuisine and a few Greek items on it. A counter runs almost the length of the restaurant with the food being prepared in front of you. I continue to go back and I'm always happy that they are still there. Johny owns and still works in the restaurant!
Johny's Luncheonette, 124 West 25th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
Good News - Yes they are open. You know the drill - masks and social distancing.
Dave’s New York is one very cool store indeed and without the typical fanfare of hipster stores. It is a family owned and operated business for over 50 years, Instead of me raving about it, I’ll include a paragraph from their site.
“Family owned and operated for over 55 years, Dave's New York features branded "Americana" rugged and casual clothing. Interactive American icon brands such as Levi's, Carhartt, Red Wing, Dickies, Schott, Alpha, Woolrich, Ben Davis, Timberland Pro, The North Face, Columbia, and Chippewa are offered in a wide selection of models at very favorable pricing.”
It’s in a neighborhood with much going on and it’s rather easy to miss it with all the other stuff going on. But it’s definitely worth it! You can also order online.
Dave’s New York - 581 Avenue of the Americas between 16th & 17th Streets
Hollywood Diner is one of many diners in New York City. The important thing to me is that they are independently owned businesses. That typically means that they care about you the customer. That is true of this diner and yes, they carry the standard diner fare including burgers and breakfast.
Hollywood Diner, 574 6th Avenue at 16th Street
Joe is my favorite cafe in New York City. They get top grades for quality and consistency as well as atmosphere and friendliness of the staff. I don't often go to the Chelsea location but I've been there at least a handful of times and it's always been excellent. They only have about ten seats there. I often get coffee there when I go to the High Line Park or the galleries in Chelsea. If you love coffee like I do, then Joe is the place to go!
Joe Coffee Company, 405 West 23rd Street near Ninth Avenue
192 Books is a small but fabulous bookstore in the Chelsea Gallery District. Their selection of books is curated with care. I always find a few books that I really want there. They have a great selection of art & photography books as well as literature in translation. They also have regular events with famous authors in discussion and exhibits as well. Do check them out!
192 Books - 192 10th Avenue near 21st Street.
Printed Matter in their own words is "the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination and appreciation of artists' books." They've been in business since 1976 which is pretty incredible considering how difficult it is for independent bookstores to stay in business in New York City. They specialize in handmade books, zines, artists books and many books that you won't find in a typical bookstore. It is a fabulous find and definitely worth checking out especially if you happen to be in the neighborhood of the Chelsea galleries.
Printed Matter - 231 11th Avenue near 26th Street
Artists & Fleas has a few locations in NYC. This one is in the Chelsea Market under the High Line park. There are a number of different artisans that sell jewelry, t-shirts, clothing, art and much more. It is a very cool market and when you buy from the merchants you are buying local and indie goods. Whether you want to buy a souvenir from your trip to the city or you live here and want to support the community, there are many great things to choose from. Artists & Fleas has a location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn as well that I'll be writing about in a future post.
Artists & Fleas Chelsea Market, 88 10th Avenue at 15th Street
