What to Eat & Drink in NYC’s Meatpacking District

Meatpacking is defined by specialty shops, high-end restaurants and elegant clubs located in historic basements and newly renovated rooftops. Given its convenient location in Manhattan along the Hudson River, the area has also increased its number of free attractions and is now home to two wildly popular high-concept green spaces that are high on the to-do lists of tourists and locals alike. Here’s what to eat in New York’s Meatpacking District.

Start your day at Kobrick Coffee Co., a huge local coffee shop with great roasts, comfortable seating, and great breakfast food. For your next energy boost, Starbucks Reserve Roastery has you covered. One of only six locations in the world, this one-of-a-kind interactive coffee museum offers higher-quality beverages than the average Starbucks, as well as a Princi bakery and cafe stocked with freshly baked bread. Other great coffee spots include Banter’s Hudson Street brunch spot, the incredibly beautiful Old Rose at the Jane Hotel, and Hector’s Cafe & Diner, a classic and easy hangover cure.

Meatpacking is characterized by niche stores, top of the line eateries and rich clubs situated in noteworthy cellars and recently redesigned housetops. Given its helpful area in Manhattan along the Hudson Stream, the region has additionally expanded its number of free attractions and is presently home to two ridiculously well-known high-idea green spaces that are high on the daily agendas of sightseers and local people the same. This is what to eat in New York’s Meatpacking Region.

For a heartier daytime meal, seafood-focused Mollusca offers an extensive raw bar menu with flavors from around the world. Catch is another winner, located in a historic building and offering affordable seafood, sushi and meat dishes. For a Mediterranean twist, Fig & Olive is a place that features a variety of raw appetizers, meat and seafood mains, and other vegetarian options.

Italian food is best served at the beautiful La Pecora Bianca; French cuisine thrives at the famous Pastis; hearty steaks can be found at Old Homestead Steakhouse; Standard Grill’s contemporary menu currently includes a build-your-own Bloody Mary; and upscale Chinese take center stage at Hao Noodle. If you’re looking for a cutting-edge Korean hotspot that’s a hidden oasis, relax with views of the Hudson River and High Line at Genesis House and its Tea Pavilion.

When the day comes to an end, Aubi & Ramsa is an elegant ice cream bar where you can satisfy your sweet tooth and make plans for the evening.

To Eat:

1. Dos Casminos: Especially famous for its spicy guacamole and very good sangria. The charm of the restaurant at each of the five locations is authentically Mexican and provides a welcome change after a long day at work or a tiring day of sightseeing.

2. Fig & Olive: This is an exclusive restaurant serving seasonal Mediterranean cuisine. Right next door to The Standard High Line Hotel, at the end of High Line Park, it is in one of the old “warehouse” buildings that are so typical of the area.

3. Hector’s Café and Diner – Nostalgic diners have been serving delicious food since 1949, a treasured part of the area’s history. Since there is no set time for breakfast or dinner, you can come anytime and enjoy their amazing menu.

4. La Pecora Bianca: You’ll find one of the best lunch spots in the Meatpacking District right on Washington Street. It’s called La Pecora Bianca, and it’s a charming Italian gem located near the Whitney Museum of American Art.

5. Pastis: At Pastis you can taste a delicious Croque Madame or eat a classic French omelette. The vintage atmosphere adds a touch of nostalgia to your dining experience.

6. Balthazar – The bakery of the famous Balthazar bistro is known for its excellent cakes, fresh rolls, croissants, muffins or cakes. It’s a great place to grab a pastry for breakfast or a sandwich for lunch.

7. Posh Pop Bakeshop – Visit this 100% gluten-free bakery for coffee, as well as gluten-free sandwiches, waffles, and pastries. This gluten-free bakery is known for its beautiful and aromatic pastries.

8. Citizens of Bleecker is another Australian cafe serving delicious and healthy breakfasts and lunches. They already have several branches in Manhattan. We loved the bright design and friendly atmosphere, as well as the great selection of healthy dishes on the menu. Their menu also has many vegan/vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free options. Their prices are also quite friendly compared to local food lovers.

9. Balaboosta – For a taste of modern Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine, visit Balaboosta, a lively, casual restaurant open for brunch, lunch or dinner. The decoration is bright, the food delicious. Try shakshuka, cauliflower with peanut tahini or chicken shawarma, and for dessert, coconut malabi or crème brûlée with halva.

10. Jack’s Wife Freda – We love this cafe for its variety of breakfast options with Middle Eastern flavors. The cafe was born from a love story between South Africa and Israel and is a great place for breakfast, or lunch. Many dishes have a Middle Eastern twist, such as rosewater waffles or green shakshuka. Other dishes also offer all kinds of flavor surprises, like the Greek salad with cabbage and pickled red onion. They have three locations in Chelsea, Soho and West Village.

To Drink:

1. Wine lovers will find Corkbuzz Chelsea Market to be possibly the best place to buy wine in the county. Located in the busy Chelsea Market area, this small but energetic wine bar is perfect for a drink, flight or bottle, along with some well-prepared snacks and small plates. Best of all, Corkbuzz Chelsea Market offers bottlings in GoVino to-go glasses, meaning you can take the juice with you and pair it with whatever cuisine you fancy at the market.

2. Chama Mama also offers a wide selection of still reds and whites from various wine-growing regions. It may seem obvious, but don’t skip the khachapuri.

3. Gallow Green Located atop the McKittrick Hotel, this little-known urban oasis offers stunning panoramic views of the cityscape, albeit with much less noise and party atmosphere than The Standard – although if that’s what you’re after, we can’t recommend it highly enough. From a champagne brunch to a boozy happy hour, you can’t go wrong here.

4. Gin-based bath cocktails, as well as many other craft drinks. Paying homage to the bygone days of Prohibition, entering Bathtub Gin promises instant transportation to the heady days of yesteryear.