Known as one of New York’s most popular neighborhoods, Chelsea is populated by many restaurants and bars. Not only is Chelsea home to some of the most impressive art galleries and one of the city’s best museums, the Whitney, this neighborhood also has some of the best bars in town. Whether you’re after a quick night cap or an epic bar crawl, here are our top watering holes.
Since its opening in 2009, The Ainsworth has been a popular venue for numerous social gatherings. This upscale sports bar has 38 HD TVs, two pull-down screens, and even a DJ booth, which makes it the perfect spot for after-work unwinding. The food is delicious, with all kinds of choices for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Try the mac and cheese burger if you feel like cheating on your diet – it’s worth it!
If you’re not in the mood for specialty cocktails and mixed drinks, try Pierre Loti, which offers an extensive wine selection. To complement the new and old world wines, this bar also serves Mediterranean inspired foods in addition to the standard wine and charcuterie plates. The Turkish beef dumplings and veal-lamb and pistachio meatballs are highlights from Pierre Loti’s tasty menu.
If you’re looking for a place that boasts exclusivity, look no further than The Tippler. This bar, with its locally salvaged artifacts, is located underneath the popular Chelsea Market and serves a little bit of history with its craft beers and artful cocktails. The eats here are pretty simple, but the flair lies in their cocktails: try the Black Cat and Mr. X, a blend of Ransom Old Tom Gin, curry leaf and Thai chili tincture, coconut, and lime.
If you’re a fan of gin, here’s the bar for you. Hidden behind a coffee shop, Bathtub Gin specializes in cocktails that contain the freshest fruits, juices and syrups. Don’t let the name fool you, though. This spot also serves wine and beer, along with cured meats and cheese plates. Want more than just a snack? They also serve large plates of rib eye steak, roasted chicken, and tuna mignon, to name a few.
Keeping in the same vein of exclusivity, The Raines Law Room is a speakeasy-style bar with the decor to match. You need to ring the doorbell in order to gain entrance, but once inside, you’re welcome to velvet couches within a 1920s setting. They even have private tables available with curtains that surround them and a bell to call your waitress. It’s definitely the place to go for the frills to accompany your cocktails.
Located in the Chelsea Market, Corkbuzz brings a dinner party vibe to the bar scene. The staff is well-versed in the wine selection and the bar even offers wine classes. The best news is that Corkbuzz is open from lunchtime to late into the night, with happy hour from Monday to Friday, 12-6pm, plus there’s Champagne Campaign, which offers half-off bottles of champagne after 10pm.
Missing that down home Southern charm? Well, you can swing over to Porchlight and get tasty bar food with a southern twist. One of the highlights of the menu is the Southern Spread – smoked catfish dip, tasso, pickled grapes, preserves, smoked cheddar, and Benne seed crackers. Pair this tasty treat with an equally delicious specialty cocktail (there’s 22 of them) or, if you like to keep things simple, there’s wine and beer as well.
If you’re a fan of family-style dining, Socarrat Paella Bar is the place for you. At this stylish restaurant, guests sit at communal tables as they dine on a wide selection of tapas and paellas, sangrias, and wines from Spain. It’s great for hosting a birthday dinner, and there’s brunch available as well with $16 sangria pitchers.
Tired of cramped spaces? Well, The Park has plenty of room for you to explore, with five different areas to enjoy your food and good music. You can take your pick – there’s the atrium, the Main Room, the Red Room, the Garden Room, and the Penthouse. The Park is open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night, so feel free to get your drink fix at any time. If you go for brunch, try one of the Park specialties like the ham and cheese waffle with black pepper butter.
Located in the lower level of the Dream Hotel, The Electric Room is an intimate bar that specializes in high-end cocktails. There are a few food choices such as mini cheeseburgers and spicy meatballs, but the main attraction is the rock and roll vibe, from its decor to the music being played.
