NYC's Meatpacking District: A guide
The High Line in Manhattan's Meatpacking District is a well-landscaped park along elevated railroad tracks. (May 1, 2013) Credit: Anthony Lanzilote
In the early 1900s, New York's Meatpacking District was home to around 250 meat markets and slaughterhouses. A century later, only five remain.
Nowadays, the district is a shopaholic's dream. Popular retail spots include the New York flagship stores of Diane von Furstenberg and Alexander McQueen, as well as many smaller boutiques.
Design studios and art galleries abound as well, and in 2015 the Whitney Museum will move to its new headquarters at the south entrance to the High Line. That popular attraction -- a landscaped park on elevated railroad tracks -- brings lots of foot traffic to the area.
Come sundown, the glamorously dressed can be seen headed for a bite to eat at Del Posto or SEA followed by a night of dancing at Le Bain, STK or Cielo.
Here's a cheat sheet to this rapidly evolving neighborhood.
WHERE
The Meatpacking District is bordered by West 16th Street to the north and Horatio Street to the south. Eleventh Avenue is its western boundary and Eighth Avenue is the eastern border.
DINING
Spice Market New York, 403 W. 13th St. Celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten dishes out Southeast Asian street food family-style (curry, short ribs, spicy Thai slaw) in a space filled with antiques and artwork. 212-675-2322, spicemarketnewyork.com
Hector's Café, 44 Little W. 12th St. Barely changed since its 1949 opening, this spot is great for a low-key quick bite. Traditional diner fare like omelets, deli sandwiches and salad platters should quell your appetite before (or after) a night of partying. 212-206-7592.
DRINKING
The Standard Biergarten, 848 Washington St. Sip a cold brew and snack on pretzels and currywurst at this friendly outdoor beer garden situated beneath the High Line and in the Standard Hotel. 212-645-4646, standardhotels.com/high-line/food-drink/biergarten
PH-D Rooftop Lounge at the Dream Downtown Hotel, 355 W. 16th St. While hotel guests have unlimited access from 5 to 9:30 p.m., the doorman gets the final say after hours. Panoramic views, delicious drinks, chic clientele. 212-229-2511.
SHOPPING
Ports 1961, 3 Ninth Ave. Fresh-off-the-runway women's collection by creative director and designer Fiona Cibani and men's collections from Ian Hylton. 917-475-1022, ports1961.com
Yoyamart, 15 Gansevoort St. A "family-friendly design store" with cultish collectibles such as UglyDoll dolls and Tokidoki toys and funky children's apparel from international designers. 212-242-5511, yoyamart.com
BROWSING
Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave. While meandering through this brick-walled building, once a Nabisco factory, you can snack on freshly baked goods at Amy's Bread, check out the Italian imports at Buon Italia or get takeout from The Lobster Place. 212-243-6005, chelseamarket.com
White Columns, 320 W. 13th St. This gallery has displayed the works of renowned artists such as Alexander Kluge, Zoe Leonard and Tan Lin. Opening Friday is "The Cat Show," curated by Rhonda Lieberman. 212-924-4212, whitecolumns.org
