{"id":24290,"date":"2020-06-24T13:10:30","date_gmt":"2020-06-24T17:10:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/?p=24290"},"modified":"2024-05-25T14:30:05","modified_gmt":"2024-05-25T14:30:05","slug":"dig-in-at-chelsea-market-nyc-factory-turned-foodie-paradise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/dig-in-at-chelsea-market-nyc-factory-turned-foodie-paradise\/","title":{"rendered":"Dig In at Chelsea Market: NYC Factory Turned Foodie Paradise"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you wander west on 14th Street in New York City, you\u2019ll run into a peculiar building on 9th Avenue that\u2019s drawing a crowd from all directions. Go on inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to Chelsea Market, one of New York City\u2019s top travel destinations, drawing in some 6 million visitors every year. It\u2019s also a popular spot for locals and commuters who live and work in the area. To truly appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and rich history of this area, consider joining one of the many tours of NYC<\/a> available, some which include a stop at Chelsea Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of the meatpacking district, Chelsea Market is a multi-level marketplace worth checking out for its unique architecture, food scene, and proximity to the famous High Line park<\/a>, which you can explore on a High Line and Chelsea tour<\/a>. Like the High Line, Chelsea Market is free and open to the public. Unlike the High Line, it offers free public Wi-Fi and has a plethora of markets and restaurants to entice casual and serious foodies. Here\u2019s what you need to know before you visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Was There Before? A Brief History of Chelsea Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The building that is now Chelsea Market was built in the 1890s. It was a factory owned and operated by the National Biscuit Company \u2014 today we call them Nabisco. The company chose the location so that they could make use of the available butcher\u2019s lard, a key ingredient in many of their products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun fact:<\/strong> Oreos were invented there in 1912<\/a>, and the original recipe called for pork fat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, Nabisco started using the facility less and less, and eventually departed. The building was renovated in the 1990s and the Chelsea Market as we know it today first opened in 1997.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Chelsea Market is owned by Alphabet, the parent company of Google. It also has office and studio space for companies like the Oxygen Network, the Food Network, MLB.com, and NY1 (New York City\u2019s local cable station). And it\u2019s a historic district, officially recognized as part of the Gansevoort Market Historic District by New York State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chelsea Market: A Foodie\u2019s Paradise<\/h2>\n\n\n
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When Chelsea Market first opened, it featured mostly smaller markets like fruit stands and small bagel shops. Now it has grown into one of New York City\u2019s most well-known international eateries. One moment, you might smell fresh bread, around the corner smoked meat, and just ahead the sizzle of a busy taco stand, while a milkshake bar calls out orders behind you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s best to come with an appetite, especially if you plan to try a little bit of everything. Similar to most of New York City, the shops and restaurants inside can be a bit on the pricey side, but in Chelsea Market the price is a reflection of the uniqueness and quality of the food just as much as the location. This guide will show you some of the better known spots inside, but the best thing to do once you get there is to literally follow your nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dickinson\u2019s Farmstand Meats<\/a> keeps the meatpacking district\u2019s tradition of fine meats alive and well. Locals come here for top-quality cuts, and everyone\u2019s sure to stop by for a sandwich. If you\u2019re feeling adventurous, this is a great place to try something new because Dickison\u2019s is a nose-to-tail butcher shop, if you catch the drift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rest assured, you probably won\u2019t see anything that will spoil your appetite. The front-facing meats are high-quality cuts like what you\u2019d normally see in the grocery store. As you walk past, the smoked meats, rotisserie chickens, and house-made hotdogs are sure to make your mouth water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seafood lovers, be sure to stop by Lobster Place<\/a>, which lives beyond its name with all the variety of fresh seafood it offers. Local shoppers also come here for quality ingredients, but this is also a great spot to enjoy oysters, fresh sushi, and of course, lobster. During peak visiting hours, it can get pretty crowded inside with shoppers and oyster bar patrons all squeezing into the same area, but there\u2019s usually enough room to find a seat or comfortably browse the fresh catches. The area is also well air-conditioned to keep its seafood and guests nice and cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Downstairs there\u2019s more to explore, and pizza isn\u2019t the only great Italian food New York City has to offer. Be sure to check out Cappone\u2019s Salumeria<\/a> to try a classic Sicilian sandwich, combining specialty meats, cheeses, and fresh Italian breads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very Fresh Noodles<\/a> lives up to its name, this Chinese restaurant serves hand-pulled and hand-pressed noodles in all sorts of shapes and sizes. If you like spicy, they\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Keep an eye out for the hidden entrance to Los Mariscos<\/a>, one of the most unique taquerias in New York City. It\u2019s meant to make you feel like you\u2019re in a Baja California beach town. You can access Los Mariscos from 15th Street, but there\u2019s also a hidden entrance from inside Chelsea Market just across from Tacos No 1. When you see the sign that says \u201cyes keep going,\u201d you\u2019re on your way \u2014 an amazing cantina awaits you at the end of the corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Souvenir Shopping at Chelsea Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chelsea Market is a great spot for souvenirs. Here are some of my favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n