Best Date Ideas in the Meatpacking District
The Meatpacking District is home to New York’s hippest restaurants, clubs, museums, and galleries. Home to the High Line (an elevated park constructed on top of an abandoned train line), its’ old-world cobblestone streets are full of charm and vibrant 24/7.
Located in between the West Village and Chelsea neighborhoods for over 20 years, the Meatpacking District has been home to artists, designers, Gansevoort Market (1884), Chelsea Market, and the creative vanguard of New York City. The mix of contemporary and historical architecture coupled with an industrial flare of factories makes the Meatpacking District full of post-modern charm (as portrayed by the filmmaker Gregoire Alessandrini in the Meat Market 1993). In addition, the shroud of the Jimmy Rackover murder scene adds to the mystery and allure of the neighborhood.
Let’s explore together all the charm, adventure, and inspiration that the Meatpacking district has to offer.
Wine Bars, Cocktails and Beer
A meatpacking district staple since 2004, brass monkey serves food and drinks (great for the craft lovers) in a bi-level, charming establishment. The wood and brick ambiance produces a lovely effect, and the rooftop deck is the cherry-on-top.
Boom Boom Room (inside the Standard Hotel)
As you walk in, you see a spacious, glittering venue, classy floor-to-ceiling windows, and an elegant round bar reminiscent of a sculpture. In the afternoon, patrons come in for tea and drinks to watch beautiful sunsets. In the evenings, you can hear live jazz and enjoy cocktails.
CORKBUZZ is in the center of the Chelsea market. This wine bar serves small, seasonal plates to accompany a spectacular wine list. The dimly lit, restful ambiance, wood trimming, elegant rugs, and purple leather bar seating add an elegant touch.
Anfora serves natural and small-scale wine productions. This purist establishment stays true to its’ ideology with no added sweeteners, coloring, flavoring, chemicals, filtration, or men-made improvements on the menu. So step inside this cozy, brick/wood intimate space and enjoy the healthiest drink you could have.
Occupying and making the most use out of a corner window (and a cozy bar space), this elegant wine café features primarily Greek selections (and four champagnes from France).
Amelie Wine Bar serves breakfast and a late-night menu with French classics, cocktails, and a wine list fit for a King. The atmosphere is casual, reminiscent of a French café bar, with wine bottles decorating the wall from floor to ceiling.
Lelabar is heaven to wine and oyster lovers.
The wine list (longer than the reading of Dante’s Inferno) is beyond impressive with representations worldwide. The bar space is intimate, dimly lit, and sexy.
This street-level bar at the Standard hotel offers German food, outside seating (heated in wintertime), and bar games. The Zagat-approved beer list is sure to impress any craft lover. Although the inside is a vast open space with communal tables, the brick walls and suspended chandeliers achieve an oddly intimate yet industrial ambiance.
Restaurants:
With a genuinely luxurious interior that houses a lounge, bar, and a wine cellar, Intersect is a homage to Lexus, commitment to hospitality, and inspiration. The lounge features small plates from the executive chef Nickolas Martinez. On the second floor, restaurant chef Nina Compton creates contemporary fusion.
Step into Helen’s, a casual space decorated with lavish flair, in blue, red, and gold. The main feature is the lotus wood panel (a wall sculpture). In addition, Helen’s offers a seasonal menu and Asian-inspired cocktails reminiscent of an old museum cellar, complete with artwork.
RH Rooftop Restaurant New York
Upholstered seats, shimmering chandeliers (decorated with green leaves), and a courtyard fountain make this rooftop reminiscent of a luxurious garden. The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner with artfully decorated entrées.
Fig and Olive serves contemporary, Mediterranean-fusion cuisine. Set in a warm, restful, modern setting where wine and olive oil bottles decorate the bar.
Saint Tropez is a French restaurant and Wine bar combined into one delicious experience. Reminiscent of a French (Provence) countryside home, the space is cozy and inviting, with wine bottles decorating the shelves.
City winery indulges all senses by combining a vibrant space, live music, the latest shows, unique wine culture, and a locally sourced menu. The Barrel Room is a ground-level space set right on the magnificent Hudson River.
A classic French restaurant decorated with leather, stone, and crystal mirrors is the perfect venue for a romantic night out. Reminiscent of an old-world, luxurious club, Pastis is the ideal, romantic destination.
The Standard Grill is a traditional steakhouse located in a bright space with a picturesque garden beneath an industrial bridge/walkway. The kitchen uses local ingredients and dry/aged meat to create your perfect meal.
As the name implies, Catch is one of the finest seafood restaurants. Backlighting accentuates the bar in the brick-walled, lower-level intimate dining area, and the upper floor is open and vibrant. This multi-level establishment transforms into a trendy club in the late hours.
This typical “old New York”-style establishment features a wooden bar, red upholstery, and carved ceilings. The old Homestead steakhouse is a New York classic with reviews raging about the excellent service, incredible steaks, and a unique, romantic ambiance.
STK Steakhouse Rooftop NYC (also STK Downtown and Rooftop Bar)
Offering excellent steaks and cocktails, this is the trendy “see and be seen” spot in town.
After Hours
Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge
Plunge is a famous rooftop lounge and dance club located on top of the Gansevoort Hotel.
This sexy, speakeasy-style lounge serves up perfect gin cocktails accompanied by live jazz and burlesque.
The Tippler is a classic and elegant NYC cellar, hidden beneath the Chelsea market, is a vibrant cocktail destination with live events.
Cookies and cakes stuffed with cookie dough? Ice cream? Open late, delivery… anyone?
Le Bain (next door to the Boom Boom Room) is an opulent, luxurious rooftop bar with music, wine, and cocktails. As you take in the vista of the Hudson River, you might consider a dip in the swimming pool.
Smalls is a cozy venue known for drinks and fantastic music.
An icon since the 1960s., the Vanguard lives up to its name with amazing live shows and decor that honors its famous performers.
This NY classic penthouse boasts impressive views, marble, and nickel detailing, complete with crystal chandeliers.
Since the 1950s, the Duplex club has offered cabaret, music, theater, café, drinks, and food. In addition, multiple shows run in the four performance spaces.
Museums and Galleries
Artechaus Invites you to step inside the artwork. As ultimate, 3-D illusions transform the world around you, you cannot help but engage/integrate with the artwork. Artechaus is a truly immersive and unique experience.
The David Zwirner gallery is a vast contemporary art exhibit space. Hailed as one of the best art spaces in New York City, the gallery recommends that reservations in advance.
Whitney Museum of American Art
The Studio Bar (8th-floor views of the NYC neighborhood) and Whitney Café are impressive spaces inside the Whitney Museum of American Art. Housing over 25,000 works by more than 3,600 American artists, the Whitney Museum represents the last two centuries of American art.
The Rubin Museum houses paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts from Asia. Boasting an extensive in-house collection as well as visiting exhibits, this museum is a true gem. The quiet, reflective setting is heaven for the solitude-seeking introverts.
Milk Gallery showcases photography and events. You might consider sponsoring the artists since artwork can be available for sale.
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