I haven’t had any travel planned since the beginning of the year and there is nothing currently on the docket for the coming months. To make up for this lack of travel, I’ve decided to start to explore some of the more touristy sides of my own backyard. Enter: Chelsea Market. The great thing about backyard tourism is that one person’s backyard can be another person’s travel destination, so hopefully you will find this useful regardless if you are local to New York or planning to travel here soon. Chelsea Market is located in, you guessed it, the heart of Chelsea in New York City.
About Chelsea Market
In case you don’t already know a lot about Chelsea Market, you should know that it is more than a market! In addition to having restaurants and shops, it’s also an office building. Food Network, MLB Baseball and others call Chelsea Market home. Formerly, it was a National Biscuit Company factory. In fact, it also claims fame as the birthplace of the Oreo. 
You can find all types of things at Chelsea Market. You have many types of food options – from sandwich counters to sit-down restaurants to bakeries to ice cream places – there is something for everyone and, seemingly, every budget. There were also stores that sold kitchen supplies, spices, tschotchkes, and many other things. Being the kitchen gadget nerds that we are, Richard and I spent about a half hour in the kitchen supply store drooling (not literally!) over knifes and other fun kitchen items.
The Food
Friedman’s Lunch
While there were many places to eat, we chose Friedman’s Lunch for, you guessed it, lunch.
Serving “homemade comfort food at affordable prices,” Friedman’s was the perfect choice for lunch on such a rainy day. Most of the lunch entrées were affordable, as they advertise, but there was a bit of a range. My B.E.L.T., pictured below was around $10, while my boyfriend’s Chicken and Waffles ran him $17. I wouldn’t necessarily call $17 for lunch affordable, but he did give it two thumbs up. So you have that. Overall, we found the food to be fabulous. Judging by the busyness of the restaurant, we think others agree.
Rating
Stars: 4 of 5 (I’d go there again)
Price: $$ ($10-$20 for an entrée)
Nearby Attractions
If you’re stuffed and want to take a walk after your lunch or dinner, you can also take a stroll along the Highline. The Highline is an elevated former I haven’t made my way to the Highline yet, but it was on my list for that day. Unfortunately, the rain was too much and we decided to save that adventure for a nicer day.
How to Get There
If you’re up for a walk and you’re coming from Jersey, you can get off the PATH at 14 St and walk from 6th to 9th Ave. Other subway lines nearby include the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, L, F, or M.
The Verdict
Stars: 4 out of 5. I’m not going to go week after week, but I’d definitely go again if I was in the area.
Good for… Anyone who loves food and likes to have something to do on a rainy day.
Not good for… People who don’t enjoy being in crowded marketplaces.
Time needed… 1 to 3 hours, depending on your tolerance for busy marketplaces. You’re probably going to be spending more time if you choose to eat at a sit down restaurant, but could be out quicker if you are not getting food or if you are getting food at a walk-up counter.
