With the tourist-teeming exceptions of the Highline and Chelsea Market, the quiet brownstone-lined streets of Chelsea are largely left to the locals. Where do the locals go to grab a glass and a bite to eat? Or pick up a great bottle of wine? Discover some off-the-beaten path neighborhood spots below in the wine lover’s guide to Chelsea
To Shop for Wine
Back Label Wine
Ridiculously good curation of wines at a variety of price points – with a friendly staff to help you navigate the selection and tell you the narrative behind the bottles. Fun choices from all over France, Italy, and Spain, as well as well-balanced New World examples. On a recent visit, I picked up a bottle of Vallin Rose, Arpepe Rosso di Valtellina, and Mullineux ‘Kloof Street’ Chenin Blanc. Join their mailing list to discover specials or educational tasting events.
Insider Tip: Buy a case, get 15% off, get it delivered. Oh, and pick up cheese from Stinky’s next door (they’ll deliver that too).
Location:
111 W 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 229-9463
Opening Hours:
Monday-Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm-9:00pm
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Appellation Wine
Small, but amazing selection from all over the world. Scanning the racks, you know that every bottle is there for a reason – and that reason is a commitment to organic, biodynamic, or natural wines. I recently stocked up on a Hervé Souhaut Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet (90% Roussane; 10% Viognier) and Matthiason Rosé in magnum.
Location:
(1oth Avenue between 20th & 21st streets)
156 10th Ave #1
New York, NY 10011156
(212) 741-9474
Opening Hours:
Monday 11:00am-6:00pm
Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm-8:00pm
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To Eat & Drink
Cookshop
Whether it’s a special occasion dinner or a lowkey brunch, Cookshop is my number one recommendation in the ‘hood. The seasonal menu is consistently delicious – try the pizza, which is typically vegetarian and currently topped with ramps. The chicken entrée and the mezze are reliable stand-bys as well. The wine list is thoughtful and never trite with tasty by-the-glass choices from places like Rias Baixas, the Loire, and Slovenia.
Insider tip: Ask for a table outside!
Location:
(10th Avenue between 19th & 20th streets)
156 10th Ave
New York, NY 10011
(212) 924-4440
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 8:00am-11:00am; 11:30am-4:00pm; 5:30pm-11:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm; 5:30pm-11:30pm
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Tipsy Parson
While I generally prefer visiting Tipsy Parson in the winter, there is something homey and happy about the Southern-inspired menu and ambiance year-round. The Bourbon-dominant cocktails tend to be the star, but the wine menu offers tastes around France and the U.S. I prefer to sit at the bar, where the staff is always friendly and you feel like, and quickly become, a neighborhood regular. If you’re hungry, don’t miss the grits with bacon and cheese, the chicken liver mousse, and the cornucopia of pickled goodness on the menu.
Location:
156 9th Ave
New York, NY 10011
(212) 620-4545
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 5:00pm to 12:00am
Friday & Saturday 5:00pm to 1:00am
Sunday 5:00pm to 11:00pm
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Montmartre
One of the best hidden gems in the neighborhood, largely due to the tucked away back garden seating. The vibe is casual, yet upscale, French bistro and tables are tightly packed inside. Order the artichoke toast and fried chicken sandwich, which sounds much more sophisticated in the French, “Poulet & Pain Perdu.” The wine list is limited within France, but plenty to explore.
Insider tip: Happy Hour from 5:00-7:00pm with $7 glasses of rose.
Location:
158 8th Ave
New York, NY 10011
(646) 596-8838
Opening Hours:
Monday to Wednesday 5:00pm-11:00pm
Thursday 5:00pm-12:00am
Friday 11:30am-4:00pm; 5:00pm-12:00am
Saturday 10:30am-4:00pm; 6:00pm-12:00am
Sunday 10:30am-4:00pm; 6:00pm-11:00pm
