Cool Dining Spots in Chelsea - NYC

Make plans now to enjoy your next date night , brunch or get-together with friends in one of NYC's trendiest and most inviting neighborhoods.

Wildflower - Chelsea

  Nestled just under the famed HIGHLINE, Wildflower is a fun and vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar. The decor is certainly a conversation-starter. One could say that the eclectic surroundings are an out-of-the-box blend of English country inn rustic and stylish contemporary notes together with a ton of cozy nooks and crannies. Your date will totally love it ! The wallpaper that decorates the banquette seating area is beyond colorful yet tasteful. Red brick and small, Victorian-style oval mirrors complete the dining room decor.

Chef - Culinary Director Edwin Rivera has put together an enticing menu that emphasizes new American Cuisine. But, before we get to those kitchen delights, let's start off with a preview of Wildflower's cocktail list. The barkeeps will dazzle you with a mix of classic and signature libations, always keeping things fresh and interesting. La Louisiane has a distinct Big Easy celebration feel to it with ingredients like Absinthe', Peychaud bitters, Benedictine along with Rittenhouse Rye and Sweet Vermouth. The whimsical elixir Paper Plane pairs premium Zackariah Harris bourbon with Amaro Montenegro, aperol and just the right amount of lemon juice. Uber-refreshing is Harvested WIsely, a concoction of fig-infused Cazadores tequila, agave, a squeeze of lime, watermelon juice and cardamom bitters. The bar's signature gin & tonic is made with Gunpowder Irish gin, peach juice and, you won't believe this ingredient,but it works : pink grapefruit tonic.

Celebrate happy hour with friends, family or the one you adore. It takes place Monday through Friday from four until seven in the evening, at the bar only. Currently, they are offering select cocktails at twelve dollars and nine bucks will get you a nice glass of wine. Two of chef Edwin's juicy smash burger or fried chicken sliders are available for just $12, which is very cool. There's a lot to like about the chef's menu. For one thing it is compact and doesn't go all over the place; yet there is fantastic variety. One item that you have GOT to try, especially with the warm weather on the horizon, is the Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad, which consists of salami, chickpeas, red peppers, pickled onions, Pecorino cheese and house-made Italian dressing.Whether you are going vegan or not, another must-have is the flavorful Grilled Black bean Burger. This dish will have you more than satisfied with a double patty, smoked cashew crema, pickled onions and a slice of avocado sandwiched between a pillowy soft sesame bun. Other menu highlights include Crispy Skin Brick Chicken served with lemon potatoes, made from scratch Gnocchi in a sauce of lemon ricotta and green garlic pesto and chef Edwin's outrageous Knife & Fork BBQ Ribs with coleslaw and crispy onion straws

Location and Hours:
505 West 23rd Street
New York N.Y. 10011
(917) 508-0007
www.wildflowernyc.com

Hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 4 PM to 1 AM
Thursday: 4 PM to 2 AM
Friday: 12 PM to 2 AM
Saturday: 11 AM to 2 AM
Sunday: 11 AM to 1 AM

The Wilson - Chelsea

  A true neighborhood gem, The Wilson, situated at the intersection of the Chelsea and Nomad communities, is located inside the trendy environs of the Innside Hotel By Melia. The Wilson is a place to see and be seen. On any given evening you might possibly catch a glimpse of celebrities from the worlds of art,fashion and theater dining here. Design highlights include a spacious bar area and dining room that flows onto a fabulous year-round patio. The Rose Garden, as it is aptly named, boasts colorful, floating umbrellas in pools of water as well as gorgeous floral elements. But, as far as visual impact goes, that's not all. A grand, sprawling staircase opens up to a second dining level complete with striking 30 foot high ceilings and a wall of lush green moss.

The Wilson's wallet-friendly happy hour takes place from 3 until 6 PM weekdays. You may quench your thirst with seven dollar draft beers, half-price bottles of wine and cocktails that are priced to imbibe at just twelve dollars. The happy hour elixir line-up includes your choice of a Cosmo, Paloma, Bees Knees, Old fashioned or a classic Martini. Happy Hour food is priced between $8 and $10 and options range from a Ricotta and Mushroom Flatbread to Truffle Parmesan Fries to their signature appetizer, House Chips with a simply divine Blue Fish Dip. Enough said !

Now, you can't go wrong with breakfast, lunch or dinner here. But, they know how to do brunch and then some, at The Wilson. Their $39 Bottomless Brunch is one and a half hours,offering unlimited Mimosas, Bellinis, Bloody Marys or Sangrias. There's even a Bubbles Bar where for Fifteen bucks a glass you can pair Prosecco with a special flavor : orange juice, passionfruit, pear or black cherry. Hear this now; the brunch menu is as fabulous as are the drinks to be had. There's the incredible Crab Cake Sandwich, which sees a thick mound of crab and herbs topped with sriracha mayo, fennel and watercress. Yes, you can get Chicken & Waffles just about anywhere in the city. But,NOT like it's served at The Wilson with Mike's Hot Honey, berry butter and fresh blueberries. A couple of other unworldly dishes are the BEC Croissant ( bacon, scrambled eggs, American cheese and black pepper mayo ) and the superb Atlantic Bennie, which consists of smoked salmon and hollandaise on an English muffin accompanied by tater tots. You in ? You bet !

If you are in the area for work or are touring the boutiques and art galleries, take advantage of the Local's Lunch. For thirty dollars per person it's a deal that can't be missed. Starter options include New England Clam Chowder or the soup of the day, Arugula Salad and the Crudites Dip Trio ( tzatziki, Hummus, Tahini-beet ). Entree selections range from their signature burger and an old-world Cobb Salad to Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli.

Location and Hours:
132 West 27th Street
New York N.Y. 10001
(212) 529-2671
www.eatatthewilson.com

Hours:
Sunday to Friday: 7 AM to 11 PM
Saturday: 7 AM to 12 AM

Lulla - Chelsea

  The team of Executive Chef Oscar Rosas and Food and Beverage Director Alex Ball have combined to make Lulla a culinary standout on Chelsea's extremely competitive nightlife scene. The ambiance has a lively, snazzy feel and the service is impeccable. Each and every customer is made to feel valued. No wonder that Lulla's motto is " Italian inspired with the spirit of New York. " After all, in the Big Apple people expect only the best. Lulla has a very special Italian Aperitivo Hour that you won't want to miss. Order their Aperitivo Bites For Two plate and select from tempting antipasti such as focaccia bread, giardiniera ( pickled veggies ), polpette ( meatballs) and herbed mascarpone cheese with olives. During Aperitivo Hour, glasses of house red, white, rose' or sparkling wine are available for $10 and a mere $8 will get you a glass of imported Peroni beer. It's all happening from three until seven PM daily. Twelve dollar cocktail selections are innovative. For example, you can order a Negroni in either traditional style or go Boulevardier. The Spritz gives you a choice of a select aperitivo or Amaro Montenegro served with Luca Paretti Prosecco and a splash of club soda. The Bellini comes with a traditional peach or pear option. Ah,yes, variety is indeed the spice of life.

Sunday really is funday with Lulla's extra-special Sunday Supper,which is a shared family-style meal at only $55 per person. It's available ONLY from 12 PM until closing every Sunday. Starters to choose from include crispy artichokes, house salad and cannellini beans in sauce. The main events range from vegetable lasagna, eggplant parmesan, Burrata with white asparagus to hand-cut Fettuccine in Vodka sauce. Sunday Supper " deals from the bar " include specially priced bottles of wine and a $10 per person round of Spritz aperitivos. Raise a glass to friends and family ! To your health ! A la carte menu items that are sure to interest you are the whole Branzino served with Greek-style gigante beans, Chicken Piccata with a sauce of lemon, butter,capers, parsley and artichokes and the fabulous Lulla Burger that's crowned with roasted tomatoes, sharp and we DO mean sharp provolone and caramelized onions.

Location and Hours:
113 West 24th Street
New York N.Y. 10011
(929) 588-8556
www.lullanyc.com

Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM to 11 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11 AM to 12 AM

Jack's Wife Freda - Chelsea

  That is one unusual name for a restaurant. But, there is an interesting story behind it, one that brings together culinary traditions from places as far apart as South Africa, Israel and New York City's Lower East Side. Jack and his loving wife Freda met and got married in Johannesburg, South Africa way, way back in 1930. Both were of the jewish faith. Flash forward to many decades later when their grandson, Dean, settled in the Big Apple where he fell deeply in love with Maya, who had recently emigrated from Israel. Having worked in several downtown restaurants, both together and separately, the couple decided, in 2011, to open their own restaurant. Maya and Dean decided to name the restaurant Jack's Wife Freda in order to honor Dean's forebears and pay tribute to Freda's delicious family recipes. Freda was renowned as a gracious hostess who loved to feed friends and family. One never went hungry when visiting Jack and Freda and you won't be famished here, either. After you have dined at this establishment, we're sure that you'll agree that Dean , Maya and their dedicated staff serve food that warms the soul.

Go ahead and make a day of it. The restaurant is within walking distance of Chelsea market, The Highline and the Whitney Museum. Part of being a great host or hostess is, of course, knowing how to mix a great cocktail. Jack's Wife Freda is NOT lacking in that department at all. Who knew that the family are also fantastic mixologists ? The Green Dean is made with gin, cucumber and lemon juice along with a hint of mint. Jack's Manhattan consists of bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitters. Margarita Rocks is a blend of tequila, triple sec and lime juice. There are also craft beers on tap and ordering a refreshing glass of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc is as easy as one-two-three. If you are abstaining from alcohol, they have a full line of coffees, teas and soft drinks available plus home-made mint lemonade and fresh cantaloupe juice.

When dining here it is an absolute MUST that you enjoy a bowl of their signature Matzo Ball soup. The recipe stays true to Freda's and this soup will cure whatever ails you. For something really different, try the Peri-Peri Chicken. Served with an Israeli chopped salad, this dish consists of chicken that has been marinated in chili peppers, lemon, garlic and different African spices and herbs. You have NEVER had chicken that tastes like this ! Other tempting dishes are Bennie's Chicken Schnitzel with mashed potatoes and the Grilled Halloumi plate. For dessert, choose between the incredible Spiced Cheesecake or Noam's Malva Pudding with South African sponge cake.

Back in Jack and Freda's day they didn't call this meal brunch; it was breakfast. Dean and Maya have crafted a bountiful selection of both traditional dishes and new favorites for their brunch menu. Their Rosewater Waffle has so many different good for you ingredients including, of course, rosewater, honey, Lebanese yogurt and mixed seasonal berries. The Madame Freda is a pressed sandwich made with duck prosciutto, Cheddar and Gruyere cheese, bechamel and a sunny-up egg. Maya's Breakfast Bowl gives the customer their choice of either scrambled or poached eggs atop a mound of red quinoa, kale, avocado, roasted tomatoes and spaghetti squash. You'll be good to go for the day after finishing up this bowl of goodies.

Location and Hours:
116 8th Avenue
New York N.Y. 10011
(646) 454-9045
www.jackswifefreda.com

Hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 10 PM
Thursday to Saturday: 8:30 AM to 11 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM to 9 PM

Merchants - Chelsea

  A great deal of care has been put into both the above average decor as well as the outstanding food and drink. A multi-area restaurant, Merchants offers a modernistic, sleek dining room with a futuristic bar area that adjoins the space. On the other end of the decor spectrum is a cozy living room space filled with comfy easy chairs, sofas and an actual working fireplace. You really do feel as though you're enjoying a relaxing, fun evening in a friend's apartment. Contemporary art decortes the premises to complete the visual feast. There is also a private party room available, ideal for celebrations such as birthdays ,anniversaries or bridal showers. The outdoor patio is perfect for Chelsea people-watching.

Brunch is served every weekend from noon until four PM. $39 gets you one entree plus three drinks and the list of choices is rather extensive : Champagne, Mimosa,Kir Royale, Bellini, Screwdriver, beer or wine. Whether or not you're at Merchants for brunch or dinner, the bartenders have got you covered with a la carte cocktails like the Blackberry Spritzer made with aperol, champagne, orange and blackberry purees. Featured ingredients of the Honey Old-Fashioned are Ten High bourbon, honey syrup and bitters. Their signature libation, the Chelsea Star is composed of vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree, vanilla syrup, a touch of citrus and ,what else but a pour of champagne.

The kitchen team is well-honed at their craft. The menu contains a nice mix of seafood and inventive meat dishes. The flavor on the Coffee-Crusted Pork Chop is amazing. The nicely-sized chop has a divine cherry glaze and comes with mashed potatoes and leeks, something you don't see on too many menus. The Pan-Seared Salmon is accompanied by an addicting beet sauce, potatoes and Brussels Sprouts. The chef also does a hearty Shrimp Gumbo. This authentic New Orleans dish contains Andouille sausage, celery, scallions, bell peppers, onions and rice. The consistency hits all the right notes and you get all the ingredients in every spoonful. You'll also love the Lobster Mac and Cheese and their succulent Ribeye Steak that's served with french Fries and grilled onions. For dessert ,don't be afraid to celebrate the night and indulge with the made for sharing Fudge Brownie Sundae, the refreshing Mango Guava Cheesecake or the Walnut Apple Pie with fresh whipped cream.

Location and Hours:
190 Seventh Avenue
New York N.Y. 10011
(212) 366-7267
www.merchantsny.com

Hours:
Monday to Friday: 4 PM to 12 AM
Saturday & Sunday: 12 PM to 12 AM