Restaurants along the High Line in NYC
In less than 10 years, the High Line has become one of New York’s major attractions. Opened in 2009 between Gansevoort and West 20th Sreets, the rehabilitated elevated railroad now runs to West 34th Street. While this adds up to about a mile and a half, it’s easy to make a visit into an expedition, especially if you also drop by the Whitney Museum, near the southern end.
What this means is you will need sustenance. There are vendors on the High Line itself, with newcomers like Perros y Vainas (Venezuelan-style hot dogs) and the Bronx-bred Boogie Down Grind (coffee) joining such returning vendors as La Sonrisa Empanadas, L’Arte del Gelato and Melt Bakery.
If you prefer to sit down for a real break, here is a list of favorites all along the High Line. They are listed from south to north.
Bubby’s
Credit: Daniel Brennan
Bubby’s (73 Gansevoort St.): This place, sitting across from the Whitney Museum, serves Southern-ish food that will satisfy the heartiest appetite. It's famous for its pancakes, which are so popular they are served for weekday breakfast as well as weekend brunch. The $21 price tag may look steep, but these dense babies have a cult following that shows no sign of abating. You can even have them with fried chicken for lunch, served with bourbon maple syrup. On weekends, keep an eye out for the mimosa flight, which includes classic, grapefruit-lemonade and blood orange flavors. More info: 212-219-0666, bubbys.com
The Biergarten at the Standard
Credit: Daniel Brennan
The Biergarten at the Standard (848 Washington St.): This beer garden attached to the hip Standard Hotel is a great place to see and be seen. Long picnic tables encourage chatting with your neighbors, and some choice spots are equipped with taps so you can pour your own beer. Note: You must buy drink and food tickets before ordering, which streamlines the process in an often-crowded, boisterous place. The Austrian-born chef Kurt Gutenbrunner heads such reputed restaurants as Wallsé and Blaue Gans, but he’s found the perfect fare for this more casual environment, with offerings such as a giant pretzel served with mustard, and, of course, a solid selection of wursts. More info: 212-645-4100, standardhotels.com
Santina
Credit: Noah Fecks
Santina (820 Washington St.): Santina is part of Major Food Group, the zeitgeist-savvy people behind the hit restaurants Parm, Sadelle’s and Carbone. In other words it’s popular, so make a reservation if you want dinner (things are a little easier during the day). Santina is especially accommodating of customers who are gluten-free, which is worth noting for an Italian restaurant offering mouth-watering pastas. Also try the cecina, a kind of pancake made with chickpea flour — the version with avocado is a neat twist on the familiar avocado toast. Reservations online only. More info: 212-254-3000, santinanyc.com
Cookshop
Credit: Daniel Brennan
Cookshop (156 10th Ave.): Cookshop has been deemed a “brunch mecca” (How could it not be, with dulce de leche cream puffs?), so be forewarned that it can get crowded. The location at 20th Street makes the restaurant convenient to the High Line and the Chelsea art galleries, but the farm-fresh, seasonal, neo-American menu is a lot better than it needs to be, often with fun twists on classics like a Niçoise salad made with grilled shrimp instead of tuna. More info: 212-924-4440
Porteño
Credit: Daniel Brennan
Porteño (299 10th Ave.): This relaxed Argentine place near Hudson Yards may not be the best stop for vegetarians — after all, the country is famous for its beef. Even an innocuous-looking risotto with wild mushrooms features bone marrow. But the food is very tasty, especially if you zero in on such specialties as the empanadas or the “lomito completo,” which is described as a classic Argentine sandwich stuffed with sliced filet mignon and ham, with a fried egg and cheese for good measure. (A vegetarian option is available but it seems to be beside the point.) Fish lovers will find happiness with entrees like the pan-seared cod with a pistachio-chimichurri sauce. More info: 212-695-9694, portenorestaurant.com
Empire Diner
Credit: Quentin Bacon
Empire Diner (210 10th Ave.): The Empire Diner has been through a few hands since it opened in 1976, but its fabulous Deco design has been mostly preserved. Now run by chef John DeLucie, of Cafeteria, this classic Chelsea joint continues to attract locals and visitors alike with jazzed-up takes on diner classics. Scrambled eggs, yes, but you can have them “cacio e pepe,” with Parmesan, black pepper and speck (bacon is available, too). Fried chicken, sure, but it’s made using sourdough pretzel. Alas, breakfast is served only until 4 p.m. There is outdoor seating, too — and, fortunately, 10th Avenue is not too busy on weekends. More info: 212-335-2277, empire-diner.com
Very Fresh Noodles
Credit: Daniel Brennan
Very Fresh Noodles (425 W. 15th St.): Chewy, hand-pulled noodles from northwestern China are the specialty at this tiny stall — get the food to go and eat at one of the common tables in Chelsea Market. It’s probably best if you enjoy exploring the hot side: The so-called “tingly” cumin lamb has a generous amount of Sichuan peppercorns, and the Dan Dan Mian is labeled “very spicy,” with no modifications allowed. But fret not: The Taiwanese beef noodle soup is mild, and besides, there is bubble tea to soothe and refresh. More info: vfnoodles.com
Lobster Place
Credit: Daniel Brennan
Lobster Place (75 Ninth Ave.): The mammoth food hall Chelsea Market has become a destination in its own right, and a longtime favorite there is the seafood purveyor Lobster Place. Admittedly, this isn’t the most comfortable place, as you eat at stand-up tables — unless you can get a seat at the sushi bar. But this doesn’t prevent people from lining up for lobster rolls, oysters and chowder. You also can do takeout from the Galley and eat on the High Line, which is basically right above. Next door, Lobster Place operates the more comfortable Cull & Pistol, which offers more elaborate dishes, a raw bar and a happy hour that includes chowder, disco fries and lobster sliders. More info: 212-255-5672, lobsterplace.com
