MASAHIRO NOGUCHI
New York has its first new subway stop in over two decades. With the extension of the 7 line, this neighborhood is about to get a lot more accessible. Here's what you need to know.
On September 13, 2015, New York City opened its first new subway station in 25 years, at 34th street and 11th avenue, the last stop on the 7 line. And no, the 7 train doesn’t stop anywhere between the last existing stop, Times Square, and this new one. (If you’re wondering, the last subway stations to open 25 years ago were along the F line—63rd and Lexington, Roosevelt Island, and 21st Street in Long Island City.)
What the new subway station has done is made it much easier to get to West Chelsea, which most people only know of as the Northern end of the High Line and the site of the upcoming Hudson Yards (where Thomas Keller is developing restaurants, and Equinox is planning to open a hotel). Locals, who by now are used to walking three avenues to get to a subway station on a daily basis, know there are tons of other reasons to wander around Manhattan’s far west side. Here’s what you need to know.
Harbs
This bakery has more than 30 outlets in Japan, and opened its first U.S. storefront late last year. Grab a seat inside and enjoy one of the many toasted sandwiches, or try the towering banana cream pie. 198 Ninth Avenue, harbs.co.jp/harbs/newyork
Porteno
Porteno has a warm, unfussy ambience, and comforting Argentinean food—empanadas, Malbec-braised short ribs, and grilled shrimp. It goes without saying that it’s all best enjoyed with a large glass of red wine. 299 Tenth Ave, portenorestaurant.com
Ovest
Stone-oven, Neapolitan-style pizza is served in this lofty, brick-wall lined space right underneath the High Line. Go early to nab a table or a space at the bar—happy hour goes until 8p.m. on weekdays. 513 West 27th Street, ovestnyc.com
Story
You’ll never get sick of going to this boutique—because it goes through a complete overhaul every few weeks. There’s always an eclectic mix of home goods, clothing, accessories, and gadgets—great for gifts you can’t find anywhere else. 144 Tenth Avenue, thisisstory.com
Hudson Market
The area finally has a supermarket, with organic produce, a coffee shop, and a vegetarian restaurant by young chef (seriously—he’s 19) Greg Grossman. 303 Tenth Avenue
McKittrick Hotel
Most people know this as the home of the Shakespeare-inspired Sleep No More show, but the true star is Gallow Green, the ever-changing rooftop bar space. With a group, you can’t go wrong with the large format punch cocktails. There are movie screenings in the summer (the last lineup was curated by Amy Poehler), and in the winter, the space turns into a cozy, pine-tree lined chalet. 530 West 27th Street, mckittrickhotel.com
Porchlight
Danny Meyer’s bar is easily one of the buzziest (and yes, loudest) places on the West Side. Go for the carefully made cocktails, stay for the bar snacks like bourbon bar nuts and sugar and spice popcorn. 271 Eleventh Avenue, porchlightbar.com
Hotel Americano
This Chelsea mainstay, from Grupo Habita, goes heavy on design elements and eye-catching art. You’ll find businessmen closing deals over espresso in the mornings, and celebrating in the Brazilian bar at night. Pro tip: those who aren’t guests of the hotel can spend the day at the rooftop pool for $40. 518 West 27th Street, hotel-americano.com
High Line Hotel
The High Line Hotel, in a former seminary, opened two years ago. Locals still flock there for many reasons: the Intelligentsia Coffee stand in the lobby; Alta Linea, the new outdoor Italian restaurant; and the gorgeous garden out back, connected to a functioning cathedral. Guests also have free access to the hotel’s Shinola bikes to explore the surrounding areas and the West Side Highway. 180 Tenth Avenue, thehighlinehotel.com
