Denied by a local beer bar and restaurant that apparently doesn’t serve between lunch and dinner, we found ourselves in the pouring rain with no other business out on 10th Avenue. I had completely forgotten about the Chelsea Market, looming over the border between Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. We popped inside for a quick look and, being a Saturday, joined the masses already congregating inside.
The Chelsea Market complex is huge, covering two city blocks. It’s definitely a hybrid – part indoor mall, part food court, part office complex – built within the old National Biscuit Company factory, which is over a hundred years old. I love it because it’s an excellent hangout for foodies.
What can a hungry person find at the Chelsea Market? Pretty much anything. We didn’t spend too much time here because crowds kill our buzz, but on our quick tour we saw succulent lobsters, craft beer, delicious cakes and pastries, gourmet cheeses and a wonderful spice table, among many other yummy things. And hey, if it’s good enough for the Food Network (who film shows like Iron Chef America here)…
Crowded at Christmas-time: Chelsea Market, NYC
Visit: Chelsea Market is open daily from 7 am until 9pm (8-8 on Sundays). Find it at 75 9th Ave between 15th and 16th streets. You can pick up the High Line here as well.
What’s your favourite NYC foodie haunt?
This is not just a blog for travellers. We hope to inspire our readers, whether they’ve visited dozens of countries or barely make it to the next town once a year. We're John and Andrea, a couple of thirty-something travellers and expats. Our travel style is laid-back luxe and we are constantly seeking out the best experiences each destination has to offer. 
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t really like crowds either, but I do like markets. This looks like a good one!
I think it might have been this mobbed because it was a weekend…maybe more bearable on a nice weekday morning?
Love Chelsea Market! Where were those lobsters though? They look so good!
Hmm…not sure the name of the place but if you’re standing at the interior entrance of the craft beer place and looking out into the hall, they are straight ahead. Everyone was eating them! I was sorry I had already had lunch…
Sweeney and I love NYC but haven’t been to this market. Looks like a fun place to visit; perfect given your situation that day.
It definitely is! You should both check it out next time…
Crowds kill my buzz too.
So glad you found a place to get out of the weather though! Looks like a whole lot of delicious things. 
Yes, I cringe at crowds…this place is worth a look though either way…
Those cakes look amazing! I love a good food market. I’d better add this one onto our initiatory for later in the year
I am always amazed at the things bakers can do with whipped fat and sugar =)
or even our itinerary!
Awesome…need to add this to the itinerary next time in New York. Reminds me of the Ferry Building in San Francisco, but maybe even a little better:)
I don’t think I went to the Ferry Building but I know of it…San Fran is an amazing foodie place!
Always love popping in here! They have a fabulous crepe place, that does amazing savory or sweet crepes, depending on your mood! Also known for the occasional sample sales, which fashionistas can score good deals at;-)
Mmmm – love crepes…
I loved the Chelsea Market! My mom and I went after walking the High Line and those lobsters looked absolutely delicious. Lucky for us, it was a gorgeous spring day and the market wasn’t too crowded. I could have spent hours exploring all the goodies in there.
Oh what luck! =)
I love Chelsea market! I got some yummy gelato when I visited!
Oh yum! Sorry we missed that…
I loved the Chelsea Market, the food and the atmosphere was cool with only regular lunchtime crowds. They’ve done a really lovely job with the space.
I agree – really cool place!
Nice shots! If I were there, I would not resist the temptation of these cakes
:). Looks like a very nice and interesting market to explore.
They look almost too pretty to eat!
My bagel from here and Blue Bottle Coffee from across the street were the perfect breakfast. If only I lived a little closer!
You had a great location then! =)