Chelsea Market

Drifting through the food-laden halls of this once-abandoned factory is a sensory delight.

by Liz Zack

The Scene
Opened in 1997, this long brick building is much more than a glorified food court. Food, flowers, kitchen supplies and dining occupy the ground-level space, while offices for companies such as Oxygen make up the upper floors. Neighborhood office workers mingle with those in search of gourmet ingredients.

The Goods
There are more than 20 shops to visit, including Sarabeths, Hale and Hearty Soups and more fresh produce outlets. Chelsea Market is perfect for lunch, for gathering ingredients after work or for rounding up 12 white ramekins for a creme brulee dessert to be served at this weekend's dinner party. It's the perfect place to think about yourself, of course, but also to think about gifts--many of the businesses carry beautiful wrapped options, perfect for a host present.

04/25/06

Great finds, unique, non-commercial atmosphere

by ljk215

Chelsea markets is home to an authentic italian deli for hard to find flours, pastas, meats, olives, oils, etc. It made me nostalgic to my childhood and rivals arthur avenue for selection, although pricier for sure. there are several great places to eat within the market as well as many well known bakeries including eleni's and sarabeth's. a great way to spend an afternoon if combined with a walk through the west village.

11/28/05

Nothing to see

by eugene9150

Not what I think of concerning a marketplace.

Not enough stores to make the trip again. The wine shop looks promising but other shops are not enticing enough

10/31/03

Heaven in a Warehouse

by kissthecook

If heaven were all about food, then Chelsea Market would be my version of heaven. The aroma from all the baked good shops alone is worth the schlep all the way to 9th Ave. Amy's Bread makes the best ciabatta. And all the desserts from Eleni's Cookies, Ruth's Cheesecakes and Rugelach, and the Fat Witch Bakery are worth every calorie. Notable mention to the Italian grocery store that has an amazing selection of cheeses and everything else imaginable.

• Pros: Selection, Price
• Cons: Distance

01/06/03

a mall--in manhattan!

by stacyfine

chelsea market is truly unexpected. a mall right in the middle of manhattan. what is great is that instead of the stores being "sunglass hut" and "the gap," it is almost all little food shops. like a giant "food court" (that's what we used to call the food area in my mall where i grew up in ohio) with a bit of shopping. and the food court is great-- top notch thai, you can get lobster rolls at the seafood store, milkshakes at the dairy place, and fresh carrot juice at the fruit place. there does seem to be an overload of cookies and baked goods places, which is the only odd thing. i feel spoiled that i live within walking distance of this great place!

• Pros: its a mall
• Cons: needs more shopping

07/23/02

Who Knew!!

by cm009

Chelsea Market is a fresh breath for Manhattan!! The restaurants (there are SO many to choose from) are all well above average and it's totally convenient to have a Thai salad followed by a FatWitch brownie. Manhattan Fruit Exchange has the freshest produce for low prices! I could go on and on - but everyone should check it out. There website is an easy guide- www.chelseamarket.com

05/21/02

Eye candy

by JackShay_Citysearch

Chelsea Market reminds me of Pike Place in Seattle--stalls of all kinds of yummies that go on forever. Some fun displays and waterfalls and such keep the space interesting too. Everything from a great butcher to a Hale & Hearty Soups. Great for when you just don't know what you want to eat and you have some time to kill.

• Pros: Store variety
• Cons: Upstairs isn't public