Bars & Nightlife
Tara Mor | NYC
4.9 out of 5Price level $$$
Tara Mor | NYC is a bar in Flatiron described by visitors as food-focused, known for excellent service. Based on 10 reviews.
Fit. Cultured. Always on.
Best Bars & Restaurants in Chelsea
Art galleries, High Line views, and diverse nightlife from gay bars to rooftop lounges.
- Artistic
- LGBTQ+-Friendly
- Diverse
- Walkable
- Cultural
More top places in Chelsea
Restaurants, bars and cafes, ranked by rating and how many reviews back it, after the three above.
- Rank 4
- Rank 5
Restaurants & Dining
Loopy's Eatery
4.9 out of 5Price level $$Loopy's Eatery is a restaurant in Flatiron described by visitors as food-focused, korean and chinese, budget-friendly. Based on 10 reviews.
- Rank 6
Coffee & Casual
Gelatoville Italian Gelato Coffee & Bakery
4.9 out of 5Discover the magic of Gelatoville, where our secret recipes, crafted by gelato artisans in Florence, Italy, bring you an authentic taste experience in New York City. We offer a wide range of delicious and all-natural gelato flavors
- Rank 7
Restaurants & Dining
EJ BBQ & Sushi
4.9 out of 5Price level $$This unique restaurant seamlessly fuses the smoky, savory goodness of barbecue with the delicate artistry of sushi. Our chefs masterfully blend the traditions of American BBQ with the precision and creativity of Japanese sushi, delivering a gastronomic adventure that will leave your taste buds delighted.
- Rank 8
Coffee & Casual
787 Coffee Co.
4.8 out of 5Price level $787 Coffee was born as a coffee farm in Puerto Rico. Raised in New York. With lots of love for Texas & New Jersey. At 787 Coffee, we know good things come to those who put in the work. That's why all of our coffee beans are sustainably grown from our coffee farm in Puerto Rico, neighboring coffee farms and specialty coffee farms from Mexico and Colombia.
- Rank 9
Restaurants & Dining
Shukette
4.8 out of 5Price level $$$Shukette is a well-known middle eastern restaurant in Chelsea, Manhattan. Serving quality food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Rank 10
Restaurants & Dining
La Dong
4.8 out of 5Price level $$La Dong is a well-known Vietnamese restaurant in Chelsea, Manhattan. Serving quality food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Rank 11
Coffee & Casual
Venchi
4.8 out of 5Price level $$Venchi is a cafe in Flatiron described by visitors as italian, moderately priced. Based on 10 reviews.
- Rank 12
Restaurants & Dining
Anixi Mediterranean Vegan Restaurant
4.8 out of 5Price level $$Anixi is a Mediterranean Brasserie that features vibrant flavors from Greece, Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon. Chef Guy Vaknin journeys close to home with this concept, finding profound inspiration in scents, details, ingredients, and textures of the region.
What to do in Chelsea
Every category, narrowed to this neighborhood.
Photo: Wooga NYCDrinks & Nightlife in ChelseaBest bars, cocktail lounges, rooftop bars, dive bars, and late-night drinks in Chelsea. Happy hour deals, speakeasies, wine bars, and where the locals actually go after midnight.Cocktail bars, Rooftop bars, Speakeasies, Wine bars
Photo: Rosa MexicanoFood in ChelseaBest restaurants and places to eat in Chelsea. From brunch spots and cheap eats to fine dining, pizza, sushi, and the holes-in-the-wall you won't find on TripAdvisor.Pizza, Sushi, Brunch, Steakhouses
Photo: Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee CompanyCasual & Social in ChelseaBest coffee shops, cafes, bakeries, and chill hangout spots in Chelsea. Great for working remote, catching up with friends, or pretending to read while people-watching.Coffee shops, Tea houses, Bakeries, Study spots
Photo: SVA TheatreLive Entertainment in ChelseaLive music, comedy shows, jazz clubs, karaoke bars, and performances in Chelsea. Open mics, ticketed events, and the kind of nights that become stories.Comedy, Live music, Jazz, Karaoke
Photo: Lucky Strike Chelsea PiersActivities & Experiences in ChelseaFun things to do in Chelsea — escape rooms, bowling alleys, art classes, arcades, pop-ups, and interactive experiences that don't involve staring at a menu.Escape rooms, Bowling, Art classes, Arcades
Photo: Chelsea WatersideOutdoor & Fresh Air in ChelseaBest outdoor spots, parks, rooftop bars, patios, waterfront walks, and gardens in Chelsea. Fresh air, skyline views, and places to actually sit outside without a reservation.Rooftops, Patios, Gardens, Waterfront
Photo: Pier 61 Chelsea PiersWellness & Fitness in ChelseaSpas, gyms, yoga and pilates studios, and other places to move or unwind in Chelsea.Spas, Yoga, Pilates, Gyms
Photo: Urban Vegan KitchenDate Night in ChelseaBest date night spots in Chelsea — romantic restaurants, intimate cocktail bars, cozy wine bars, and vibey spots that do the heavy lifting so you don't have to.Romantic dinners, Cocktail bars, Speakeasies, Rooftops
Photo: BELTANE.Group Hangouts in ChelseaBest places for groups in Chelsea — sports bars, beer gardens, karaoke rooms, bowling alleys, and spots that can actually fit your whole crew without a 2-hour wait.Sports bars, Beer gardens, Bowling, Karaoke
Photo: Krispy KremeQuick & Easy in ChelseaQuick plans in Chelsea that require zero effort. Happy hours, grab-and-go coffee, fast casual spots, delis, and solid options for when you've got 30 minutes and no ideas.Coffee, Happy hour, Delis, Fast casual
Photo: Pasta EaterTourist Friendly in ChelseaBest things to do in Chelsea for first-time visitors. Iconic restaurants, famous bars, must-see landmarks, and spots worth the hype — no tourist traps, we promise.Famous pizza, Iconic bars, Broadway area, Landmarks
What makes Chelsea one of the best neighborhoods in NYC
Art galleries by day, rooftop bars by night, gym rats 24/7
Chelsea is the neighborhood that works out before brunch, hits a gallery opening before dinner, and still makes it to a rooftop bar by 10. It's been the heart of NYC's LGBTQ+ scene for decades, and the art gallery district between 10th and 11th Avenues is the best free museum in the city. Come for the culture, stay because the Thai food on 8th Ave is insane.
Chelsea is an art lover's paradise. The gallery district (West 20s) showcases contemporary art in former warehouses. The High Line elevated park offers stunning views and people-watching. The nightlife is legendarily diverse—historic gay bars, dance clubs, cocktail lounges, late-night diners. Chelsea Market provides food hall vibes. The neighborhood balances artistic credibility with mainstream appeal. It's walkable, well-located, and offers something for everyone—art openings, brunch spots, nightlife, quiet parks.
Best for
Gallery-hopping on a Thursday night followed by rooftop cocktails with skyline views
Insider tip
The High Line is for tourists before 6pm and locals after. Time it right.
Chelsea is known for
- Art galleries
- The High Line
- Gay bars
- Chelsea Market
- Nightlife diversity
Local lingo: “Chelsea Market isn't a secret anymore, but we all still pretend we discovered it.”
Neighborhoods near Chelsea
Every neighborhood has its own character. Here is what's close by.
Photo: Joe's PizzaWest VillageCharming tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and romantic date-night energy.
Photo: Whitney Museum of American ArtMeatpacking DistrictHigh-energy nightlife, celebrity hotspots, and the southern entrance to the High Line.
Photo: BeccoHell's KitchenTheater kids, global eats on 9th Avenue, and the gritty-turned-great west side neighborhood.
Photo: Eataly - FlatironFlatironThe iconic building, Madison Square Park lunches, and some of Manhattan's best restaurants.
Photo: Comedy CellarGreenwich VillageLiterary history, jazz clubs, NYU energy, and Washington Square Park's iconic arch.
Photo: Dominique Ansel BakerySoHoCast-iron architecture, high-end shopping, and trendy restaurants in a stunning historic district.
Photo: St. Patrick's CathedralMidtownGrand Central to Times Square — corporate power lunches, Broadway marquees, and everything in between.
Photo: Times SquareTimes SquareThe world's most famous intersection—blinding lights, Broadway marquees, and organized chaos.
Photo: Madison Square GardenHudson YardsManhattan's newest mega-development—The Vessel, luxury malls, and skyline-level dining.
Photo: Diner 24 NYCGramercyA gated park, old-world townhouses, and cocktail bars with a members-only mystique.
Frequently asked questions about Chelsea
What are the best restaurants in Chelsea?
Ranked by rating and number of reviews, the top restaurants in Chelsea on Moodap are Taqueria by El Prieto NYC (Mexican, 4.9 stars), Serano's Italian (Italian, 4.9 stars) and Loopy's Eatery (Korean, 4.9 stars).
What are the best bars in Chelsea?
Ranked by rating and number of reviews, the top bars in Chelsea on Moodap are Tara Mor | NYC (Cocktail bar, 4.9 stars), Wildflower (Cocktail bar, 4.8 stars) and The Hotel Chelsea (Cocktail bar, 4.8 stars).
What are the best cafes in Chelsea?
Ranked by rating and number of reviews, the top cafes in Chelsea on Moodap are Sweet Cats Union Square (Frozen Desserts, 4.9 stars), Gelatoville Italian Gelato Coffee & Bakery (Coffee/Tea, 4.9 stars) and 787 Coffee Co. (Coffee/Tea, 4.8 stars).
Where can I eat or drink cheap in Chelsea?
126 places in Chelsea are marked budget-friendly ($). The best-ranked are Sweet Cats Union Square (Frozen Desserts, 4.9 stars), Gelatoville Italian Gelato Coffee & Bakery (Coffee/Tea, 4.9 stars) and 787 Coffee Co. (Coffee/Tea, 4.8 stars).
What kind of food is Chelsea known for?
Of the 199 restaurants Moodap lists in Chelsea, the most common kinds are American (27), Japanese (25), Deli (19) and Italian (18).
How many places does Moodap list in Chelsea?
199 restaurants, 51 bars and 94 cafes, each with its own page. The best-ranked are at the top of this page.
What neighborhoods are near Chelsea?
West Village, Meatpacking District, Hell's Kitchen and Flatiron are next door. Each has its own guide on Moodap, linked on this page.
How does Moodap rank places in Chelsea?
By star rating, weighted by how many reviews back it: a place with hundreds of strong reviews ranks above a perfect score from a handful. Places with few or no reviews come after well-reviewed ones. Not sure which fits your plans? Find Your Vibe™ picks one for your mood in about 25 seconds.
Find your Chelsea spot
Answer a few quick questions and Moodap narrows the neighborhood down to places that fit your mood.
Find Your Vibe™