VIBE

Back in the 1890s, this was the site of the National Biscuit Company factory, an impressively ornate complex of red brick buildings that churned out American favorites like Saltines and Oreos by the truckload. The biscuit ovens have long since cooled down (they closed definitively in the 1959), but in the 1990s, a century after the factories originally opened, a new generation of gourmets moved in and set up shop, starting one of the country’s first “foodie” markets. Treats on offer range from lush brownies at the Fat Witch Bakery and glass-bottled milk by Ronnybrook Dairy to the organic raw bar at One Lucky Duck and the funky popsicles at People’s Pops. Mixed in with the gourmet food boutiques is a smattering of high-end restaurants (like Buddakan and Morimoto) and boutiques like quirky clothing chain Anthropologie.

GO HERE WITH

Foodies; a date; friends; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

On sunny afternoons, we come to pick up posh picnic supplies (and then head to the adjacent High Line), and on rainy afternoons, we like to nibble our way through the yummy selection of snacks on offer. This is a great place to take picky eaters or a large group because there’s something for everyone.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Unless you’re eating in one of the sit-down restaurants, it can be difficult to find a place in the market to park yourself while you scarf your delicious treats.

GOOD TO KNOW

Chelsea Market covers the entire block between 15th and 16th Streets from Ninth to Tenth Avenues. The High Line, which runs up Tenth Avenue, sits just above the western part of Chelsea Market, making a perfect picnic spot. If you’re into architecture, check out the nifty original elements from the National Biscuit Company that still remain on site, like ornate classical ironwork and mosaic monograms over the 15th Street entryways.

CLOSEST COMPS

Spitalfields Market (London); Borough Market (London); Farmers Market (Los Angeles)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.