The Standard Holiday Guide to the Meatpacking District

Of all the many beautiful things about The Standard, High Line (see: the epic views, our street level Biergarten, al fresco dining and skating, the Top of The Standard), arguably the most beautiful thing is its ideal location. Set out from our iconic revolving yellow door in any direction, and the dining, shopping, strolling, art-going, and nightlife options are virtually endless. Right under our nose, you’ve got the High Line Park, the Whitney Museum, and the West Side Greenway. Head a few blocks north to Chelsea and you’ve got meccas of shopping and galleries. Head south and you’ve got cozy West village restaurants and boutiques. The Meatpacking District essentially triangulates three of the most culturally dense neighborhoods anywhere the world. The possibilities can be overwhelming, so we’ve whittled down the options to some of our favorite must-hit restaurants, shops, markets, bars, galleries, and museums. 

Catch NYC

Set in a landmark building at the heart of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, Catch NYC features modern renditions of classic dishes served in streaming, shareable style of dining. The tri-level restaurant marries simple yet elegant seafood, sushi, and steak with excellent service and a lively atmosphere complete with al fresco rooftop dining and nightlife. The menu features signature dishes including the Catch Roll, Truffle Sashimi, A5 Japanese Wagyu on a hot rock, Mushroom Spaghetti, and Cantonese Lobster.

Dos Caminos

An eclectic take on traditional Mexican fare with over 100 tequilas and specialty margaritas, Dos Caminos has been voted to have the #1 Margarita in NYC 2 years in a row and  brings the vibrant spirit of Mexico City to New York City. Serving authentic and upscale Mexican cuisine, including fresh guac, killer margaritas, and South of the Border favorites.

Serafina

Founded by Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, Serafina uses only the highest quality ingredients to create the most memorable meals and is about great energy & fabulous food. A home away from home, no matter where you are in the world. Promised fresh, quality ingredients every single time.

Pastis

A beloved favorite, Pastis has returned to the Meatpacking District serving traditional French fare with a newly invigorated soul. Pastis features classic elements such as the curved zinc bar outfitted with signature subway tiles, vintage mirrors with handwritten daily specials, and a mosaic-tiled floor. Guests can expect to find the classic bistro fare Pastis is known for, with a menu that offers breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner.

The Standard Grill

If we can be so bold, we think the best brasserie in the neighborhood sits right on our doorstep. The all-day operation turns out some of the city’s smartest American bistro cooking. Dreams of the Standard Burger and fries keep us awake at night.

The Whitney Museum of American Art

The Standard’s next-door neighbor, The Whitney, has been around New York in one form or another since 1931, but only moved around the corner to their new digs in 2015, when they opened in their stunner of a building with some of the city’s best views and one of the greatest collections of modern and contemporary art you’re going to find in the world. Don’t forget drop into their café (a two-star Danny Meyer joint) or their museum shop that puts other gift shops to shame.

Museum of Illusions

Enter the fascinating world of illusions where nothing is ever quite as it seems. The Museum of Illusions is designed to captivate your senses, challenge your perceptions, and ignite your imagination. With mind-bending exhibits and interactive installations, you’ll embark on a journey of wonder and discovery.

Ivy Brown Gallery

Founded in 2001 as a result of 9/11, Ivy Brown Gallery was conceived as an ode to Brown's commitment to open doors in her community. The gallery is dedicated to supporting emerging and established artists, and exhibits both emerging and established artists of all mediums. Ivy’s commitment to art and the critical part it plays in our humanity is the grounding force behind the gallery.

Gallery 23 NY

Gallery 23 NY is a non-profit, multi-faceted gallery group, dedicated to showcasing emerging artists, with an emphasis on neo-expressionism, street, and pop art. With a core mission is to exhibit artists who are able to convey their story and invite conversation through dynamic and revolutionary craft and skill, the gallery features works of both emerging and established artists within the community.

ArtecHouse

Kobrick Coffee Co. 

The Kobrick family’s been pushing their beans in New York City since the 1920s. They’ve moved the roasting plant to New Jersey, but the original spot hosts one of the best brew bars in the city, and has cocktail and food menus that are far from afterthoughts.

787 Coffee

787 Coffee is a farm to cup coffee experience: grown, processed & roasted in one location, their coffee farm in Puerto Rico. No distributors, no roasters, no imports involved. Grown 3,000 ft above sea level in the beautiful mountains of Maricao, Puerto Rico, 787 Coffee puts love into the process, using sustainable and eco-friendly growing methods to protect the quality of their beans and the future of our planet.

Jo's Coffee

An Austin icon lands in NYC! Jo’s is more than a coffee spot, they're a community hub and a key fixture of Austin, TX since 1999, spreading caffeinated love to folks on the go. Jo's serves coffee, tacos and prime people-watching wherever they find themselves (especially in their lovely corner of The Meatpacking District over by The Standard, High Line). 

Diane Von Furstenberg

Home of the iconic wrap dress, the Diane von Furstenberg's flagship store also houses accessories including handbags, shoes, small leather goods, scarves, and jewelry, to name just a few. For VIPs, there's also a special fitting area tucked away downstairs with beverage service and plenty of TLC.

Apple

Manhattan’s only Apple Store is located in the heart of the Meatpacking District, sporting 3 floors and including an entire floor dedicated to service. Get your devices fixed, buy new ones, or just explore.

Warby Parker

Warby Parker, dedicated itself to inspire and impact the world with vision, purpose, and style. The store carries a range of eyeglasses, sunglasses, accessories, and now contacts. Every Warby Parker frame is designed in-house, where their team puts together mood boards for inspiration, sketches initial designs, and maps out product details for prototyping. Talk about a product made custom, just for you.

Rolex

A world-renowned watch shop, stocking high-end timepieces from recognizable brands, including some pre-owned. Rolex’s innovations have indelibly marked the history of global watchmaking, so stop by the Meatpacking District location for nothing short of quality and expertise.

Marni

The first American outpost to showcase the Castiglioni family’s trademark high-end offerings, the space is a funhouse for aficionados of an ever-relevant Italian design house.

Maison Martin Margiela

You already know the name, but you haven’t really shopped the Paris-based perennial's collections until you’ve done it here, a temple to minimalism that feels like you’ve stepped into the middle of a glossy September shoot. The staff even wears white lab coats to reinforce the theme. 

Lululemon

Yoga-inspired, technical athletic apparel company for yoga, running, training, and most other sweaty pursuits. Whether you're a yogi, a runner, a dancer, or do anything else that breaks a sweat, Lululemon has you covered with apparel that elevates you in the moment.

Patagonia

When thinking of sustainable clothing, Patagonia is top of the list. While they offer high-quality clothing and outdoor gear made from recycled materials, being truly sustainable reaches far beyond the products. Known for company quality and durable products, Patagonia's products are especially designed for outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta, known for their timeless and elegant designs, as well as their meticulous approach to leather craftsmanship (including the infamous intrecciato woven leather structure) within their product lines of ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, accessories, and jewelry.

Gucci

Gucci, synonymous with luxury and style This iconic Italian fashion house has been around for over 100 years and it's not hard to see why it's still going strong. The brand is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and timeless designs that never ever go out of style.

Vans

A sneaker boutique where you can find gear for you and everyone in your crew. Shoes, clothing, accessories, and more.

Theory

Recognizing the need for clothes that felt great and fit perfectly, Theory houses versatile, sophisticated, and easy to wear seasonal collections that are designed with purpose,  expertly tailored and made from the best materials.

Chelsea Market

A collective of shops running from 9th to 10th Ave in an industrial-chic building that’s less mall, more bazaar, the main draw here are the food options. Among them: some of the best tacos in the city (Los Tacos No. 7), a seafood shop where you can score some of the city’s freshest oysters (The Lobster Place), killer coffee (Ninth Street Espresso), and Mediterranean master Michael Solomonov’s sole New York City outpost of his hummus spot, Dizengoff. As far as coping with the hordes of tourists that shuffle about Chelsea Market: go get a beer at The Filling Station to take off the edge. 

Le Bain

Take in the electric top-floor views and dance yourself clean to the sounds of world-class DJs at The Standard, High Line's penthouse discotheque. Also check out the astroturf’d outdoor balcony, replete with a crepe stand, as well as the mischief-inducing indoor jacuzzi (hence the club's name). 

TAO Downtown Nightclub

Tucked away within the grandeur of TAO Downtown's restaurant is a hidden gem and “in the know” oasis, TAO Downtown Nightclub. The trendy nightspot serves cocktails amid a cool, Chinese-themed setting with exposed-brick walls.

Little Island

Little Island is a new public park where all New Yorkers and visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis on the Hudson River. Little Island has concession stands, a small stage, and a 687-seat amphitheater with an unmatched view.

The High Line

Our city’s loud and proud elevated park is a former elevated railway with must-see public art and treats along the way. Check with Friends of the High Line for current happenings. 

Hudson River Park

Hudson River Park is the best way to take in a ground-level views of the Hudson River, with plenty to do while you’re on it, including running, biking, basketball, rollerblading, mini golf, tennis, trapeze, swimming, volleyball, and a whole lot more at Chelsea Piers (ice skating, bowling, golf, batting cages, etc). Or if all of that stresses you out, you can just not move and take in the sunset from a bench.