Chelsea, home of our guest house, is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in New York City. It’s the home to more than 15 different gay nightlife institutions, over 370 art galleries, the greatest concentration of gay-frequented restaurants in the city, a plethora of shopping destinations including a Barneys CO-OP, Comme des Garçons, and Balenciaga, and of course those notorious gym-toned Chelsea boys.
Areas of Interest
The Highline: Originally constructed in the 1930s to lift dangerous freight trains off Manhattan’s streets, this overpass was converted into one of New York’s most inviting parks in recent years. It’s landscape combines the original industrial elements with naturalistic plantings and there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. For more information visit: www.thehighline.org.
Chelsea Market: Built in the former National Biscuit Company factory, this unique urban marketplace stretches two entire city blocks and is home to numerous gourmet retailers and restaurants including Morimoto, Chelsea Thia, The Lobster Place, Amy’s Bread, Jacques Torres Chocolate and many more. They also maintain a full schedule of events from whiskey tastings to cooking classes. For more information visit www.chelseamarket.com.
West 25th Street Market: Chelsea was once known for its flea markets. Now only the West 25th Street Market remains. You’ll find everything from tiny wooden carvings to vintage jewellery. It’s a home to junk and treasures alike and you know what they say, one man’s garbage is another man’s gold. For more information click here.
Chelsea Piers: A historic passenger ship terminal turned entertainment complex, it features some of the country’s most advanced athletic training facilities, a trendy bowling alley, golf club, spa, ice rink, and is home to several sound stages used in the production of major television programs and films. For more information visit: www.chelseapiers.com.
Floating Lighthouse: Also known as “The Frying Pan,” this interesting vessel has been the site of parties and spontaneous fun. It’s at 26th street on the Hudson River. For more information visit: www.fryingpan.com.
Select Nightlife Establishments
Splash: Chelsea’s long standing gay dance club. It’s over 10,000 square feet and had 2 floors gay boys shaking their booties to some of today’s most prominent DJs. For more information visit: www.splashbar.com.
Barracuda: Next Magazine calls this Chelsea favorite, “the unofficial epicenter of gayness, regardless your scene.” We couldn’t say it better if we tried. For more information visit them on Facebook.
The Eagle: Leather daddies, bears, and cubs flock to this infamous bar where the drinks are strong and surprisingly cheap by Manhattan standards. For more information visit: www.eaglenyc.com.
g Lounge: When it gets busy, this popular bar packs the boys in like sardines while muscular bartenders serve drinks over the bar they share with beefy gogo dancers. For more information visit: www.glounge.com.
Boxers: One of Chelsea’s gay sports bars. The other is called Gym Bar. Both serve as a meeting place for gay jocks. For more information visit: www.boxersnyc.com.
XES: Chelsea’s version of the neighborhood bar boasts “no attitude” and frequently hosts karaoke, drag contests, and live comedy. They also have a patio. For more information visit: www.xesnyc.com.
For a full list of the most current parties and more bar and club listings, we recommend you visit Next Magazine’s website.
