By: Chandler Presson By: Chandler Presson | February 23, 2023 | Lifestyle,
One of the most idyllic neighborhoods in all of New York, there’s lots to love about Gramercy Park. Picturesque brownstones and tree-lined streets abound, all anchored by the famous private park we all wish we had a key to. We’ve rounded up the best businesses and experiences in Gramercy Park for the perfect day in the iconic NYC neighborhood.
See also: The Ultimate Guide To NYC's Chelsea
35 E. 18th St. / 212.475.5829 / Website
Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten serves up seasonal cuisine crafted with the finest fresh and organic ingredients possible in this industrial-chic space beloved by Gramercy locals. While everything on the menu is excellent, we think the desserts really shine, so be sure to leave room to try one (or three!).
38 E. 19th St. / 212.475.5829 / Website
The sister restaurant to ABC Kitchen, abcV provides a delicious plant-based menu that skips out on the animal products but goes all in on flavor. The nourishing menu changes seasonally, and currently includes dishes such as mushroom walnut bolognese with carrot paccheri, celery and mint, and the whole roasted cauliflower with turmeric tahini, zaatar, date molasses, pomegranate, red zhug, fresh herbs and pistachios.
11 Madison Ave. / 212.889.0905 / Website
This long-famed NYC mainstay boasts a coveted three Michelin stars, making it one of the most highly decorated restaurants in the city. The tasting menu consists entirely of plant-based courses, but make no mistake, you’ve never tasted vegetables like this before. From start to finish, this elevated dining experience is unforgettable.
42 E. 20th St. / 212.477.0777 / Website
For over two decades, Gramercy Tavern has delivered contemporary American cuisine through its elevated seasonal menu. This James Beard award-winning restaurant is home to a fabulous tasting menu, an excellent burger, delicious hot chocolate and much, much more.
365 Park Ave. S / 212.685.7700 / Website
Sitting just north of Gramercy Park, this amenities-laden hotel boasts a light and airy design and a coveted location. Enjoy the spacious rooms and gorgeous views before making your way over to Madison Square Park just an avenue over.
201 Park Ave. S / 212.253.9119 / Website
Sitting inside the landmark 1911 Beaux-Arts Guardian Life building, this hotel is all about New York grandeur. The Union Square location makes both uptown and downtown easily accessible, though the amenities such as the fitness center and custom mattresses might keep you enjoying the hotel all day long.
5 Madison Ave. / 212.413.4200 / Website
With unfettered views of both the city skyline and Madison Square Park, this clocktower hotel effortlessly provides an elegant experience grounded in NYC history. The hotel sits in the 1909 Metropolitan Life Insurance Company’s headquarters, and Ian Schrager’s design honors the building’s past while still delivering the utmost sophistication.
44 Gramercy Park N #1b / 877.208.2882 / Website
If you ask us, nothing is more relaxing than a day full of self-care, whether that looks like a Hydrafacial or a top-up on your filler. Helmed by Dr. Irene Gladstein, Project Glammers is one of our favorite medspas in the whole city, making it our ideal way to spend a relaxing afternoon in Gramercy.
212.260.3875 / Website
As Manhattan’s only private park, this fenced-in green space is only open to select neighborhood residences, such as those lucky enough to reside in the quaint 19th-century townhomes surrounding the park. As one of the most well-kept parks in the whole city, it’s well worth the visit, if you can manage to secure yourself a key.
132 E. 22nd St. P1 / 607.260.3312 / Website
This beloved medspa provides scientifically-backed treatments such as Morpheus 8 micro-needling therapy and IV vitamin drip therapy. No matter what skincare treatment you choose, you’ll walk away with tighter, smoother and youthful-looking skin that feels as good as it looks.
294 3rd Ave. / Website
With fairly priced cocktails such as the One With Cucumber, made with vodka, cucumber, lime, St. Germain, ginger and soda, and the Hot One with jalapeño infused tequila blanco, pineapple, lemon and chili salt, Ampersand is many local’s go-to for a pre-dinner tipple. If you get peckish, the small plates are excellent as well.
287 3rd Ave. / 212.889.3361 / Website
Dating all the way back to 1895, this neighborhood favorite complete with sawdust floors and a working fireplace is as authentic as they come. This lively Irish pub is the perfect place to grab a pre-dinner pint and do some people-watching.
23 Lexington Ave. / Website
This Authentic Hospitality hotspot is inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe and champions strong women. The disco ball, addicting music, groovy crowd and tons of dancing ensure that a night at Georgia Room is always a night well spent.
275 Park Ave. S / 646.790.1590 / Website
Tucked away in Fotografiska New York inside of a 19th-century chapel, members-only club Chapel Bar is a sceney celeb-laden lounge where the cocktails, live events and performances all shine equally bright. The door is notoriously difficult, but if you find an in, you’re guaranteed a night to remember.
55 Irving Place / Website
For a chill night of delicious cocktails in an elevated setting, Dear Irving Gramercy is a perfect choice. The lengthy cocktail menu is full of fan favorites, and we recommend reservations, as this hotspot tends to fill up quickly.
15 Gramercy Park S / 212.475.3424 / Website
Intended to stimulate, foster and promote public interest and educate about the fine arts, the National Arts Club is a membership club that hosts weekly public events to further the arts. Exhibitions are free and open to the public and are always full of fabulous art.
281 Park Ave. South / 212.433.3686 / Website
The Fotografiska Museum is one of NYC's best photography museums and is always showcasing significant and thought-provoking exhibitions. We recommend booking a guided tour to experience everything the iconic museum has to offer.
28 E. 20th St. / 212.260.1616 / Website
Explore the boyhood home of the first U.S. president to be born in New York City through a guided tour. Admission to the site and tours of the home are free of charge, though reservations are required for groups of 10 or more and the period rooms are accessible only by guided tours.
335 3rd Ave. / 917.262.0804 / Website
This bright cafe features terrace seating, breakfast classics, burgers, salads, coffee and more, making it the ideal spot for a Saturday brunch. The fresh, flavorful food draws quite the crowd, though the mimosas and bellinis don’t hurt either.
Whether you choose a day of self-care or a night out on the town, any time spent in Gramercy Park is well-spent. We can’t wait to hear which Gramercy activities and businesses are your favorite, so happy exploring!
Photography by: Kirkikis / Getty Images