Yes, the High Line can be unpleasant, especially when you find yourself elbow fighting with tourists for a spot in line at one of the few food vendors that are up on the park itself. The good news is that the High Line can be an excellent part of some summer afternoon activities on the west side – as long as you know how to do it right. That’s where we come in.
Instead of dealing with the few options available above the street, bring some food of your own and settle into a chair near the 14th Street entrance, or hit one of the many restaurants nearby before or after you ascend the stairs to our narrowest park. Here are some of the best things to eat near The High Line, separated into “sit down” and “grab and go” ideas.
sit down spots
Need food and a proper drink, but not interested in sitting inside? Hit up Cookshop, just steps from The High Line.
Use this strictly as a daytime option, as dinner will pretty much be impossible without a reservation or hawking over someone’s bar seat. But on a Saturday afternoon, this is a great way to start or end your 30 minute round trip walk on The High Line.
Got a date? Take a walk down The High Line, then end at Untitled. If you don’t have a reservation, you might encounter a wait. But it’s worth it - plus, points for “spontaneity.”
After all that walking, you’re probably going to be thirsty. Frozen negronis (plus an incredible patio) are never a bad idea. Alta Linea is open late spring to early fall.
Haven’t tried High Street on Hudson? A post-High Line trip is a great excuse. If you’re hitting it during the day, you’ll want to go heavy on the sandwiches. And if it’s dinner time, be prepared for serious food (get the tripe).
You don’t need us to tell you that The Meatball Shop is good. You just need us to remind you that it’s there. Get an ice cream sandwich while you’re at it.
Pizza is never a bad idea, and this is where you should be if you want to eat some pies or take a few up to the park. Co. is an excellent pizzeria owned by the Sullivan St. Bakery folks, who also have a shop next door that serves slices. Either are a good option, just depending on the size of your crew.
Get in line, drink seven beers while you wait for a table, eat a delicious burger. Maybe you make it to the High Line, maybe you don’t. Either way, you win
grab and go
Rocket Pig is a little takeout joint situated in the back yard of Trestle on Tenth. The namesake sandwich is one of the best things you can eat on the west side, and it travels well too. The good news is that you won’t be going far – there’s an entrance to the High Line around the corner on 23rd St.
Doughnut Plant
220 W 23rd St
You wanna know how you know you’re good at life? When your plan for the day is to eat a box of doughnuts in the sun. And there is absolutely no better place to get a box of doughnuts from Doughnut Plant, conveniently located on 23rd Street. Be good at life.
Easily the best tacos on this side of town, and the quesadillas are amazing too. Stop into Chelsea Market before you head to the High Line and grab some grub from Los Tacos. You can pick up some other snacks too or maybe even a bag of exotic spices, depending on how you get down. This place has EVERYTHING.
Dirty bird wants you to get dirty. Their website says so. We tend to agree. This is some of the best fried chicken you can find in this area, and they do an excellent rotisserie chicken as well. Grab some as you head west down 14th Street toward the High Line. Grab some napkins too.
