How to Eat & Drink Your Way Through NYC’s Garment District
Once home to almost all of America’s clothing production, Manhattan’s Garment District has changed drastically since its heyday in the early 20th century. Although you can still find plenty of clothing companies in the neighborhood, the Garment District has started attracting visitors for a new reason: the restaurants. A mix of neighborhood stalwarts and new additions makes the Garment District one of the city’s tastiest areas, while still flying very much under the radar. Here is how to eat and drink your way through the Garment District.
Ai Fiori
If you’re looking for bit of a splurge, Chef Michael White’s Ai Fiori offers a delicious French Mediterranean-inspired menu, along with a wide range of wine and cocktails. A great place to start the day before walking and shopping your way through the rest of the neighborhood. Go all out with their lobster benedict or eggs and caviar—surprisingly light, with fluffy scrambled eggs, creme fraiche and chives.
Tick Tock Diner
The largest diner in New York, Tick Tock Diner is open 24/7 and always there to deliver a massive dose of pure americana whenever you need it. Whether it’s a mid-day reuben or a 4:00am slice of pie, Tick Tock always provides and, in many cases, saves.
Cannibal Beer & Butcher
Cooks prepare the meat behind an open counter at Cannibal, Beer & Butcher, giving this cozy midtown restaurant the feel of an actual butcher shop, except nicer. Head to the rustic back patio and order from the meat-heavy menus (lamb tartare, kielbasa sausage, lardo and a 50-day dry-aged ribeye are a few examples, although veggie dishes like roasted sunchokes are no less delicious). There are also more than 400 domestic and international beers available, to boot.
Gabriel Kreuther
Like Ai Fiori, Gabriel Kreuther is a Michelin-starred restaurant that’s perfect for special occasions. Expect a lot of foie gras at this restaurant on Bryant Park, where chef Kreuther shows off his Alsatian heritage. The prix fixe menu is worth the money, if only in that it guarantees a long, relaxed meal. By some miracle, the wine list isn’t at all as pricy as the food menu, so drink away while the foie gras arrives.
Parker & Quinn
At Refinery, Parker & Quinn is one of the best restaurants in the Garment District. Executive Chef Jeff Haskell takes a straightforward approach in his kitchen, relying on high-quality and locally-sourced ingredients to produce balanced American dishes that change with the season. (Don’t worry, the ribeye is available year-round). Head bartender James Fransioli ensures that Parker & Quinn is also a great Midtown bar, with signature cocktails like the Picadura, with Avión Silver tequila, lemon juice, ginger, liquified honey, and bitters topped with a spicy mezcal float. Have a round here before heading to Refinery’s other restaurants and bars, Winnie’s jazz bar or Refinery Rooftop—with epic Empire State Building views.
