5 Unusual Art & Food Spots Worth Your Time in New York

Gagosian Gallery

555 W 24th St

Larry Gagosian isn’t a household name among art lovers. But among New York’s wealthy, he’s a colossus. He’s included in this list because he’s one of those rare things that originated from, or rather is a result of what New York means to art. He isn’t an artist: he’s an art dealer. All in all, Gagosian owns more exhibition space around the world than most museums. The man pioneered the mega-gallery model, and even with all the space available to him, he’s very picky about who gets to exhibit in his galleries. Visit his Chelsea spot not only for the art but to get a better understanding as to why this area of Manhattan became a hub for collectors.

Insider tip: Cross the street to Frying Pan for lunch in one of the few restaurants floating in the Hudson River.

David Krut Projects

526 W 26th St

Just around the block from Gagosian is a building preserving the type of lofts artists lived in while the city went bankrupt. Lofts that were too small for manufacturing were left empty, so artists began moving in illegally into an area that was desolate and dangerous. While much of the neighborhood has since been transformed, it’s not that easy to see what those spaces looked like, as so much of it is in private hands today. David Krut is a South African printer who became known globally for his work with the artist William Kentridge. This space is both for exhibiting but also for printmaking. I enjoy going here because it’s unpretentious for a pretentious part of the city. It’s also free to visit and often offers workshops that will make you feel like one of those poor artists from the 80s.

Whitney Museum

99 Gansevoort St

From David Krut walk towards the High Line, an elevated rail trail converted into a park, that has sculptures and murals all along the way to your next destination: the Whitney Museum. Look out for a free pocket guide with more information on the art you’ll see along the way. The Whitney is the best place to see a comprehensive collection of American art, which is why you’re in America, after all. It’s really not worth visiting the Museum of Modern Art as it’s just become a target of over-tourism.

Insider tip: As you step inside, look out for a Nelson Mandela quote engraved on the floor.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 5th Ave

You’d probably say this is a mainstream choice compared to the others I’ve listed, but hear me out. The Met (all the way on the other side of town) is big enough for you to sit quietly somewhere on your own or to join a group listening to a well-informed tour guide. I just enjoyed the space, the collection, the rooftop with its incredible view of the city and the choice to unwind in Central Park after a long day of focusing on art. The biggest criticism this place gets is that it’s just too vast. That’s why you have to decide beforehand what you’d be interested in seeing. No matter what you can think of, they probably have at least one image depicting a period or artist you’re interested in. So go to that one spot, don’t look at anything else, and spend as much time with it as you can. That’s it. Now leave.

Guggenheim Museum

1071 5th Ave

The Guggenheim is another easy choice, but I wouldn’t go here for the art. It’s within walking distance from the Met and allows for a nice stroll after all that art in the Met. The architecture and the legend that is Frank Lloyd Wright should be the reason why. The museum typically celebrates both the architecture's birthday and the opening of the building (June 8th and October 21st, respectively). Both events are worth the visit, and it’s not just for members. Ask for a free guide about the architecture and walk around the building to see all the different angles of workmanship.

COFFEE

Grey Dog: American

244 Mulberry St

New Yorkers can’t start the day without coffee. To hang around NYU students is to get a different view of the city. Conversations with strangers at Grey Dog often turn into discussions about life. New York students are thinkers, and they consume tons of coffee, increasingly more than alcohol. The food isn’t great, so you might want to explore other options.

Breakfast

Breakfast by Salt’s Cure: Pancakes

27 ½ Morton St

If you only go to Grey Dog for coffee, head to Salt’s Cure for a proper breakfast. There’s usually a line outside, something New York foodies love. Plan to show up early, bring a book to read while waiting in line. The limited menu is a good thing. Try the Classic: two eggs, two sausages and two griddle cakes. It's amazing. You can also add fried chicken for the works.

PRE-DRINKS

Panorama Room: Cocktail Bar

22 N Loop Rd

To get a true sense of the Manhattan skyline, leave the island. Panorama Room offers a panoramic view from Roosevelt Island. It’s relatively inexpensive, and the drinks are okay. Come for the views, not the bar snacks.

LUNCH/DINNER

Manhatta: New American

28 Liberty St

The ultimate celebration of America in a restaurant: great food and great views, right in the middle of the world’s financial center on a street named for America’s defining pursuit: Liberty. While it was an overcast evening when a friend brought me here (meaning I can’t vouch for the view), the food and drinks were exceptional. A must-do.