The latest neighborhood we are exploring in New York is Gramercy! Gramercy can feel like a secluded, private neighborhood, even though it’s located in central Manhattan. With few tourist attractions, the neighborhood is filled with residents looking for a place to relax with privacy. It is bordered on the south by Union Square, to the west by the Flatiron District, and north by 23rd Street.
The tree-lined streets are filled with quaint brownstones and town homes. Gramercy is considered a beautiful and desirable place to live. The neighborhood is a mix of longtime residents and newcomers (many of whom are celebrities) who enjoy being just removed from the commotion of Union Square and the East Village.
The main draw of Gramercy is Gramercy Park, the only private park in Manhattan. Only the neighbors who live on the park’s perimeter have a key to unlock its gates (think Notting Hill). Gramercy Park opens to the public one day a year on Christmas Eve for caroling. But if you are not lucky enough to be a resident, another option is to stay at the Gramercy Park Hotel to receive the same access as those who pay an annual fee for a key to the park.
Gramercy has deep ties to history and the arts. The National Arts Club and The Players Club sit next door to one another, and are both private clubs originally founded to support promote and educate the American people on the arts.
Gramercy is also home to some great restaurants, Gramercy Tavern among them. The street outside is currently under construction, so this isn’t a great photo, but don’t let that fool you. This is one of New York’s finest restaurants with a fixed priced tasting menu that will cost you a pretty penny.
Pete’s Tavern, New York’s oldest continuously operating bar opened in 1864 and continues to serve some of the best Italian cuisine. Javelina is the cities’ only Tex-Mex restaurant.
Other great picks in the neighborhood are Casa Mono, Friend of a Farmer, and Irving Farm.
As for nightlife, Irving Plaza or Gramercy Theater are the perfect spots to catch a show from some up and coming bands. If jazz music is more your thing, be sure to check out the Jazz Standard.
Be sure to check out the rest of our neighborhood guides here. What neighborhood do you want us to go explore next?
-Ash xx
