When you want excellent dips and breads, head to Shukette in Chelsea for labne, pita, and other Mediterranean dishes from the Levant region.

Very Fresh Noodles is a great spot for Chinese hand-pulled noodles in Chelsea Market.

Beer Run is a beer store in Chelsea with a tiny bar in the back.

Zizi is a Middle Eastern spot in Chelsea that’s a great option for weekday lunch or any type of casual dinner.

Piggyback is a pan-Asian spot in Chelsea from the people behind Pig and Khao, and it’s a great option for dinner before a show at MSG.

Portale is a big Italian spot serving housemade pastas near Union Square.

Smithfield Hall is a great spot to watch any sport, but especially soccer.

Old Homestead has been around since 1868, and this steakhouse on the Meatpacking/Chelsea border still serves some of the best steaks in the city.

Feroce is an Italian spot inside the Moxy Hotel on the Nomad/Chelsea border that’s works for an upscale dinner near Penn Station.

Hearth On The Highline is a seasonal spot that works for a casual outdoor lunch in Chelsea.

Buddakan is a massive restaurant just above the Meatpacking District. You don’t need to go, but if you get talked into it, know it could be worse.

Chama Mama is a Georgian restaurant in Chelsea where you can get a good stew and some excellent khachapuri. Bring a group, and order a lot.

Zusik is a Korean restaurant in Chelsea and the food isn’t very good.

Cafe Grumpy in Chelsea is a nice coffee shop with a back garden patio.

Barracuda is a gay bar in Chelsea known for its drag performances.

The Eagle is a two-story gay bar and rooftop in Chelsea.