'''"Gramercy Flatiron"''' actually constitutes at least three neighborhoods in Manhattan, New York, situated between 14th and 34th Streets, east of Sixth Avenue. The western part of this area, to the west of Madison Square Park (see below) is the Flatiron. Gramercy can be thought of as the southeastern part of the area, centering around Gramercy Park (q.v.). Murray Hill is the northeastern part of the area, including a sub-neighborhood comprising approximately 26th-29th Sts. on and around Lexington Av., which is nicknamed "Curry Hill," due to the agglomeration of Indian stores and restaurants there. And the central street of Koreatown is 32nd St. between Broadway and 5th Av.

Understand

Union Square was completely revitalized in the 1990s and is now one of the city's premier shopping, dining and entertainment districts. The loosely-defined "Flatiron District" extends east from 6th Avenue and north of Union Square, centering on the famed Flatiron Building on 23rd Street. Tranquil, exclusive Gramercy Park is open only to immediate area residents, though the old brownstones surrounding the park and on Irving Place are some of Manhattan's most attractive streetscapes. Toward the north is Kips Bay, an affluent residential neighborhood, and, in the low 30s between 5th and 6th Avenues near Herald Square, an emerging Little Korea of BBQ restaurants and Asian markets.

Get in

You can get in via the N, R, or W subway trains at 23rd St. and Broadway; the N, R, Q, W, D, F, or V trains at 34th St. and Broadway/6th Av.; the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, or W trains at Union Square; the 6 at 23rd St. and Park Av. South, 28th St. and Park Av. South, or 33rd St. and Park Av. South; or the F or V at 14th St. or 23rd Street and 6th Av. Additionally, the PATH train stops at 14th, 23rd, and 33rd Sts. on 6th Av. There are plenty of local buses, but they can be slow, especially on crosstown routes and on Park Av. South. Time allowing, walking is highly recommended.

See

Landmarks

The Flatiron District contains three great examples of classic New York skyscrapers, all within a few blocks of one another:

  • '''Flatiron Building''', 23rd Street, Broadway and 5th Avenue. An iconic building, considered the oldest remaining skyscraper in Manhattan, the Flatiron was completed in 1902. 285 ft (87 m) tall.
  • '''Metropolitan Life Insurance Building''', 24th St. and Madison Av. That's the lovely building with the tall clock tower just across Madison Av. from Madison Square Park.
  • The former '''International Toy Center Building''', Broadway from 24th to 25th Sts. (actually two buildings connected by a pedestrian bridge).
  • Museums and galleries

  • '''Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace''', 28 East 20th Street, tel 212-260-1616, [http://www.nps.gov/thrb/]. Tu-Sa 9am-5pm, closed Federal holidays, admission $3.00 adults, children under 16 free, guided tours available - a designated National Historic Site, Roosevelt lived at this site from his birth in 1858 until the age of 14 years. The building is not the original - this was demolished in 1916 - but a reconstruction erected by admirers only three years later in 1919 after Roosevelt's death, and subsequently furnished with many of the original fittings and memorabilia of the 26th US President by Roosevelt's wife and sisters
  • '''Museum of Sex''', 233 Fifth Avenue at 27th Street, (212) 689-6337, http://www.museumofsex.com/. Su-F 11am-6:30pm, Sa 11am-8pm. $14.50 + tax.
  • Parks and gardens

  • '''Union Square''' [http://nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=6533] - an important and historic intersection in New York City, situated where Broadway and the Bowery came together in the early 19th century. Union Square Park (3.5 acres) is known for its impressive equestrian statue of George Washington, erected to Henry Kirke Brown's design in 1856. In April 1861, soon after the fall of Fort Sumter, Union Square was the site of a patriotic rally that is thought to have been the largest public gathering in North America up to that time. A newer addition, added in 1986, is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the southwest corner of the park. Union Square is also known for its Greenmarket and also its history as a focus for political demonstrations, most recently protests of the 2004 Republican National Convention. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Union Square became a primary public gathering point for mourners and those seeking information about missing loved ones. People created spontaneous memorials in Union Square, and the square was the setting for vigils held to honor the victims of the attacks.
  • '''Madison Square Park''', between 5th and Madison Avs. from 23rd to 26th Sts., is a lovely small park which offers beautiful views of the Flatiron, Metropolitan Life Insurance, former International Toy Center, and Empire State Buildings. There is also a popular Shake Shack kiosk that serves burgers and shakes in the southern end of the park.
  • '''Gramercy Park'''. A private park open only to immediate area residents and guests at hotels on the perimeter who have access to keys to the gate.
  • Do

    Buy

  • '''Kalustyan's''' [http://www.kalustyans.com/], 123 Lexington Av., tel 212-685-3451, fax 212-683-8458, open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun/Holiday 11am-7pm, is the best source for Eastern Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian foodstuffs in Manhattan. While you're there, make sure to go upstairs and get some mujadara. Some of the other prepared products are just OK, but the mujadara is great. Eat in or take out.
  • Eat

  • 2nd Ave Deli. 62 E 33rd St.. between Lexington and 3rd Avs.). 212) 689-9075. ttp://www.2ndavedeli.com/. This famous kosher delicatessen, which used to be on 2nd Av. and 10th St., recently reopened at its new location. The place is a real throwback, which really feels like an old-school Jewish deli. The menu is more extensive than old-school delis were, however, and includes what used to be considered "appetizing" (i.e., pareve - neither meat nor milk) foods. Try their tongue, corned beef, pastrami, and kasha varnishkes, and enjoy their freebies of artisanal cole slaw, pickles, and gribenes (chicken fat cracklings). The food may be bad for the heart, but it's good for the soul.
  • '''11 Madison Park'''[http://elevenmadisonpark.com/], 11 Madison Av. at 24 St., tel 212-889-0905, has one of the most beautiful rooms of any restaurant in New York. Long well-liked for its upscale American cuisine and helpful service, it has in the last few years been graced with a new chef who has been getting rave reviews from many quarters. Call ahead for reservations.
  • '''Tabla''' [http://www.tablany.com/], 11 Madison Av. at 25 St., tel 212-889-0667, is considered by many the pinnacle of Indian- and Southeast Asian-influenced fusion in New York. Call ahead for reservations.
  • '''Blue Smoke''' [http://www.bluesmoke.com], 116 E. 27th St. (at Park Av. South), tel 212-447-6058, is Danny Meyer's barbecue restaurant. This is also an important venue for live jazz. Reservations recommended.
  • '''Gramercy Tavern''' [http://www.gramercytavern.com/], 42 E. 20 St. (between Broadway and Park Av.), tel (212) 477-0777, thought of as Danny Meyer's flagship restaurant, serves upscale American food at higher prices than 11 Madison Park. Expect to pay over $100/person for dinner in the main dining room. The actual Tavern is more informal and more moderately priced. Gramercy Tavern is known as one of the more difficult reservations to obtain in Manhattan.
  • '''Dos Caminos Park''' [http://brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/dos_caminos_park/index.php], 373 Park Avenue South, between 26th and 27th Streets, tel 212-294-1000, open lunch: M-Fr 11:30AM-4PM, brunch: Sa,Su 11:30AM-4PM, dinner: Su-M 4PM-11PM, Tu-Th 4PM-12AM, F-Sa 4PM-12:30PM, cards taken - one of two up-market Mexican restaurants in Manhattan by the same name and under the same ownership (the other's in SoHo) Sticky, saucy ribs and guacamole to die for. Above average $$ prices.
  • '''Barna Restaurant''', [http://www.barnarestaurant.com], 365 Park Avenue South, between 26th and 27th Streets, tel 212-532-8300, Bar Hours M-F 5PM-closing Sa 6PM-closing, Dining Hours M-F 5PM-11PM Sa 6pm-11PM.
  • '''Ess'a Bagel''' [http://www.ess-a-bagel.com/], 359 1st Avenue (on the SW corner of 21st Street and 1st Ave), tel 212-260-2252, open 7 days a week. This legendary place serves up doughy, chewy bagels the size of hubcaps that some New Yorkers consider 'the best bagels in NYC - which means everywhere'. Bagel-eaters will also find a wide variety of mixed cream cheeses, tofu spreads, and smoked fish. Bagels are cheap, but prices depend on whether you eat it or take out! Expect to pay $3 for two bagels and a small tub of your favorite cream-cheese spread. Lines can be long at lunchtime.
  • '''Union Square Cafe''' [http://www.unionsquarecafe.com/], 21 East 16th Street, tel 1-212-243-4020, hours lunch M-Sa 12PM-2:15PM, dinner Su-Th 6PM-10:15PM, F-Sa 6PM-11:15PM, accepts cards - one of New York's best-loved restaurants, serving great American and Italian cuisine with flair and crisp style. Osso buco, tuna burgers, roast vegetables and corn pudding are fine examples of the dishes created using the best local and seasonal produce from the Cafe's neighbour, the Union Square Farmers' Market. Mains in excess of $30 average. Reservations advised. Reservations recommended.
  • '''Kang Suh''', 1250 Broadway (actually on W. 32 St. just east of Broadway), tel 212-564-6845, is an excellent Korean restaurant with a large menu. You are best advised to order from the regular menu and avoid the lunch specials, which are not as good. There are special banquet rooms for large parties (reserve those in advance), and excellent service is provided.
  • '''Seoul Garden''', 34 W. 32nd St. (between Broadway and 5th Av.), 2nd floor, tel 212-736-9002, is another Korean restaurant with a substantial menu and some people's favorite.
  • '''Live Bait''', 23rd Street where Madison ends, near 5th & Broadway. Great and cheap oysters, clams and other seafood, raw and cooked as well as southern fare like jambalaya. Not afraid of the tabasco here. One of the few places that serves Abita Springs beer from Louisiana.
  • '''Scopa''', 79 Madison Ave @ 28th Street. Modern Italian. Large restaurant, good for groups. Nice lounge/bar area that always has the game on.
  • '''Penelope''', Lexington at East 30th Street. Cafe/restaurant/bakery with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Homestyle food and casual but friendly service. Inexpensive. Wine and beer served. Long lines for weekend brunch.
  • '''T Salon''', 11 East 20th Street at Broadway/Fifth Ave ''just south of the Flatiron Building'', [http://www.tsalon.com/]. Tea house and cafe; excellent teas and tasty nibbles. A quiet oasis in a hectic city.
  • '''Vatan''', 409 Third Avenue ''(at 29th Street)''. A prix-fixe vegetarian Indian restaurant with wonderful food. The decor is a little hokey, but the food makes it worthwhile.
  • '''Casa Mono''', 52 Irving Place. A delightful Spanish wine bar and restaurant by Mario Batali. The food is smashing.
  • '''Saravanaas''', 81 Lexington Ave. Excellent South Indian food at good prices. This is a vegetarian kosher restaurant and a branch of one in Chennai (Madras), India. Expect to wait a half hour or so on weekends.
  • '''Minado''', 6 E. 32nd Street between Madison and Fifth Aves., (212) 725-1333, [http://www.minado.com/]. If you like sushi and Japanese food in the slightest, you will love Minado. It has over 100 feet of all-you-can-eat very fresh and tasty sushi and other items like crab legs, udon, salads of all varieties and a big dessert bar as well.
  • '''Shake Shack''',in Madison Square Park (Near Madison Ave.). [www.shakeshacknyc.com]. Awesome roadside food stand in Madison Square Park serving hot dogs, burgers, frozen custard, beer, and wine.
  • Drink

  • '''Koryodang''', 31 W. 32 St. (between Broadway and 5th Av.), tel (212) 967-9661. An upscale and classy Korean tea and pastry house and a popular date place for young Koreans. Expect to pay some $5 for a cup of artisanal flavored tea. Interesting shaved ice desserts are also available.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Madison Hotel''', 21 East 27th at Madison Ave, (212) 532-7373, [http://www.madison-hotel.com]. Budget hotel. Internet kiosks available, $5 for 30 minutes. Air conditioning in rooms.
  • '''Gershwin Hotel''', 7 East 27th Street at 5th Avenue, (212) 545-8000, [http://www.gershwinhotel.com]. Cheap fun place to rest. Rates start at $99/night. Internet kiosks available. Between Times Square and Union Square?great location near Madison Square Park.
  • '''Grand Union Hotel''', 34 East 32 Street, [http://grandunionhotelnewyork.com]. Midtown south location; European style, family operated. Online Rates Starting at $150
  • '''Hotel 17''' E 17th Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenues, (212) 475-2845, [http://www.hotel17ny.com]. Slightly north of East Village, a favorite with hipsters, Europeans, bargain-hunters. $60?$80 for shared bath rooms, $90?$100 for private bath rooms.
  • '''Wolcott Hotel''', 4 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001, (212) 268-2900, [http://www.wolcott.com/]. The Wolcott is an affordable hotel located within walking distance or easy subway access to all the main activities and attractions.
  • Mid-range

    Splurge

  • '''Hotel Giraffe''', 365 Park Avenue South, (212) 685-7700, [http://www.hotelgiraffe.com/]. Free high speed Wi-fi and complimentary refreshments in the Grande Lobby 24 hours a day including breakfast in the mornings and wine and cheese receptions in the evenings except for Sunday nights.
  • '''Le Marquis New York''', 12 East 31st Street, (212) 889-6363, [http://www.lemarquisny.com]. Deluxe rooms on the edge of Koreatown; Rates $250?500 though ask for deals; In-room high-speed internet; Health club, sauna and day spa.
  • Contact