The quiet residential haven with a residents-only park oasis and plenty of gorgeous brownstones
Positioned east of Flatiron, west of the East River, and encircling its namesake private park, the serene borough of Gramercy emanates an enchanting, almost small-town energy. Spacious brownstones adorned with lush greenery, arbored streets, and well-manicured outdoor green spaces all contribute to Gramercy’s quiet, low-key feel.
Gramercy’s history dates back to its inception in the early 19th century, in which developers longed to create a fashionable residential neighborhood and did so by establishing Gramercy Park. The park itself is a lavish oasis and only accessible via keys given to the residents of the encompassing real estate on the park’s perimeter. Since its creation, Gramercy has brought in a crowd of affluent and influential residents, including politicians, artists, writers, musicians, and public figures.
The dominant style of residential housing in Gramercy comes in the form of doorman buildings and luxury walk-ups, whose roomy interiors come at a high price. However, Gramercy also contains several pre-war co-ops, jewel-box homes, and a few newer renovations tucked inside historic buildings.
What to Love
- Peaceful residential atmosphere
- Opulent doorman buildings and more space than most neighborhoods
- Convenient central location and a short commute to Manhattan’s more commercial areas
People & Lifestyle
Even if you don’t possess a key to the exclusive Gramercy Park, you can still enjoy the area’s ample natural beauty by perching on one of the tree-canopied benches on the perimeter or visiting one of the area’s public parks. Residents can be found strolling on sunny days and enjoying a meal at local eateries, which are becoming more and more notable for their culinary prowess.
Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment
Gramercy is a highly residential area; however, it still has its fair share of niche boutiques and local shops stocked with fashionable apparel and vintage finds. It’s easy to come across upscale thrift shops, sports and hobby stores, and gourmet grocers. However, it’s the dining scene in Gramercy that’s drawing more and more attention as the area grows.
Inside the famed, five-star Gramercy Park Hotel lies one of the neighborhood’s best restaurants, the Maialino, which serves elegant, upscale fare inspired by both Roman and Italian cultures. Celebrating food of the soul, this trattoria-style venue evokes old-world grandeur with a warm and inviting ambiance.
For unbeatable tapas, there’s nowhere better than Casa Mono and its sister restaurant next door, Bar Jamón. The menu here draws from the bold flavors of Spain’s Costa Brava, and the lively atmosphere embodies the community-centric spirit of the country. Gourmet grab-and-go at Lamazou is a favorite among residents looking for a quick and filling, high-quality meal.
You'll Fall In Love With
Despite its cozy and residential lifestyle, Gramercy is one of the best places in Manhattan for performances, including live music, theater, and cultural events. The National Arts Club regularly hosts events, lectures, classes, and performances available to nonmembers, and the illustrious Players Club has served notable members - such as Mark Twain.
The Jazz Standard in Gramercy is one of NYC’s largest jazz clubs, and their dedication to fostering young, emerging musicians in tandem with celebrating established names makes their performances a wonderful mix of talents. Gramercy Theatre has a long and storied history, and at the present, it hosts performances from big names like Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Dave Chappelle, and Kelly Clarkson within its intimate venue. Irving Plaza is the place to go for larger-scale concerts, specifically in the rock genre. This iconic venue has hosted performances from stars such as The Ramones, U2, Pearl Jam, and Bob Dylan.
If you’re lucky enough to have a key to Gramercy Park, you’ll likely spend much of your time inside its lavish gated interior, where walkways and stunning ornamental beauty await. However, the public parks here are also gorgeous in their own right, and visitors to locations like the Stuyvesant Square Park are met with an elegant, European green space.
