Search

Where to Eat Near the Javits Center

If you have a work conference coming up in New York, chances are it’ll be at the Javits Center. Located at West 34th and 11th Avenue, this convention center hosts gigantic events like New York Comic Con, industry trade shows, and graduations. Javits is, however, sequestered on the edge of Midtown West, penned in by the Lincoln Tunnel, Port Authority, West Side Highway, and parking lots. Sure, there’s a food court inside, but if you want a true break from your event, take a walk to Hell’s Kitchen or Chelsea for some great eats. We’ve rounded up 11 of them, arranged from closest to farthest from the Javits Center.

Javits Center

Photo: Javits Center Facebook

Korilla BBQ

You won’t have to walk far for some very good New York street food. Rave-worthy taco truck Korilla BBQ, serving Korean-Mexican fusion, has set up a permanent shop in the food court at Javits on Level 1. If you have back-to-back appointments and only a few minutes to spare, spend them on one of Korilla’s burritos, rice bowls, or salads. Extra kimchi and korilla sauce recommended. Level 1 at The Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., korillabbq.com

Porchlight

Porchlight

You can’t go wrong with a Danny Meyer restaurant. The New York restaurateur behind Shake Shack and Union Square Cafe has established this Southern-inspired bar and restaurant on 11th Avenue at West 28th. Porchlight specializes in a surprisingly long slate of craft cocktails like the Tommy Pickles (“This Rugrat’s more amazing than Reptar on ice,” says the menu). The food’s not bad either, with Southern snacks like hush puppies and larger plates like the bison burger. There’s also a game room in the back for added fun. In keeping with Meyer's approach to hospitality, Porchlight is a non-tipping restaurant. 271 11th Ave., 212-981-6188, porchlightbar.com

Tavola

Tavola brings quaint neighborhood vibes to an area that’s pretty low on charm. This Italian bistro is an intimate space on Ninth Avenue, just a 10-minute walk from Javits. Tavola is nice enough for dinner, but not so nice that you can’t sneak in and out for lunch. Come here for a wood oven-fired Neapolitan pizza and a glass of wine after (or during) your day of shop talk. Unlike other Italian spots in the city, Tavola is unique for its very good gluten-free pasta. 488 Ninth Ave., 212-273-1181, tavolahellskitchen.com

Gotham West Market

Gotham West Market

Located on 11th Avenue at West 44th Street, the sleek Gotham West Market is an ultra-west-sider’s dream come true. This new food hall contains six counters manned by six amazing vendors. There’s Italian at dell’anima, seafood at Seamore’s, pizza at Corner Slice, Shanghai street food at Jianbing Company, ramen at Ivan Ramen, and ice cream at Ample Hills Creamery. There are communal tables in the center of the space so that you and your conference friends can choose different options and still eat together. 600 11th Ave., 212-582-7940, gothamwestmarket.com

The Marshal

A pasta dish at the Marshal NYC

The Marshal serves excellent farm-to-table cuisine from a cozy dining room on Tenth Avenue. If sustainability and seasonality are important to you—or if you like your food prepared in a wood-fired oven—this place is a must-try. Don’t skip the local beverages like Oh Bee-Have, made with Catskills honey and rye. Other standouts include apple and sunchoke salad with bee pollen and the signature wood oven-roasted meatloaf with local bleu cheese. The Marshal is also a great weekend brunch pick if you’re staying nearby. 628 Tenth Ave., 212-582-6300, the-marshal.com

Pio Pio 8

Pio Pio specializes in Peruvian food, meaning it’s all about the chicken. Order the Matador combo for the table, plus some pisco cocktails and sangria at this lively spot on 10th Avenue. The Matador gives you all the goods you need: a whole rotisserie chicken, Pio Pio’s special green sauce, avocado salad, fries, and plantains. When you leave, you’ll know why the restaurant’s nickname is casa alegre, the cheerful house. 604 Tenth Ave, 212-459-2929; piopio.com

Tabata Ramen

Tabata Ramen

Tabata serves 13 different kinds of ramen at its small shop on 40th Street and Ninth Avenue. This is a great place to dash for lunch and people-watch busy New Yorkers on their lunch hour. Sit at the long counter and enjoy your bowl of noodles with flavorful broth. There’s an additional location on Eighth Avenue and 38th Street. Tabata: 540 Ninth Ave., 212-290-7691; Tabata 2: 557 Eighth Ave.; 212-465-2418, tabatanewyork.com

Underwest Donuts

This pick is for the culinary adventurers, and/or those willing to walk a bit for legendary donuts. Underwest Donuts is located inside a car wash (!) along the West Side Highway, an unlikely venue for gourmet sweets. The donuts come in flavors like espresso bean, maple waffle, and the Carwash (vanilla lavender). If you trek all the way here, be a pal and bring a box back with you to Javits. 638 W. 47th St., 212-317-2359, underwestdonuts.com

Esca

Esca

An upscale choice on 43rd Street, Esca serves Italian seafood dishes from chef Dave Pasternack. The New York Times called the chef a “fish whisperer” for his magic with a wide array of crudo, seafood pastas, and mains like salt-crusted branzino. From 4:30-5:45pm, take advantage of Esca’s pre-theater menu of 3 courses for $59. 402 W. 43rd St., 212-564-7272, esca-nyc.com

Heartland Brewery

Heartland Brewery

Beer and a burger? Heartland Brewery is your spot. A bit of a stroll further uptown, this is a solid pick if you’re planning a night out in midtown after you eat. The service is quick and courteous, the beer excellent, and there are plenty of TVs if you’re looking to catch a game. 127 W. 43rd Street, 646-366-0235, heartlandbrewery.com

Txikito

Meander into Chelsea for an inspired meal at Txikito (chi-KEE-to). This slightly upscale Basque restaurant serves seafood-forward tapas and other specialties from this unique region in Spain. You’ll find inventive, restrained dishes like deviled crab and more straightforward bar fare like fries with spicy cod roe-infused mayo. FYI: the owners Alex Raij and Eder Montero have another fantastic Basque restaurant, El Quinto Pino, right around the corner. 240 Ninth Ave., 212-242-4730, txikitonyc.com

About the Author

Merrill Lee Girardeau lives and writes in Brooklyn.

Bringing a group to NYC? Free planning services

Let us know what you are looking for and we will try to connect you directly and get discounts.

Enter the code: 3972

More Articles