What to Love

• The beautiful historic architecture and sprawling brownstones

• Laid-back, slower-paced lifestyle

• Clean streets - you’d never know you were smack in the middle of Manhattan

Local Lifestyle

Residents of Gramercy enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. While the neighborhood is located along the East River between Kips Bay and the East Village, you would never know that bustling New York City just blocks away. The quiet atmosphere and slow-living lifestyle are some of the major draws of this community. Gramercy is also tight-knit and fairly exclusive, with a members-only park and a number of doorman buildings, adding to the luxurious reputation of the neighborhood.

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

For New American cuisine, visit Gramercy Tavern, the local favorite restaurant for the last two decades. Chef Michael Anthony offers seasonal creations showcasing local farms and purveyors and the restaurant has received nine James Beard awards, including "Outstanding Restaurant" and "Outstanding Chef in America.” Favorite dishes include brick-pressed chicken with new potatoes, tomatillo sauce, and mint and braised beef stew with roasted vegetables.

 

Transport yourself to the middle of the Mediterranean at Barbounia, an upscale grill inspired by the flavors and cultures of Greece, Southern France, Morocco, and Southern Italy. Barbounia’s atmosphere is welcoming and inviting with the chic decor in an open dining space. Enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner options, and don’t forget about their delicious, global dessert options!

 

Located in the Gramercy Park Hotel, Maialino captures the warmth and comfort of a small Italian village. Drawing inspiration from ancient Roman recipes, Maialino offers impeccable Italian soul food in an upscale environment. The restaurant also strives to give back to the community as often as possible, frequently hosting fundraisers and making charitable donations to organizations throughout the city.

 

Things to Do

The members-only Gramercy Park has long been a token of privilege in the neighborhood. Requiring a key to enter, the exclusivity of the Park is like a living legend - no one really knows what it’s like inside, but the community knows it exists. The park has been fenced and locked since 1844 and is the most coveted two-acre “jewel box” of the city: everyone wants a key to park and very few are allowed to walk the grounds.

There are only 383 keys and residents of Gramercy may apply for one each year, but with a $350 fee. This smart marketing technique adds to the allure of the neighborhood and gives Gramercy keyholders the best bragging rights in the city.