New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [63]
Marlborough.
With its latest branch in Chelsea, Marlborough has raised its global visibility yet another notch. The gallery represents modern artists such as Claudio Bravo, Magdalena Abakanowicz, and photorealist Richard Estes. Look for sculptures by Tom Otterness—his whimsical bronzes are found in several subway stations. | 40 W. 57th St., between 5th and 6th Aves., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/541–4900 | www.marlboroughgallery.com | Subway: F to 57th St.
Pace Wildenstein.
The giant gallery—now in Chelsea as well—focuses on such modern and contemporary painters as Julian Schnabel, Mark Rothko, and New York School painter Ad Reinhardt. | 32 E. 57th St., between Park and Madison Aves., 2nd fl., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/421–3292 | www.thepacegallery.com | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave.
Peter Findlay.
Covering 19th- and 20th-century works by European artists, this gallery shows pieces by Mary Cassatt, Paul Klee, and Alberto Giacometti. | 16 E. 79th St., 2nd fl. Midtown East | 10075 | 212/644–4433 | www.findlay.com | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave.
Spanierman.
This venerable gallery deals in 19th- and early-20th-century American painting and sculpture. Their inventory list and scholarship is amazing, and they frequently sell to museums looking to broaden their own collections. Next-door, Spanierman Modern (www.spaniermanmodern.com) represents contemporary artists such as Dan Christensen and Frank Bowling. | 45 E. 58th St., between Park and Madison Aves., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/832–0208 | www.spanierman.com | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave.
Tibor de Nagy.
Founded in 1950, this gallery shows work by 20th-century artists such as Biala, Nell Blaine, Jane Freilicher, and Shirley Jaffee. Instrumental in bringing many of America’s finest abstract expressionist artists to public attention in the mid-20th century, the gallery now shows abstract and realistic work. It’s open Tuesday–Saturday, closed weekends June through mid-August, and closes up completely from mid-August to Labor Day. | 724 5th Ave., between W. 56th and W. 57th Sts., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/262–5050 | www.tibordenagy.com | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave.
MIDTOWN IN DEPTH
EAT AND SHOP AROUND GRAND CENTRAL
For a great meal around Grand Central, dine at one of these go-to restaurants.
Amid the hustle and bustle of Grand Central Station is the elegant Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant (89 E. 42nd St., at Vanderbilt Ave. | 10017 | 212/490–6650 | Closed Sun.). This sprawling space, with a tiled-vaulted ceiling, brings a sense of grandeur to a chaotic transportation hub. Famous for its architecture and décor, the Oyster Bar’s impressive raw bar (29 varieties of oysters on a typical day) and fresh seafood are the real reason customers have been returning for the past 90 years.
If you want to indulge yourself, stop at the stylish Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C. (Grand Central Terminal, 23 Vanderbilt Ave. | 10017 | 212/655–2300) on the balcony of Grand Central Station. The prime dry-aged rib eye or the succulent 2½-pound lobster are reason enough to dine here. But if you don’t have time to sit for a meal, pull up a stool at the restaurant’s bustling bar and have a drink off the impressive wine list.
For lighter fare and top-notch picnic provisions, visit these eateries:
The French-style pastries at Financier Patisserie (87 E. 42nd St., in the 42nd Street Passage | 10017 | 212/973–1010) have won it citywide acclaim; it also serves quiches, tarts, sandwiches, and light breakfast fare.
A huge international selection of cheeses as well as cooked and cured meats awaits at Murray’s Cheese (43rd Street at Lexington Ave., center of the Grand Central Market | 10017 | 212/922–5410).
For a thoughtful gift on the go, try one of these shops:
With two locations in the terminal, Dahlia (Biltmore Passage and Lower Level dining concourse, Grand Central Terminal | 10017 | 212/697–5090) sells flowers