When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
The Chelsea Bell
Why The Chelsea Bell is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Chelsea Bell, located in the heart of Manhattan's vibrant Chelsea neighborhood, stands out as an exceptional gathering place for friends and groups of all sizes. Opened in 2017, this bar and grill combines a warm, industrial-chic atmosphere with vintage and eclectic decor, creating a welcoming environment perfect for both casual meetups and special occasions. With a spacious capacity that can accommodate up to 250 guests, it caters to diverse gatherings including corporate events, family reunions, and alumni get-togethers. The venue boasts 16 flat-screen TVs and an impressive selection of 50 beers on tap, making it an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts to gather and enjoy live games. The Chelsea Bell offers a menu filled with elevated pub fare, featuring classics such as wings, burgers, and sandwiches alongside soups, salads, pastas, tacos, and flatbreads. They also provide vegetarian options and signature cocktails, enhancing the dining experience. Special weekend brunches add another dimension to its appeal. During the holiday season, The Chelsea Bell transforms into an immersive festive environment adorned with oversized glittery bells, decorated Christmas trees, and twinkling lights, making it a recommended destination for holiday celebrations in NYC. With its blend of lively ambiance, quality food and drink, and festive charm, The Chelsea Bell makes for a memorable and versatile meeting place for friends year-round.
Here's what people think of The Chelsea Bell
As of recent, The Chelsea Bell holds a 4.2-star rating based on 822 reviews.
Visitor reviews of The Chelsea Bell generally praise its friendly atmosphere and versatility as a social hub. Positive feedback highlights the establishment as a great place to meet friends for drinks and casual dining, with particular appreciation for the quality of their wings, burgers, and frozen margaritas. The large selection of beers on tap and the ample number of flat screens appeal especially to sports fans. The venue's commitment to a festive experience during the holidays also garners favorable comments, underscoring its vibrant ambiance and decor. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional shortcomings in service, such as slow or inattentive staff, which can detract from the overall experience. A minority of users have expressed disappointment with specific food items or the noise level during busy times. Despite these critiques, the overall rating remains a solid 4.2 out of 5, reflecting a positive consensus. In conclusion, The Chelsea Bell is well-regarded as a lively and versatile bar and grill offering enjoyable food, drinks, and environment suitable for groups, despite some variability in service quality according to user experiences.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Lisa Nielsen
Enjoyed brunch with friends. The brunch options were delicious with vegetarian selections. Our server, Jen, was attentive and able to accommodate any special needs like the peach puree being on the side for the Bellinis. Their bottomless brunch options included Bloody Mary, mimosa, Bellini, and you could mix and match.
Neil Gray
Fabulous bar with an impressive tap!! We stopped in here on the way somewhere else, but ended up staying all evening. The food was lovely, the beer was well taken care of and Patrick was a most genial host. Good selection of IPA and a few sours in amongst the wide verity of lagers and ales. Well worth a detor if you're in the vicinity.
Andrea Pečiműthová
My friend and I visited this restaurant and we were absolutely thrilled. We had a burger, Caesar salad, feta salad, quesadilla, and drinks – everything was fresh, tasty, and beautifully presented. A really great combination of flavors and just the right portion sizes. We also have to praise the staff – we were a bit confused about the card payment process, but the staff kindly explained everything and were very patient, even though we took a little extra time. Overall, a very friendly and helpful attitude. 🙏🏼♥️ Highly recommended! A great place for a relaxed evening with delicious food! 👌
Richard Deras IV
Great environment for Yepilw Summer Slam Watch party. Great large TV
Iyshia Kirkland
A WHOLE VIBE! We popped in to grab a bite, and have a few cocktails- atmosphere was awesome, drinks were strong & reasonably priced, and the food was outstanding 👌🏾. It also helps that the Bartenders brought their A game! Highly recommend & will definitely be back for more!
How to reach The Chelsea Bell
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Website: None
Why The Chelsea Bell may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Chelsea Bell with your friends? The Chelsea Bell is an ideal spot to gather with friends and family because it offers a welcoming neighborhood pub atmosphere combined with a lively, comfortable space perfect for socializing. Situated in the vibrant Chelsea area of Manhattan, it strikes the right balance between casual and energetic, which means your group can both relax and enjoy themselves. Whether you're looking to catch up over craft beers, share a meal, or cheer on a game together, the Chelsea Bell provides an inviting backdrop. Its solid rating of 4.2 from over 800 reviews reflects the consistent appeal of its food, drink, service, and overall vibe. The combination of friendly staff, ample seating, and a great drink selection encourages a stress-free meetup that invites conversation and fun. It manages to feel like a neighborhood joint even in a busy city, making it a reliable choice for those who want to enjoy a quality gathering without the fuss or formality often found elsewhere. This makes it easy to plan a spontaneous night out or a structured celebration with your crew.
What activities are available at The Chelsea Bell? The Chelsea Bell caters to a range of group activities, making it versatile for different meetup styles. First and foremost, it is a craft beer haven. The pub boasts over 30 tap beers and an extensive bottled beer list, appealing to those who appreciate quality brews and want to sample different styles with friends. Its early opening hours by 10 AM on all days make it convenient for brunch meetups or daytime outings where bottomless mimosas or specialty cocktails accompany hearty breakfast dishes. Sports fans will appreciate multiple TVs tuned to various national and international games, especially overseas soccer, allowing groups to rally around a match and share in the cheering spirit. This setup encourages lively, communal viewing parties that feel inclusive and engaging. In addition, the menu, which features traditional pub fare alongside brunch options, supports sharing plates and casual dining — perfect for groups who want to enjoy good food with less wait. The Chelsea Bell also hosts Taco Wednesdays during happy hour, adding themed food specials that can turn a meal into a festive group event. This versatility in offerings ensures all members of a group find something enjoyable, fostering togetherness through shared experiences.
Why is The Chelsea Bell perfect for a group meetup? The spatial design and ambiance of The Chelsea Bell make it highly suitable for hosting groups comfortably. Its layout includes a spacious seating area just inside the entrance and a bar area toward the rear, providing flexibility depending on your group’s needs and size. Larger groups can have space to talk and eat without feeling cramped, while smaller parties enjoy cozy seats near the bar. The pub’s interior design adds a trendy industrial vibe that suits Chelsea’s urban style but keeps the atmosphere casual — ideal for both daytime and evening gatherings. The staff is noted for being polite and attentive without being overbearing, which helps groups feel well-cared for while maintaining privacy and ease. This balance makes group coordination easy, from taking orders efficiently to handling requests smoothly. Moreover, the pub’s location in Chelsea places it close to numerous attractions and transit options, making it convenient for everyone in the meetup to arrive and leave without hassle. Overall, The Chelsea Bell delivers an environment that encourages interaction and enjoyment while being mindful of practicality for groups.
How does the food and drink enhance the group experience? Food and drink are central to what makes The Chelsea Bell a great spot to rally with friends. The menu features classic pub fare with a twist that satisfies a broad range of tastes. Whether you are after filling brunch items like egg dishes or prefer lighter salads, the food complements social dining perfectly by being both comforting and shareable. Taco Wednesdays are a particular highlight, offering group-friendly specials that turn a standard night out into a thematic occasion. The quality of the food is generally praised, though some feedback mentions occasional inconsistencies, which is common in busy neighborhood spots, and the attentive service often helps smooth out any rough edges. On the drink side, the extensive craft beer selection enables groups to explore new brews together, making the experience interactive and engaging. Besides beer, options like mimosas during brunch and varied cocktails provide choice for all palates. This combination of approachable yet thoughtfully prepared food and diverse drinks supports a festive and relaxed atmosphere where groups can linger without rushing.
What makes The Chelsea Bell stand out among Chelsea’s many bars? Chelsea is known for its bustling restaurant and bar scene, yet The Chelsea Bell holds its own by offering a balanced mix of neighborhood comfort and quality offerings. Unlike many places that might emphasize just drinks or late-night crowds, The Chelsea Bell prides itself on being a welcoming all-day spot. It continues the legacy of the former World of Beer location but has carved out its unique identity with a focus on craft beer, good food, and community feeling. Its inclusion of brunch service, consistent happy hour deals, and diverse TVs tuned to sports matches caters to a wide audience from families to sports fans to casual drinkers. The industrial-chic decor and open atmosphere resonate well with Chelsea’s trendy and artistic crowd, yet maintain a friendly, non-intimidating vibe. This makes it accessible to locals and visitors alike who want a reliable gathering place. Its reasonable pricing, combined with quality and service, gives it an edge over flashier or more expensive venues, securing its place as a dependable hub for meetups.
How accessible and convenient is The Chelsea Bell for groups? Accessibility and convenience are key considerations when choosing a meetup location, and The Chelsea Bell excels in both areas. Located at 316 8th Avenue in Manhattan, it benefits from excellent transportation links, making it easy for friends and family coming from different parts of the city to convene without stress. Proximity to subway lines and bus routes lowers barriers for group attendance. The venue is accessible for patrons with disabilities, enhancing inclusivity. It offers multiple dining options, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, which means groups unable to meet in person can still share a Chelsea Bell experience virtually or enjoy its food at home. The staff is accommodating, particularly appreciated by families or larger groups who may have specific needs or timing constraints. With hours starting early in the day and running through the evening, the pub’s schedule aligns well with diverse group plans — whether breakfast meetups, afternoon hangouts, or after-work gatherings. This convenience rounds out its appeal as a go-to destination for social occasions.
In summary, The Chelsea Bell combines a friendly atmosphere, versatile activities, inclusive design, and solid food and drink offerings into a package that is especially conducive to group meetups. Whether you seek a casual spot to enjoy craft beer, a comfortable place for a brunch with friends, or a lively pub to watch a game together, it stands out as a trustworthy and enjoyable venue. Its neighborhood pub charm wrapped in Chelsea’s urban style provides an inviting environment for creating memorable social moments without the fuss. Because of its location, amenities, and consistently positive reviews, it is a smart and appealing choice for any group looking to rally and reconnect in New York City.