Eric H.
Yelp
Chelsea Living Room: Overpriced, Overrated, and Underwhelming
Chelsea Living Room is one of those spots that seems to thrive on hype rather than substance. From the moment you walk in, it feels like a place designed more for aesthetics than for actual hospitality. The dim lighting and sleek décor might give off a "chic" vibe, but once you get past the surface, there's not much else to write home about.
Food: Mediocre at Best
For a place that charges premium prices, you'd expect food that at least attempts to justify the cost. Instead, what you get is completely forgettable. The menu is uninspired, serving up dishes that feel like they were copied from a hundred other generic New York establishments. Nothing is particularly bad, but nothing is particularly good either--just average bar food with a fancy price tag. The flavors are lackluster, the portions are questionable, and, honestly, you could get better quality at a random diner for half the price.
Drinks: A Mess Behind the Bar
The bar scene is where Chelsea Living Room really falls apart. First, the bartenders--except for Brandon, who was actually fantastic but seems to have disappeared--are mostly there for vibes rather than service. It's one thing to be friendly, but when bartenders are visibly intoxicated while working, that's a problem. Drinks take forever to arrive, and when they do, they're either inconsistently made or watered down. For the price, you'd expect at least a well-balanced cocktail, but most of the time, you're better off sticking to a beer or a simple whiskey neat (if they even pour it correctly).
Staff & Atmosphere: Questionable Choices
Beyond the bartenders' unprofessional behavior, there's also a noticeable lack of diversity, particularly when it comes to Black employees. In a city as diverse as New York, it's hard not to notice when a place seems to be curating its staff with a particular "look" in mind. It's not just about who's working--it's also about the overall energy in the room. The atmosphere can feel oddly exclusive, and not in a good way.
Pricing: Not Worth It
At the end of the day, the biggest issue is that Chelsea Living Room just isn't worth what they're charging. The food is mid-tier, the drinks are inconsistent, the staff is more focused on their own fun than customer service, and the overall vibe leans toward pretentious rather than welcoming.
There are plenty of other places in the city that offer better food, better drinks, and a better experience without the unnecessary attitude and inflated prices. Unless something changes--like Brandon coming back and taking over the whole bar--I wouldn't recommend wasting your time or money here.