Caviar & Vibes at Chelsea Living Room

Maybe you’ve heard about Chelsea Living Room – the latest spot where New Yorkers flock to feel fancy, eat caviar, and get Instagram-worthy snacks.

Nestled at 243 West 14th Street (right off the L train, which was ideal for me on this particularly rainy night), Chelsea Living Room is the brainchild of Dylan Grace, known for his work with Ruschmeyers, Gurney’s, and Surf Lodge. Don’t let that sway you from going either; the vibe is much more “chic supper club” than it is “trust fund baby.” Velvet seating, dim lighting, lots of crystal, and live jazz makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920s speakeasy.

Click here for my IG video where you can see more of the “vibe.”

The Hype

Chelsea Living Room burst onto the scene in early 2024, aiming to fill the void for those craving a sophisticated night out without the pretense. It’s become the go-to for folks who want to sip on martinis (sometimes delivered via ice luge, because why not?) and nibble on caviar-topped delights while soaking in live tunes. The promise of a “friend of a friend” encounter adds to its allure, making it the perfect spot to see and be seen (and literally someone at the next table “recognized” me from my Instagram which happens very rarely these days).

The Food & Drinks

Pickle Martini: this was delightful but it was definitely a “I can only have one of these” type of drink. It became a little TOO briny for me about halfway through, and I LOVE pickles. Maybe I’m just used to olive? Who knows.

Crispy Cheese & Caviar: aka the mozzarella stick crowned with caviar. Gooey smoked mozzarella topped with a salty, briny punch – it was really good but I can’t say it was my favorite. I also thought it was bigger from what I’d seen on IG. Perhaps shrinkflation got to it?

Wagyu Caviar Toast: wagyu beef tartare on top of buttery, toasty bread, topped with a healthy serving of caviar. This was my favorite bite of the appetizers.

Kobe Beef Pigs in a Blanket: these are for the non-caviar eaters and they won’t be disappointed. Wrapped in a flaky pastry with Everything Bagel seasoning, they’re served with whipped mustard. YUM.

For entrees, the “caviar spaghetti” went viral (probably because it’s almost $100 and serves 2?) but I didn’t need caviar on EVERYTHING, so I went with:

Lobster Pasta: probably the real sleeper item of the night! I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. I like lobster but I’m not one of those people who has to order it when they see it on a menu, you know? But I’m glad we got this because it was excellent – rich, but excellent. Don’t order if you have an aversion to cream sauce (how do you live though?)

Steak Au Poivre: it was cooked to perfection and seasoned just right, with a silky peppercorn sauce and a giant mound of crispy, salty french fries with shallot dipping sauce.

Chocolate Chip Gelato Chocolate Budino: this was like an elevated chocolate lava cake/cookie hybrid a la mode. Sooo good. If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for chocolate anything (and the occasional key lime pie, which they also had but we were full and only got the one dessert).

Why You Should Go

If you’re looking to impress a date, catch up with friends, or simply bask in an atmosphere that oozes vintage charm, Chelsea Living Room is your spot. The combination of live music, inventive cocktails, and a menu that doesn’t disappoint makes it a standout.

And if you’re into capturing every moment for the gram, the selfie station downstairs is a must-visit. Because if you didn’t take a selfie with a fun backdrop, did you even go?