by Yvonne C. Sing

Created on: January 11, 2007   Last Updated: December 27, 2009

Cookshop
156 10th Avenue (at 20th Street)
212-924-4440

Cookshop is one of those restaurants which has that "only the locals know about this one" feel. Unpretentious and comfortable, this restaurant is a great place to have a peaceful weekend brunch, as it is located in a quiet residential/commercial neighborhood known as the Chelsea Historic District.  Cookshop is located in walking distance from the recently opened High Line Park, making the restaurant an ideal brunch stop before or after a relaxing walk through the park.  Cookshop is also a few blocks away from the popular Chelsea Piers sporting complex.

Those who are tired of the busy, hurried environment at the latest NYC hotspot or the same old thing from their local neighborhood diner will be happy to know that Cookshop serves Southern style and American cuisine at reasonable prices. The dishes on the menu are simple yet flavorful. Some of the best; the cheddar grits (rich, creamy and smooth); the cornmeal pancakes (with seasonal fruit), and the Cookshop scramble (hearty omelet with a biscuit on the side). The prices are kept low because Cookshop uses ingredients which are currently in season.  The fact that Cookshop sources many of their ingredients from local suppliers (and thus, will periodically change their menu) will satisfy locavores and gastronomes alike.  Having dined at Cookshop several times at various points during the year, I can tell you that the kitchen is consistent in the quality and flavor of the dishes they produce.

The layout of Cookshop feels expansive and open, which lends itself to a relaxed atmosphere.  The outdoor patio opens during the warmer months; it is a great place to relax and chat over your meal.  The clientele is a mixture of couples, friends meeting over brunch and families out for an afternoon stroll.  The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and able to answer any questions about the menu items and specials of the day.  Your waiter or waitress will stop by often enough to make sure you have what you need, but they are never intrusive.  You need not worry that your waiter or waitress will shove you out of the door before you finish your meal. 

Cookshop's hours are Monday through Saturday, 5:30 PM to midnight; Sunday, 11:30 AM to 3 PM (lunch and brunch only) and the restaurant reopens on Sunday from 5:30 PM to 10 PM for dinner.  The restaurant is popular so reservations are recommended.

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