Gansevoort St, West Village

Like elsewhere in the Meatpacking District, briefly a clubbing mecca for the Samanthas, Carries, Charlottes, and Mirandas of this world, Gainsevoort Street has very much come and gone. The depressingly warehouse-like architecture of the area, the overcrowded yet self-consciously minimalist clubs and bars - they may still be full now, but they're more likely to be peopled by out-of-towners on a Sex and the City Tour (pre-planned or otherwise) than by Sarah Jessica Parker herself. That may be too harsh an assessment for Gainsevoort Street - after all, the street itself could be considered beautiful (by some) for its authentic historical buildings (the fact that they were, by and large, slaughterhouses notwithstanding), and there are plenty of bars and shops that are, though lacking in true "street cred", nevertheless pleasant enough (among them the Tanuki Tavern, Hudson Bar and Books, and the Tavern on Jane). Restaurants like Spice Market, Fig & Olive, and Buddha Bar are also worthwhile choices. But overall, the combination of a slightly-seedy slaughterhouse atmosphere with past-its-prime clubbing outlets render this street a has-been.

Gansevoort is a really ugly street that was made into a very trendy street. I'm not a fan of the Meatpacking District to say the least. There are a ton of Euros everywhere trying to look cool. There are a lot of trendy things to do: shopping, nightlife, pretentious restaurants that aren't good. But, it always seems desolate to me . . .even when it's packed with people. Right at Gansevoort and the Westside Highway is where Samantha moved in Sex in the City; the episode that was showing the up and coming nature of the neighborhood. There are a lot of giant lofts and some of them are really beautiful on the inside (one of them is the most beautiful, modern apartment I have yet to see in New York City) but I still wouldn't live here. There are still a few actual meat shops on the street which I think is hilarious. All of these trendy people in expensive clothes walking amongst meat carcass shops.
The Highline starts on Gansevoort. It was an above ground train that was built in the 20's for a ridiculous amount of money even by today's standards. It was never used and became overgrown with weeds and decay. Last year, they turned it into a walking area with lawn chairs and some art. And, if you can stomach the tourists, it is actually pretty cool. You get views of the city that you can't get anywhere else which is nice. Plus, it does a pretty good job of combining the run-down segment of NY with the new. There are a number of trendy restaurants on the next block east: none of them are worth going in my opinion.
The Gansevoort Hotel is right at Hudson and I think this place is atrocious. It has PINK flourescent lights all around and a nightclub just opened up in it. I pretty much avoid this place and anyone who would go to this place at all costs.
There are still old-world cobble stone blocks on Gansevoort but that's pretty much the only link to the old city -- well, that and the meat shops. It's just not pretty and not cool even though it tries desperately to be so. I'd pass on it . . . unless you're into that sort of thing.

Ganesvoort is known for it's dining options and several popular and upscale spots are located along it. The Gansevoort Hotel is a popular, luxury spot, although I fail to see the allure. Ono is located in the Hotel and it's just okay, in my opinion. Nero is a nice Italian place that offers romantic dinning. Dim lighting and delicious Italian food round out the experience nicely. Other than that there is little going on in the area, and while it's seen as an up and coming neighborhood it appears to have stalled out somewhere along the way.