Restaurants For Lunch, Brunch Or Dinner Along Chelsea's High Line | Tasting Table NYC

With the second section of the High Line greenway now open, all the neighboring culinary standbys are overrun. No worries: Skirt the crowds with these unsung spots near the Line's various entrances:

26th Street Entrance Txikito's inventive Basque cuisine has long made it one of our go-to restaurants. With its ability to seat parties of up to 15 during its new brunch, Txikito could be the best hassle-free morning meal in town. Get any dish with an egg on top, such as the soldadito de txiktxikis a.k.a. poached eggs with chorizo hash and toast soldiers for dipping ($11; pictured above), along with orange-blossom lard buns ($5). Txikito, 240 Ninth Ave. (between W. 24th and W. 25th sts.); 212-242-4730 or txikitonyc.com

23rd Street Entrance This restaurant is now closed. Two years of renovations have turned the Empire diner into the more-beautiful-than-ever Highliner. Sit parallel to 10th Avenue at the wraparound bar to watch the traffic stream by while you enjoy squid-ink linguini with chorizo ($16) or a fried egg, smoked bacon and Sriracha mayo Hangover Sandwich ($12). Come fall, the Highliner's hours will stretch until 5 a.m. The Highliner, 210 10th Ave. (at W. 22nd St.); 212-206-6206

16th Street Entrance Open until 11 p.m., the High Line is not just for sunbathing. After an evening walk, retire to La Bottega for a drink. Skip the food and club below, and instead ask for a table on the terrace. Boosted above the street, sitting under lazy fans and trellised ivy, you could be anywhere in the world besides a sticky city night. La Bottega at The Maritime Hotel, 363 W. 16th St. (at Ninth Ave.); 212-243-8400 or themaritimehotel.com