Lucy’s Whey (CLOSED)

The experience at Lucy’s Whey varies on what neighborhood you’re in. At the teeny-tiny Chelsea Market outpost, there are enough tourists crowded around the small case waiting for samples or an oversize—and totally worth the wait—pressed grilled cheese to give you a heart attack. But at the spacious Upper East Side location, you can chat with cheesemongers about its 100-plus cheeses—from familiar Manchegos and Goudas to the exclusive washed-rind, bark-wrapped Heinennellie hand-delivered from Vulto Creamery upstate—and pick up other cheese-plate favorites like assorted charcuterie, crackers and spreads. Attached is a farm-to-table restaurant that has seasonal fare plus staples like mac n cheese and chicken liver mousse, and a quick sandwich station for those looking for something on-the-go. If you do have time to stick around, it also has events like cider-pairing dinners and cheese classes, or you can bring the party to you with custom cheese platters.