I don’t know about you, but I love a food court or a food hall. These places are practical and economical options for eating, as well as being an opportunity for you to explore more of the local cuisine. Here in New York, this concept is super strong – and there are some very classic options, like Chelsea Market and Eataly. Today, I bring you five more options – some of them are not so famous among tourists, but worth the visit!
Le District is like an Eataly – but in a French version. It has restaurants, coffee, creperie … An atmosphere that provides a very interesting gastronomic experience. Besides, you can buy some things there (bread, condiments …). Right at the entrance, the cookie section will make you water mouth. You can buy by weight or you can also choose one of the several gift packagings. Be sure to try at least one cookie, they are delicious! There is an area with olive oils and spices as well.
Address: Brookfield Place – 200 Vesey St.
Dekalb Market -Dekalb Market brings together 40 vendors, who reflect the neighborhood’s cultural and ethnic diversity, further enhancing the region’s reputation for bringing together innovative cuisines and experience. With sweet and savory options, the place may be your choice for lunch, dinner or snack. Among the options, there are arepas, burgers, pizzas, tacos, barbecue, sushi, seafood, paella, and even vegan option! For those who want something sweet, there are churros, ice cream, crepes, and cakes. Besides, there is also a coffee place and brewery. One of the highlights of Dekalb Market is the presence of Kat’s Deli – which has the city’s most famous pastrami sandwich. Another highlight is the Home Frite, which serves craft fries – it’s one of the most famous vendors in Smorgasburg, with huge queues! You can also buy meats, fish, cheeses and fresh bread. You can click here and check the vendor’s list. Check out my post about the place.
Address: 445 Albee Square W
UrbanSpace Vanderbilt belongs to the same group that organizes Mad. Sq. Eats, a street food fair that is successful here in New York. The place brings together 21 vendors offering the most diverse types of dishes and snacks – hot dogs, fried chicken, seafood, Mexican, pretzels and pizza winning Roberta’s (already won several times as the best pizza in town). The prices are affordable – pizza from Roberta’s – the small one – is $10 and has 4 slices, La Palapa tacos are 2 for $ 12 and the chocolate crepe with coconut from Bar Suzette is $9. Check out my post about the place.
Address: Vanderbilt Ave w/45th Street.
The Pennsy – located next to Madison Square Garden in a super busy area, this food hall is convenient for tourists staying in the region. There are only 6 sellers – but they are very democratic, with sushi, tacos, vegan dishes, pizzas, and sandwiches. Space is large and very cozy. The coolest thing is that The Pennsy is open until 2 in the morning!
Address: 2 Pennsylvania Plaza.
TurnStyle – New York subway stations are not places that induce an appetite; but Turnstyle is the opposite. The developer, Susan Fine, carefully selected a crew of vendors to appeal to the tastes of different commuter demographics (teens on their way to school, lunch-seeking business folks, etc.), and intentionally opted for mostly smaller, artisanal brands. You can try Bolivian Llama Party, only Bolivian restaurant in Manhattan, and also Doughnuttery, with warm fresh donuts. You can also find pizzas, juices and sandwiches. Turnstyle also features shops like elf, Lush, clothing and stationery.
Address: 8th Ave & 58th Street.
Laura Peruchi is a Brazilian blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She has lived in Manhattan with her husband since 2014. Since then, she has shared on her blog varied content about the Big Apple. From travel tips, including unusual things to do, shopping tips, etiquette, restaurants, and a lot more, her blog has become a reference in Portuguese (also available in English) for anyone planning a trip to New York City.
