With talking about New York and food, nowadays it is pretty hard not to have Anthony Bourdain come up in the discussion. Being a foodie myself, and an International Market lover, I cannot wait for Bourdain’s Pier 57 to be launched. The “ Superpier Market ” will ultimately put New York on the map for food lovers around the world.
Night Markets have long been part of the daily life in European and Asian countries but haven’t really caught on in the States till now. Bourdain, when at the World Street Food Congress in Manila, discussed his new Night Market idea and stated he wants to “Introduce New Yorkers to the way things have been enjoyed in other countries for years. Not a modern, Westernized take. We will need open flame. We need the smells. We’re looking for a sense of controlled chaos. We’re creating a living, breathing, stinking market.”
Until 2019 we eagerly wait. For now, we will show you the best Food Street Markets to go to around town and we promise it will not disappoint.
Smorgasburg Market
With 100 local vendors and up to 30,000 visitors on weekends, the Smorgasburg Market is one of the largest outside markets in the USA. Being an open air market, it obviously is seasonal, and it closes around the end of October.
After founding the Brooklyn Flea Market, the creators Jonathan Butler and Eric Demby carried over their expertise into the Smorgasburg in 2011. From burritos to burgers, spaghetti donuts, and SE Asian treats, it is a must visit for anyone visiting New York City.
Red Hook Fairway Market
The Red Hook Stores have a rich history. Originally built by William Beard in the 1870s, these epic warehouses were originally used to store cotton, jute, coffee and other essential items.
The Red Hook Market in Fairway has over 5200 sq ft of retail space and the ground floor was used to house the supermarket. With the vintage warehouse being remodeled, it also houses trendy lofts and apartments that would be an amazing place to call home for a bit.
One of the main reasons it is a must visit market while in New York, is that it houses amazing foods and a wonderful look over the harbor. It allows you to relax and eat your food among picnic tables that overlook the harbor to include Staten Island, The Statue of Liberty, and incredible views of Manhattan.
Queens Night Market
The Queen’s Night Market is another open air venue that is boasted as one of the most multicultural places with unique and endemic foods from all over the globe. While this market is known for many different types of foods, it also has the vibe of a flea market and houses up to 100 independent vendors selling arts and crafts and other local items and foods.
Along with many interesting stalls to shop from, it also has small performances that symbolize the rich diversity of the Queen’s area. Just like the other open air markets, the Queen’s Market is seasonal and is open on Saturdays during specific times up till October 28.
Chelsea Market
Since, it gets a tit bit nippy in New York, and if you are first time visitor to New York, there is a good chance you will be a little cold while sightseeing. The Chelsea Market is a great indoor haven that is quite the tourist spot but it does not take away from the amazing food you can find in this foodie heaven.
Being in the Chelsea Manhattan area, and over 35 vendors selling different types of food, it is one of the best places to find fresh food. This is simply because the restaurants get fresh ingredients straight from the market to your plate.
Among restaurants and food markets, businesses share the same space which houses many media partners that have the likes of Food Network, Youtube, and Google.
Since you are going to have to see more than one market, you can’t visit New York city without getting on a double decker bus. TopViewNYC.com has Brooklyn tours and many buses running throughout the city which makes it easy to hop on and off to get around the town.