New York’s food hall scene has ramped up over the past few years, with new locations cropping up all across the city. Food halls have become a destination for all, from those who love a variety of food choices to veteran restaurateurs attracted to the unique financial advantages and community vibes. It’s no surprise that some of the most innovative and interesting food halls are in Brooklyn. Here’s a round up of some of the spots to check out!
Industry City
Industry City is a massive, 16 building complex of creative office space located along the waterfront in Sunset Park. Home to a mix of retail and commercial space, it’s also a food powerhouse. Its massive 40,000-square-foot food hall features 12 vendors and an additional 13 restaurants scattered throughout the sprawling space. Here are our favorites:
- Avocaderia: The ultimate spot for aesthetic social media photos with an all-avocado menu featuring toasts, salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
- Burger Joint: Internationally recognized for their simple, no-frills burger.
- One Girl Cookies: Acclaimed neighborhood bakery known for their cookies and whoopie pies.
- Frying Pan Brooklyn: Intimate indoor bar with fresh seafood, innovative cocktails, and a game room complete with mini golf and ping pong tables.
Japan Village
The latest addition to Industry City deserves its own shoutout. Bringing the authentic taste of Japanese culture and cuisine to the area, this 20,000-square-foot space was designed to emulate a traditional Japanese village square. Japan Village is home to 11 delicious vendors, a restaurant and cocktail bar, a specialty Japanese liquor store, and the largest Japanese supermarket in New York City.
- Food Hall: Enjoy a full range of Japanese flavors, with stalls offering street foods like okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), takoyaki (octopus balls), ramen and udon, omakase, and pastries and tea.
- Kuraichi: Pick up your specialty Japanese spirits here, like sake, whisky, and wine.
- WakuWaku: Enjoy Japanese wagyu ribeye on a tabletop charcoal grill.
- Sunrise Mart: Bring home fresh Japanese staples like wagyu beef, sashimi-grade seafood, homemade tofu, yuba, and soy milk.
Dekalb Market Hall
Dekalb Market Hall sets itself apart by being one of the largest food halls in the country, stretching over 60,000 square feet in the basement level of City Point in Downtown Brooklyn. Showcasing 40 vendors in custom designed stalls with unique neon signage, as well as sit-down locations of Han Dynasty and Fortina, the variety of cuisines highlights the cultural and ethnic diversity of the borough. Plus, with its own speakeasy and performance venue on its way, this food hall is destined to become a top dining and entertainment venue.
- Katz’s Delicatessen: Naturally, the first outpost outside of the Lower East Side attracts huge crowds waiting on line to order the legendary giant stacked pastrami sandwich.
- Pierogi Boys: Enjoy a bowl of soul warming, homemade potato dumplings topped with things like bacon, sour cream, and chives.
- BK Jani: Pakistani street food featuring burgers, lamb chops, and kebabs.
- Arepa Lady: Savory fillings contrast from the sweet maize-based arepa, making for a filling meal.
Gotham Market at the Ashland
Relative to some of the other locations on this list, Gotham Market at the Ashland is smaller and more intimate. At 16,000 square feet, this spot is still packs a punch with three vendors and an unbeatable location. Housed in the ground level of The Ashland, one of Fort Greene’s luxury rental buildings, Gotham Market is just steps away from several of the neighborhood’s top destinations including Brooklyn Academy of Music and Barclays Center, making it an ideal stop before a show or basketball game.
- Whatever Forever: A chic lounge with a downtown eclectic vibe offering small plates, an extensive bar menu, and bottle service.
- Fulton Hall: Low-key beer hall with a pool table; a local destination for catching a sports game while enjoying bar food and a cold brew.
- Smashed: Slinging epic burgers smashed to perfection.
Time Out Market New York
Time Out Market brings heavy-hitters into the Brooklyn food scene. Their list of 24 vendors includes New York favorites like Clinton Street Baking Company, as well as other recognizable names including Ess-a-Bagel, Jacob’s Pickles, Chote Miya, and Felice Pasta Bar, to name a few.
Located in the heart of DUMBO, the 24,000-square-foot complex features multiple eateries, 3 bars, art installations, plus a fifth floor rooftop area overlooking the East River and Manhattan skyline.
Smorgasburg
With multiple locations throughout NYC and New Jersey, Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, and one of the most beloved destinations for a variety of eats. Reopening for the season on April 3, 2022 in Prospect Park, you’ll find dozens of local food vendors, including Bark Barbecue, Big Mozz, Destination Dumplings, and Dylana’s Sweet Treats to name a few. Also be sure to keep an eye out for opening dates for the Williamsburg location this summer once announced.
Is your stomach rumbling yet? Head over and check out these incredible spots for yourself. If you’re looking for a new place, consider making Brooklyn your new home and you’ll have all these options (and more) at your disposal.
The post Your Guide to Brooklyn Food Halls appeared first on The Zumper Blog.