The colder seasons can be a drag, are we right?
It's getting darker sooner. It's getting colder, our skin is getting dry, and we can basically kiss all those blissful outdoor food markets goodbye for another season.
What's so great about food markets anyway?
Only that they solve the horrible indecisiveness of every New Yorker ever.
Only because rolling around with a crew is a struggle when one person in the group wants a cheeseburger and another wants sushi.
When you go to food markets, that's fine. One person can get craft PB&J while the other gets a steak sandwich. Plus, it's pretty exhilarating to be surrounded by such a variety of amazing food.
Luckily, New York City doesn't just rock out with food markets in the summer. We've got some stellar indoor food markets for the winter, too. Read on to find out which indoor food markets you need to visit to solve those winter blues.
1. Eataly (200 5th Avenue)
Eataly is the largest Italian marketplace in the entire world. What? Are you surprised that NYC is killing it in the indoor Italian food market game? We're not, to be honest.
What can you eat there? Excellent question. They've got the traditional holiday cakes panettoni and pandori (year round too!). They've got white truffles, revered as the ultimate culinary indulgence.
Basically, Eataly is a spirited environment with delicious, authentic Italian food.
They've got plenty of delectable pasta, plenty of succulent meat, lots of olive oil, and they've also got this really great rooftop brewery.
Oh, also, Eataly will be at the World Trade Center soon, so the deliciousness is about to amplify. Check it out.
2. Grand Central Terminal Market (105 East 42nd Street)
At the Grand Central Terminal Market, they've got magnificent food at every turn. So, our main advice on this one is to show up hungry, alright?
They've got Eli Zabar's Bread & Pastry, Eli Zabar's Farm to Table, plus you can indulge in Li-Lac Chocolates, Murray's Cheese, Oren's Daily Roast, Pescatore Seafood Co, Zaro's Bakery, and more.
Some of our favorites? Well, we're all about Murray's Cheese since we just about worship cheese and all its insane varieties, and Murray's is pretty much perfect for that.
We've also got to mention that the Grand Central Terminal Market is incredible for any type of fresh produce. You know, stuff that actually grows in the ground.
Grand Central Terminal Market is such a fun place, bursting with energy and delicious food, and it'll chase your winter blues away faster than you can say "delicious!"
3. City Kitchen (700 8th Avenue)
mrkenboslice So many great restaurants in NY. I definitely recommend @citykitchennyc in Time Square. I had the best rolls I've ever tasted right here. Can't wait to go back! Repost #citykitchen #ny #timesquare #restaurants #goodeats #sushi #excellent #tasteintravel #twothumbsup #ig #igers #instapic #instafood #puertoricans #travel #vacation #letloverule #mrkenboslice #castro #baldovino -KAC
What can we even say about City Kitchen? We dream about you? Your delicious food lulls us to sleep at night?
Here's what we will say: The spicy ramen from Kuro Obi is so on point, we satisfy our cravings for it at least once a week. In the mood for a taste of Philadelphia? Munch on a Philly Cheesesteak from Whiteman's.
You want dessert? Go for a cinnamon sugar donut from Dough. You want Mexican? Great. The tacos at Gabriela's Taqueria are way on point. They've also got lobster, crab, shrimp rolls and clam chowder at Luke's.
Basically, City Kitchen is the perfect solution when you're rolling with a group who can't decide what to eat since it's got something for everyone.
4. Chelsea Market (75 9th Avenue)
You could make a whole day out of visiting Chelsea Market. Then ,you could eat your way through the entire day.
Some of the hottest food spots to hit at Chelsea Market have got to be Amy's Bread, Hale and Hearty Soups, Fat Witch Bakery, and the Manhattan Fruit Exchange.
Here are our real thoughts on the situation: Chelsea Market is magical. It must be.They've got lights twinkling along their walkway, hearty Christmas decorations, and the smell of gingerbread and spices mingling in the air during the holiday season.
They also don't just have food. They've got an excellent mix of food vendors, kitchen gadgets, books, art, and plenty more. Plus, it's one of the hottest people-watching spots in the city. Just, visit Chelsea Market. You've got to check it out for yourself.
,5. Smorgasburg/Brooklyn Flea
smorgasburg Sunday Gravy on Sunday. Perfect. @sundaygravy.nyc #smorgasburg #wintersmorg 📷: @looknycbike
Uh, yeah. That's right. Smorgasburg teamed up with Brooklyn Flea to rock out for the holiday season, and basically solidify the hottest collaboration NYC's seen since Beyoncé hit the stage with Jay-Z. Kidding.
Every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea will completely take over Industry City's 50,000 square-foot space.
Brooklyn Flea brings 100 vendors selling furniture, housewares, vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, jewelry, arts and crafts. Then, the moment you've all been waiting for (of course): there are 40 Smorgasburg vendors serving cooked and packaged food.
So, no, you don't have to wait until next summer to grub on on a Ramen Burger. It's completely delicious, the spot is dynamic, and the collaboration is totally unique. Both Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea are better for the mash up.
6. Essex Street Market (120 Essex Street)
farm2me SOFT LAUNCH #FARM2NY SHOP (Nov 4) NY // NYC: Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich from @Ovenly #Farm2NY 120 Essex Street Market New York, NY 10002 MAKERS: If you're looking for a weekly Popup/Retail opportunity, Email us at team@farm2.me #EssexStreetMarket #LESMarket #LESfood #NeighborhoodMarket #EatLocal #NationalChocolateDay
Okay, here's the deal with Essex Street Market: they've got ridiculously fresh, crusty, grainy breads that revolutionize every sandwich from Pain D'Avignon. They have an unbelievable selection of fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and household items.
In sum, the Essex Street Market is the coolest market ever, and we're expecting big, delicious things in the future when it moves to its new location in 2018.
It's got an unbelievable variety of food and groceries under one roof. Plus, it'll give you that vibe that you've been transported to another country. Actually, several other countries. They've got Latino products, homemade Greek and Japanese food, a haircut, and plenty of varieties of cheese.
Make a weekend out of it, why don't you? The new weekend preview of the Lowline is across the street and open and free to the public on weekends, so bring your pals for some shopping and grubbing, then hit the Lowline for some indoor garden bliss.
7. Gotham West Market (600 11th Avenue)
Everyone's going wild over the Ivan Orkin ramen at Gotham West Market, and for good reason. It's piping hot, the perfect amount spicy, and filled to the brim with deliciousness.
Plus, the coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee is pure liquified bliss. Basically, Gotham West Market has sandwiches, coffee, ice cream, beer, ramen, vegan, Mexican, and burgers. Again, it's got something for everyone.
It's a lovely, albeit pricey, food market to hang out in. Plus, they've got a dope section of craft beers, too. Also, it's a great place to hit for dessert. They've got Ample Hills Creamy, and it's exactly as tasty as it sounds. Grab dinner at Choza Taqueria and top it off with some ice cream, why don't you?
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[Feature Image Courtesy Buchanan NYC]