Why do we love living in New York City?
Is it the whooshing subways, the soaring buildings, the possibility of running into a celebrity? Is it dollar slices of pizza and heroes from bodegas, the grind, the hustle, the fact that we're always rushing?
No, none of these. The reason we love NYC clearly resides in our abundance of indoor food markets.
Why do we love indoor food markets so much? Well, the easy answer is that they're fresh, delicious, and thrilling in their variety.
The more accurate answer is that they're the cure to indecisiveness: your friend wants mac and cheese and you want and a great salad. Can't you both be pleased?
Without food markets, someone's going to be unhappy. Someone's craving is going to be left unsatisfied. With food markets, though? With food markets, everyone's happy.
We let you know about these food markets earlier this month, but they're not all we've got. Read on to discover 7 more delicious NYC food markets.
1. Hudson Eats (225 Liberty Street)
glenndioso_ Got an assortment of "finger foods" at Hudson Eats! Truffle Fries from Umami Burger, Dragon Roll from Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Pork & Chives Dumplings for the first time from Northern Tiger! #foodporn #hudsoneats
Located at Brookfield Place in Battery Park, Hudson Eat's got some stellar cuisine options.
They've got Mighty Quinn's, where you can indulge on smoked brisket or ribs, with mashed sweet potatoes and cole slaw on the side.
Not in the barbecue mood? No worries. They've got Blue Ribbon Sushi, Num Pang, and Little Muenster for when your grilled cheese craving gets the best of you.
Blue Ribbon Sushi is the most expensive food outlet at Hudson Eats, but if you've got cash to blow, it's phenomenal. If not, tacos at Dos Toros, or pizza from Skinny Pizza are always delicious enough to make your day.
Plus, they've got Chop't for when you feel like getting healthy with it.
The food at Hudson Eats is plentiful, delicious, and affordable. And it's also got one of those stunning views of the Hudson River, which never hurts.
2. Urbanspace Vanderbilt (230 Park Avenue)
grubstreet There are a ton of glorious food options at Midtown's new food hall #UrbanSpaceVanderbilt. Here's a look at @robertaspizza famous Bee Sting pizza. 📷: @melissa_hom
All that really needs to be said about Urbanspace Vanderbilt is four simple words: thank you for existing!
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's talk about the food at Urbanspace that makes us swoon.
We can't get enough of the fried chicken from Delaney Chicken (like, really, they've got one of the best fried chicken sandwiches we've ever had), nor can we eat enough tacos from Takumi Taco, or pizza from Roberta's Pizza.
The line at Roberta's Pizza can be intimidating, but believe us when we say it's worth it. Basically, Urbanspace Vanderbilt's got every delicious type of food you can think of. Check it out sooner rather than later.
3. The Plaza Food Hall (1 West 59th Street)
The Plaza Food Hall is located in the downstairs level of the Plaza Hotel. You can't find it just by stumbling upon it. You've got to be looking for it.
Let us tell you, it's worth looking for. They've got Lukes Lobster, Lady M, La Maison du Chocolat, Sushi Garu, and plenty more. They've got sushi, lobster rolls, burgers, cakes, cookies, chocolate, and pasta.
You want fro-yo? Check out Yo Art. You want some coffee for that requisite caffeine jolt? Hit up Billy's Bakery. Crepe cakes? Lady M's got you. Plus, the tea at Kusmi Tea is some of the best tea we've ever tried.
Coming to The Plaza Food Hall once is not an option. It will quickly become one of your favorite hang outs; take our word for it.
4. Gansevoort Market (52 Gansevoort Street)
With a top notch lobster roll from Ed's Lobster Bar, really excellent margherita slices from Luzzo's, and everything in between, from coffee, to gelato, to meatballs, crepes, pastries, and pasta --it's safe to say Gansevoort Market is a delightful market with delightful variety.
You'll feel angry that you can't eat everything, but excitement for what you will eat. You'll feel joy while you're eating and sadness when your food ends. Then, you'll feel envy for everyone around you, who's still eating.
Gansevoort Market is charming without being touristy, and it's got plenty of natural light, exposed brick, and an irresistible allure. If you go once, you'll find yourself practically gravitated back toward Tacombi, Crepe Sucre, and the taps at Basque Pixnos. Don't say we didn't warn you.
,5. Fulton Stall Market (207A Front Street)
This little gem connects farmers and producers with the community in Lower Manhattan.
They don't just have delicious food in a variety of options, they're also working toward maintaining a year-round indoor public market for NYC featuring local markets and educational programing. They've got local farm produce, artisanal and specialty foods, chef demos, cooking classes, and art.
They sell food from Beth's Farm Kitchen and produce from Breezy Hill Orchard (you've got to try the hot apple cider). You can munch on brittle from Brooklyn Brittle sausages from the Catskill Food Company.
Want cookies? Grab soft, doughy homemade ones from Dana Confections or Kanpekies. Carb loading? Feast on some linguini from Pazzi Pasta. Basically, Fulton Stall Market is a delight, and modeled off the city markets that began in the 1700's. Essentially, it's everything that's wonderful about NYC.
6. GreenFlea Market (100 West 77th Street)
Full disclosure: GreenFlea Market's got both an indoor and an outdoor section, and you'll also lose several hours perusing its multitude of options.
They've got, as they say, something for everyone. They've got hand crafted jewelry, farmer's market produce, pickles, homemade cookies and spicy empanadas. There's a serious variety of vendors; there's a chandelier maker, Indian textiles, vintage and refurbished furniture, and fresh squeezed lemonade.
The emphasis at this market is more on decorative goods and accessories than food, but they've still got plenty of delicious options for a Sunday afternoon snack. Also, it's only open on Sundays so make sure you leave an upcoming Sunday wide open for your GreenFlea Market visit.
7. Le District (225 Liberty Street)
Le District's got quality ingredients and quality food. It's tucked discreetly under Hudson Eats so, once again, you've got to be looking for it. Regardless, it's a lovely spot to while away an afternoon, munching on meats, cheeses, desserts and tossing back some alcohol.
They've got French imported products, tons of little Maille mustards, fudge, and savory meals like charcuterie and rotisserie chicken.
They've also got dollar oysters, delicious burgers, and a really fresh salad bar complete with lots of vegetables and chicken, shrimp, and beef. They've also got some really great sandwiches, like rosemary turkey, porchetta, and beef.
Le District is one of the most eclectic, delicious spots in the Financial District to grub, but be prepared to spend a pretty penny.
Check out Best Eateries If You're Stuck in a NYC Airport This Holiday Season.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]