What to Eat at DeKalb Market Hall

Formerly the site of one of the city’s first al fresco food bazaars (DeKalb Market, run by UrbanSpace), it’s only appropriate that Downtown Brooklyn now boasts New York’s biggest culinary court — the DeKalb Market Hall.  Occupying the subterranean sector of the imposing City Point complex, the roster of vendors is as diverse and awesome as the borough itself; specializing in Chinese steamed buns, Spanish croquetas and even classic corned beef (from an outpost of the seminal Katz’s).  Here are six stands to look for….

Arepa Lady: The jewel of Jackson Heights, Queens, DeKalb effectively wooed the Arepa Lady to Brooklyn; along with her craveable corn cakes crammed with fingers of fresh cheese.

Hard Times Sundaes: From Mill Basin food truck to popular UrbanSpace Vanderbilt vendor to celebrated addition to NY’s most prestigious market, Hard Times Sundaes is grilling up its signature smash burgers; one, two or three pressed patties, ideally adorned with caramelized onions, thick cut hardwood bacon, and slices of good old American cheese.

Forcella: Giulio Adriani excels at Neapolitan pizzas (from traditional margherita to porta capuana with burrata and prosciutto), but don’t miss his infamous Pizze Fritte; balloons of deep fried dough, capped with milky mozzarella and sauce.

Bunsmith: This under-the-radar Crown Heights establishment brings its rice bowls and steamed buns (stuffed with everything from bulgogi and pork jowl, to grilled baby artichokes, BBQ jackfruit, and even cookie butter and spam) to the masses at DeKalb Market Hall.

Likkle More: This stand (the first, self-owned foray from a longtime West Indian chef) is bringing the heat with Caribbean eats like jerk chicken and waffles, beef patties, and whole, lime-spritzed ears of roasted coconut corn.

Steve’s Key Lime: Save room for sweets, since the pride of Red Hook is making an unprecedented appearance at the market.  Being one of only two commercial bakeries in the U.S. to use fresh squeezed key lime juice means you don’t need to go to Florida to get your hands on a perfect pie (you also haven’t lived until you’ve tried a Swingle; a frozen, chocolate-enrobed key lime pie on a stick).

DeKalb Market Hall
445 Albee Square W
(914) 288-8100
dekalbmarkethall.com