Exploring Essex Market: A Culinary Adventure in the Heart of New York
Essex Market is a bustling area within the Lower East Side in NYC. Within it is a mix of independent vendors comprising grocery stores, local shops, seafood shops, and spice shops, to name a few. Aside from shopping outlets, you will also find eateries, clubs, galleries, and project space.
When you step into the market, you get good quality and diverse products focused on supporting small businesses. The latter could explain why there is such a strong sense of community within the sprawling 7,000-square-foot state-of-the-art market.
Background on Essex Market
Essex Market could be celebrating 84 years or over 100 years of existence, depending on how you look at it. The current market officially opened its doors in 1940. Nevertheless, back in the 1880s there was an open-air market dominated by independent pushcart dealers. Just as nowadays, peddlers sold everything from hats to herrings, potatoes, and more.
When the number of pushcart dealers increased, congestion became a problem and Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia thought over the perfect solution: opening a series of public indoor markets, and Essex Market was one of them. The official opening date of the vibrant market was January 9, 1940.
Where is Essex Market and how to get there?
Essex Market is situated on 88 Essex Street, more precisely the Southeast corner of Essex and Delancey Streets. To get to the market, you can drive, take a taxi, the subway, or bus. The subway lines to Essex Street are J, M, and Z. To Delancy, take the F line. You can also take the bus to Essex Street, M9. For the Lower East Side, take M14 or hop onto B39 to get to Delancey Street.
What to Expect When You Visit Essex Market
There is so much to see, experience, taste, and discover at Essex Market and it should definitely be at the top of your list of places to visit in NYC. The variety of food, colorful displays, aromas, and vibrant atmosphere make it a sensory delight.
If you are a food lover, come hungry because you will have your choice of all types of foods from different parts of the world. Whether it’s dumplings, pizza, tacos, or spicy Asian food, you will be spoilt for choice.
But beyond that is the upscale charm of the market, which is quite contrary to what you would see in a traditional market. Once you have exhausted your shopping needs (or wallet), take a seat at one of the eateries and simply soak in the cool ambiance as you recharge.
What else can you do when you visit?
Aside from shopping and eating the finest foods, there’s plenty more to do. Indulge your love for art at Cuchifritos Gallery to see what the local talent has to offer. Shop for souvenirs or local handmade products as a reminder of your trip to the market. You can even take cooking classes, which are normally hosted by some of the food vendors. Alternatively visit some of the popular sites located in the Lower East Side for a chance to experience the nightlife, street art and trendy shops.
When visiting Essex Market, expect a bustling atmosphere filled with diverse vendors offering fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique artisanal products. For the true food enthusiast, booking a food tour around the Lower East Side is a must. These tours will introduce you to loads of culinary delights this area of NYC has to offer, from traditional deli fare to innovative modern cuisine.
FAQs
How big is it?
The whole market covers 37,000 square feet, which is 3 times bigger than the previous location at 120 Essex.
At what time does it open?
Essex Market is open throughout the week: Monday through Saturday, the doors are open from 8 AM to 8 PM. On Sunday, the shopping hours are between 10 AM and 6 PM. Do note, though, that the independent vendors determine their own hours.
What are some things to know before visiting the Lower East Side market?
Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking around a lot, even if you are just window shopping. It’s also a good idea to bring cash because some vendors may not accept other payment modes. Finally, give yourself sufficient time to enjoy the bustling market.
Essex Market offers convenience to shoppers in a modern, upscale building. Here, you will find good food, the freshest ingredients, handmade artifacts, souvenirs, and a range of services. What you immediately notice is a sense of community that may not exist in other traditional markets. It’s hard to imagine that visiting a market can bring so much excitement, yet that is what you get at Essex Market.
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