Brooklyn’s food market culture began with Smorgasburg in 2011 — an offshoot of the Brooklyn Flea that separated the food vendors into their own market on the Williamsburg waterfront. What followed was a transformation of how food markets operate in New York: Smorgasburg demonstrated that a curated outdoor food market could sustain 20,000+ weekly visitors and generate serious careers for food entrepreneurs who otherwise wouldn’t have had a venue.
Smorgasburg: Saturday in Williamsburg
Smorgasburg’s Saturday market at Marsha P. Johnson State Park on the Williamsburg waterfront is the main event. The market runs from 11am to 6pm, from April through October. The vendors — over 100 on a peak day — cover an extraordinary range: ramen, Colombian arepas, Japanese rice balls, elaborate loaded fries, Korean BBQ, Taiwanese scallion pancakes, raw oysters, fresh fruit sodas, elaborate ice cream formats, and dozens of other specific items from vendors who have been developing their products specifically for this market.
Practical notes: the market is free to enter. Peak crowds are between noon and 2pm on warm summer Saturdays. Arriving before noon gives you access to everything before lines form at the most popular vendors. Most vendors accept cards; a few are cash only. The waterfront setting gives you East River and Manhattan skyline views while you eat.
Smorgasburg: Sunday at Prospect Park
The Sunday Smorgasburg at Prospect Park’s Breeze Hill lawn runs the same April-October season with a smaller vendor count than the Saturday market. The park setting is pleasant — more shaded than the waterfront, with the park’s lawn as seating — and the crowd is somewhat more neighborhood-focused than the Saturday market’s broader tourist mix.
The Brooklyn Flea
The Brooklyn Flea operates in proximity to Smorgasburg and has been running since 2008 — vintage clothing, mid-century furniture, records, jewelry, and antiques from independent vendors. The quality is genuinely higher than most flea markets because the vendor selection has been curated over 15+ years. Good for browsing whether or not you’re buying. Check brooklynflea.com for current location and schedule, which has moved over the years.
Dekalb Market Hall (Downtown Brooklyn): Year-Round Indoor
Dekalb Market Hall under the City Point development at Flatbush and DeKalb Avenues in Downtown Brooklyn is a permanent food hall with vendors in a climate-controlled environment. The selection covers international cuisines across multiple stalls. Less curated than Time Out Market but more accessible year-round, with convenient subway access (multiple lines serve Downtown Brooklyn).
Time Out Market (DUMBO): The Curated Option
Time Out Market at 55 Water Street in DUMBO’s Empire Stores building presents 21 vendor slots from established New York restaurants — the selection process has been more rigorous than most food halls and the quality reflects it. The Empire Stores building setting (historic waterfront warehouse) adds architectural interest. Open year-round. More expensive than Smorgasburg vendors on average but consistent quality and no seasonal restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smorgasburg?
Smorgasburg is an outdoor food market operating Saturdays at Marsha P. Johnson State Park on the Williamsburg waterfront from April through October, with 100+ food vendors. It’s America’s largest weekly outdoor food market, drawing 20,000-30,000 visitors on peak summer Saturdays. Free admission; vendors accept cash and cards.
Where is Smorgasburg in Brooklyn?
The Saturday market is at Marsha P. Johnson State Park on the East River waterfront in Williamsburg (enter at the foot of North 7th Street). Smorgasburg also operates Sundays at Prospect Park (at the Breeze Hill lawn). Check smorgasburg.com for current locations and hours.
What is the Brooklyn Flea?
The Brooklyn Flea is a flea market operating alongside or near Smorgasburg — vintage clothing, furniture, records, and antiques from independent vendors. It has operated at various Brooklyn locations since 2008 and typically runs alongside or near the Smorgasburg location on weekends.
Are there indoor food markets in Brooklyn?
Chelsea Market is in Manhattan but serves as a reference point. In Brooklyn: Dekalb Market Hall under the City Point development in Downtown Brooklyn has food vendors in a permanent indoor setting. Time Out Market in DUMBO’s Empire Stores is the most curated option with 21 restaurant-quality vendors.
Also see: our cheap Brooklyn eats guide
Also see: our free Brooklyn guide
