Smorgasburg | Brooklyn

Smorgasburg is a celebrated open-air food market that began in Brooklyn, New York, and has become a staple of the city’s culinary scene. It is widely regarded as the largest weekly food market in the U.S., attracting visitors from around the world to explore a vast array of food vendors offering everything from innovative street food to classic dishes with a twist.

History and Background

Founded in 2011 by the creators of the Brooklyn Flea, Smorgasburg was initially conceived as a way to showcase local food vendors and provide a platform for small food businesses to gain exposure.

It has since grown to become a food lover’s destination, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse food offerings. Smorgasburg is not just a food market but an integral part of Brooklyn's cultural fabric.

Locations

Smorgasburg operates in several locations across New York City (NYC) and other U.S. cities, with its flagship locations being in Brooklyn.

Smorgasburg Williamsburg (Saturdays):

Location: Marsha P. Johnson State Park (formerly East River State Park) at 90 Kent Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Open: Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April through October).

This market offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It also has an outdoor grassy area for relaxing and enjoying the food, making it a vibrant community space.

Smorgasburg Prospect Park (Sundays):

Location: Breeze Hill, enter at Lincoln Road, Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

Open: Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April through October).

Located in the heart of Brooklyn, this location is surrounded by greenery and attracts a large crowd, particularly families and food enthusiasts.

Smorgasburg World Trade Center (Fridays):

Location: The Oculus, World Trade Center, Manhattan.

Open: Fridays from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (April through October).

Smorgasburg brings its unique culinary experience to the heart of Manhattan, in a bustling urban setting that offers a chance for workers, tourists, and locals to enjoy diverse and creative food options.

What You Can Find at Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg is known for offering an incredibly wide variety of foods, showcasing local, national, and international cuisine. Some of the most popular and unique food items to look out for include:

Ramen Burger – A burger with ramen noodles serving as the "bun," created by chef Keizo Shimamoto.

Wowfulls – A sweet dessert of Hong Kong-style egg waffles filled with ice cream, toppings, and syrup.

Big Mozz – Giant, golden-brown mozzarella sticks, crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Duck Season – A booth offering duck fat fries, duck-themed dishes, and more.

Tacos, Dumplings, and More – A wide array of tacos, dumplings, Asian-inspired street foods, barbecue, vegan and vegetarian options, and more.

Sweet Treats – A diverse selection of baked goods, cookies, ice cream, and pastries, with an emphasis on artisanal and locally sourced ingredients.

Atmosphere and Vibe

Festive and Community-Oriented: Smorgasburg is not just about food; it's a social and cultural event. Each market features live music, pop-up shops, and cultural events, creating a lively and family-friendly atmosphere.

Open-Air, Pet-Friendly: While pets are not allowed at the Williamsburg location, the market offers plenty of outdoor seating, often with picnic tables, grassy areas, and views of the skyline, creating a perfect spot for relaxing with friends and family.

Pet Policy

Pets: While pets are not allowed at the Williamsburg location, they are permitted in the Prospect Park location, so visitors can bring their furry friends there to enjoy the day.

Food Vendors and Themes

Smorgasburg regularly features 100+ vendors each weekend, with a rotating lineup that ensures there’s always something new to try. The market offers:

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Many vendors cater to plant-based diets, with dishes such as vegan tacos, veggie burgers, and fresh juices.

Global Street Food: In addition to local Brooklyn favorites, you can find street food from countries around the world, like Mexican, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean cuisine.

Craft Beverages: In addition to food, Smorgasburg features local craft beers, artisanal sodas, and freshly made juices.

Special Events and Pop-Ups

In addition to the regular food offerings, Smorgasburg hosts special events throughout the year:

Holiday Markets: Special holiday editions take place during the winter months, where you can find seasonal foods and treats.

Collaborations and Themed Events: Smorgasburg often collaborates with food festivals, local artists, and organizations to offer themed food markets, cooking demonstrations, and pop-up shops.

Admission and Entry

Admission: Free to enter. Visitors pay only for the food and drinks they purchase.

Hours:

Williamsburg: Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Prospect Park: Sundays, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

World Trade Center: Fridays, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Transportation

Williamsburg: Easily accessible by the L train to Bedford Avenue or a short walk from the East River Ferry terminal.

Prospect Park: Accessible by the Q train to Parkside Avenue or B train to Prospect Park Station.

World Trade Center: Located directly in the Oculus, which is accessible by several subway lines (A, C, 2, 4, 5) and is a short walk from Fulton Street Station.

Summary

Smorgasburg has become a cultural institution in Brooklyn, offering a place for food lovers to come together and enjoy not just a meal, but an experience. Whether you're a local or a tourist, it's a must-visit for anyone looking to sample New York's diverse culinary scene in a relaxed, festive environment. With its wide variety of food, live entertainment, and community spirit, Smorgasburg remains a highlight of Brooklyn's outdoor cultural calendar.