Good news Manhattanites (and food lovers everywhere): Smorgasburg has made its way to Manhattan! For those of you who haven’t yet ventured into Smorgasburg, it hosts the city’s best food stands on select days each weekend for all to enjoy. While you may have already visited Smorgasburg in BK with your kids, Smorgasburg in Manhattan (dubbed “Smorg Square”) is a different animal. Read on to learn how to tackle the new Smorgasburg SoHo outpost with the whole family like a pro.
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photo: Diane K. via Yelp
Getting There
Smorg Square is located at 76 Varick Street, bordered by Varick, Canal and Grand Streets and 6th Avenue — hence the “square.” It’s located right next to the Canal Street stop on the 1 train, and within walking distance from the A/C/E and N/R/Q/W trains. Before you dive in, make sure to stop and hit an ATM, as most food stands are cash only.
photo: Mike C. via Yelp
When to Go
Unlike the other Smorgasburg locations, which take place on weekends only, Smorg Square is open on Fridays. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. -10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
This location is smaller than the other outposts and features less food vendors, which is why we think it makes it the most manageable location to do with kids. The most popular times to go are around lunch, but head there any other time and you shouldn’t have an issue grabbing your favorite food and sitting at one of the square’s large, umbrella-topped picnic tables.
Wood Fired Edibles photo: Corinne B. via Yelp
What to Eat, Part 1
Smorg Square features some gems found at other Smorgasburg locations (looking at you Red Hook Lobster Pound, Ramen Burger, and Goa Taco) as well as reliable kid friendly-favorites. In total, you’ll find about 20 vendors of bites of all kinds.
Our picks for kids include Big Mozz Sticks (if you’ve never had these, they’re exactly what they sound like, but superior quality) and new Smorgasburg vendor Wood Fired Edibles, where the pizza is divine. (They have a portable wood fire oven they tote around!)
Bona Bona Ice Cream photo: Mike C. via Yelp
What to Eat, Part 2 (Sweets)
Kids (and adults) go crazy for Bona Bona Ice Cream’s “Bona style” cones, which are served with marshmallow — toasted on site — on top. (These are kind of a “must”!) Also popular are the churro ice cream sandwiches from Dulcinea.
photo: Smorg Square Facebook page
Drinks, too!
If you’re looking for libations other than lemonade, etc. (although there are impressive juice options available from John’s Juice) Smorg Square also features a beer/wine/cocktail bar to help quench your thirst with a cold one.
photo: via Brooklyn Flea SoHo Facebook page
Make it a Day
After you’ve filled up on some yummy food, head over to Brooklyn Flea, which, despite the name, is located right across the street at 100 Avenue of the Americas. (Its roots, like Smorgasburg’s, are in Brooklyn.) Here, you can shop over 60 vendors offering an eclectic mix of vintage and design finds — it’s a great place to shop for unique holiday gifts, btw. While not open on Fridays, Brooklyn Flea is open 10am-6pm Saturday and Sunday.
photo: courtesy of Ilyssa Smith
Smorgasburg SoHo (Smorg Square)
Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm; Sunday 11am-8pm, through December
76 Varick St. (at Canal Street)
Online: smorgasburg.com
Brooklyn Flea SoHo
Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m. -6 p.m.
100 Avenue of the Americas
Online: brooklynflea.com/
cover photo: Churro ice cream sandwich, Mike C. via Yelp
