Essex Market.

The vendors here are excellent. Dario’s does incredible pizza. Shopsin’s is the legendarily eccentric restaurant that moved here from the West Village (the menu has 900+ items, no groups larger than four, don’t ask for changes). Ariel’s Latin Bistro has some of the best rice and beans on the Lower East Side.

There’s also a produce market, a cheese shop, a fishmonger, and a knife sharpener. It feels like an actual neighborhood market that also happens to have great prepared food. That’s because it is. Essex Market has existed in some form since 1940.

Essex Market isn’t a traditional happy hour spot. It’s a food hall. But it has wine bars, beer counters, and some of the best cheap eats on the Lower East Side, all under one roof.

Grab a glass of wine for $9, split some dumplings, get an arepa. You’ll spend less than you would at most restaurants and eat better food. This is one of my go-to moves when I’m trying to do NYC on a budget without sacrificing the experience.

It closes earlier than the bars (usually by 8 or 9 PM), so this is more of a pre-game situation. But a very good one.

The Essex Market has been around since 1940 officially (unofficially since the 1880s), serving as a food gathering place for New Yorkers for 80 years. More than 30 vendors call the three-story market home. So, if you’re looking for a fun winter activity in NYC, swing by the market to rest your legs.

Order a bite and make your way to the upstairs seating area. The floor-to-ceiling windows are perfect for watching the stormy weather outside while you warm up with a hot coffee or tea.

Established officially in 1940 (unofficially in the 1880s), Essex Market is one of NYC’s oldest food halls. With 30 vendors spread across its three floors, visiting the market is one of the best things to do in the Lower East Side for foodies and history buffs.

Beyond diverse food options, it is a hub for fresh groceries, art galleries, and even haircuts. Choosing where to eat is a delight, with Veselka’s potato pierogi and Cafe Grumpy’s coffee serving as standouts. Just don’t forget to complete the experience at Best Damn Cookies with a sweet finish.

Essex offers an enticing weekend brunch deal at $45, which includes 90 minutes of bottomless drinks (mimosas, bloody marys, screwdrivers) and one entree (there’s a large range of options), everyone at the table needs to participate.

The menu includes classic brunch items like omelets, eggs Benedict and avocado toast, as well as unique options like chilaquiles and arepas, along with a couple of vegan dishes. Despite the lively atmosphere, the staff remains remarkably attentive and friendly.

Located in Downtown Manhattan, Essex Market is New York City’s most historic food hall. The market has been around officially since 1940 (unofficially since the 1880’s) and has served as a food gathering place for New Yorkers to come together as a community.

The three story market is a great place to grab a bite because it’s a hub of some of the best restaurants in the Lower East Side. You’ll find everything from coffee, dessert, hot & cold meals and it even has a bar. The top floor has a sea of tables and floor to ceiling windows that flood the space with natural daylight.

Best Lower East Side restaurants in Essex Market.

• Veselka (Ukranian)
• Shopsin’s (American)
• Dhamaka (Indian)
• Kotti Berliner Döner Kebab (Mediterranean)
• Don Ceviche (Peruvian)