Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in June
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in June
1. Chelsea Market
A former Nabisco factory turned culinary playground, Chelsea Market gathers standout vendors under one roof—think tacos, noodles, oysters, and small-batch treats—ideal for grazing before or after a High Line stroll in warm June weather.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a one-stop tasting tour of NYC’s global flavors, perfect for mixed cravings and groups.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 10am–12pm or after 6pm in June to avoid peak lunchtime crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab to-go bites and head a block to the High Line for sunset views and an al fresco finish.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the variety and convenience, noting consistent quality and lively but manageable energy in early summer.
2. Smorgasburg Williamsburg
NYC’s open-air food bazaar on the East River serves up inventive vendors—from birria and ramen burgers to gourmet doughnuts—set against skyline views tailor-made for sunny June Saturdays.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s essential outdoor tasting spree and a snapshot of what’s trending in NYC food now.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive at opening to beat lines and secure a shady spot; June draws big crowds by midday.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a picnic blanket, come cashless, and share dishes so you can sample more vendors.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the variety and setting, with repeated praise for creative specials and riverfront ambiance.
3. Queens Night Market
A beloved Saturday-night market with a global lineup—Filipino, Peruvian, Tibetan, Caribbean, West African, and more—served at wallet-friendly prices under the stars.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a flavorful tour of Queens’ diversity with a festive, community feel and great value.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive at or before opening to try popular stalls before they sell out on June weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Expect a vendor price cap so you can sample widely; bring cash for speed and shorter lines.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight the joyful vibe, fair prices, and discoveries they can’t find elsewhere in the city.
4. Time Out Market New York
A curated food hall in DUMBO with big-name local vendors and a rooftop deck overlooking the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges—picture-perfect in golden-hour June light.
✓ Why Go:
You can sample multiple top NYC eateries in one scenic spot, then wander the waterfront.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights or late afternoons in June for shorter lines and sunset terrace seats.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head straight to the rooftop bar for views, then order via kiosks to minimize queuing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners love the panorama and mix of vendors, calling it an easy win for groups with different tastes.
5. Katz's Delicatessen
An NYC icon since 1888, Katz’s serves towering hand-carved pastrami on rye, half-sours, and classic deli fare—comfort food that hits the spot after a June day out.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a rite of passage for deli lovers and a delicious bite of living New York history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or after 9pm to skip dinner rush; weekdays are calmer in June.
✓ Insider Tip:
Hold onto your ticket from the door and order pastrami hand-cut; ask for fatty if you like it extra tender.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors say the sandwich lives up to the hype, with many calling it the best pastrami they’ve had.
6. Arthur Avenue Retail Market
In the Bronx’s Little Italy, this indoor market packs butchers, bakers, fresh pasta, espresso bars, and produce into a flavorful, old-world experience perfect for leisurely June browsing.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll taste classic Italian American tradition—mozzarella made to order, cured meats, and cannoli—straight from multigenerational purveyors.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Saturday late morning in June for full vendor energy; note some shops close Sunday.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up picnic fixings here, then enjoy them in nearby New York Botanical Garden after your visit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers praise the authenticity and friendly vendors, noting generous samples and great value.
7. New World Mall Food Court
Flushing’s bustling food court gathers dozens of regional Chinese, Taiwanese, Southeast Asian, and Korean counters—ideal for exploratory grazing in air-conditioned comfort.
✓ Why Go:
It’s one of NYC’s most comprehensive Asian food samplers, with dishes ranging from hand-pulled noodles to Sichuan skewers and bubble tea.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch in June for easier seating; evenings can be packed.
✓ Insider Tip:
Go with a group and share plates; many stalls are cash-preferred, and lines move fastest if you decide before ordering.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Foodies love the breadth, affordability, and authenticity—many call it a highlight of Queens dining.
8. Mercado Little Spain
A vibrant Hudson Yards food hall celebrating Spanish cuisine—pintxos, paella, jamón, churros—and convivial standing bars that feel festive on warm June evenings.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll experience regional Spanish flavors curated by top talent, all in one stylish space.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday evenings in June for an energetic but manageable scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start with a vermouth on tap and small pintxos, then share a paella; finish with fresh-fried churros.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight the atmosphere and quality ingredients, calling it a transportive culinary mini-trip.
9. DeKalb Market Hall
Downtown Brooklyn’s sprawling underground market dishes out NYC classics and global bites, from pastrami and pierogi to arepas and ramen—great for June afternoons.
✓ Why Go:
It marries breadth and value with plenty of seating, making it easy for groups to split up and reconvene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-afternoon on weekdays in June for the most relaxed experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Seek out A Taste of Katz’s for deli favorites without Lower East Side lines, then explore dessert stalls nearby.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the vendor variety and convenience, noting it’s ideal for families and mixed tastes.
10. Citi Field
Home of the Mets and one of America’s top stadiums for food, Citi Field packs the concourses with beloved NYC vendors—perfect for a long June evening game.
✓ Why Go:
You get a doubleheader of NYC: baseball plus a curated lineup of local bites and craft drinks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive when gates open for night games in June to explore stands before first pitch.
✓ Insider Tip:
Do a self-guided food crawl from the outfield concourse toward home plate; mobile order where available to skip lines.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans praise the quality and variety, often calling the food a reason to come even beyond the baseball.
