Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in May
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in May
1. Smorgasburg Williamsburg
The open-air Smorgasburg season is in full swing by May, filling the Williamsburg waterfront with dozens of small-batch vendors slinging everything from birria and bao to inventive desserts. Grab a blanket and graze with skyline views.
✓ Why Go:
Sample a cross-section of NYC’s food scene in one spot, ideal for trying trending dishes without committing to a single restaurant.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May Saturdays late morning (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) to beat peak lines and before popular vendors sell out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Walk a full lap before ordering to plan your bites; go in a group and divide-and-conquer lines, then picnic on the grass by the river.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Energetic and photogenic with broad variety; lines can be long but most agree the quality and setting are worth the wait.
2. Queens Night Market
Saturday nights in May glow with sizzling grills and global comfort foods at this beloved open-air market, where vendors (many home cooks) serve specialties from dozens of countries.
✓ Why Go:
Taste authentically international, wallet-friendly dishes with capped prices, perfect for adventurous palates and families.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May Saturdays 7:00–9:00 p.m. after the opening rush; arrive early if you want first crack at new vendors.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring small bills and come hungry; try at least one vendor you’ve never heard of—the surprises are often favorites.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm community vibe and excellent value; crowds are festive and lines move steadily with efficient vendors.
3. Ninth Avenue International Food Festival
Hell’s Kitchen’s decades-old street fair typically pops up in mid-May, mixing neighborhood restaurants, classic NYC street eats, and global stalls across multiple blocks.
✓ Why Go:
A longstanding New York tradition where you can snack your way through cultures while people-watching in a lively setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday on Sunday tends to feel a touch calmer than Saturday; arrive before lunch for easier browsing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start near 42nd Street and walk uptown, ducking onto side streets to find less-crowded spots to eat; bring sunscreen and water.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Nostalgic, exuberant, and tasty with lots of choice; some stalls lean touristy but local gems reward seekers.
4. Red Hook Ball Fields Food Vendors
On spring weekends, longtime Latin American vendors set up around the soccer fields, serving pupusas, huaraches, elotes, and aguas frescas that taste like home cooking.
✓ Why Go:
A community-rooted culinary tradition offering some of the city’s most soulful Central and South American flavors.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons in May (noon–3:00 p.m.); many stands sell out later in the day.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring cash and napkins; after eating, stroll to Valentino Pier for harbor views and a breezy digestif walk.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved by locals for authenticity and value; simple setup, big flavors, limited seating—come ready to picnic.
5. Chelsea Market
A landmark indoor market where bakers, taquerias, noodle shops, and oyster counters make rainy May days delicious—and it’s steps from the High Line for a post-lunch stroll.
✓ Why Go:
Convenient one-stop grazing with standout vendors, ideal for mixed tastes and groups.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or later evenings in May for lighter crowds and easier seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the 10th Avenue entrance to bypass tour groups; grab dessert to-go and enjoy it on the High Line.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Huge selection and stylish ambience; can feel crowded midday but quality remains consistently high.
6. Time Out Market New York
A curated lineup of top local vendors in DUMBO with rooftop terraces that shine in May’s golden-hour light over the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
✓ Why Go:
Great variety plus showstopping views—perfect for out-of-towners and locals hosting visitors.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights in May around sunset for seats and scenery without weekend crunch.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head straight to the roof to snag a table, then tag-team ordering; bring a light jacket for breezy evenings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Wonderful views and convenient quality; prices skew higher but the setting delivers.
7. Essex Market
This revitalized Lower East Side market brings together longtime NYC purveyors and contemporary eateries—perfect for bagels at breakfast and bold plates at lunch.
✓ Why Go:
An authentic, less-touristed place to explore the city’s culinary heritage alongside new flavors.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May mornings for coffee-and-bagel wake-ups; lunchtime for hot plates without severe queues.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the mezzanine and lower level for quieter seats; pair with a quick LES pastry crawl nearby.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Friendly vendors and fair prices; appreciated for feeling local and manageable.
8. Arthur Avenue Retail Market
The culinary heart of Bronx Little Italy, this arcade packs butchers, produce, fresh pasta, and cannoli under one roof—spring specialties like artichokes and sausage shine in May.
✓ Why Go:
Old-world charm meets serious quality—perfect for assembling an Italian picnic or stocking up on specialties.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May Saturdays mid-morning to catch the freshest bread and mozz; arrive early for parking and shorter lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Buy picnic fixings, then enjoy them at nearby Ciccarone Park; bring a soft cooler if purchasing perishable goods.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Family-run warmth and craftsmanship; visitors love the sense of tradition and value.
9. DeKalb Market Hall
A sprawling downtown Brooklyn food hall featuring everything from jerk chicken and pierogi to the celebrated Katz’s Deli outpost—ideal for groups seeking variety.
✓ Why Go:
Broad spectrum of NYC flavors under one roof with easy subway access and ample seating.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays in May for a relaxed lunch; weekends are lively and fun but busier.
✓ Insider Tip:
Hunt down the Katz’s counter tucked inside for a classic pastrami fix; share plates to maximize sampling.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Tons of options and good value; appreciated for convenience and selection.
10. Mercado Little Spain
José Andrés’ Spanish market at Hudson Yards brings tapas bars, paella, and churros together with indoor-outdoor spaces that feel especially festive in spring.
✓ Why Go:
Destination-quality regional Spanish cooking without leaving Midtown’s west side—great for sharing plates.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May weeknights for easier seating; weekend brunch is popular and fills quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Snack at the kiosks, then enjoy a vermouth standing at the plaza tables; finish with Basque-style cheesecake.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Vibrant and polished with high-caliber food; slightly pricey but memorable for groups and date nights.
