Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in September
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in September
1. Chelsea Market
An industrial-chic food hall where upstate harvest meets global street eats—think lobster rolls, handmade pasta, and tacos—perfect for a tasty stroll between galleries and the High Line.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a one-stop sampler of classic and cutting-edge NYC flavors under one roof, ideal if September weather turns drizzly or you want variety without crisscrossing town.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays late morning or after 7 pm in September to dodge tour-bus crunch; cooler evenings make lingering with dessert especially pleasant.
✓ Insider Tip:
Hit The Lobster Place for a roll, Los Tacos No. 1 for a quick bite, then carry your haul to the nearby High Line for an open-air feast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowded but delicious—the range and quality make it a perennial favorite for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.
2. Time Out Market New York
A curated collection of beloved local vendors set inside a riverfront warehouse with a rooftop terrace framing the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
✓ Why Go:
Pair standout dishes with skyline views—September’s golden-hour light makes dinners and desserts feel extra special.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays around 5–7 pm to catch sunset colors without weekend crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head straight to the rooftop for seats, then tag-team the vendors downstairs; bring a light jacket for breezy evenings by the water.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Photogenic and lively—guests love the variety, views, and easy group dining.
3. Smorgasburg Williamsburg
New York’s signature open-air weekend food bazaar where dozens of inventive vendors serve everything from birria to mochi donuts along the East River.
✓ Why Go:
September’s mild weather is perfect for grazing, sampling limited-time seasonal flavors, and picnicking with skyline backdrops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive right at opening to beat lines and secure a shady spot.
✓ Insider Tip:
Go with friends, split up to order, and share plates; many stands are cashless—bring a card and water.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Playful and social—worth the wait for variety and creativity.
4. Union Square Greenmarket
The city’s flagship farmers’ market where September brings peak tomatoes, apples, cider, squash, and wild mushrooms straight from regional farms.
✓ Why Go:
Chat with growers, taste what’s in season, and stock up for picnics in nearby parks; chef demos and small-batch specialties make it a foodie magnet.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for the best selection; Saturdays are biggest (and busiest), while weekdays feel more local.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a tote and small bills; ask about seconds for deals on canning tomatoes or slightly blemished fruit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fresh, colorful, and genuine—many call it a must-do city ritual.
5. Essex Market
A historic Lower East Side marketplace reborn with independent vendors—from Puerto Rican frituras to handmade pastas—plus a sunny mezzanine to enjoy your finds.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a weatherproof way to taste the neighborhood’s immigrant flavors, old and new, without leaving the building.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch for buzzy energy and shorter lines; cooler September days make wandering between stalls extra comfortable.
✓ Insider Tip:
Take your tray to the mezzanine for a calmer seat with a view, and look for pop-up tastings in the afternoons.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Affordable, diverse, and welcoming—visitors appreciate the community vibe.
6. Tin Building by Jean‑Georges
A waterfront culinary playground with raw bars, bakeries, wine shops, and multiple counters and restaurants in a beautifully restored market setting.
✓ Why Go:
Seafood and river views shine in early fall; it’s an elevated yet casual way to savor oysters, pastries, and seasonal plates.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into evening for twilight over the East River and smaller crowds than peak dinner rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
If reservations are tight, choose marketplace counters—same quality, quicker turnaround, and great people-watching.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Polished, upscale, and photogenic—great for date night or special meals.
7. Arthur Avenue Retail Market
The heart of the Bronx’s Little Italy, this vintage market arcade bundles butchers, pasta makers, produce stands, and sandwich counters under one roof.
✓ Why Go:
Stock up on September pantry staples—olive oil, jarred tomatoes, salumi—and grab a hero from Mike’s Deli to eat on a nearby bench.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to mid‑afternoon; weekdays feel wonderfully local and unhurried.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up fresh mozzarella, then wander 187th Street for pastry shops and espresso bars to round out your feast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Authentic and warm—many call it a delicious step back in time.
8. Queens Night Market
A festive open‑air celebration of global street food with a low price cap per dish, set beside museums and lawns in Flushing Meadows.
✓ Why Go:
Taste flavors from dozens of countries in one night—ideal for mild September evenings and adventurous palates.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Be there at opening to sample crowd favorites before lines swell; it stays lively until late.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring both cash and cards; scan the night’s vendor lineup and share plates to try more for less.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Adventurous, budget‑friendly, and community‑driven—great for groups and families.
9. Russ & Daughters
The city’s iconic appetizing shop, famed for silky smoked fish, bagels, caviar, and sweet bakes that feel especially celebratory in early fall.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a timeless New York flavor trip—perfect for a September breakfast spread or picnic in nearby parks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for the shortest wait; lines build quickly on weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order platters ahead and add seasonal treats like honey cake or babka; bring a cooler bag if you’re exploring afterward.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved and meticulous—many call it a bucket‑list bite.
10. Eataly Flatiron
A sprawling Italian marketplace with fresh pasta, specialty groceries, multiple counters, and a seasonal rooftop that leans into early‑fall flavors.
✓ Why Go:
Taste through Italy without leaving Manhattan—September highlights mushrooms, new olive oils, and cozy pastas.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid‑afternoon (3–5 pm) for a relaxed browse, or later in the evening after the dinner rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at the fresh pasta counter, then take an aperitivo and snack across the street in Madison Square Park.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Bustling and delicious—slightly chaotic in the best way for food lovers.
