New Amsterdam Market: Lower Manhattan’s Best Outdoor Food Market

New Amsterdam Market

We were more than a little excited when New Amsterdam Market set up shop in the South Street Seaport community a few summers ago, reviving the concept of the city’s great Public Markets which were once so prevalent but, for many obvious reasons, are rarely seen these days on the streets of Manhattan. With its well-curated selection of small, locally-sourced food vendors, convivial atmosphere, and historic location in the old Fulton Fish Market–which is owned by the people of the New York City but had been left abandoned after the fishmongers were exiled to the Bronx in 2005–New Amsterdam Market has to be counted as a great success, both as a gathering place for locals in that super-touristy neighborhood, as well as a source of excellent eats for all, both savory and sweet.       

New Amsterdam Market

We went to New Amsterdam Market this past weekend–it’ll be there every Sunday, from 11:00 until 4:00, through December 18th–and though it was a bit chilly there in the shade of the overpass, the lack of crowds meant that there were no lines, and plenty of samples for us to snack upon. Just about every stall at New Amsterdam Market is worth checking out and, depending on what you’re in the mood for, buying from, but we’ll just mention a few of our favorites here. It’s worth noting that though some vendors are at New Amsterdam Market every week, most rotate in and out. Check the New Amsterdam Market website for each weekend’s line-up of treats. 

New Amsterdam Market

Maybe because it was Halloween Eve, but probably our favorite stop at New Amsterdam Market last Sunday was Taza Chocolate, which imports insanely rich and delicious Mexican chocolates in about a dozen different flavors, from Salt and Pepper to Orange to Cinnamon to Chipotle. The friendly and helpful Taza Chocolate woman had samples galore, and insisted we try each one, which we happily obliged, and brought home two of the discs, Salty Almond and “regular” 70% Cacao. Also welcome anytime is the always-great Liddabit Sweets, on this day featuring two new chocolate-covered Pie Bars, Pecan and Pumpkin, both first-rate. And just to round off our mid-afternoon dessert feast, the Snickerdoodle Cookie at Blue Bottle Coffee, perfectly textured and made unique by its touch of saffron, is every bit as good as people say. 

New Amsterdam Market

New Amsterdam Market

But there are also plenty of more substantial, lunch-y fare available at New Amsterdam Market, including Hot Tamales at Katchkie Farm Great Performances; Porchetta’s juicy, crackly, phenomenal roasted pork sandwiches; and market-driven prepared dishes (and hot sauce!) at I8NY. The Wild Food Gatherers had crazy amounts of freshly foraged oyster mushrooms, Bambino’s Ravioli was fully stocked with pastas and sauces of all description, Kombucha Brooklyn was offering generous pours of their vinegary beverage (it’s an acquired taste), and Nordic Breads introduced us to their superb little rounds of dense dark rye. Basically: there’s tons of good food at New Amsterdam Market, and tons of good people with which to share the experience. If you live nearby, you’re probably already a regular customer. But New Yorkers from all over town should come and enjoy New Amsterdam Market, maybe combining the adventure with a trip to the East River Esplanade, the Imagination Playground, or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. 

New Amsterdam Market

New Amsterdam Market details 

New Amsterdam Market is located on South Street and Beekman Street, just north of the South Street Seaport, and takes place every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., through December 18. For more information and a line-up of vendors for the upcoming weekend, please see the New Amsterdam Market website, here.   

New Amsterdam Market

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