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Time Out Market New York
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Time Out Market New York
8.8
Time Out Market New York is a two-story food hall in Empire Stores with a fifth-floor rooftop terrace looking out at the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Dozens of curated vendors serve everything from ramen and barbecue to pastries and cocktails, so groups can mix and match while sharing skyline views. It’s the go-to rooftop option when you need something for everyone without leaving DUMBO.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clinton St. Pancakes from Clinton St. Baking Company, Bark Barbecue brisket sandwich, Mr Taka Ramen bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Multi-vendor food hall with a dedicated rooftop bar and bridge views.
Who should go: Groups who want variety plus Brooklyn Bridge skyline views.
When to visit: Late afternoon into sunset for smoother crowds and views.
What to order: Clinton St. pancakes, Bark Barbecue brisket, Mr Taka Ramen.
Insider tip: Head straight to the rooftop bar after grabbing food downstairs and snag a table by the railing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is extremely limited; nearby garages at 85 Adams St. and 90 Washington St. offer paid parking but fill during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual and flexible; anything from athleisure to smart casual fits in, though many rooftop visitors lean slightly polished for photos.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially on weekends; rooftop conversations are possible but expect crowd noise and music.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes to find seating on the rooftop; vendors may have separate lines of 10–20 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal waits; easy to find seating except on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection across vendors, including salads, veggie bowls, pizzas, and pastries.
Vegan options: Moderate; a few vendors have dedicated vegan dishes, though offerings vary seasonally.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly dishes available (ramen, bowls, salads), but prep environments vary by vendor so strict diners should ask individually.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual, scenic, and low-pressure. The skyline views create a nice backdrop, but it’s not ideal if you want intimate conversation due to crowd noise.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's entirely walk-in. Seating is first-come, first-served, and the fastest strategy is to grab food first, then head to the rooftop to scout open tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Families visit often, especially during daytime hours. High chairs and stroller space are available on lower levels, though the rooftop can get crowded on weekends.
Best For
Better for: Groups with mixed tastes, casual hangouts, and skyline views without committing to a full-service restaurant.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, table service, or a polished date-night atmosphere; consider Celestine or The River Café for something more refined.
Time Out Market New York
8.1
Time Out Market New York is a multi-vendor food hall in Empire Stores with two indoor levels and a rooftop terrace looking out at the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Dozens of curated stalls let groups mix tacos, pizza, ramen, and desserts while claiming outdoor tables overlooking the river.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clinton Street Baking Company Pancakes, Jacob's Pickles Fried Chicken Sandwich, Fornino Slice or Personal Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A rooftop-topped food hall where multiple vendors share one terrace and skyline view.
Who should go: Mixed groups needing variety plus bridge views.
When to visit: Late afternoon into sunset on weekdays to avoid peak crowds.
What to order: Pancakes from Clinton Street, fried chicken sandwich, a slice or pie upstairs.
Insider tip: Head straight to the rooftop bar level and claim outdoor seating before ordering from multiple vendors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is scarce, especially near Empire Stores; nearby garages on Front St. and Pearl St. are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual and flexible; people come in everything from workout gear to weekend outfits suitable for rooftop photos.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours inside; the rooftop terrace is breezier and slightly quieter but still lively.
Weekend wait: The hall itself doesn’t take reservations; expect 20–35 minutes to secure a good table, longer on perfect-weather evenings.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal waits, though outdoor tables may still require a quick search during peak tourist hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vendors offer salads, veggie-forward plates, pizzas, and brunch items.
Vegan options: Moderate—select stalls offer plant-based bowls, pastries, or specialty items, but availability varies by vendor.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some stalls offer gluten-free dishes, but prep areas are shared so cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s great for a casual, low-pressure first date where views and variety keep things fun; the rooftop terrace adds an instant vibe. Not ideal if you're aiming for intimacy or quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—everything is first-come, first-served. Arrive early to claim rooftop seating before ordering from different vendors.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families bring strollers, older kids love the variety, and outdoor tables give room to move. Best during daytime hours when crowds are more manageable.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, mixed tastes, and visitors seeking Brooklyn Bridge views without committing to a full-service restaurant.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, chef-driven service, or guaranteed seating during peak weekend rush—choose a sit-down restaurant instead.
Time Out Market New York
8.2
Time Out Market New York is a multi-level food hall in Empire Stores where editors curate some of the city’s most talked-about vendors under one roof. Diners come for skyline views, rooftop drinks, and the ability to mix everything from pizza and barbecue to bagels and Thai seafood in one buzzy DUMBO space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot pastrami sandwich from a classic New York deli counter, Neapolitan-style slice from the on-site pizzeria, Spicy Thai seafood plate from a rotating vendor
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Curated food hall with rooftop views and dozens of standout vendors.
Who should go: Groups wanting variety, drinks, and DUMBO skyline scenery.
When to visit: Weekday evenings for views without overwhelming crowds.
What to order: Pastrami sandwich, wood-fired slice, Thai seafood plate.
Insider tip: Head straight to the rooftop terrace for the best bridge views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is scarce; nearby garages at Empire Stores and Water St. offer paid parking, usually $18–$30 depending on duration.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most people lean stylish due to the DUMBO setting, but anything comfortable works.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversations are possible but expect a bustling food hall atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes to secure tables on the rooftop or prime communal areas; vendor lines vary by stall.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal waits, though popular vendors may have brief lines.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options across multiple vendors, including salads, pizzas, grain bowls, and meatless entrées.
Vegan options: Moderate; 2–4 vendors typically offer plant-based dishes or can modify items.
Gluten-free options: Select stalls offer gluten-free items, but there is no unified prep area—best to ask each vendor individually.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual, lively, and view-driven; less ideal if you’re seeking intimacy or quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come, first-served. Head to the rooftop early to secure the best tables, especially at sunset.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; families use it frequently, and the casual layout makes stroller navigation easy. Kids fare best during daytime or early evenings before crowds peak.
Best For
Better for: Mix-and-match dining with skyline views, group variety, and a curated vendor lineup that outperforms standard food courts.
Skip if: You want a quiet, seated dinner with table service or dislike navigating crowds and communal seating.
Time Out Market New York
8.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Food Hall Frenzy
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Time Out Market New York is a bi-level food hall inside Empire Stores that packs many of the city’s name-brand vendors under one roof, from fried chicken to pasta and bagels. It’s a power move for larger business lunches or mixed groups, letting everyone order separately while still sharing tables and skyline views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried chicken and biscuit from Jacob’s Pickles, Pizza from Fornino, Clinton St. Baking Company pancakes or burger
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: High-profile food hall with multiple top NYC vendors and rooftop views.
Who should go: Large teams needing variety, speed, and casual flexibility.
When to visit: Early weekday lunch to beat tourist and office crowds.
What to order: Mix fried chicken, pizza, and one vendor’s signature dessert.
Insider tip: Head to the rooftop bar level for easier seating and skyline backdrops.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in DUMBO is limited; nearby garages along Front Street and Water Street typically run $18–$30 for short stays.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire fits in, but jeans and clean sneakers are common during lunch hours.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially at peak lunch and tourist windows; small-group conversations are doable but not private.
Weekend wait: Crowded and tourist-heavy; expect 45–75 minutes to secure group seating during peak evening windows.
Weekday lunch: Generally 5–15 minutes to find seating; vendors move quickly even when lines look long.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Many vendors offer vegetarian dishes, including salads, pizzas, pastas, and grain bowls.
Vegan options: Moderate availability; a few vendors offer vegan mains or bowls, but selection varies by season.
Gluten-free options: Several vendors provide gluten-free options, though preparation areas are shared; ask staff for specifics.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or activity-style dates rather than romantic ones; the energy is lively, and the views are great, but it’s not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is open and communal. Arrive a bit early during peak hours to secure a larger table for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; wide aisles, high chairs, and flexible seating make it easy for families, though peak crowd levels can be overwhelming for very young kids.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, mixed dietary needs, fast service, and standout skyline views all in one place.
Skip if: You want a quiet business lunch, table service, or a setting that supports private conversation.