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Harlem Seafood Soul at DeKalb Market Hall
Master Critic Review
Harlem Seafood Soul at DeKalb Market Hall
8.3
Harlem Seafood Soul brings Chef Tami Treadwell’s shrimp and grits, fish tacos and po'boys to a stall inside DeKalb Market Hall. The menu leans into wild-caught seafood and Southern sides, giving Downtown Brooklyn a soulful counter-service option inside one of the borough's busiest food halls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic butter shrimp and grits, Fried mac and cheese bites, Fish tacos or seafood po'boy
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Street-food-famous shrimp and soulful seafood dishes now served from a permanent stall in DeKalb Market Hall.
Who should go: Diners craving soulful shrimp, grits, po'boys and sides.
When to visit: Weekend afternoons and early evenings for market buzz.
What to order: Garlic butter shrimp and grits, fried mac and cheese bites, fish tacos.
Insider tip: Scan the hall for seating before you order; grabbing a table first makes peak times easier.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: DeKalb Market Hall sits beneath City Point, where the adjacent garage offers paid parking; street parking is limited and highly competitive during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; typical food-hall attire is completely appropriate.
Noise level: High — the market is busy and lively, making conversations possible but not private.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on market crowds; lines move steadily.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though nearby office traffic can create brief surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — sides like mac and cheese or fries are available, but mains are seafood-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes contain seafood, dairy, or butter.
Gluten-free options: Some seafood plates can be prepared gluten-free depending on the item; avoid breaded or fried components.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both enjoy casual food-hall environments; the dishes are delicious, but the setting is bustling and informal rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the hall is entirely open seating. Arrive a few minutes early during peak times to secure a table before ordering.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the food hall layout, quick service, and familiar flavors make it easy for families, though noise and crowds may be overwhelming for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Quick, soulful seafood classics with generous portions in a high-energy market setting; ideal for fast meals and casual meetups.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, table service, or a spacious dining room — try a sit-down seafood spot nearby instead.