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Harlem Seafood Soul at DeKalb Market Hall
ZipPicks Awards
Best Seafood in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
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.