Dekalb Market Hall
Market History
The Dekalb Market Hall, as we know it today, opened in 2017 in the City Point mega-development. However, its name has older roots. The site was previously occupied by a temporary open-air market that operated out of repurposed shipping containers, which functioned briefly after the demolition of the old Albee Square Mall.
The vision behind Dekalb Market Hall was to establish one of New York City’s largest food and entertainment centers , celebrating Brooklyn’s authentic and diverse culinary culture. The space was designed to emulate a vibrant New York street scene inside, housing over 40 local and family-owned vendors , making it a true melting pot of global cuisines.
What can we eat at this market?
The main attraction of Dekalb Market Hall is its incredible gastronomic diversity. Visitors can experience a culinary journey around the world in one place.
Some of the featured cuisines and dishes include:
- Classic New York Food: Home to the first Brooklyn location of the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen , where you can enjoy their famous pastrami sandwiches and latkes .
- Asian Cuisine: Diverse options such as Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodles ( Hana Noodles ), Japanese hand rolls ( Daigo Hand Roll Bar ), Japanese rice crepes ( Eight Turn Crepe ), and the famous Hainan chicken rice ( Hainan Jones ).
- Ethnic and Fusion Flavors: Pakistani burgers and lamb chops ( BK JANI ), authentic Cuban cuisine ( El Punto Cubano ), elevated Caribbean cuisine ( Fat Fowl , known for its grilled oxtail cheese sandwich), and creative tacos.
- American Specialties: New York-style pizzerias ( DeKalb Pizza ), the best Buffalo-style wings in town ( Dan & John’s Wings ), and gourmet burgers.
- Desserts and Drinks: Artisan bakery ( Cafe d’Avignon ), filled churros ( Dulcinea ), and healthy juices/smoothies.
- Bars: It has a cocktail bar and Craft + Carry, a shop that offers a selection of more than 300 craft beers to drink there or take away.
What can we buy at this market?
Although the main function of Dekalb Market Hall is gastronomy, the market itself houses some specialty grocery stores, such as:
- Cheeses and Gourmet Products: Stalls selling a selection of national and international cheeses, crackers , chutneys and honeys.
- Artisan Bakery: Freshly baked bread from partner or in-house bakeries.
- Craft Beers: The Craft + Carry shop offers beer, cider and hard seltzers to go.
Since Dekalb Market Hall is located within the City Point complex , visitors have immediate access to major retail stores such as Target and Trader Joe’s , in addition to other boutiques and a movie theater, making it a complete shopping and entertainment destination.
Best times to visit
The Dekalb Market Hall is an indoor market located in the basement of the City Point building. Therefore, it’s ideal to visit year-round , regardless of the weather. It’s a great option for chilly winter days or for escaping the summer heat.
Guided tour options
Formal guided tours of the market are not generally offered by the administration. The best way to explore it is:
- Self-Guided Tour: Simply wander the aisles and sample different dishes from the more than 40 vendors. Its vibrant atmosphere and design make exploration easy.
- Brooklyn Food Tours: Some external food tour companies may include the Dekalb Market Hall in their Downtown Brooklyn itineraries, as it is a highlight of the borough’s food scene.
Conclusion
Dekalb Market Hall is much more than just a food court; it’s a vibrant celebration of New York City’s culinary diversity, conveniently located in Downtown Brooklyn. Whether you’re looking for a classic pastrami sandwich, want to try authentic hand-pulled noodles, or simply enjoy a craft cocktail in a lively atmosphere, this market offers a complete dining and shopping experience under one roof. It’s a must-visit if you’re exploring Brooklyn!