VIBE

Back in the 1890s, this was the site of the National Biscuit Company factory, an impressively ornate complex of red brick buildings that churned out American favorites like Saltines and Oreos by the truckload. The biscuit ovens have long since cooled down (Nabisco moved on in the 1960s), but in the 1990s, a century after the factories originally opened, a new generation of gourmets moved in and set up shop, starting one of the country’s first “foodie” markets. Treats on offer range from lush brownies at the Fat Witch Bakery to artisan meats by Dickson’s Farmstand, an organic raw bar at One Lucky Duck, and, in the summer, funky popsicles at People’s Pops. Mixed in with the gourmet food boutiques is a smattering of high-end restaurants like Morimoto and Buddakan and boutiques like quirky clothing chain Anthropologie.

USE A PURCHASE FROM HERE FOR

Fancy picnic; gourmet snack

WHY WE LIKE IT

On rainy afternoons, we like to trade lunch for nibbling our way through the yummy selection of snacks on offer–pretty much everything is delish. This is a great place to take picky eaters or a large group, because there’s something for everyone.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you’re into architecture, check out the nifty original elements from the National Biscuit Company that still remain on site, like ornate classical ironwork and mosaic monograms over the 15th Street entryways.

CLOSEST COMPS

Spitalfields Market (London); Borough Market (London); Farmers Market (Los Angeles)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.