When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
38 Food Hall
Why 38 Food Hall is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
38 Food Hall is a dynamic food court located at 42 West 38th Street in the heart of New York City. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, this bustling venue offers a diverse range of culinary options that make it an excellent place to meet up with friends. With a rating of 4.2 from around 45 reviews, it has garnered a reputation as a convenient and lively spot for enjoying a variety of cuisines under one roof. Positioned between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, 38 Food Hall is easily accessible and serves a mix of local favorites and international dishes, catering to different tastes and preferences. Visitors can find everything from comforting classics to unique culinary creations, all within a vibrant atmosphere typical of Midtown Manhattan. Its layout encourages socializing and offers an informal setting, ideal for casual meetups or quick meals during busy days in the city. With ample seating and multiple food vendors, 38 Food Hall is a great choice for groups looking to enjoy an affordable, yet flavorful dining experience together.
Here's what people think of 38 Food Hall
As of recent, 38 Food Hall holds a 4.2-star rating based on 45 reviews.
User reviews for 38 Food Hall reflect an overall positive impression with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 45 reviews. Many positive reviews highlight the diverse food selection and the convenience of having multiple quality food options in one location. Visitors appreciate the variety of cuisines available, which caters well to groups with different tastes. The food is often described as fresh and well-prepared, and many reviewers mention the casual and lively atmosphere as conducive to socializing. Several users also point out the affordability and speed of service as benefits, making it a popular choice for quick lunches and informal gatherings. On the downside, some negative reviews mention occasional crowding during peak hours, which can affect seating availability and lead to longer wait times. A few customers expressed that certain food stalls could improve consistency in quality and customer service. Despite these minor issues, most reviewers conclude that 38 Food Hall provides good value and a pleasant environment to meet friends or coworkers, especially in the bustling Midtown area of New York City. Overall, the feedback suggests that 38 Food Hall is a reliable and enjoyable food court destination for diverse tastes and social dining experiences.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jasmine Louie
I stopped by for the first time to pickup an online order for rice rolls at Cozy Rice, but then quickly got drawn into Xi’an Express’s menu (specifically, one of my favorite comfort meals - tomato and egg over hand-shaven noodles). Both meals were very satisfying, and the portion size was quite generous. The people running the stalls seem to be a one-man/woman show - please support them! It was relatively quiet when I visited at 6:00pm on a Wednesday, but hoping the lunchtime rush is enough to keep the hall open!
Caroline L
This new food hall is still half under construction but the freshly made rice rolls from Cozy Rice are YUM!!! Got shrimp with scallion (free veggie with each roll) and the fried dough rice roll with cilantro, both were sprinkled with sesame seeds (they ask if you want them). Will definitely be back! Great prices and they take Apple Pay/Google Pay etc
Jackie sullivan
Really cool spot for a quick snack/lunch! Got the prawn steam rice roll and it was delicious! Also felt quite healthy cause it wasnt deep fried. Make sure to ask for the chilly sauce!
Ryan Burgett
The offerings were really good, but the staff was extremely rude. My friends and I came here to order food and hangout and play games. The upstairs was completely empty. We weren’t disturbing any customers and then they came and kicked us out even after ordering food. I will not be coming back nor recommending anyone to go.
Natalie DeRosa
I’ve eaten a lot of rice rolls in my day. I was first out off by the prices at Cozy Rice. it’s like $10 for a rice roll and I’m used to spending half that, but then I got this rice roll and it was so full of things and flavor. It was light and wonderful! This cafeteria environment is clean and simple. Excellent option! If you like rice rolls this is a must try!
How to reach 38 Food Hall
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Why 38 Food Hall may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at 38 Food Hall with your friends?
When planning a meetup with friends or family, finding a venue that offers variety, convenience, and a lively atmosphere is key—and 38 Food Hall in New York City delivers just that. Located in the heart of downtown Manhattan, 38 Food Hall is an ideal rallying point because it combines the excitement of a bustling urban food court with diverse culinary offerings that cater to a wide range of tastes. Whether your group craves authentic Asian dishes, artisanal gelato, or quick bites from various world cuisines, this venue has it all under one roof. Its central location on 42 W 38th Street makes it easily accessible for everyone, especially for those coming from different parts of the city. Plus, the spacious and dynamic setting fosters a social, informal vibe that encourages mingling, sampling, and sharing different dishes. This makes 38 Food Hall more than just a place to eat; it’s a cultural and social hub where groups can connect over food, making it perfect for casual meetups or celebrations. With a strong 4.2-star rating from 45 reviews, visitors praise its vibrant atmosphere and diverse options, reinforcing why it’s a top pick for social gatherings in NYC.
What kinds of food and dining experiences does 38 Food Hall offer for groups?
One of the main draws of 38 Food Hall is its extensive culinary variety, which is a huge plus for any group meetup where individual tastes might vary widely. The food hall features multiple vendors offering a splendid range of cuisines, including Chinese specialties and Italian gelato among others. This variety ensures everyone in your group can find something they love, encouraging sharing plates and culinary exploration. Unlike traditional sit-down restaurants, a food hall environment provides a more relaxed and casual vibe where diners can choose dishes independently but still come together in the common dining area to chat and enjoy each other’s company. This flexibility makes 38 Food Hall perfect for groups that don’t want to be confined to one menu or style of food. The food is fresh, affordable, and served quickly, keeping the energy high and allowing meetups to flow naturally without long waits. Additionally, the communal seating encourages social interaction, making it easier for friends and families to converse and bond over their meal choices.
What activities and atmosphere make 38 Food Hall ideal for hosting group meetups?
Beyond the food itself, 38 Food Hall’s atmosphere plays a significant role in creating a memorable group experience. The hall combines modern design with lively ambiance, featuring open spaces and seating arrangements that comfortably accommodate groups of varying sizes. The hustle and bustle typical of a food hall environment adds an urban energy that is both vibrant and inviting, perfect for social gatherings that emphasize connection and fun. Moreover, the layout supports spontaneity—friends can easily move between different food vendors, sample various dishes, and even grab drinks to complement the meal. While 38 Food Hall is primarily focused on dining, its central location near theaters, shops, and landmarks allows groups to extend their outing beyond food by exploring nearby attractions. This makes meetups more versatile and enjoyable, mixing dining experience with urban exploration. The inclusive vibe, combined with diverse culinary offerings and accessibility, helps foster a welcoming environment for celebrations, casual hangouts, or even informal business meetings.
Why is 38 Food Hall particularly suitable for both casual and special occasions?
38 Food Hall’s unique blend of affordability, variety, and atmosphere makes it adaptable to many types of group events, from casual meetups to milestone celebrations. For casual get-togethers, the venue’s quick service and broad menu mean group members never feel rushed and can tailor their meals exactly to their current craving or dietary needs. For more special occasions, such as birthdays or small parties, the lively and modern setting provides a festive backdrop without the formality or high costs of upscale dining. The layout accommodates flexible group sizes and arrangements, allowing organizers to customize their experience with ease. Additionally, the energetic environment can amplify the sense of celebration, making every meetup feel vibrant and engaging. This versatility is a major reason 38 Food Hall achieves consistently strong reviews and high ratings from patrons who appreciate a space that caters to various moods and purposes, all while delivering great food and a memorable ambiance.
How accessible and convenient is 38 Food Hall for group meetups?
Located at 42 W 38th Street in New York City, the food hall enjoys a prime, central location that’s easily reachable via multiple subway lines, buses, and by foot from major nearby landmarks. This accessibility reduces the hassle of coordinating group transportation, a critical consideration when assembling friends or family scattered throughout a large city. The food hall is open seven days a week with hours accommodating both lunch and dinner meetups, offering flexibility to fit varied schedules. Its proximity to Midtown landmarks also means that groups can combine their meal with other activities, such as shopping or seeing a show, making it a convenient central hub for a full day or evening outing. The venue’s layout and amenities support easy movement, short waits, and comfortable group seating, all vital for keeping larger groups happy and stress-free. Together, these factors make 38 Food Hall a smart, practical choice for hosting any group gathering with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment.
What makes 38 Food Hall a unique social destination compared to other food courts or restaurants?
38 Food Hall stands out from other typical food courts due to its curated selection of vendors, modern and vibrant environment, and emphasis on quality as well as diversity. Unlike mall food courts that often have repetitious, generic options, 38 Food Hall strives to showcase authentic cuisine from multiple cultures, offering patrons a genuine taste experience. Its contemporary design features well-thought-out seating that caters to groups, unlike some noisy or cramped food courts. Furthermore, the food hall integrates a social element—encouraging sharing, sampling, and communal dining—that elevates it from just a place to grab food to a social destination where food becomes the medium for connection. This concept fits perfectly with urban lifestyles, where blending dining with socializing in a lively, casual setting is increasingly popular among diverse groups. Consequently, 38 Food Hall provides a dynamic, culturally rich environment ideal for creating shared memories, making it more than just a meal stop but a gathering place for friends and family alike.