When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Market 57
Why Market 57 is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Market 57, located at Pier 57 in New York City, is a dynamic and inviting food hall that offers a fantastic gathering spot for friends and food lovers alike. Positioned alongside a man-made floating park on the waterfront, it combines scenic views with an exceptional culinary experience. The space is bright, airy, and spacious, making it perfect for group meet-ups or casual hangouts. Market 57 features more than a dozen kiosks operated by a talented mix of minority- and women-owned businesses and beloved pop-up concepts, ensuring diverse and unique food options. Guests can sample an incredible variety of cuisines, including Indian homestyle comfort food, Japanese home cooking, traditional Mexican, Northeastern Thai, Cajun, plant-based dishes, Chinese-American dim sum, island BBQ, and even South Asian–inspired ice cream. In addition to savory meals, Market 57 also offers craft beer from Harlem Hops and carefully crafted coffee from Bird & Branch. Its eclectic offerings and communal seating encourage guests to try different dishes and share, making it an exceptional destination for social dining. The lively atmosphere combined with the quality and variety of food makes Market 57 a standout place to meet up and enjoy meals with friends in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Here's what people think of Market 57
As of recent, Market 57 holds a 4.3-star rating based on 181 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise Market 57 for its diverse food options and the pleasant waterfront ambiance. Many reviewers highlight the bright, open layout and picturesque views of the floating park as major pluses, enhancing the overall dining experience. Positive feedback often mentions the quality and authenticity of the diverse cuisines available, such as the flavorful Indian dishes at Ammi, the fresh seafood selections, and the specialty coffees from Bird & Branch. Reviewers appreciate the presence of minority- and women-owned businesses, which adds to the food hall’s unique character. The communal and shareable nature of the food options makes it ideal for groups with varied tastes. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out occasional crowding during peak hours and difficulties in finding seating, which can detract from the experience. A few guests mentioned that while most food offerings are excellent, a couple of vendors did not meet their expectations, indicating some variability in quality. Additionally, pricing was mentioned by some as a bit on the higher side for a food hall, although many justified it given the location and quality. In conclusion, Market 57 is widely regarded as a vibrant, enjoyable food destination with great variety and atmosphere, despite minor issues mostly related to busy periods and vendor inconsistencies.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jia Sun
Bit overpriced lower quality food from stalls associated with well know spots in the city. Wide variety of cuisine much toned down, zaab zaab not as spicy, nom wah reheated frozen dumplings etc. Can be long lines. The unique tasting dinners at the platform are main attraction along with various events hosted. Grab some food and go to the elevator in the back of the pier and enjoy it with a great rooftop view.
Selin Ozguler
I think going to Chelsea Market for food would have been a better idea. There are way more food options there. We got tacos one chicken, one beef and the portions were so small. I didn't feel full at all.
William Lee
A very nice market with a bunch of food stalls everywhere inside the google building. I got the fish and chips. Also the chicken sandwich with salmon roll on the side. I don’t recommend getting the salmon, it’s pricey and it’s not that good. Total came out around $48~.
Ash T
Disappointing, expensive place. Staff across 3 different stalls were nonchalant, esp at Glizzy’s. Stood there for a few mins waiting to order but the staff was just standing to the side and didn’t make eye contact so I walked off without ordering. Scallop ceviche crispy rice was $10, tasty but small portion. Bibimbap was good, around $20.
Richard W.
Beautiful venue, completely let down by the service. The food is very pricey, but hey, it's NYC so I can't ding them for that. However, the quality was just satisfactory. Nothing to write home about. The people who work there are the main problem. Most are merely unresponsive and slow, and a couple (very memorable) ones were rude bordering on hostile. I don't know who does the hiring, but they need to focus on finding people who actually want to work these jobs and, if they have little or no experience in the restaurant industry, give them adequate training.
How to reach Market 57
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Why Market 57 may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Market 57 with your friends?
Market 57 is an exceptional venue to gather with friends because it combines the best of a vibrant food hall, scenic waterfront views, and a lively public rooftop park all in one location. Situated on Pier 57 along the Hudson River, this space offers an inviting atmosphere where groups can enjoy a variety of cuisines in a bright, airy environment while overlooking breathtaking sights such as Little Island and lower Manhattan. The wide range of food options reflects a diverse cultural tapestry, enabling everyone in your group to find something delicious and unique to try. Beyond just food, Market 57’s rooftop park provides a fun, spacious area for socializing, relaxing, and even picnicking. Whether you want a casual hangout spot, a place to celebrate a special occasion, or a relaxing break from the city hustle, Market 57 has the perfect combination of ambiance, culinary adventure, and scenic beauty to make your meetup memorable. The venue’s family- and pet-friendly vibe adds to its appeal, making it ideal for all kinds of group gatherings—from friends catching up to families spending quality time together.
What food and drink options make Market 57 perfect for group meetups?
Market 57 stands out for its impressive and eclectic range of food choices, making it an ideal place for groups with varied tastes. The food hall features more than a dozen kiosks that include minority- and women-owned businesses, as well as beloved pop-up concepts. From Indian homestyle dishes rooted in century-old family recipes to reimagined Japanese home cooking, the food options are both authentic and innovative. You can savor everything from traditional Mexican cuisine and Northeastern Thai dishes to Southern BBQ specialties and plant-based offerings, ensuring there is truly something for everyone. For drink lovers, Market 57 provides craft beer selections via Harlem Hops and specialty coffee from Bird and Branch, as well as a fine selection of wines available at the City Winery nearby. This diversity allows each member of your group to pick something they love, encouraging sharing and exploration of new flavors. The communal tables and ample seating promote a lively and inclusive dining experience, ideal for groups to gather, chat, and enjoy their meals together.
What activities can groups enjoy beyond dining at Market 57?
Besides its culinary delights, Market 57 offers a variety of activities and features that enrich the group experience. The rooftop park is a major highlight, providing sweeping views of the Hudson River, Chelsea Piers, and the surrounding cityscape. This green space is perfect for relaxation and socializing, with plenty of seating and open areas where friends and family can picnic or simply hang out. The park is pet-friendly, which means you can bring your dog along to share in the fun. The venue’s spaciousness and scenic setting also make it well-suited for photography, whether you’re capturing candid moments or taking stylish group photos. Additionally, Market 57 hosts community events, exhibitions, and classes in its interactive gallery and event spaces, offering engaging activities beyond just eating and strolling. Free WiFi is available throughout, allowing groups to blend work, study, or digital socializing with their meetups. These amenities ensure that a visit to Market 57 can be tailored to a variety of group interests, combining leisure, culture, and connection.
Why is Market 57 considered a unique destination compared to other NYC food halls?
Unlike typical food courts or tourist-heavy spots, Market 57 distinguishes itself through its blend of cultural authenticity, contemporary design, and waterfront location. It is a bright, open space designed to be inviting rather than cramped or utilitarian. The selection of vendors focuses on quality and diversity, representing genuine, often family-run culinary traditions and innovative pop-ups rather than generic or mass-market offerings. The inclusion of educational and community spaces elevates Market 57 into a cultural hub, not just a place to eat. Its location on the Hudson River pier offers stunning views and a refreshing outdoor atmosphere that many NYC food halls lack, making it a destination for people seeking a relaxed, open-air experience alongside their dining. This unique combination of factors draws food enthusiasts, locals, and visitors alike who want both great food and memorable experiences in one elegant setting.
How does Market 57 support minority- and women-owned businesses?
Market 57 proudly features a curated selection of vendors that highlight the talents of minority- and women-owned businesses, providing a platform that nurtures entrepreneurial diversity. Many of the kiosks represent minority culinary traditions and bring authentic regional flavors to the forefront, contributing to a richly multicultural food offering. This focus supports underrepresented groups in the highly competitive food industry and fosters community empowerment. For example, vendors like Ammi serve homestyle Indian comfort food based on close family recipes, while Bird and Branch is a husband-and-wife operated coffee shop with a mission to provide community job training. This inclusive approach not only enriches the cultural fabric of Market 57 but also offers visitors the chance to support socially impactful businesses. Bringing these talented entrepreneurs together under one roof encourages collaboration, innovation, and a deeper connection between customers and the stories behind their food.
What makes the rooftop park at Market 57 stand out as a spot for meetups?
The rooftop park atop Market 57 is a truly distinctive feature that enhances its appeal for group gatherings. This spacious, well-maintained green space offers spectacular panoramic views of the Hudson River, Little Island park, and the Manhattan skyline. Its design encourages relaxation, socialization, and outdoor enjoyment in a clean, pet-friendly environment, making it a versatile area for meetups ranging from casual picnics to small celebrations. The open-air setting provides a refreshing contrast to indoor city venues, allowing groups to breathe fresh air while enjoying scenic vistas. The park’s ambiance lends itself well to photography and capturing memorable moments with friends and family. Ample seating and a family-friendly atmosphere mean it can comfortably accommodate groups of all sizes. The peaceful yet vibrant vibe struck by the rooftop park makes it an ideal space to unwind and connect amidst the urban energy of New York City.
How do the location and surrounding attractions enhance the Market 57 experience?
Located near Manhattan's Meatpacking District along the Hudson River, Market 57 benefits from a prime waterfront setting that enriches the overall visitor experience. Its proximity to iconic landmarks such as Chelsea Piers and Little Island offers easy opportunities for exploration before or after dining. This makes Market 57 a great central point for a day out with friends or family, combining excellent food with nearby sightseeing and recreational activities. The views of lower Manhattan from the pier add a metropolitan charm and visual interest, perfect for relaxing and socializing. Being part of the redeveloped Pier 57 complex, the venue also integrates modern amenities like free WiFi and communal gathering spaces that blend work, study, and leisure. This combination of location advantages contributes to Market 57’s reputation as a dynamic, multifaceted destination that appeals to diverse groups seeking both culinary and cultural experiences.
What makes Market 57 suitable for special occasions and repeat visits?
Market 57’s unique blend of culinary variety, stunning views, and vibrant social spaces makes it an excellent venue for hosting special occasions, from birthdays to casual celebrations. The ability to select from a wide range of foods means guests can enjoy personalized menus suited to their tastes, dietary needs, or adventurous palates. The welcoming atmosphere and spacious seating encourage long, leisurely visits with plenty of time to savor the moment. The rooftop park offers an attractive backdrop for photos and festivities, adding a touch of elegance and fun. Regular events and evolving food pop-ups keep the experience fresh and exciting for repeat visitors, who can look forward to new flavors, vendors, and cultural offerings each time they return. This dynamic environment ensures Market 57 remains a go-to spot for groups looking to make lasting memories in a scenic, energetic, and inclusive setting.