Entrance to the Dekalb Market
If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Dekalb Market yet we suggest getting the family there for a visit tout de suite! The market is set to close up its repurposed shipping containers in October and relocate. Participating vendors are unsure of exactly where and when, but they seem confident that the market will reopen regardless. (A letter to the vendors was sent out in late June on behalf of the market’s operating team, and stated, “We have identified a couple of sites that would be ideal for the market in the Brooklyn area and are diligently working to make the transition work.”) So time is of the essence here, people. Get out and enjoy the beautifully landscaped outdoor market at its current location while you have the chance. A visit to the Dekalb Market makes for a perfect stop whether you’re coming for lunch (and a little shopping), for a special event, or to ultimately head to the New York Transit Museum for the hundredth time. It’s also easily accessible by the G train.
More community than market, the hive of multi-colored shipping containers is currently home to a variety of food vendors and local retailers. The ultra-urban coterie even has a community garden (Dekalb Farm), abundant outdoor seating and a performance stage. Throughout the week the market hosts events and pumps music all day long as shoppers and foodies feast on local delicacies. The atmosphere is festive and the enclosed outdoor space makes for a family-friendly environment.
The market’s “food court” is filled with tasty treats from restaurants such as Mazie’s, a soul food joint dishing out next-level mac & cheese and Maharlika Filipino Moderno, serving up Filipino staples such as Lumpiang Barquillos and the Longga Hot Dog. Arancini Bros. rice balls are the perfect finger food, so long as your kids like fillings like Ragu or Chicken and Fontina. Joe’s will amp up tired parents with super strong iced coffee (the way we like it) and Robicelli’s will accommodate good little girls and boys with outrageous cupcake creations like the Funky Monkey, a banana chocolate-chip cake with peanut butter buttercream, banana chips and ganache. A bar serving beer and wine is along on hand for a little nip if you need it.
Tees by Brooklyn Rock
Dekalb Market’s retail vendors offer local handmade products such as hand printed t-shirts from Brooklyn Rock, handmade skincare from Brooklyn Flavors and an Etsy shop which is home to seven New York crafters that rotate on a seasonal basis. Children’s shops include Hank & JoJo outfitting kids in graphic Brooklyn onesies and tees and Little Poco, a clothing shop with Latin flair where you can find tiny guayaberas and hand-embroidered poblano dresses. 3rd Ward is also in the house, contributing a design-heavy container filled with cool gadgets like the Artful Flyer, a rubber band powered balsa wood plane and the Hive Honey Pot for parents looking to pick up a little something for the kitch.
Each Friday from 11 am to 2pm the market hosts a baby meetup, where they provide foam mats and shade (you supply the toys), and this weekend the market is hosting several events. On Friday July 27th check out Teen Battle Chefs Friday Food Fun. Teen chefs Ryan Capers and Yaya Dei Sakyiwho are Health Corps high school students who take on a battle royal with ingredients from the DeKalb Farm for Friday’s lunch patrons. The battle begins at 11:30 am and carries on until 1:30 pm. And on Saturday July 28th from 3pm-6pm Brasil Summerfest is bringing the richness and diversity of Brazil’s music scene to the market’s center stage, smack dab in the middle of the food court. Teach the kids to rumba to a little samba or bossanova!
For all vendors, events, hours and further updates on the Dekalb Market move, go to DekalbMarket.com. It’s open 7 days a week at 138 Willoughby Street at Flatbush Ave., close to the the Hoyt/Schermerhorn G.
