Photo: Smorgasburgh

The 5 Best Places for Street Food in Brooklyn

Insider Guides
by Jasmine Caceres May 11, 2017

In a place as multicultural as Brooklyn, it makes sense that the local street food is much more than dirty water hot dogs.

1. Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg, which launched in 2011, operates seasonally from April to November in both Prospect Park and Williamsburg. With 100 local vendors between the two Smorgasburg locations, visitors can choose from a multitude of innovative food stalls with cuisines that range from classics such as mozzarella sticks, to the outrageously original, i.e. a burger with a bun made of ramen noodles.

Must-Try: The Ube Dragon Fruit Bowl from Ube Kitchen and the Spaghetti Donut from Pop Pasta.

2. Red Hook Food Vendors

Red Hook Food Vendors, made up of three separate food trucks on Bay Street in Red Hook, has been providing locals and visitors with authentic Latin cuisine for the last 43 years. The uniquely seasoned dishes such as tamales, tacos, and homemade horchata have not only made this seasonal operation a staple in Brooklyn. but has led to Red Hook Food Vendors winning four Vendy Awards for Best Street Food in NYC.

Must-Try: The Pupusas Platter from El Olomega.

3. Dumbo Lot

Dumbo Lot has a scheduled rotation of food trucks. Local workers are saved from substandard lunch breaks and visitors from bland local options. On any given weekday, guests can expect three different food options ranging from Vietnamese to sweet and savory sandwiches served on French toast to pasta Bolognese.

Must-Try: The Texas Style Brisket Sandwich from Meatoss.

4. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Not too far from Dumbo Lot is Brooklyn Bridge Park, which extends from Pier 1 to the Empire-Fulton Ferry landing. While the park is most popular due to its stunning view of the East River and the Manhattan skyline, and proximity to attractions like Jane’s Carousel, locals know it as a great spot to grab a bite while escaping the everyday chaos of the city.

Must-Try: Lobster Grilled Cheese from Luke’s Lobster.

5. Coney Island

With Dino’s Wonder Wheel and the Coney Island Cyclone as a backdrop, the Coney Island Boardwalk is reminiscent of early-1900 beachside theme parks. The various food vendors that line the Coney Island boardwalk and Surf Avenue add to the nostalgic atmosphere as they serve favorites such as cotton candy, fried chicken, and hot Italian sausage. While more brick-and-mortar restaurants have started popping up in the area, such as Ihop and Wahlburgers, Coney Island still holds onto its title as a boardwalk-street-food top runner.

Must-Try: Fish Tacos from Coney Shack Food Truck

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