Smorgasburg is the cream of the crop when it comes to food festivals. Now located in both Queens and Brooklyn, NY, Smorgasburg showcases 110 food vendors from the New York area that are anything but ordinary. The food choices range from scallion pancake burritos to bite-sized cheesecakes to savory schnitzel sandwiches. I’m drooling just thinking about it.
However, after taking one mouth-watering lap around the pier you can be a little overwhelmed by the options. Here’s some advice on how to Smorgasburg to maximize your salivary experience.
1. Plan ahead and arrive early.
Photo by Kristin Lane
Smorgasburg opens at 11 am and goes until 6 pm, but I noticed that as the day went on it got more and more crowded. Less people=less lines=more food. In this case the early bird most certainly gets the worm.
2. Prepare yourself for lines – they’re worth it, I promise.
Photo by Sunny Tang
If there does end up being a line for something you’ve been wanting to try, it’s worth the wait. You’ve heard hundreds of stories about that juicy Ramen burger. Now it’s your turn.
3. Bring cash.
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A majority of the vendors only accept cash so head to the ATM beforehand.
4. Come on an empty stomach.
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To maximize your eating potential, arrive at Smorgasburg hungry. Trust me, you will not be leaving hungry.
5. Buy a drink when you first arrive.
Photo by Kristin Lane
Sunny summer days are perfect for Smorgasburg, but can also be super hot. Stay hydrated by buying a drink from one of the stands, they are fruity and delish. The bubble tea and coconut water are fan favorites.
6. Bring as many foodie friends as possible.
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Sharing is caring, and a way to try more foods when you just can’t decide between the fried chicken biscuit sandwich and the chorizo arepa. Hint: get both.
7. Try new things (and lots of them).
Photo by Sunny Tang
There will be a large variety of ethnic vendors with foods that you have probably never heard of. Hey, Mofongo, pictured above, may just become your next favorite dish.
8. Take plenty of pictures of your food.
Photo by Kristin Lane
Insta or it didn’t happen. #spoonfeed. And don’t forget that gorgeous NYC skyline. #foodintheair
9. Do your vendor research.
Know what Smorgasburg has to offer before you get there so you don’t miss places you had wanted to try (or use this as an excuse to go back next weekend, your call).
10. Make one full loop before making any purchase.
See what the vendors have to offer first before indulging. But bring a napkin to catch your drool.
11. Leave your calorie counter at home.
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Try the things you truly want to try. Treat yo self, it’s summertime people.