The East River Esplanade in the 30s is one of the least-used waterfront stretches in Manhattan — a straight promenade with Roosevelt Island right across the channel — and putting a food market on it is exactly what it needed. Expect independent vendors rather than chains, plenty of railing to lean on, and a breeze off the river that makes an August afternoon survivable. If you work in Murray Hill or Kips Bay, this is the lunch that is not a salad chain.
What to expect
Expect a run of food vendors along the esplanade with seating limited to the promenade's benches and railings. The waterfront path stays open, so cyclists and runners pass through. Views take in Roosevelt Island, the Queensboro Bridge and the Long Island City skyline across the water.
Good to know
- Take the 6 to 33rd St or the 7 to Grand Central and walk east to the esplanade
- Bring cash and a card — vendor payment options vary
- Seating is limited to benches and the railing; consider bringing a blanket
- Free to attend; you pay only for what you eat
- The esplanade is exposed — hats and water help on hot afternoons
- Combine it with a walk south toward the UN or north to the Queensboro Bridge
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Common questions
Where exactly is it?
On the East River Esplanade between 36th and 38th Streets on Manhattan's East Side.
Is there an entry fee?
No — the market is free to walk through; you pay the vendors directly.
Is there seating?
Limited — the esplanade's benches and railing are the seating, so bring a blanket if you want to settle in.
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