Major players Menin and Clique Hospitality are betting big on their Delray Beach Market, one of the largest food halls in the country and the largest in Florida. It’s not just about the number and quality of food purveyors, but also, about plans for curated art and food exhibitions, live music shows, culinary schooling, celebrity activations, and events .Add to that an admirable community outreach program, and you have one of South Florida’s newest community destinations and an experience where you want to linger.
First the location is hard to top. It’s situated in the heart of Downtown, ½ block off Atlantic Avenue that is also Delray Beach’s major shopping and dining street, less than ½ mile from the beach, and also the namesake exit from I-95. It’s 150,000 square feet, four stories including two floors with the main action, and four floors of welcome garage parking. The 35,000 square feet of food hall gets even more energy from the large format interactive murals and sculptures.
Why Delray Beach I asked Craig Menin, CEO of Menin (different from Miami’s Menin Hospitality)? “I loved Delray the moment I saw it because it was unique,” said Menin. “It’s so different from Boca, it’s funkier than Palm Beach and it’s not as crazy as South Beach. I was excited by what I saw happening here.”
Over twenty five local and regional eateries are joined by a rotating lineup of smaller artisan vendor popups. Find favorite comfort food purveyors such as County Line whose yummy fried chicken with shoestring fried onions had me craving more; Sorella’s, an artisanal handmade pasta house featuring Chef Jimmy Everett, a Florida native with extensive Italian cuisine experience in kitchens like Marea (New York City) and Al Molo (Hong Kong);
and Bona Bona, an over-the-top ice cream shop from New York City with a boozy streak known for wild concoctions like its toasted marshmallow meringue. There are also more uncommon choices like Tiffin Box, featuring traditional Indian food favorites, which is first rate, Circus Eats, and Lebanese entry Ferdos.
There’s no lack of bars including Central Bar boasting the ultimate in build-your-own Bloody Marys along and a craft beer bar with selections from Florida’s celebrated local breweries.
At the mezzanine level, an open show kitchen surrounded with lounge areas along with an additional bar will present a space ideal for hosting cooking and baking classes and special events.
Visitors can also gear up for a day on the ocean at local retail icon Nomad, a family-owned and operated veteran surf shop established in 1968, offering quintessential surf, swim and beach apparel collections, skate apparel and more.
One of the features I like most is the abundance of comfortable seating that, besides regular eating tables and chairs and bar seating includes sofas and an outdoor area ideal for remote working. Strategically placed are a billiard table, foos ball and bean bag toss, ideal for families. As the slogan is, the vibe is Eat, Drink, Beach, Repeat
Events have already begun, like Chef’s At The Mezz, a chef education series along with live bands Fridays, 6 – 10PM, Saturdays, 12 – 4PM and 6 – 10pm and Sundays 12 – 4PM. There’s also a happy hour Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing with 50% off drinks. To find out what’s happening click on Calendar on the website.
As a community outreach effort, they’re making space available free of charge to not for profit organizations from Monday through Thursday with no food and beverage minimum. The space is also available for corporate parties, and table service can be provided. To reserve a community event at Delray Beach market, click here.
Delray Beach Market, 33 S.E. Third Street, Delray Beach. Parking rates are generally $3 per hour, $18 max Monday through Thursday and $4 per hour, $24 dollars max Friday – Sunday. Courtesy beach freebee shuttles are available to take visitors to and from the Market. See the concierge desk for parking validation when making Market purchases to receive up to 50% off on parking rates.
12 Responses
When we thought there couldn’t be anything to top all the Food Halls, here’s another destination, thanks for sharing this. Can’t wait to experience it.
The Lebanese dish looks yummy!
Indeed it was. I liked the Indian even more!
I was truly disappointed. I don’t like the food selections. It’s was like going to a fast food restaurant. The hall is more for young adults 21-55.
I agree. The experience was a combination of a college sports bar and shopping mall food court.
The atmosphere is that of a typical food court you would encounter in a mall. Yet it has more to offer in terms of diverse seating areas and beverage bars for socializing . The food vendors are ok for what you get. Your likely to have to spend at least $25 per person for a lunch at most of them(if you give the requested tip). No cash used, which is no big deal either way.
What did you eat?
That was our experience. Two Poke bowls & and diet Cokes were $50 with tip. I doubt we’ll return.
It’s interesting. I’ve been speaking with a guest blogger about doing a post about cheap eats in Miami. The challenge was what price point is cheap eats. Food and eating out has become expensive. $30 for two poke bowls and another $5 for two cokes plus the now almost standard 18% tip and tax brings you to about $44 is what one would pay in most places except for fast casual chains. Here maybe it’s a little pricier but it’s a place you can linger rather than eat and leave.
Best if you have a good feel for the price point of cheap eats if you intend to be blogging on the subject. Consider cheap eats being under $30 for two, example two bowls of Pho. Or how about lunch special at Tim Finnegan in Delray, $30-35 for 2 with tip.
Bloggers lol
Also, there is no need to tip at Delray Market. Same setup as a mall food court.
Where can you have two bowls of pho for $30 that isn’t a fast food chain place? That’s plus tip and tax, right?
We visited last week and the food selection was great. The space has a fun vibe and is close to Atlantic Avenue. This is a great addition to Delray Beach’s unique shops and laid back feel.