The temperature in New York City has dropped to freezing, but the Bryant Park Market brightens the season with holiday spirit, making it the perfect spot for a meet and eat. When it comes to food, Bryant Park does not disappoint. With almost 200 vendors, it can be hard to navigate, but as a yearly returner to the market, I’ve confidently compiled the ultimate guide of where and where not to buy food this winter
My first stop was 12 Chairs, a cafe featuring Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. I got chicken schnitzel and fries, and I was overwhelmingly impressed. I’ve had this dish at many places, but 12 Chairs does it better than the rest, with its immaculate flavor, juicy interior and perfect amount of crisp. I rate the food a 9/10.
Certain that nothing could match 12 Chairs, Gunther’s, famous for creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese bites, proved me wrong. Gunther’s was my favorite place of the day and is my number one recommendation amongst the stalls in the Park. Separately and together, the grilled cheese and soup are delectable and flavorful full of salt and pure deliciousness in all of the best ways and deserves a 10/10 rating.
My friend told me to try Raclette, a vendor serving traditional alpine cheese melted and scraped off a wheel, despite its unpleasant smell. When I went, I sure smelled it, but I still ordered melted raclette scraped over cured ham on a toasted baguette. I’m not a picky eater, but getting myself to try this was challenging. I took a bite and it was pretty good at first. I continued to eat it, but the smell got worse and I think that’s what threw me off most, but whatever it was, I couldn’t continue. I give it a 6/10 – not my favorite.
To wash all of this food down, I went to Max Brenner Hot Chocolate. With the cold weather and a hot chocolate in hand, I felt like I was really doing the Bryant Park Winter Market correctly. This hot chocolate was exactly what I was looking for, but it didn’t stand out from any typical hot chocolate, so I’d give it a 7/10 rating.
Next up was Pickle Me, and I ordered their fried pickle stick. I have no words to describe this other than outstanding. It’s a perfect ratio of the pickle to the fried part around it, and for that I give it a 9.5/10.
Last on the salty side of things was Happy Dumpling. I ordered fried dumplings and I was indifferent — not exceptional, not disgusting, but right in the middle, scoring a 7/10 rating.
The last on the list was Buttermee Pancakes, and when I say it was the best dessert I’ve ever had, I mean it. I ordered the signature: mini pancakes topped with whipped cream and bacon. While waiting in a long line, I questioned if it was worth it, but once I tasted it, I knew I did the right thing by waiting. The pancakes were beyond fluffy and the bacon and whipped cream added an exceptional kick of sugar. When looking for a dessert vendor, this one is my number one favorite and a must-have.
