So perhaps you’ve all noticed that Brooklyn has become something of a mecca for independent markets and outdoor social events. The trend continues with the recent opening of DeKalb Market, an outdoor arrangement of shipping containers that have been re-purposed to host both food and retail vendors.

The first thing you’re probably asking is “What makes DeKalb Market different from Brooklyn Flea or Northside Market or the GreenMarket or a boat show?” Well I’ll tell you. First of all, there are no boats at DeKalb Market. Secondofly, DeKalb Market is largely made out of old shipping containers, making it weatherproof while also providing spells of air conditioning, and promoting the re-use of old junk. Recycling!

Thirdly, it will be open seven days a week! This is great, because now you will no longer suffer the debilitating pressure of cramming all your outdoor eating/drinking/shopping into two measly weekend days. And fourth of all, DeKalb Market is located in Downtown Brooklyn, making it a little more convenient for the Park Slope crowd and everyone else from South-er Brooklyn.

It’s also my hope that DeKalb Market will help to revitalize this otherwise sort of weirdly industrial, abandoned area in prime Brooklyn. It’s so close to all the subways! Yet, sort of strange and empty? Anyway, things look like they’re on the up, and DeKalb Market does seem to have to community’s improvement in mind.

Their website outlines the overall goals of the market, and they include more than just providing a new space to shop and eat (while that is a major benefit!) Creating an outlet for small local businesses and entrepreneurs to flourish while also promoting a sense of community and sustainability are at the top of the market’s to-dos.

So, there are cool independent retailers at DeKalb Market! Check here for the full list.

In addition to the shops/boutiques hosted inside of shipping containers, there are also traditional flea-style booths/tables by independent “artisans” and craftspeople.

How nice! It reminds me of the Union Square Christmas Market, but this is all year round and isn’t ungodly crowded with tourists.

And now, my favorite order of business: food! DeKalb Market has a little food court of sorts, centering around a big tent with lots of picnic tables – another factor that distinguishes it from other flea markets around the city. It was so refreshing to be able to sit down in the shade and enjoy a beer without being jostled by tons of people, or resorting to sitting down on the ground in a spot where a bird may have pooped.

Also, you can bring your dog! I think! These people brought their dog, anyway, and no one seemed to give a crap!

Cute!

And as I mentioned above, yes! There is beer! And during happy hour, cans of Brooklyn Summer were 2 for $8. Not too shabby.

Among the food vendors, very few were familiar to me. One container hosts Mazie’s Bites, which I regrettably didn’t get to try (damn you, pre-Market pizza!) but their menu looked awesome.

Fish tacos? Shrimp & grits? Collard greens? Hell yes please.

And I was also excited to see Nile Valley Juice & Salads, offering lighter, vegan options that can be difficult to find.

And for refreshments and little snacks, there’s also a Joe Coffee, Sour Puss Pickles, Tea by Tiffany, Cuzin’s Duzin mini donuts, and Wooly’s Shaved Ice, to name a few.

And of course, my favorite of all favorites, the long-awaited Robicelli’s store!

I’ll be writing a longer, more in-depth post devoted to Robicelli’s in a bit, but til then, this shot of their cupcake case says pretty much everything. Bourbon Bacon brownies. Chicken ‘n’ Waffles cupcakes. These are the most creative and delicious treats in all of Brooklyn (maybe even the 5 boroughs!) so it’s more than worth checking out. Personally I walked out of there with an armful of goodies, but more on that later…

Since the market just opened on July 23rd, it’s still got a few things in development and is working up to full speed, so hopefully all vendors will be fully operational soon. In the meantime, check it out, bring your friends, and have some beers!

For more information and super details regarding vendors, hours, and location, check out their official website! It’s very pretty.

DeKalb Market
332 Flatbush  Ave Ext
Downtown Brooklyn
T (212) 529-9262