Local Highlights

Smorgasburg | NYC vs. DTLA

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Smorgas-what?

Derived from the Swedish word “smörgåsbord” (a Scandinavian buffet-style meal), Smorgasburg is the largest open-air food and beverage market (not a farmer’s market) in America with over 100 local vendors. It launched in 2001 as a spinoff of the Brooklyn Flea, and two years ago, Smorgasburg expanded to the West Coast, offering dozens of food vendors, sophisticated shopping, art sales, and other pop-ups every Sunday in Downtown LA.

All the things. ???? @_ebventures_

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Where and When?

The Brooklyn Smorgasburg takes place every Saturday at East River State Park and every Sunday at Prospect Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting April and ending around November. Its downtown Los Angeles counterpart, on the other hand, is open all year round every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alameda Produce Market, near the arts district.

Entry is free for all locations. Most vendors accept cash, debit/credit cards, and Apple pay. There are ATMs on-site with a $2.50 transaction fee, in case they don’t.

Pets are not allowed at the Williamsburg and downtown LA locations but are welcome at Prospect Park.

Looking for a chilled drink to escape the summer heat? Head to the Smorgasburg beer gardens. These family-friendly bars serve beer, wine, and cocktails if you provide a 21+ valid state ID or passport.

Smorgasburg NY vs. Smorgasburg DTLA

One of the biggest differences between the Smorgasburg in NY and Smorgasburg DTLA is the number and types of vendors available. The former has around 100 different food stalls whereas the latter has about 65. Though some of the vendors are repeats (Goa Taco, Lobsterdamus, The Jolly Oyster, Big Mozz, Stand Coffee, etc.), some are only found in one location or the other because of the vendors’ locality.


NY Smorgasburg flaunts its Instagrammable whole fruit juices from John’s Juice, hibiscus donuts from Dough Doughnuts, and fries cones from Home Frite. DTLA has its own Instagrammable foods like the Rambutan Butteryflypea Tea from The Base Co., the acai bowls in a coconut shell from Amazebowls, and the XL soup dumplings from Brothecary.

The location vibes are also very different. Whereas the East River State Park definitely has the best view of Manhattan, Prospect Park is shadier, greener, and more popular for families. The DTLA project, in contrast, partnered with a real estate developer to make the flat, empty lot into a destination. It provides two-hours-free parking for more than 5,000 cars.

In love with this view. #Brooklyn #SMORGASBURG ⠀ ???? @stephjustin28

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Your taste buds won’t be disappointed by any of the locations. Visit one or all of them, and let us know what you think! Common has homes in New York and homes in Los Angeles for you to retreat to and recover from your food coma.

Be sure to book a free tour today.

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