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.