Bryant Park’s Winter Village: A Foodie’s Heaven or Pocket Drainer?

With 46 food options and a plethora of small vendors, the Bryant Park Winter Village is a beloved holiday season destination for families, couples, and those simply there for the vibes. In particular, the unique and versatile food selection that supposedly highlights the best of New York is the major drawpoint of the market. Recently, the Village has been garnering hundreds of thousands of views across social media platforms, prompting New Yorkers to wonder: is it worth visiting or just another of the city’s tourist traps?

Starting with the savory offerings, the raclette sandwiches from Baked Cheese Haus are one of those thumbnail dishes you’ll see all over the internet. They consist of a photogenic, crusty baguette with jambon, scallions, pickles, and a sickening amount of raclette (a pungent cheese). For $17 and a 17-minute wait, it’s probably more efficient to make at home. However, they do put on a little show for you by scraping the cheese directly off the wheel. It is obvious that they are catering to social media viewers, which doesn’t add much to the actual food experience, though cheese, ham, and bread will never fail you. Jian Bings, decadent Chinese crepes stuffed with meat, eggs, and vegetables, are another popular choice. You can purchase a combo for around $20. While there is little to no line, each order takes a while to prepare. Palenque Empanadas attempts to make the classic empanada healthy by incorporating seeds and grain into the dough, diminishing that treasured taste. The least recommended savory option, however, is from Gnocchi On 9th. This stall has a line even longer than that of the carousels—if you’ve been to the market before, you know that this is saying a lot. Unless you’re a fan of waiting at least 30 minutes in line for mushy, reheated gnocchi, you’re better off taking the train 15 minutes uptown to their actual storefront.

On a more positive note, the desserts are more impressive. Doughnuttery serves up incredible hot mini doughnuts that are sure to warm your freezing soul at a rate of six for $6. Again, lines are inevitable in the Village, but Doughnuttery moves impressively fast and is well worth the wait. Frida’s Favorites has no line at all, which isn’t too shocking. They are more known for their tacos, but they also sell six churros for $14. Even though the Nutella hardens in the cold and the churros cool down fast, you can’t go wrong with that combination. The chestnut beverage of The Great Chestnut Experiment is undoubtedly the most unique drink you can get in the market. It’s a hot chestnut milk with cinnamon and nutmeg, an interesting alternative to the typical hot chocolate. In fact, hot cocoa options are abundant in the Village. You’ll find many storefronts selling overpriced cocoa. However, the standout is, without a doubt, the hot cocoa of The North Pole, an adorable boutique for Christmas decor that gives a warming holiday spirit. For $6, one of the lowest prices at the Village, it’s creamy, thick, and has the perfect sweetness, making it an unskippable part of your adventure in the Village. 

However, like the food, the boutiques also tend to be severely overpriced. Many are forgettable and repetitive; predictably, there are a couple dozen Christmas-themed decor stores. With the exception of a couple of really unique products, such as handmade accessories and toys, there are only a few options at the shops worth your money. That being said, looking around through the different stores does get you into that holiday spirit. It can be a fun way to pass the time at the markets, even if you’re not purchasing anything.

While the Bryant Park Winter Village undeniably has some delicious treats, you are bound to be met with high prices and unbearable lines that are just not worth it. The market does an incredible job of showcasing the diverse cultures and cuisines of New York City, though a majority of the iconic foods of the market are gimmicks or pretty displays for an Instagram story. Though the media might portray the Winter Village as a must-go eatery for all New Yorkers, the real appeal is arguably that nostalgic seasonal feel. Nevertheless, the sweets of the market are quite good and can be a much-needed pick-me-up on a cold winter day. Rather than getting sucked into a Disney-sized line for pre-prepared food that is sure to break your bank, maybe grab a cup of cocoa and a doughnut, browse around the kiosks and boutiques, and cherish those holiday feelings before the season’s over.