UrbanSpace Vanderbilt in NYC — A Complete Guide

General Market Information

10 Nearby Attractions & Districts

Approximate distances from UrbanSpace Vanderbilt by walking. Times may vary.

5 Featured Vendors

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1. Roberta’s (Pizza)
2. Mayhem (Sandwiches)
3. Taqueria Nix (Tacos)
4. Ample Hills Creamery (Ice Cream)
5. Dough (Doughnuts)

20 Relevant Vendors and Services

1. Roberta’s
2. Mayhem Sandwiches
3. Taqueria Nix
4. Ample Hills Creamery
5. Dough Doughnuts
6. Delaney Chicken
7. Hard Times Sundaes (Burgers)
8. La Palapa (Tacos)
9. Kuro-Obi (Ramen)
10. Tomi Jazz
11. Seamore’s (Seafood)
12. Owen’s Fish Camp
13. Bobwhite Counter (Fried Chicken)
14. Little Collins (Coffee)
15. Dallas BBQ (Nearby)
16. The Canteen (Bar)
17. Mimi’s Hummus
18. Doughnuttery
19. Grand Central Oyster Bar (Nearby)
20. Luke’s Lobster

The vendor list changes seasonally, with new pop-ups appearing frequently.

Dining Options (Featured Restaurants)

This is a food hall, so every vendor is a dining option. The most popular are:

1. Roberta’s (Bushwick Pizza)
2. Hard Times Sundaes (Burgers)
3. Mayhem Sandwiches
4. Kuro-Obi (Ramen)
5. Delaney Chicken
6. Bobwhite Counter
7. Dough Doughnuts

Pet-Friendly

No. Due to NYC Department of Health regulations for indoor food establishments, only certified service animals are permitted inside UrbanSpace Vanderbilt.

Sustainability and Environmental Policy

UrbanSpace focuses on incubating local businesses and sustainable practices.

• • Local & Small Business: The market serves as an incubator for small, local food entrepreneurs, including many minority- and women-owned businesses.
  • Adaptive Re-use: The space is an example of adaptive re-use, built into the historic Helmsley Building’s former waiting room.

* Waste Reduction: Vendors are encouraged to use compostable and recyclable materials, and the central hall provides clear sorting bins for waste.

Useful Tips for Visitors

• • Avoid the Lunch Rush: This is arguably the most crowded lunch spot in Midtown. It is chaotic from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Go at an off-peak time (like 11 AM or 2:30 PM).
  • Divide and Conquer: The best strategy for groups is to split up, have each person grab food from a different vendor, and meet at the communal tables.
  • Commuter Convenience: It has a direct entrance from Grand Central. This is the best place to grab a high-quality meal before catching a Metro-North train.

* Seating is a Challenge: Seating is communal and fills up instantly. Be prepared to wait for a spot or take your food to-go (Bryant Park is nearby).

• Seasonal Vendors: The vendor list rotates, so check the website if you’re looking for a specific one.

Fun Facts

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• UrbanSpace began in London, revitalizing unused spaces. Its first NYC project was the holiday market at Columbus Circle.
• The food hall is located inside the Helmsley Building, a 1929 Beaux-Arts skyscraper that famously straddles Park Avenue.
• It was one of the first large-scale, chef-driven food halls to open in Midtown, sparking a city-wide trend.
• It brought Brooklyn-famous vendors like Roberta’s Pizza and Dough Doughnuts to a mainstream Midtown audience for the first time.

District Rules and Procedures

• • The space is private property open to the public. Security is on-site.
  • Only service animals are permitted.

* Communal Seating: Seating is first-come, first-served. Do not leave belongings unattended.
* Alcohol: The central bar (The Canteen) serves alcohol, which must be consumed within the market’s designated areas.

Other Services and Infrastructure

• • Communal Seating: A mix of high-top tables, long communal tables, and counter seating.
  • Central Bar: A full-service bar called “The Canteen” is located in the center.
  • Public Restrooms: Clean public restrooms are available for customers (often with a line).
  • Direct Grand Central Access: An indoor walkway connects directly to the Grand Central concourse.

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• ATMs: Available on-site.