…..If you have never heard of Smorgasburg, you’ve definitely seen some of the trending treats on social media. The ramen burger, waffle ice cream cone, raindrop cake and spaghetti donut were all made famous here and while it is fun to give these a try (spaghetti donuts are surprisingly good), the best vendors are the ones you may not know about.

…..Smorgasburg is the most wonderful way to spend a New York day. A great excuse to head to Brooklyn, this outdoor food market will have you coming back every weekend to try a bite from the over 100 local food vendors. It takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., April through October. On Saturdays, the market is set up in Williamsburg right on the East River overlooking Manhattan. There is nothing better than a sunny day at Saturday Smorgasburg eating your food overlooking the skyline. On Sundays, it moves over to Prospect Park for more of a less-crowded, neighborhood vibe. Some vendors only set up for one day, so make sure if you have your heart set on one to check their schedule! My friend Dan and I always make Smorgasburg a priority when I visit him and these are some of our favorites…

Big Mozz: Mozzarella Sticks

…..A Smorgasburg classic. Everyone has had their fair share of mozzarella sticks, but you’ve never had ones like these. Once you go Big Mozz, you can’t go back. Their sticks are filled with fresh mozzarella, and they have the thickest-crunchiest coating on the outside. Start your day sharing these with a friend, so you don’t fill up too quickly!

Lobsterdamus: Garlic Noodz

…..Originally a vendor at Smorgasburg LA, Lobsterdamus brought their grilled mesquite Maine lobsters to New York this year, and it has been a hit ever since. People flock to their booth for lobster served over their flavorful garlic noodles. If you’re not in the mood for noodz, try their lobster frites or lobster nachos. This is our favorite splurge-worthy booth!

#Baonanas: #strawberrybaonanas

…..Banana pudding has been one of my favorite desserts for as long as I can remember, but I never knew anyone who shared my passion until I went to my first Smorgasburg and found #Baonanas. Their modern take on this classic dessert is the stuff dreams are made of. Trying any of their flavors, especially the strawberry banana, feels like you’re eating a sweet, fluffy banana cloud. If you don’t like banana, try their cookies n creme flavor. You will not be disappointed!

Dashi NYC: Fried Chicken Sandwich

…..Dashi NYC specializes in Chicken Kaarage or Japanese fried chicken. The fried chicken sandwich features their moist, ultra-crispy bird topped with cabbage and dashi, the broth base of miso soup. They have plenty of dipping sauces you can choose from to add even more flavor to the sandwich. If you’ve never had Japanese fried chicken, it’s time to get on the bandwagon and see why people are raving about this crunchy delight.

The Choripan: The Choripan

…..A classic Argentinian sandwich, the Choripan at this Smorgasburg sandwich vendor is filled with handcrafted sausage made from pork and beef topped with homemade chimichurri, lettuce and tomatoes on a club roll. It may sound simple, but the sausage is bursting with Latin flavor and the ingredients are fresh making it a can’t miss Smorgasburg stop.

Bona Bona: Holy Cannoli or Nutella Smores

…..Bona Bona ice cream is the brainchild of Chef Nick di Bona. Each flavor is handcrafted in small batches with high-quality ingredients making the overall finished product some of the creamiest and richest ice cream you’ll ever try and while the ice cream is the star, the torched marshmallow topping is what makes Bona Bona so recognizable and fun.

Duck Season: Season Sandwich

…..I’ll be the first to admit for a while I was sleeping on duck. I never really cared to try it and did not understand why people were raving about it. I can now say duck confit is one of my favorite foods, and the Season Sandwich from Duck Season is one of my favorite ways to have it. Their homemade duck confit is so rich, fatty, salty and tender. It is everything a confit should be. It is served on a brioche bun with coleslaw, which adds the perfect bit of acidity and freshness, fried duck skin and a spicy gochujang sauce. This sandwich has it all.

Baked Cheese Haus: Jambon Cru

…..Baked Cheese Haus will pull you in with their sizzling alpine cheese raclette. Watching them scrape this cheese off of a wheel onto your sandwich is the ultimate live food porn. I could stand here and watch them scrape melty, gooey cheese onto people’s food all day. The Jambon Cru sandwich is one of our favorites featuring cured ham, spring onions, baby gherkins and dijon on a toasted baguette all covered in fresh, creamy raclette.

Dough Doughnuts: Hibiscus Doughnut

…..You really can’t go wrong with any flavor at Dough. Dan and I love the hibiscus doughnut. It is sweet and light, but has a floral note that is so unique to a doughnut we cannot resist any time we get the chance to try it. Their doughnuts are fluffy and the toppings are so rich and flavorful it almost makes having one feel like a gourmet experience.

Noodle Lane: Dan Dan Noodles

…..There is a special place in my heart for Noodle Lane. Their Dan Dan Noodles are the first food I ever tried at Smorgasburg and what made me fall in love with the festival. When I ordered them, they asked me how spicy I wanted the dish and me being an idiot, I responded hot. Do not order these noodles hot. They will still be just as delicious medium without the pain and suffering involved. Despite this experience, their fresh noodles topped with that spicy, oily sauce, scallions and minced pork are still irresistible to me.

Go out and find your Smorgasburg favorites!

-Meg