Delray Beach Market: The Hot New Place to Eat in South Florida – Full Review and Guide

Need a new spot to eat in South Florida? Well, you’re in luck! The Delray Beach Market, which opened this April, is a modern new approach to a food hall that is sure to satisfy everyone in the group. The space takes over a giant parking garage and spans a whopping 150,000 square feet. The building is filled to the brim with over 25 unique eateries and bars with culinary styles ranging from Lebanese to Southern Comfort. Hailed as the largest food hall in Florida, the Delray Beach Market is a fantastic addition to the Delray area and a great spot for all ages. In this article, I’ll dive into the highlights and take you through everything this new dining center has to offer. 

Overview and Aesthetic of the Delray Beach Market

The market is located right in the heart of the Delray Beach area, a ½ block off of Atlantic Avenue. Right when you walk into the building, you can take in the massive scope of the venue. This place is absolutely a destination, with places to eat, drink, and even shop. The space has a very modern and clean feel, while overwhelmingly delivering a sense of fun. Colorful neon signs decorate the area, and the many different aesthetics of the vendors combine to add to a colorful, welcoming feel. 

In my opinion, the aesthetic fits perfectly with the vibe of Delray Beach and the designers were able to create a perfect blend of modern and bright. There’s a bunch of fun stuff to look at as you peruse the options and sit down to eat. The area really has something for families, friends, and people of all ages depending on the experience you’d like to have. Whether you just want some ice cream or are looking for a night on the town, you can find it at the Delray Beach Market. This flexibility makes it a must-see for anyone! 

What to Eat at the Delray Beach Market

Now that you’re here, where do you eat? This is probably the most difficult part of the whole experience, but it’s a welcome one. I would definitely recommend spending time walking the entire food hall to see everything that’s offered and find the perfect meal you’re craving. The huge span of culinary choices in the Delray Beach Market solves the age old problem of differing food preferences. I can confidently say that there is something for anyone and everyone. It’s especially perfect for large families. One kid wants tacos and one wants pizza? Well, problem solved. If you’re completely stuck and need some suggestions, I have a few:

• Sorella’s: Serving fresh, handmade pasta and homemade sauces, Sorella’s is a haven for pasta-lovers like myself. Your meal is completely customizable to your preferences. The menu is build-your-own style, giving you the option to choose from a list of various types of pasta, sauces, proteins, and toppings. Your dream pasta is waiting for you at Sorella’s.

• Vote For Pedro: This taco spot has a fun atmosphere with great tacos and drinks. With a vibrant style and some bold flavors, Vote For Pedro is the spot for some tacos with a twist. If you’re looking for a party, Vote for Pedro.

• Dad’s Favorite: An old-school burger joint with great food. Dad’s Favorite delivers great smashed-style burgers, shakes, and pies. The place is your standard, high quality California-style burger restaurant. A safe choice for less adventurous eaters looking for a dependable, great meal. You can’t go wrong with Dad’s Favorite. They also have some amazing blueberry pie if you want something sweet to counter the salty and savory sandwiches.

• Surry Co. Smoke House: Southern barbeque offerings built on the phrase “our smoke is no joke”. This spot has great barbeque and smoked meats that live up to the phrase. The pit masters here know what they’re doing. They are built around that nostalgic southern comfort BBQ and capture that cooking style perfectly. If you’re a fan of barbeque, you won’t be disappointed. 

Bars and Nightlife at the Delray Beach Market

Whether it’s a date night or a night out with some friends, Delray Beach Market is a destination for a good time. Not only is there good food, but there’s a variety of great drinks as well. Along with beverage offerings from the different vendors, there are some main bar areas as well.

• Central Bar: Fittingly described in the name, the Central Bar is located in the middle of the market and is easily accessible. The bar is the centerpiece of the dining hall with a long oval shape full of seating. The bar features quality craft cocktails and any other libations your heart desires. Whether you’re starting or ending your night here, you’re bound to make a stop at the Central Bar. 

• Delray Craft: A craft beer bar serving a plethora of different brews including some specific to Florida. The selection here is impressive, and it’s a great place to discover your new favorite beer. With 32 beers on tap and even more bottled brands, you’ll never get bored at Delray Craft. Perfect for the more adventurous drinker or just to shake things up. This vendor also offers bar foods and signature artisan sausages. 

• The Mezz: The mezzanine level comprises the entire second floor of the market. It’s a large and airy space that serves as a hub and gathering spot. It has a fully-stocked bar and offers a great space to relax and take in the hustle and bustle of the rest of the market below you. The Mezz is also a great area for special events, parties and get-togethers. It’s a great change of pace from the rest of the dining area, and a great stop to spend some quality alone time on a night out.

Dessert Options at the Delray Beach Market

Time for something sweet? The market’s got you covered for that too. There are some fantastic vendors whose savory creations will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Check out my favorites below:

• Bona Bona: This sweet shop has your favorite classic desserts with some delicious enhancements. A staple of this shop is their delectable ice cream-italian gelato combination with a toasty marshmallow to top it off. They also sell “boozy milkshakes” that mix alcohol into specialty shakes for a little kick. This unique dessert shop is a must-try on your stop at Delray Market.

• LoveLee Bakeshop: This small bakery stand has some incredible baked goods including signature cookies, brownies, and cupcakes. These desserts feature all the good stuff, from red velvet white chocolate cookies to funfetti blondies. Portion sizes are pretty large, making them perfect to share and snack. For some tasty medleys of all things sweet and savory, head over to LoveLee Bakeshop. 

Helpful Tips and Information for the Delray Beach Market

Now that we’ve established some of the many great spots and things to do at the Delray Beach Market, I’d like to share some general info and tips to make you get the most out of your experience there. 

If you’re planning on drinking at the market, they have a great Happy Hour that goes from 3-6 PM and then again from 9 PM to close every Monday-Friday. All drinks are half-off during this period, so it’s a great way to save some money on a night out or early dinner during the week. Drinks here can be a bit expensive, so taking advantage of Happy Hour is really useful.

Another great element on the weekends is live music. The Delray Beach Market has live music every Friday from 6-10, Saturday from 12-4 and 6-10 and Sunday from 12-4. The live music really adds to the atmosphere and can be heard throughout the whole place. It’s also fun to take a seat and watch the performances while you eat. 

One final thing to keep in mind is that the entire establishment is cash-free, meaning that they only take card. If you only have cash on you, you can exchange it for a pre-loaded card with credit you can only use within the market. However, it’s probably easier to just have your card on you.

Final Remarks 

Overall, Delray Beach Market is a fun new place to eat in Delray Beach. It makes for a nice outing for people of all ages and no matter the group, everyone is bound to find something they enjoy. I hope that in this blog I could motivate you to check out this brand new area to see everything it has to offer, and give you some great vendors to try when you’re there. 

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