La Marqueta — Local services in New York

The Vendy Plaza is a hidden gem! It is an outdoor event, but located at La Marqueta underneath the subway over-path, so it can be open rain or shine, which is great. It also means that it is completed shaded, so it is a bit cooler even on a hot Summer day.

It has live music, live cooking demos, beers & wine, and most of all, delicious food from Vendy Awards winners! And in case you are not aware, Vendy Awards is a serious cook-off competition between the most popular sidewalk vendor such as food trucks.

I must warn you, do not go there with a full stomach. They have soooo many great food vendors there, you will regret it! So, please go when you are hungry. You would want to taste great food from more than one vendor. And they have more than enough vendors to choose from, Hispanic, Asian, American, desserts...etc. I am sure everyone can find at least one thing that they like.

So, if you want something to do on Sunday, or if you need an extra spice in your life, head over to Vendy Plaza for some good, spicy food and everything else that they have to offer. They are open every Sunday, rain or shine, from 12 noon to 6pm (except July 3rd) until sometime in October. The vendors changes some weekend, and some of them offer different food when they come back, so it is fun to visit more then just once. I know I will go back again, great food, fun music, and most of all, great people! Be ready for a fun Sunday! Read my full review of this event and food on my food blog,...

Lapin and I came here on Sunday as we heard many good things about the many vendors. We tried a couple of things but most of the stalls were either closing up or gone since we came pretty later (around 5pm). We got Puerto Rican food which Lapin enjoyed. He ate every piece of the pork and wanted to get more. We got the 2 chicken empanadas ($3 a piece) and the vendor was super nice. There was one stand selling spicy chicken empanadas for around $5-$6 for one, which were good but they weren't friendly. We shared a platter of fried fish and potato salad ($6) which was okay. The vendors were really nice but the fish was on the smaller end. Lapin got two beers but he wasn't thrilled over it, they also have bottled water and canned soda for $1. The market has live band playing, a seating area and two portable bathrooms. The only downside is that there weren't enough seats for everyone and some patrons bought food and beverages from home while taking up multiple seats just to listen to...

I remember when I use to go to the Marqueta back in 70s and early 80s. It was huge. You walk from building to building finding all types of food vendors. Now , it just a place that has insay maybe about three to four shops. No one is friendly at all. Shops are not what I consider set for the area. Main place is El Cocatazo restaurant opens at 12pm but really it's like 1230pm. So don't go early nor 12pm The three times I went I was on time and they don't really acknowledge u right away and seem to be bothered that u came at the time they say their place is open and tell u "they running late cause the food is not here" Please sit in the front. They have like two tables up front and they seem to want u sitting there. But I moved on. I will never know what it is to have food from The Cocatazo. I go out with my 89 year mom who wants to be inside the house by 12pm. She doesn't like crowds. I have heard the...