All Reader Reviews of...

Hester Street Fair

Hester St., New York, NY, 10002
at Essex St.

Avg. Rating

Service:	8
Selection:	8

"Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

88% would go back.

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Displaying 1-8 of 8

What a treat!

By BigSocial on 6/11/2010

Overall Rating: 10
Service: 10
Selection: 10
Yes, I would go back!

Went and got a lobster roll, very good. Great vintage clothes and a good mix of other stuff: bikes, terrariums, furniture. Will definitely go back to see what they have next week.

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63 out of 124 people found this review helpful.

LES lazy afternoon

By adamzeller on 5/27/2010

Overall Rating: 10
Service: 10
Selection: 10
Yes, I would go back!

Full disclosure here, I am one of the organizers of the Hester Street Fair. That being said, we are so happy to have the most amazing vendors selling food, crafts, and incredible vintage. Make our fair part of your weekend on the Lower East Side, I am sure you won't regret it.

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59 out of 114 people found this review helpful.

Loved this Fair

By neighborhood75 on 5/27/2010

Overall Rating: 9
Service: 9
Selection: 9
Yes, I would go back!

This was a great midday destination for brunch (lobster rolls and homemade lemonade) and browsing terrific vintage items. Really nicely curated vendors, lacking the standard dreck (no cotton candy and sausages). Yay for gourmet pretzel cookies!

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56 out of 115 people found this review helpful.

Perfect little LES hub

By tamijo on 5/26/2010

Overall Rating: 10
Service: 10
Selection: 9
Yes, I would go back!

I live nearby and I've been visiting the Hester Street Fair at least once every weekend. So far I've consumed 7 macarons, 1 amazing omelette, 4 pretzels and half a dozen mango and chili fruit pops. I've also got 2 new bags and 2 cool retro tees. Love it!

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61 out of 111 people found this review helpful.

Like a boutique that changes each time you visit

By danam42 on 5/26/2010

Overall Rating: 9
Service: 9
Selection: 9
Yes, I would go back!

Really liked the Hester St. fair. Lots of eclectic vendors selling jewelry, clothes, furniture, food. The vendors seem to change each time so you can go back frequently and see new stuff. If the pretzel cookie vendor is there BUY ONE - they are delicious you won't regret it.

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52 out of 108 people found this review helpful.

Intimate Market, Great Food, Neighborhood Vibe

By KarenNYC on 5/26/2010

Overall Rating: 10
Service: 10
Selection: 10
Yes, I would go back!

I went to the Fair on opening day, and it was indeed super crowded, but there was such a great energy, and everyone was just really excited to have such a cool market in Manhattan. I went again a week ago, and it still had a nice, laid-back feeling and loads of really great vendors, but not the crazy crowds. They have a changing mix of handmade things, from beautiful jewelry, cards, and notebooks, to clothing and home decor. The food vendors are excellent, and you can get a nice snack or a full-on delicious meal, like Luke's Lobster Rolls (which still go fast, but the lines are nowhere near what they were on opening day). The breads, cookies, and pastries are all dangerously enticing too. There are some great flea market vendors too selling funky and eclectic clothing, furniture, and "objets." This market is quite its own thing. Comparing it to the Brooklyn Flea is silly - there's loads of room for both of these great markets in New York City. I really like the community aspect of the Hester Street Fair. Their Grand Street Fire benefit was fantastic, and on a weekly basis, they provide a place for the neighbors to get produce and meet up for a nosh or a bargain. Hester Street Fair is a winner.

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61 out of 134 people found this review helpful.

Needs A Lot Of Work

By lampshaded on 5/23/2010

Overall Rating: 4
Service: 3
Selection: 4
No, I would not go back!

Between the crowds of not unsweaty people and the price gouging on everything from a decent sandwich to a so-so sofa, it feels like it's bound to attract people who enjoy such environments: Tribeca trophy wives, Murray Hill hedge funders and tourists. Which is exactly what I try to avoid on weekends. That said, if they straighten those things out it might be a fun place to visit if in the neighborhood. Certainly would not make it a destination or a regular stop, and will be sure to avoid it on hot sticky days. I know the Flea is a hard act to follow, but this did not get even close to living up.

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59 out of 112 people found this review helpful.

Opening weekend at Hester Street Fair

By mw1149 on 4/26/2010

Overall Rating: 5
Service: 5
Selection: 5
Yes, I would go back!

Opening weekend was insanely crowded. Comparisons to Brooklyn Flea aren't warranted in my opinion- other than the open-air aspect. Unique handmade jewelry and interesting vintage goods (higher end). Tasty food, but high demand meant many of the vendors were sold out by mid afternoon. Advice- go early to avoid crowds or wait until the novelty dies down. Pictures on web at "It's All Fare".

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72 out of 137 people found this review helpful.