NYC News

Picnic Season 2025: Where to Grab the Best Bites Near NYC Parks
May 28, 2025, 12:37.41 am ET

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Photo: Gus and Marty's

With summer on the horizon, Gus and Marty’s—a Greek-American eatery from the team behind NYC’s beloved Egg Shop—is answering the call of McCarren Park picnickers with a new Grab & Go menu. Located directly across from the Brooklyn park, the spot is helmed by husband-and-wife duo Sarah Schneider and Demetri Makoulis, with Executive Chef Pete Lipson celebrating the season through bright, flavorful dishes.

New spring highlights include Grilled Head-On Shrimp with saffron-chili oil and focaccia, Ouzo Cured Fluke Crudo with fennel and lemon caper vinaigrette, and Spring Gigantes with blistered fava beans, feta, and mint. On Sundays, guests can grab gyro wraps, flaky Greek pies, horiatiki salad, and sumac-spiced fries to enjoy right across the street in the park.

Of course, Gus and Marty’s isn’t the only standout. Here are more top-tier takeout spots, each perfectly positioned near some of NYC’s most iconic green spaces:

Near Central Park:

• Perfect Picnic NYC – 405 Central Park West - Curated picnic baskets filled with baguettinis, cheeses, and snacks.

• Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish – 273 Columbus Ave - Bagels, smoked salmon, and breakfast boxes for classic NYC flavor.

• Grace’s Marketplace – 1299 Second Ave - A gourmet Upper East Side stop for salads, sandwiches, and more.

• Via Quadronno – 25 E 73rd St = An Italian café known for paninis and pastries.

• Citarella Gourmet Market – 2135 Broadway - Upscale picnic staples like charcuterie, seafood, and cheeses.

• Levain Bakery – 167 West 74th St - Famous for its giant gooey cookies—perfect picnic dessert.

• Charles Pan-Fried Chicken – 146 W 72nd St - Soul food favorite with fried chicken that travels well to the park.

• Melba’s – 300 W 114th St - Harlem institution with comfort food classics, just steps from Morningside and Central Park.

Near Bryant Park:

• All’Antico Vinaio – 1450 Broadway - Florence’s famed sandwich shop serving massive Italian panini.

Near Madison Square Park:

• Eataly Flatiron – 200 Fifth Ave - Italian breads, prosciutto-stuffed sandwiches, and gelato to-go.

Near Prospect Park:

• Radio Bakery – 186 Underhill Ave - Focaccia sandwiches, coffee, and fresh pastries.

• Agi’s Counter – 818 Franklin Ave - Eastern European-inspired sandwiches, sides, and sweets.

• WINNER in the Park – 40 West Drive - Located inside Prospect Park’s Picnic House, offering pastries, sandwiches, and cold drinks.

Near Shirley Chisholm State Park:

• Fusion East – 1179 Elton St - Caribbean-American comfort food perfect for takeout.

Near Flushing Meadows-Corona Park:

• Queens Night Market - Global street food every Saturday evening—dumplings, arepas, and more.

From gyro wraps in McCarren to porchetta paninis by Bryant Park, these picnic-ready spots are fueling the season’s best outdoor lunches.


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