Featured at the Columbus Circle subway stop is the Turnstyle Market. An underground passage that contains retailers and food vendors. Although it is part of the subway system, it’s free to enter. If you’re in the mood for food from a hole-in-the-wall, this is the perfect place! You may be thinking, “NYC is full of hole-in-the-walls, so why subway food?” I could say it’s because the food is good, but I think it’s more fun to say you tried subway food. If I’ve got your attention, keep reading to learn how to have the best experience at the Turnstyle Market.
Your starting point is going to be the YMCA on West 63rd Street. When you exit the building, take a right and keep walking and cross the double crosswalk, but be sure to be quick because those timers don’t give you enough time if you’re slow like me. After you’ve safely made it, turn left and keep walking until you reach the entrance to The Shops at Columbus Circle. The Turnstyle Market isn’t there, but it’s a good landmark to keep track of where you’re going. About a hundred yards past the mall’s entrance, the building ends, and there will be a courtyard-like area on the left. Go there and look for escalators on your right; those will take you down to the Market!
Hopefully, you’ve made it without any issues but now comes the hard part — deciding what to eat. You could just walk the length of the Market and choose based on prices and such, but where’s the fun in that? Stop and take a moment to smell the air when you’re at the entrance. Ignore the smell of urine and body odor and search for something delicious. The air is filled with the comforting scent of freshly baked bread, the tangy smell of orange chicken, and exotic spices. I recommend following the spices for some delicious empanadas but go wherever your nose takes you. Enjoy your meal!