Owner Doris Huang first thought of the idea while working in an office in the neighborhood on 34th St. and 8th Ave. She knew the area was centrally located in Manhattan, but didn’t have many options for food and drink. So, she set out to turn the area into a new delicious destination.
The beautifully designed food hall first opened in December 2019, but sadly closed during the pandemic in September of 2020. But, this story has a happy ending. Luckily, The Deco was able to reopen about two months ago, albeit with some limited hours
The design of the stunning food hall was inspired by the 1920s Art Deco period, “channeling the energy and color of the Jazz Age and The Great Gatsby,” the website reads. Since the Garment District was at its peak during the 1920s through the 1960s, many of the building facades and lobbies share that stylish art deco design. The food hall fully embraces the history with a glam cobalt blue bar, brass light fixtures, graphic geometric tile, and luxe seating.
Though originally The Deco Food + Drink offered coffee and breakfast options in the morning and after hours drinks and small bites, right now in is still in its soft reopening phase and is currently only serving the work day lunch crowd. Its current hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., though we’re hoping that beautiful blue bar reopens for drinks sometime soon.
As far as vendors, Huang puts an emphasis on local, mom-and-pop-style joints from all boroughs of the city.
Again, they are limited for the time being, including:
- Antojitos Caseros (started serving tacos from the back of a bodega in the South Bronx)
- Beach Bistro 96 (Brazilian fare from Rockaway Beach in Queens)
- Nansense (hearty Afghan comfort food from a Smorgasburg regular)