Check Out Turnstyle, A Gleaming Food Hall Directly Below Columbus Circle

Turnstyle

Dan Myers|Jan. 31, 2017 2:14 pm EST

If you're looking around for a nosh near New York's Columbus Circle, you'll probably find yourself wandering aimlessly around the Time Warner Center's Whole Foods and ending up disappointed. But instead of looking around, look down: Under Eighth Avenue between 57^th and 58^th Streets is Turnstyle, a passageway that connects directly to the subway, and it's home to 38 shops, including 20 food vendors.

This hidden utopia of local businesses, pop-up kiosks, and national brands is accessed via orange subway entrances on the four corners of 57^th and 58^th Streets (the only orange subway entrances in the city), and the shops are open daily from 8am to 9pm. Even though it's adjacent to the subway station it's gleaming and doesn't look at all like a usual subway concourse, and because unique local businesses were prioritized over the big guys, you'll be disappointed if you're looking for a Dunkin' Donuts.

So what's there to eat? If you're looking for something sweet, you'll find fresh mini doughnuts at Doughnuttery, all the candy you can eat at Dylan's Candy Bar, chocolates at 2Beans, and whoopie pies at Batter & Cream. On the savory side, there's healthy vegan bowls at Blossom Du Jour, hearty Bolivian hand pies and sandwiches at Bolivian Llama Party, French crepes at By Suzette, fresh pastries and sandwiches at Bosie Patisserie, Tuscan panini at Casa Toscana, healthy entrees at Ellary's Greens, Swedish specialties at Fika, creative grilled cheeses at Meltkraft, healthy Mediterranean fare at the fast-casual Semsom Eatery, and sushi and poke at Yong Kang Street. There's also a Pressed Juicery and a Starbucks for your juice and coffee fix.

Turnstyle has only been around since last April, and there's nothing else quite like it in the city. Whether you're looking for a wide variety of options for a quick lunch or you're planning on spending an afternoon away from the cold eating your way around the world, this underground food hall is definitely worth checking out.