Shop Local: Delray Marketplace is a hidden gem for shopping, restaurants... and bowling
Tucked behind Florida’s Turnpike is one of Delray Beach’s go-to spots for open-air shopping, dining and entertainment. Its fountains and palm trees may lure you in, but its dozens of retail options, wellness spots and unique restaurants will keep you there.
Located just west of the turnpike on Lyons Road, Delray Marketplace is about 8 miles, or a 20-minute drive, from the city’s downtown area. Once there, visitors can shop the latest trends at Ruby and Jenna, hit Penny Lanes for a bowling match or grab a burger at Burt & Max’s.
Delray Marketplace: Best days, hours to shop
Delray Marketplace: What are the parking options?
The best way to get to Delray Marketplace is by car. Visitors can park in any of the free spots in the lots facing the marketplace. In the past, visitors have complained of long waits searching for open spots, so arriving ahead of time during busy stretches, such as during the holidays, is advised.
Delray Marketplace: Best food and dining spots
Dining options include the aforementioned The Agency Kitchen & Bar, Burt & Max’s Bar and Grille, Batch Gastropub, Dos Amigos Tacos, Lucille’s Bad to the Bone BBQ, Ocean One Bar and Grille and Italian restaurant Terra Fiamma. For those with a sweet tooth, Hoffman’s Chocolates, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and IT’SUGAR candy store are options, too.
Delray Marketplace: Amenities for shoppers, kids and seniors
Year round, Delray Marketplace offers visitors live events or giveaways they can participate in. Currently, there is a chance to win a $100 gift card to any Delray Marketplace store, restaurant or service after filling out an online survey. Two winners will be selected at random after the contest closes on Nov. 27.
Opened in 2013, Delray Marketplace is at its busiest on weekends, with spots like Penny Lanes staying open the latest on Friday and Saturday evenings — until midnight. Reatils store hours vary depending on each merchant, but, typically, stores open at 10 a.m. and close from 6-9 p.m. on weekdays. Restaurants open around the same time, with most closing later in the evening around 10-11 p.m. The Agency Kitchen & Bar and Batch Gastropub are open the latest, until 11 p.m., and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Delray Marketplace: Best Instagram / TikTok photo / video spots
Delray Marketplace’s most Instagram-worthy spot is likely its entrance. At its center is a sign that lights up in the evenings from the fountains beneath it. While “Delray Marketplace” is illuminated, so are the garden and palm trees surrounding it. The spot is a telltale sign that one is in South Florida.
Delray Marketplace: Holiday-themed events
Aside from its regularly-scheduled “Music Fest,” which will feature live performers at the amphitheater near Burt & Max’s every Wednesday until April 24, 2024, the “Holiday Happenings” event on Nov. 11 kicked off the season. The event, from 3-6 p.m., and featured a visit from Santa Claus, Christmas carolers, crafts, a trackless train, face painting and more. There was also a tree lighting at dusk.
Delray Marketplace is located at 14851 Lyons Rd in Delray Beach.
Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delray Marketplace is a hidden gem for holiday shopping and restaurants
