TurnStyle at Columbus Circle

The TurnStyle at Columbus Circle is an Upper West Side food and retail project that aims to revolutionize what we’ve come to expect of the traditional subway commute by creating a unique underground retail center that’s fun and easy to navigate. We’ve compiled a quick list that will guide you to the very best this innovative space has to offer. Read below and discover the amazing underground Columbus Circle restaurants and shops worth checking out on your way home from work.

 

Update: Check out our write ups and two recent food vendors at the Turnstyle at Columbus Circle: 2 Dough Boyz and Chickncone.

The Columbus Circle subway stop serves 22 million people annually. It is the first one in NYC to implement an underground market like this. Turnstyle at Columbus Circle features 24 shops, kiosks, pop-up stores, and 10 restaurants. The majority of the businesses are independently-owned and serve health-conscious meals that use locally-grown ingredients. There are colorful signs at street-level reminding pedestrians that they can now shop and eat before boarding the train.

 

The design of TurnStyle at Columbus Circle uses strong and vibrant colors that make the space look like it’s a street market you’d find above the ground. There’ll be live music performances throughout the week in the street’s plaza called “Jumping the TurnStyle.” Some of the popular drink and food vendors available are Starbucks, Pressed Juicery, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Blossom Du Jour, and the Doughnuttery. Plus plenty of casual eateries cooking up exotic meals from cuisines around the world. Here are some of the highlights:

Semsom

This contemporary Lebanese food joint serves healthy dishes with a savory Mediterranean flair. The menu and concept behind Semsom was brought to life by two sisters from Lebanon who wanted to expand beyond the Middle East and bring a taste of their home to Manhanttan’s restaurant scene. Try the bowls and wraps with creamy hummus made of peeled chickpeas or the amazing taouk chicken. Say yum!

Bolivian Llama Party

Explore the delectable flavors of Central America by trying one of the saltenas at Bolivian Llama Party. This Andean pastry is similar to an empanada and is filled with the topping of your choice and a hard boiled egg in a thick gravy sauce that’s extremely sweet and delicious. Don’t forget to add their homemade hot sauce to give it a kick of spice.

FIKA

This Swedish coffee shop serves truffles that are made daily from scratch and excellent brewed coffee made from 100% Arabica beans. FIKA is a Scandinavian-style food joint that also offers sandwiches, wraps, and pastries inspired by traditional Swedish cuisine. Make sure to take that much-needed coffee break during your commute and treat yourself to one of FIKA’s truffles.  And while you’re at it, check out some more spots for coffee on the Upper West Side!

Casa Toscana

This authentic Italian spot serves homemade foccacias, Tuscan sandwiches, gelatos, and plenty of packaged goods. The homemade foccacias are thin, crispy, and can be topped with prosciutto, smoked salmon, arugula, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. The result is a delicious sandwich that’s as good as something you would find in Italia. Escape the hustle and bustle of the subway and enter a state of trance by getting a real taste of Tuscany.

Yong Kang Street

Satisfy your cravings for Taiwanese food at this dumpling and noodle house. Yong Kang Street first opened in Las Vegas to rave reviews and is now adding a distinct flavor of East Asian delicacies to the TurnStyle. Everything on the menu is made fresh and features a wide variety of hearty noodle soups, dry noodle dishes, fried rice, and vegetables.

Turnstyle at Columbus Circle also has plenty of opportunities for some last-minute retail shopping. You can purchase products from popular brands such as Lush, Elma Blint, Project No. 8, and Spectre & Co. The unique collection of shops you’ll find here offer quality items with beautiful designs that are worth checking out.

ARTH

ARTH sells high-quality and Japanese-made hats that vary in design and style. The shop’s peculiar name originates from mixing the words art and hat and they sell their very own premium original label called ARTH headwear. There’s a wide selection of hats for women and for men. If you’ve got the shopping bug, have a look at our round-up of the best clothing stores on the Upper West Side.

Dog & Co.

Dog & Co. sells a large selection of quality dog treats and gifts. The products they have on stock are practical, stylish, and ready to satisfy any dog’s need for comfort. There are cute accessories, toys, games, t-shirts, coats, jackets, and boots all for sale here! Give your furry friend one more reason to be happy to see you!

Papyrus

A new Papyrus has installed itself at the TurnStyle in order to sell a wonderful assortment of personalized cards for those commuters who are always on the move. Papyrus has an amazing selection of papers, gift wraps, craft materials, and every stationary imaginable. The items are original, of the highest quality, and are always uniquely designed. Find the appropriate card for every occasion in this convenient new location.

Bombas

Bombas sells high-end cotton socks that are designed for extreme comfort. For every pair of socks purchased at their store, another pair is donated to local homeless shelters. Socks are the most requested clothing item for those without a roof over their head. Bombas has already donated almost one million of them to keep those in need warm at night. Make sure to contribute to their worthwhile cause by buying a pair of their comfy socks.