In December, we brought you coverage of our first encounter with a market that was not like anything we had seen previously. Local vendors selling their wares in a movie prop facility in Gowanus, Brooklyn is a perfect marriage of DIY sensibilities and social media reach. Film Biz prop house was the site of our first visit to the Gowanus Nite Market but it would only be the beginning of what we can now call one of the best pop up markets in all of New York City. On Saturday night, the LocalBozo.com crew made our way down Ninth Street in Brooklyn to the Gowanus Loft, the newest location for this innovative marketplace. It may have been slightly snowy outside but that didn’t stop the droves of people who were craving an inventive night out to drink, eat and of course, shop till they dropped.

Shortly after 7pm we arrived at the Gowanus Loft space, which exists in a rather industrial area adjacent to the elevated subway platform. We shook off the evening sleet and ascended the stairs into the space and once inside, our eyes lit up with the same magical twinkle that we experienced with our virgin visit to the Nite Market. The Gowanus Loft is perhaps best described as a sprawling white walled space that can seamlessly morph for whoever is renting it out. Our eyes instantly locked onto racks upon racks of locally made clothes and merchandise that we would be rummaging through for the next couple of hours. But first we needed to put something in our bellies, since this would be a marathon of commerce. The first stop was to Mimi & CoCo, the purveyors of Japanese street food with a New York edge. Their specialty is “Teriyaki Balls,” with fillings like country sausage, juicy shrimp and organic potato. Customers can dress their balls in teriyaki sauce and light mayo and to add onto the already bold flavor level, toppings such as tempura crunch flakes and sliced almonds will send this far east dish into orbit. Six of these delightful balls will run you five dollars. In keeping with our food kick we headed outside into the elements to sample some of the freshly made food truck eats. FOODfreaks is the home to killer grilled cheese sandwiches, but on this evening we wanted to sample their “Crispy Brussels Sprouts” ($5). Each savory and slightly bitter bite packed a huge crunch that made this dish seriously satisfying. With a tornado of great tastes on our palate we made our way over to the table run by The Vanity Project. Their table was filled with originally designed t-shirts, but upon first glance we failed to comprehend each shirt’s meaning. The Vanity Project works with non-profits, including several local New York organizations and creates shirts donning their logos to in turn help said causes.

At this point of the night, the loft was getting packed with smiling patrons drinking Brooklyn Lager and purchasing local goods. Luckily we had a musical soundtrack to carry us to each shopping stall. DJ Chela was back at the market on the wheels of steel, busting out some serious tunes. From Prince to killer 80s tunes, everyone in the house had something to groove to. With a brew in hand and a song in our heads, we turned the corner to see a grand sight as a shuffleboard court had been set up on the far corner of the loft space. Enter Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club from the mind of Jonathan Schnapp. This setup was a prime example of what this soon to be opened venue will personify. The club will be a vintage Florida themed venue with a focus on the popular cruise ship game. The joint will play delightfully cheesy yacht rock and serve up old school cocktails. Needless to say we can’t wait to put on our summery shirts and get down on all the shuffleboard action. Mr. Schnapp’s team also brought loads of rum-soaked pineapple to get everyone in the house nicely plied and ready to play.

We also thoroughly perused the wares from Charcoal ID and Thimble & Thyme. Both of these businesses are set up on the ever popular site Etsy in order to sell their homemade items to a targeted audience. From tote bags, skull necklaces and cool v-neck t-shirts, these ladies have a vast collection of funky designs. And keeping with the ladies, Peek Brooklyn is doing their part to make sure your legs look hot. Peek’s pantyhose and tights are all unique and far from the typical department store fare.

As the hours rolled on, the booty of wares purchased throughout the evening was starting weigh us down. There is literally something for everyone at the Gowanus Nite Market. Even if shopping isn’t you’re thing, the atmosphere will be enough to make you an instant fan. Be sure to stay connected to their website so you can be in the know when the next pop up will plant its feet into yet another cool Brooklyn venue.

- Jay Rubin