Lower Manhattan is always reinventing itself — from fresh restaurants to new retailers and skyscrapers —and it’s occasionally a quiet relief to stumble into a place that’s been around for a while. Jubilee Marketplace, tucked away at 99 John St., has made its mark as one of the neighborhood’s few remaining full-service grocery stores, the kind where you can grab dinner, a dozen eggs and something fresh for lunch — all under one roof.
A testament to its longevity, Jubilee has still managed to keep up with the times, leaning into freshness and sustainability, with a produce section full of organic options and plenty of responsibly sourced items throughout the store. It also delivers, caters and runs long hours (5 a.m. to midnight seven days a week) to serve the sleep-deprived, the post-gym hungry and the office crowd in need of a late bite.
But what really sets Jubilee apart — and what tends to draw in locals and foodies — is the Korean hot bar for $9.99-a-pound and the made-to-order counter near the front entrance, where you can get creative takes on deli classics for a deal. The “Ssam Sando,” which has earned fans on social media, stacks pork belly and soy-marinated jalapeños on a hero roll. Jubilee’s signature item, the Korean Chopped Cheese, adds an umami-rich twist to the NYC bodega staple. It’s messy, flavorful and just unexpected enough to make you wonder why more places aren’t doing the same.
There’s also house-made sushi, grab-and-go salads and hot food trays that rotate often enough to keep things interesting. If your lunch spot’s getting stale and you haven’t stopped by Jubilee, consider this your sign.
