I just moved to Dyker Heights from out of state, and people keep telling me to skip the big supermarket and hit the fruit stand on 13th Ave near 79th. I’ve gone three times now: Tuesday around 11, Saturday around 1, and Friday at 6. Every time it’s been half-empty boxes, no greens, and the guy just says “early.” Early when? Also, I tried carrying a big bag of oranges and a bunch of greens home ten blocks and my arms went numb. Am I supposed to have a cart? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

Not dumb at all—small stand schedules are a language of their own. I can’t speak for that exact place, but in my experience with small produce stores in Astoria and a few in Sunset Park, “early” often doesn’t mean opening. It usually means the day the truck comes, and the best window is about one to two hours after they start breaking down the pallets. At my regular spot, Monday is dead because they’re selling through Saturday leftovers. Tuesday or Wednesday is noticeably better, and Friday before the weekend rush can be good but chaotic. I’d ask not “when are you open” but “what day does the produce truck come?” That usually gets a real answer.

For carrying, yes, get a granny cart. You want one with triple wheels or at least six total wheels, because the little two-wheel folding ones are hopeless on uneven Dyker sidewalks, especially with a full load. I use a lightweight aluminum frame with a bungee net, and I keep a folded insulated bag clipped to the front. Put heavy items at the bottom, greens and eggs on top. If you’re walking more than a few blocks, your arms will thank you. Also, if the stand has a regular delivery day, ask if you can leave a bag and pick up later? Some will do that if you’re a regular, but not all.

Wait, this is exactly what happens to me at the 18th Ave produce market in New Utrecht. I kept showing up “early” like 7:30 a.m. and the guy was still hosing down the sidewalk, nothing out. He told me to come back at 9. By then the raspberries were already gone. Is it true they don’t put everything out all at once? Maybe DykerNewbie and I are both just not fluent in the crate timing.

CARTS! I have so many opinions about carts! Do not get one of those tiny two-wheel foldables unless you only buy like one grapefruit. On sloped or cracked sidewalks they tip BACKWARD and then you’re chasing lemons into the gutter. I’ve been there! The only way is a six-wheel or a dual tri-wheel design, and make sure the handle is the right height so you’re not hunched. I also put a small bungee net over the top because the produce guy overstuffs the bags and a cabbage can fly out. Have you tried the insulated liner bags? They keep the eggs from freezing or sweating? I got one after a yogurt exploded all over my shoes. Also for DykerNewbie: walk past the stand around 8:30 and look for stacked empty boxes next to the curb. That tells you they’re mid-restock. If the cardboard is already folded, you missed it.

It’s the same over here. Every small place has a truck day, and if you ask “when’s the truck” instead of “when’s early” you’ll get an actual answer. I used to live near a fruit spot on Flatbush where the truck came Tuesday and Friday but nothing was good until Wednesday and Saturday midday. Weird but true. Also, if this is the stand I think it is, don’t sleep on the corner shop on 80th for eggs—they restock midweek and the line is less silly. Separate note for the late-night crowd: there’s a good older thread on East Side bar kitchens shutting at 10 — where’s still serving a real plate after 11? here: East Side bar kitchens shutting at 10 — where's still serving a real plate after 11?

Update: I went Wednesday at 9:30 and caught them opening boxes. You were right—ask which day the truck comes. The guy said “tomorrow Thursday,” then I came Thursday and it was fully stocked. I also borrowed a six-wheel cart from my neighbor and it’s night and day. No spilled oranges. Thanks all, this forum is saving my grocery life.