I ate lunch at a food court in a New York City subway station - and it was unlike anything I have experienced

Mark Matousek/Business Insider

TurnStyle offers a variety of compelling shopping and dining options.

To most, the idea of eating in a subway station-or riding the subway, for that matter-is repulsive. Too much heat, too little space.

But in April 2016, TurnStyle, a food court and shopping center, opened in the Columbus Circle subway station. The premise was simple: Turn a subway station into a destination for commuters, tourists, residents, and employees of nearby office buildings.

The execution would be more difficult. Could you transform one of the most of the unpleasant environments in New York City into the kind of place one would be eager to visit?

I made my way to the underground market on a Wednesday afternoon, hoping I'd find more than oversized rats and irritated commuters.