When visiting new cities and towns, an exciting part of exploring these foreign areas is eating the local cuisine. Some travelers discover downtown Las Vegas’ foodie scene, while others enjoy the best restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona.
The United States is full of delicious destinations, including New York City’s best foodie neighborhoods and Boston’s Italian North End, featuring foodie tours. The United States is also home to some of the best food markets, featuring fresh produce, endless meal options, and local delicacies. This article shares the ten best food markets in America that every food lover should visit.
10 Milwaukee Public Market- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Wisconsin, nicknamed “America’s Dairyland,” is known for its mouthwatering cheese curds and sweet custard. One of the things first-timers should do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is explore the local food scene. A one-stop shop for delicious dishes and local cuisine is the Milwaukee Public Market. This unique market is open year-round and features a wide selection of fresh seafood, meat, artisan products, and ethnic meals.
Want the full foodie experience? Milwaukee Public Market offers on-site cooking classes, including a Korean dumpling making class and pasta demonstration.
- Address: 400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am-8 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm
9 Boston Public Market- Boston, Massachusetts
Another one of the best places for foodies to visit is Boston Public Market. This indoor marketplace features around 30 vendors and is known for its fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, baked goods, and dining options. When deciding what to do and where to eat at Boston Public Market, be sure to add Bagel Guild to the list. These uniquely made sourdough bagels are created from freshly milled grain, providing a delicious and distinct flavor.
Learn even more about Boston Public Market by taking a tour! Guided tours of the market take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 am.
- Address: 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108
- Hours: Monday-Tuesday 8 am-6 pm, Wednesday-Saturday 8 am-7 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm
8 Chelsea Market- New York City, New York
New York City is a food lover’s paradise. This bustling US city features incredible NYC vegan restaurants, as well as delicious NYC sub shops offering thick, Italian-style sandwiches. A must-visit foodie spot in New York City is Chelsea Market. This market features more than just tasty meals, however, and a complete guide to shopping at Chelsea Market includes stops at the artist marketplace and Damselfly Flowers.
The food hall portion of Chelsea Market is home to nearly 40 restaurants, bakeries, and food stands. For a unique and delicious meal, try Japanese-inspired Mexican food at Chelsea Market’s Takumi Taco.
- Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 7 am-10 pm, Sunday 8 am-10 pm
7 Grand Central Market- Los Angeles, California
Some foodies seek out the best tacos in LA, while others satisfy their taste buds at Los Angeles’ best steakhouses. A Los Angeles food market with a wide variety of food and meals guaranteed to make anyone’s mouth water is Grand Central Market. One of the reasons people travel from all over the world to visit Grand Central Market is the variety of dishes and unique options, including fried oysters, Texas BBQ, lobster rolls, and spicy seafood ramen.
Be sure to check out Chiles Secos, a Latin grocery store located inside Grand Central Market that sells Mexican candy, moles, and a variety of dried beans, rice, and nuts.
- Address: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Hours: 8 am-9 pm daily
6 West Side Market- Cleveland, Ohio
One of the things many travelers don’t know they can do in Cleveland, Ohio, is visit one of the best food markets in the United States. West Side Market has been a Cleveland staple since it first opened its doors in November 1912. Today, West Side Market houses 100 vendors selling meat, seafood, baked goods, fruits, vegetables, and expertly prepared dishes. Visitors wishing to satisfy their sweet tooth should pick up a donut from Jack Frost Donuts, while visitors craving a hearty meal will find success at Steve’s Gyros.
While most vendors accept credit and debit, it is a good idea to bring some cash as well.
- Address: 1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday- 8 am-5 pm, Saturday 7 am-5 pm, Sunday 10 am-4 pm, closed Tuesdays and Thursdays
5 Reading Terminal Market- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Another one of America’s best public markets can be found in Philadelphia. Reading Terminal Market first opened in 1893 and is one of America’s oldest and largest public markets. There are many interesting facts and stories about the market’s history, such as the time the market contained 400 phone lines to meet the high demand for call-in orders in 1935.
A full breakdown of Reading Terminal Market’s history is available online.
There are plenty of things to find at Reading Terminal Market, including handmade Sicilian desserts and handcrafted specialty cheese.
- Address: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Hours: 8 am-6 pm daily
4 Ponce City Market- Atlanta, Georgia
One of the best East Coast food markets is Ponce City Market in Atlanta, Georgia. This impressive market brings new life to the city of Atlanta while still highlighting the city’s unique culture. Ponce City Market contains a variety of flavorful restaurants, including vegan options, dessert shops, wineries, and coffee shops.
- Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
- Hours: Food Hall open Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am-8 pm
For a special dining experience with incredible city views, enjoy a meal at 9 Mile Station. This unique restaurant is located on Ponce City Market’s rooftop and serves up exquisite charcuterie boards and signature cocktails.
- Address: Ponce City Market, 1829, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
- Hours: Monday-Wednesday 5 pm-10 pm, Thursday 5 pm-11 pm, Friday 5 pm-12 am, Saturday 11 am-12 am, Sunday 11 am-10 pm
3 Ferry Building Marketplace- San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a must-visit travel destination for food lovers. Ferry Building Marketplace, in particular, is perfect for foodies, hosting a large farmers market every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Vacationers and locals alike visit the farmers market to stock up on fresh goods, learn about agriculture, and possibly catch a glimpse of some of the city’s famous chefs.
Ferry Building Marketplace is bustling and full of life every day. When the farmers market is not open, guests shop at the 40+ shops, selling everything from honey to donburi to beer.
- Address: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105
- Hours: 7 am-8 pm daily
2 French Market- New Orleans, Louisiana
A market foodies must visit in New Orleans is the French Market. This historic market dates back to 1791, offering over “200 years of commerce, community, & culture.” French Market contains a mixture of restaurants and cafes, all offering tasty dishes and New Orleans charm. Visitors craving an organic salad, cheese plate, or specialty sandwich will love Alberto’s Wine & Cheese Bistro.
After indulging in the delicious foods offered at French Market, stick around to go souvenir shopping and potentially attend a live event or festival.
- Address: 1008 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Hours: 10 am-6 pm daily
1 Pike Place Market- Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market should be on every foodie’s bucket list. Pike Place Market was founded in 1907 and is described by many as the “soul of Seattle.” Pike Place Market is worth the hype due to its incredible cuisine, lively fishmongers, and craft market.
Pike Place Market is also home to the first Starbucks store, which was established in 1971.
There are plenty of things to know before visiting Pike Place Market, such as its busy hours (weekend afternoons) and where to park. The market features over 70 spots to grab a bite to eat, from upscale bistros to fish and chips joints.
No trip to Pike Place Market is complete without a stop at the iconic Pike Place Fish Market, where guests enjoy seafood to go while watching fishmongers sling fish.
- Address: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Hours: Most shops and restaurants are open from 10 am-5 pm daily