Tasting the town
10 great public markets to try.
Public markets offer an easy way to get the flavor of a city. Often historic landmarks, they sell regional produce and products and offer plenty of dining options. In many ways, they’re the original food halls. “These places introduce you to a lot of new things. They’re where you see the local color and you get the sounds and smells and taste of the location,” says Helen Tangires, author of “Movable Markets.”She shares some favorites with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
Findlay Market, Cincinnati
Opened in the 1850s, this landmark in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood was once the city’s center of commerce. “They claim to be the oldest continually operating market in the country,” Tangires says. Many visitors come for local favorites like Belgian waffles and handcrafted chocolates while others seek out its beer garden, which reflects the city’s German heritage. findlaymarket.org
Grand Central Market, Los Angeles
Southern California’s diversity is on full display at this century-old marketplace. From handmade tortillas to Thai sticky rice, there’s plenty to keep shoppers and eaters busy. “It introduced me to a host of Hispanic foods that I had never had before,” Tangires says.
Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia
Located in the heart of downtown, Tangires says no visitor should miss this city institution, which features not only Pennsylvania Dutch and Mennonite vendors but also Italian, Middle Eastern and many more. “The variety there is unprecedented. If I were to live in Philadelphia, it would take me a year just to try all the cuts of meat in one stand.” readingterminalmarket.org
Charleston City Market, Charleston, South Carolina
One of the nation’s oldest market districts, this area has been in operation since the early 1800s. It now covers four city blocks and is home to 300 vendors. Visitors can find local crafts like sweet grass baskets, and it even has night hours Fridays and Saturdays. “It’s got a long history, and architecturally significant, on the National Register of Historic Places, with a good combo of fresh produce and nonfood items,” Tangires says. thecharlestoncitymarket.com
Eastern Market, Detroit
This large market warehouse district offers lots of shopping options, from regional produce to food trucks. Visitors come for cooking classes, free yoga and an evening farmers’ market. “It’s an interesting part of the city and a lot’s happening over there. It’s a very, very good market,” Tangires says. easternmarket.org
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, San Francisco
Located across from the Embarcadero on San Francisco Bay, this historic marketplace has become a favorite for visitors. “The setting there is fantastic. You’re down there by the water,” Tangires says. “You can get California-made olive oils and all sorts of things.” On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, it hosts a farmers market with organic products and street food. ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
Jean-Talon Market, Montreal, Canada
Once slated for demolition, residents fought to preserve this market in the Little Italy neighborhood. It attracts visitors year-round, with heated indoor stalls in the winter and outdoor vendors who fill the surrounding blocks during warmer months. Along with produce, cheeses and meats from Quebec, visitors can sample and buy a variety of maple syrups. marchespublics-mtl.com/ en/marches/jean-talon-market
Eastern Market, Washington, D.C.
Designed by the same architect responsible for the Smithsonian Institution’s grand castle-inspired Arts and Industries Building, this Victorian brick hall survived a fire in 2007 and underwent extensive renovations. Tangires, who works in the city, visits several times a year. “It gets tourists from Washington into a real neighborhood.” easternmarket-dc.org
Pike Place Market, Seattle
One of the country’s most popular markets, Pike Place attracts so many visitors it has outgrown its original role as a wholesale marketplace. Crowds gather every day to watch its colorful fish vendors toss salmon through the air. But its ties to Seattle are deep, Tangires says. “It’s kind of rooted in the city’s culture.” pikeplacemarket.org
Rungis International Market, Paris
When Paris closed its market halls in the 1960s, it moved food wholesaling to this massive new district on the city’s periphery. One of the world’s largest markets, it offers guided tours featuring pavilions devoted to meats, cheese, produce, flowers and much more. “You’ve got to get on a bus to go out there,” Tangires says. “It’s a pretty impressive place.” rungisinternational.com/en