Our favorite local food markets in the US
Jul 8, 2025 • 7 min read
Yoli Tortilleria is the spot for fresh tortillas, tamales, agua frescas and salsas in Kansas City, MO. Alyssa Broadus, via Yoli Tortilleria
You can fill spreadsheets with restaurants and must-do experiences, but if you truly want to get to know a place, track down a local grocery store or market – really!
In the US, the options are wonderfully varied, which is why members of our staff have nominated their very favorites. Not only do the vendors on this list sell fresh produce and local ingredients, but they also give you a sense of the destinations themselves, from a celebrated farmers market in San Francisco to a store serving up BBQ takeout in the North Carolina mountains.
1. Shields Market
Richmond, VA
Recommended by Ethan Radtke, Senior Vice President
Why it's great: When you think about a neighborhood market, Shields is everything that comes to mind. It’s a community-first spot in Richmond, selling prepared foods, local products, beer and wine, and a small selection of gifts. You're likely to find a new favorite drink or treat, usually from a Richmond-based brand. The staff also operates the restaurant across the street, Joe's Inn.
What to buy: The beer selection is impressive for its size. The curry chickpea salad is my personal favorite for a light lunch or snack.
2. Alemany Farmers Market
San Francisco, CA
Recommended by Emily Dubin, Creative Manager
Why it's great: Alemany was California's first farmers market, also known as "the people's market." It’s a very different vibe from the more well-known Ferry Building Farmers Market, with its high-end products and matching prices. Alemany is where San Franciscans go to buy the freshest produce directly from farmers. It’s a true local favorite!
What to buy: Northern California is blessed to have year-round fresh produce, so the selection is different whenever you go. I particularly love pomelo and persimmon season.
3. Cashiers Farmers Market
Cashiers, NC
Recommended by Ann Douglas Lott, Digital Editor
Why it's great: You know a place is a local favorite when it gets just as much love in the offseason. In this North Carolina mountain town (one of the access points to the Blue Ridge Mountains), there aren't many grocery options. While you can drive down the road to the Ingles supermarket for basics, Cashiers Farmers Market is a treat to visit for, well, treats! It's a family-owned market specializing in locally made groceries and produce, located right in the town's center. Check the store's Instagram for specials and what's newly arrived (and for golden retriever photos).
What to buy: Fresh produce is a given, but my family also loves specialty preserves and sauces (the remoulade makes a great hostess gift). The line snaking around the front porch is for the BBQ takeout window (aka On the Side). If it's your first time, order a classic Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich with a side of potato salad or mac 'n' cheese. While you wait in line, hang out with the resident dogs and browse the pottery display. Then pick up a seasonal pie to reheat and top with ice cream after a day of hiking.
4. Yoli Tortilleria
Kansas City, MO
Recommended by Melissa Yeager, Destination Editor for Western USA and Canada
Why it's great: Yoli is the go-to spot for fresh tortillas in Kansas City – it has even won a James Beard award. Head to its retail location, where you can also pick up delicious goods like egg and bacon burritos, tamales and agua frescas along with those tortillas.
What to buy: The tortillas are a must, but I’ve also heard marvelous things about the salsas.
5. Lewin Farms
Calverton, NY
Recommended by Pia Peterson Haggarty, Photo Director
Why it's great: This fourth-generation family-owned farm was the first pick-your-own farm on Long Island. It has a great mix of local produce (corn! plums!) and kitchen staples. Plus, it’s huge – a thousand acres. There’s always something to pick here, whether it’s berries in the summer or Christmas trees in the winter.
What to buy: The late summer corn can't be beat. Also, the mozzarella is the best I've ever had.
6. Mana Foods
Paia, Maui, HI
Recommended by Anne Zalatoris, Director of Brand Marketing
Why it's great: Mana Foods is the heart of the Paia community. It is family-run and has been in business for 40 years. The staff is unfailingly friendly, helping you choose from the high-quality organic fresh foods. There are also plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Stop in on the way up or down from Haleakalā or on the Road to Hana to browse the selection of prepared foods, hot and cold salad bars, baked goods and fresh juices.
What to buy: Everything local! The kalua pork sandwich and mahi-mahi poke bowl are great for on-the-go lunches with freshly squeezed guava juice. For dessert, try the gingerbread cake with liliko‘i (passion fruit) frosting or the macadamia nut pie. Pick up some homemade granola or trail mix for the road.
Planning tip: Another reason to love Mana Foods is its bag credit program. If you shop here with your own bags, you receive a credit of 25¢, which you can either donate to a local organization that changes monthly or apply to your grocery bill. Mana also prioritizes sustainability, using compostable containers and giving compost to local farms.
7. Cross Street Market
Baltimore, MD
Recommended by Brekke Fletcher, Senior Director of Content
Why it's great: Baltimore is home to a handful of the country's longest-operating markets, and of those, Cross Street Market in Federal Hill is a long-standing favorite. Since the mid-1800s, the market has been serving the local community with fresh, locally grown produce, freshly caught seafood, baked goods and more. After a fire destroyed the original building in 1951, the new Cross Street Market opened a year later – and the latest renovation kept those 1950s architectural touches intact while transforming the space into a 21st-century market with over 20 independent vendors.
What to buy: While you can stock up on provisions from Atlas Fish Market (sample some local oysters while you're there) and Fenwick's Choice Meats, Cross Street is more of a hang, a fun place to pregame before Orioles or Ravens games or to grab a banh mi or bowl from Theo's or anything from DMV Empanadas or Taco Love Grill. Do not leave without a fresh waffle cone from Takhara Bros, which has been named the best ice cream in Baltimore multiple years.
8. Reading Terminal Market
Philadelphia, PA
Recommended by Deepa Lakshmin, Social Media Director
Why it's great: Philly's Reading Terminal Market opened in 1893 to bring nearby farmers, fishers and other merchants under one roof. Today, it’s a winding maze of countertop eateries, fusion food and sweet treats. With over 80 vendors, you’ll find whatever you’re craving – cheesesteaks, Pennsylvania Dutch classics, ribs, tapas, sushi, gyros, curries, crepes, Amish-style pretzels, baked goods galore, a vegan deli and so on. Prepare to be overwhelmed by choice when deciding what to eat!
What to buy: It's a good place to stop for lunch with a group so everyone can split off and get whatever they want. I always grab a warm cookie at Famous 4th Street Cookie Company when I'm there. There are also a handful of gift stalls; try Pennsylvania General Store for local trinkets or Bee Natural for candles.
9. Uptown Farmers Market
Phoenix, AZ
Recommended by Melissa Yeager, Destination Editor for Western USA and Canada
Why it's great: Located at Central Ave and Bethany Home Rd, Uptown Farmers Market has an amazing atmosphere. With over 150 vendors, there are lots of food trucks and vendors selling produce, fresh tortillas, locally made salsas and pasta. Some chefs even do demonstrations so you can sample their specialties straight from the pan.
What to buy: Definitely get freshly made tortillas, fresh eggs and bread from Noble and Proof Bread.
Planning tip: If you can't bring anything home, go on a food truck crawl to try a little bit of everything.
10. Le Petit Bleu at Commander's Palace
New Orleans, LA
Recommended by Laura Motta, Contributor
Why it's great: Commander's Palace in the Garden District is famous for classic creole dishes. But it can take time and patience to get a reservation at the New Orleans institution. If you turn up without one – or just don't meet the restaurant's strictly enforced dress code – stop in next door at Le Petit Bleu. This charming market and take-out cafe sells some of the same dishes (turtle soup, gumbo and amazing pimiento cheese), as well as fun items like cookbooks and kitchenware. Arrive early, and you can eat lunch at one of the limited tables in the robin's-egg-blue shop.
What to buy: The pimiento cheese is a must, as is the chicken liver pâté and all of the crepes – sweet and savory. The coffee drinks are also stellar.
11. North Asheville Tailgate Market
Asheville, NC
Recommended by Luis Segovia Reyes, Growth Marketing Director
Why it's great: This place is a great representation of the Asheville spirit: laid-back and earthy, with super kind people. It's been largely the same core sellers for decades, so it feels really familiar and close-knit.
What to buy: Jam, specifically the Berry Best Jam from Imladris Farms. There is great cheese at the Spinning Spider Creamery stand. Also, try the sun-dried tomato focaccia from French Broad Pantry. If you want breakfast, go to Cecilia's food truck and get the market breakfast crêpe and empanadas.