10 of the Most Incredible Food Halls + Markets Across America

Venture out of your apartment on any sunny Sunday morning in a big city, and you’ll undoubtedly stumble across a food hall. In a food hall (or market, as it may be called in your town), you can eat global recipes from all over the world, sink your teeth into artisan breads and pastries, nom on gourmet hamburgers, and enjoy novelty desserts that you couldn’t find anywhere else. This trend is spreading like wildfire too. From Miami’s upcoming La Centrale to Nashville’s St. Roch Nashville (a spin-off of the similarly named spot in New Orleans), there are *scores* of new food halls in the works. Whether the food hall near you focuses on Italian, fusion, American, Asian, or French recipes, the selection is likely gourmet, and the atmosphere amazing. Check out our list of the 10 coolest, hippest food halls in America, and be sure to stop by next time you visit any of these cities.

Chelsea Market

Sprawling more than 164,000 square feet, Chelsea Market is arguably NYC’s most celebrated food hall (don’t tell that to anyone from a different neighborhood, though — they ALL have some great food markets). Chelsea Market is located right in the trendy Meatpacking District, and it boasts more than 35 different vendors selling gourmet and trail-blazing foods of all kinds. (Photo viaThe New York Times)

Ferry Building Marketplace

San Francisco’s Ferry Building is a city landmark, and the market inside of it is nearly as beloved by locals. Whether you’re looking for artisanal ice cream, spicy tacos, seafood, locally raised veggies, empanadas, or breakfast pastries, SF’s got it — and it’s got good ones too. (Photo via Visit Vallejo)

Latinicity

Chicago’s Latinicity was recently profiled by the Travel Channel as the second best food hall in the entire world. If that’s not enough reason to visit, perhaps the 10 kitchens, a tapas restaurant, full bar and lounges, coffee café, or grocery market will entice you. Or, uh, the *incredible* spread of foods from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. (Photo via Marquee at Block 37)

Eataly

Eataly is by far the most corporatized food hall on our list. We had to include it, though, because of its immense popularity, *AH-mazing* Italian food, and numerous food stalls. You can shop or dine here, as there are stands for purchasing wine, groceries, hand-made pastas, cured gourmet meats, Italian coffee, and other must-haves. But of course, there’s something special about dining in.(Photo via Bulley & Andrews)

Grand Central Market

This longtime Los Angeles staple has been around since 1917, making it one of the most historic markets on our list. But that doesn’t make it any less trendy or vibrant. It has gone through a dramatic makeover in recent years as it seeks to attract a younger, hipper clientele. And the strategy is working: It now offers 35 food and drink vendors, including iconic peddlers such as Sticky Rice, The Oyster Gourmet, and La Tostaderia. (Photo via The LA Girl)

Pike Place Market

Ah, Seattle. It doesn’t *get* much more market-friendly than Seattle, and the city is indeed known for its fresh and popular food hall, Pike Place Market. From the famous fishmongers to Washington’s (perhaps even more famous) coffee roasts, there are all manner of healthy, local eats here. It’s SO iconic, in fact, that Pike Place sees more than 10 million visitors every year. (Photo via Travel & Leisure)

Union Market

Union Market is the pinnacle of Washington, DC dining, with more than 40 food and drink vendors to its name. And that’s not all — it also boasts tons of other cultural activities, from cinema to pop-ups. Grab a coffee, enjoy an artisanal meal, or sip on a craft beer while you sit and observe DC’s cultural scene. (Photo via Washington.org)

Ponce City Market

“Hotlanta” is a seriously booming metropolis, and it gets more and more popular by the day. Its vibrant Ponce City Market is case in point. Ton Ton, Marrakesh, Hop’s Chicken, H&F Burger, Farm to Ladle, Honeysuckle Gelato, and Lucky Lotus are just a few of the uber-popular vendors that have set up shop in the market. (Photo via Atlanta Magazine)

Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is situated in the heart of Philly, and offers TONS of options for hungry patrons. Situated not far from Amish country, Philadelphia has the opportunity to offer some truly fresh, homemade foods and housewares — and Reading Terminal Market does not disappoint. Plus, there are literally rows and rows of seated bars and tables at which guests can eat, drink, and be merry. (Photo via Visit Philadelphia)

Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall

Boston’s Quincy Market is one of America’s most historic food centers. Its doors opened roughly 200 years ago and, like much of Boston, it has been an epicenter for American culture ever since. If you’re a Cheers fan, you’ll definitely want to stop by the replica bar, a total fave among tourists and travelers. But if not, no worries — there are a whopping 57 individual vendors to choose from. (Photo via Wandering Insomnia)