5 Best Markets in Chicago
Where to Go Shopping Like a Local in Chicago?
The best markets in Chicago bring savvy shoppers and food enthusiasts together at weekly meets right across the city. Antique collectors and cooks take advantage of an impressive bounty of fashion items, homeware, fruits, and vegetables, sourced from across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Food markets, in particular, are popular in Chicago. And the diverse population means plenty of ingredients from across the globe, too. When you’re looking for the freshest items, you’ll have lots of options, with more than 60 farmers’ markets spread across several neighborhoods. With such a long list, where do you start? Check out our guide to Chicago’s most popular markets.
5 best markets in Chicago
- Green City Market
- Logan Square Farmers Market
- Randolph Street Market
- New Maxwell Street Market
- Chicago French Market
1. Green City Market
A Lincoln Park tradition
Good for: Families, Food, Shoppers
The Green City Market has been around for over 20 years. It started out as a modest row of vendors, with fewer than ten set up in an alley by the Chicago Theater. It’s a different story today, thanks to blossoming culinary trends, with Saturdays bringing around 55 vendors and hundreds of shoppers to what’s become a big social event.
Long lines form at the prepared food stands like fan-favorite Gayle V’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese, and the ever-popular Noble Fat where you can pick up bao buns, spring rolls, and meat skewers made from locally sourced ingredients. On a sunny day, pick up some ingredients for a picnic and enjoy it on the grass. Read more
Location: 1817 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Open: May–October: Wednesday and Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm (closed on Thursday–Friday and Sunday–Tuesday), April and November: Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm (closed on Sunday–Friday), December–March: Closed
Phone: +1 773-217-0776
Green City Market
2. Logan Square Farmers Market
Chicago’s weekly fresh produce market
Good for: Couples, Shoppers, Food
The Logan Square Farmers Market takes place on Sundays for as long as the weather will allow, usually until the last Sunday in October. Sitting along a section of Logan Square’s historic boulevard, the market hosts vendors who come from as far as Wisconsin and Michigan.
You’ll find a wide range of fresh fruits and veggies, consumer goods, and artisan-made items like soap. Most dishes are cooked to order, so if you’re feeling peckish at the market, you’ll find plenty of choices to suit your tastes. With live music and free events like yoga sessions and Pilates, don’t miss it. Read more
Location: 3029-3031 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
Open: May–October: Sunday from 8.30 am to 3 pm (closed on Monday–Saturday)
Phone: +1 773-489-3222
Logan Square Farmers Market
3. Randolph Street Market
The “Soho of the Midwest”
Good for: Shoppers, Budget
The Randolph Street Market is a European-style, indoor/outdoor market in Chicago. it offers everything from upscale items and collectibles to quirky decor, second-hand clothing, home furnishings, and sterling silver jewelry. There are plenty of vendors selling fresh food and beverages, along with live music and other entertainment.
Unlike most, there is a small admission fee for those 12 years and older to enter, with discounted tickets available online. The market is well worth the cost as you could easily spend an entire day enjoying everything on offer. Check the website for the next date and theme. Read more
Location: 1341 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Phone: +1 312-666-1200
Randolph Street Market
4. New Maxwell Street Market
An international bargain hunter’s dream
Good for: Shoppers, History, Budget
The New Maxwell Street Market was historically the place where immigrant families would sell their wares from pushcarts in the early 1900s. Although it has since relocated from its original location, it’s still a place to enjoy an international experience with a focus on authentic Mexican fare, some of the best you’ll find in the city.
Special events are hosted celebrating everything from Dia de los Muertos to Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Jewish New Year. There are plenty of bargains to be found as well, with a wide array of collectibles, clothing, furniture, and household goods. Stroll around and browse at your leisure. Read more
Location: 800 S Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Open: May–October: One Sunday each month from 7 am to 2 pm (closed on Monday–Saturday)
Phone: +1 312-745-4676
New Maxwell Street Market
5. Chicago French Market
An Indoor market for every season
Good for: Couples, Shoppers, Food
The only true year-round indoor market in the city, the Chicago French Market is a European-inspired marketplace for fresh food and the finest ingredients. Located inside the larger MetraMarket in the West Loop neighborhood, it includes around 30 specialty vendors selling all sorts of delectable artisan dishes from across the globe.
You’ll find meats, fruits, and vegetables, as well as freshly prepared dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Expect just about everything, from bakery items and burritos to sushi and gelato. Relax in the onsite seating area reminiscent of a Parisian street cafe that’s not only ideal for dining, but fantastic for photo-ops too.
Location: 131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
Open: Monday–Friday from 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +1 312-575-0306
Chicago French Market
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