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From Boston to Seattle: 9 Best Food Halls in US

Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is one of the top attractions in Seattle. credit: Catherine Parker

Across the US, food halls offer a glimpse into the city’s vibe. So many times, travelers yearn to know what it is like to live in a destination. A food hall is a good place to see it. Some are historic markets redeveloped for today’s shoppers, others are new developments. All are focused on the people who live and work near an area. Then the travelers find these jewels, stocked with a mix of local color, regional eats and artisan wares. Here are the best food halls in US.

9 Best Food Halls in US

Assembly Food Hall in Nashville

Chelsea Market in Manhattan 

Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia

Pike Place Market in Seattle

Milwaukee Public Market 

Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall in Boston

Pullman Market in San Antonio

The Original Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles

Time Out Market in Brooklyn’s Dumbo

Assembly Food Hall
The Assembly Food Hall offers 30 different outlets. credit: Catherine Parker

Assembly Food Hall in Nashville

Located downtown across from the Ryman Auditorium, the Assembly Food Hall offers 30+ restaurants across three floors. As a bonus, it has a rooftop area with three stages.

It is home to Nashville legends like Prince’s Hot Chicken. However, you’ll find every type of cuisine you might be craving.

Located at 5055 Broadway. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (midnight on Friday and Saturday).

Milwaukee Public Market 

With a marquee mirroring the Pike’s Place Market, Milwaukee’s indoor market is home to nearly 20 independent vendors. Head to C. Adams Bakery, a woman-owned staple since 2005. The Freese’s Candy Shoppe has an outpost in the market, bringing its nearly century of candy making. There’s a fresh fish market, Thai and Mexican options as well.

Located at 400 N Water St, Milwaukee, just east of the river. Open Monday through Saturday, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The parking lot is free for the first 30 minutes (fee afterward), and street parking is also available.

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Reading Terminal in Philadelphia
Reading Terminal in Philadelphia is a historic food hall. credit: Catherine Parker

Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia

One of America’s largest and oldest public markets, it is housed in a National Historic Landmark building. Since 1893, it has been a destination for fresh meats, produce, cut flowers, baked goods and ready-to-eat items.

Stop for a cone at Bassett’s Ice Cream, the oldest vendor at the market, dating back to 1892. With more than 80 merchants, there is someone for everyone. The Reading Terminal Market is the most popular attraction after the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and many visitors stop in for a quick meal or tasty snack.

Located at 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia. Open Daily to 8 to 6 p.m. Free to Enter.

Pike Place Market in Seattle

Founded in 1907, Pike Place Market is a Seattle Icon, with its neon sign symbolizing the city. From its crack of dawn fish throwing to its vibrant artisans, travelers meander through Pikes Place Market to get a sense of place.

From fresh produce to hand-tied flower bouquets to bookstores, Pike Place Market is a top destination in SEA. Residents come for the freshest food, like fish, produce and baked goods. This is one of the Best Food Halls in US.

Located at 85 Pike St, Seattle. Open daily with various hours for food shopping and dining. Free to enter.

Chelsea Market in Manhattan

In Manhattan’s vibrant Chelsea, Chelsea Market marries shopping, dining and workspace. On the main floor, locals and tourists traipse through for standards like Sarabeth’s, Los Tacos No 1 and L’Art del Gelato, amoung others. This is one of the Best Food Halls in US.

Located at 75 9th Ave. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free to enter.

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Boston Faneuil Hall. See Boston in One Day with Kids.
Boston Faneuil Hall is part museum and now an entertainment and dining area. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall in Boston

A busy marketplace since 1742, Faneuil Hall has been named the cradle of liberty. Colonists protested against the Sugar and Stamp Acts at Faneuil Hall, which also hosted the first town meeting in Boston.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is part of a three-building area with shopping dining and a National Park Service site. Quincy Market is the food hall with a string of quick-service options, like the Boston and Maine Fish Company.

This area offers street performers and is pedestrian-friendly. Since it is located on the Freedom Trail, the red line linking Colonial sites in Boston, visitors stop for a bite to eat at Quincy Market.

Located at 1 Faneuil Hall Square. Free to enter.

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Pullman Market
Pullman Market in San Antonio’s Pearl District. credit: Catherine Parker

Pullman Market in San Antonio

In the vibrant Pearl District, anchored by San Antonio’s Hotel Emma, the newest space for quick eats and more is Pullman Market. This space melds a fresh grocer with several quick-service outlets and specialty restaurants.

Nearby residents meander the space with travelers, and both find the food is local and TK. There is a Wagyu burger spot, a Ceviche counter and an outlet for greens and grains. Diners will also find pick-me-ups, like coffee and ice cream.

For those with more time, there’s a wood-fired pizza and pasta restua, a Sonoran taco place, and an agave-forward option named Mezcaleria. Rounding out the others, there’s a restaurant with a Texas-focused menu. For the ultimate, there’s a 20-seat dessert-only eatery focusing on acid, sweet, bitter and savory elements.

Located at 221 Newell Ave, San Antonio. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).

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The Original Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles

Since 1934, The Original Farmer’s Market has been stocked with unique and familiar purveyors next to The Grove. As a foodie destination, visitors will find everything from fresh seafood to cold brew coffee. Since there are so many quick-service eateries in one location, this is the ideal place to feed a family.

Located at 6333 W. 3rd St. Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free

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Time Out Market in Brooklyn’s Dumbo

If you’re headed to Brooklyn, find one of the best Food halls in US in the shadow of the famous bridge. This outpost offers some of the best-known restaurants in Manhattan in bite-size food hall portions.

With abundant seating, diners can grab a bite with options like Ess a Bagel, Clinton St. Baking Company, Sugar Hill Creamery and more. During the summer, there’s a rooftop to enjoy the spectacular views.

Located at 55 Water St. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).

 

Catherine Parker has a passion for travel and seen all 50 U.S. States. As a former flight attendant with one of the largest airlines, there isn't a North American airport that she hasn't landed in at least once. Since clipping her professional wings after 9/11, she combines her love of the open road with visiting architectural and cultural icons. She is based out of Central Texas dividing her time between writing and restoring a pair of 100-year-old houses. She shares her life with her three kids and her husband.

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