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Alemany Farmers Market
Category: Food Farmers Market Farmers Market [Edit]
100 Alemany BlvdSan Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights
(415) 647-9423
- Hours:
Sat 6 am - 2:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
289 reviews for Alemany Farmers Market
Review Highlights
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"I've never seen so much FRESH produce in my life." In 18 reviews -
"i used to live close to the ferry plaza and i LOVED it." In 79 reviews -
"Fresh fruits and veggies topped off with some excellent..." In 16 reviews
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289 reviews in English
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Review from Kim A.
San Bruno, CA
This is the oldest running Farmers Market in San Francisco. The City and County site says it's the oldest farmers market in California, founded on August 12, 1943 to be exact. Their link: http://sfgsa.org/index...
I love this Saturday Farmers Market. Vendors are selling everything from A to Z. You'll find the freshest seasonal produce at great prices. I know the stuff is fresh, I often buy more than I can eat in a week, but the stuff is still fine in the fridge a week later. Can't say I have the same luck with grocery store produce. As other reviewers mention, shop around, many vendors carry the same items at varying prices. At the moment apples are in season, most booths are selling apples for $1.00/lb but there are many asking $2.00/lb. There are folks selling fresh flowers, olive oils, honey, whole grains, dried fruits and nuts, as well as a whole row dedicated to prepared foods. There is something for every palate at this amazing Farmers Market. Take a Saturday morning to explore...
**Parking can be a real hassle here, try to arrive before 9 or look for street parking on Crescent and walk over.**Listed in: Happy 2012, Farmers Markets
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Review from Michelle S.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2012
Great produce and dried fruit.
Friendly vibe, and wood-grilled pizza=amazing.
The farmers were very friendly, and let you try out the fruits and veggies.
The honey lady has really good honey.
Just one downside, was the bread guy, panorama bread,
was the only person trying to buy bread, then another customer came swiftly
and the bread guy totally blew me off, so took my money elsewhere, a lot more bread places in the city. . seemed a little bit ..elitist, but just thinking it was the guy on duty.
Other than that, the pizza grill was amazing!!!! the guys were really good at what they do, fresh veggies as toppings. 10 for a whole, and 6 for half, plus two toppings.
The dried fruit and nuts stand was great, dried cherries, dried apples, etc. etc.very friendly. -
Review from Roger A.
Burlingame, CA
4/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
One of the bigger farmer's market that I have been to.
After years of passing by on the freeway, we decided to check it out and it was for the most part great.
They have alot of vendors offering many different items.
the bathrooms there, while busy.. surprisingly it was decently clean, but ran out of paper towels.
There are a couple of food trucks there and coffee and juice folks incase you want to take a brunch.
Parking... that's the nightmare!!!!
*the only gripe I had is when my wife handed someone $20 and he acted like it was a $10 bill when my wife got her change back. SO ALWAYS HAND YOU MONEY AND SAY "HERE IS $20". -
Review from C J.
Napa, CA
Updated - 2/18/2012
stopped in again this week, the produce does change depending on what in season, it's worth checking out each week.
But it was nice to see security bounce a shit-for-brains who brought a dog! What kind of asshole brings a dog to a place that serves food? and FYI: I love dogs, but I'm not so co-dependent that I have to drag it with every place I go!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/4/2012
Good place, worth going to.
we picked up four bags of fresh veggies today, but go early, parking… Read more »
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Review from C S.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2012
I go here for cheap tomatoes at the end of the summer. (Despite being in tomato country, grocery store and other farmers market tomato prices are inexplicably sky high year round). This is the only farmers market in the city with good prices.
The 24 Divisadero bus goes from Pacific Heights through the Castro, through Noe Valley and gets you within 3 blocks of this farmers market. -
Review from Selina L.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't mind coming to famers market early in the morning just to find parking in the area before it gets too crazy later in the morning. Even at 7:30AM, it's already crowded. But I love their fresh veggie and their flowers. I went to get flowers for the house and ended up buying a lot of things that I didn't plan to get. If you plan to get a lot of things, make sure you have a 2nd person to help you carry your fruits and veggie. =)
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Review from Kelly K.
3/31/2012
I found strawberry guava plants here this morning, $3 apiece. Trust this gardener, strawberry guavas are better than their larger pineapple guava cousins. Worth the deluge and typhoon i faced to buy them. I love all the farmers here, produce is excellent and prices are fair for san francisco. Bought favas and dill, combine with butter and garlic =yum. Sweet tangerines and pumelo. Many choices in the greens department. Remember to wear boots, you're gonna hafta kick a few of the rudest chinese gals when they poke you in the eye with their umbrellas! Even the vendors complain about them!
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Review from David B.
San Francisco, CA
11/3/2011
I like this Farmer's Market but I am going to focus on the negatives, for a reason.
San Francisco is a city that likes to pat itself on its back for the abundance of farmer's markets yet it sorely neglects them. Despite being the oldest and probably biggest one this place is in a sad state. Let me spell it out to you:
1) Insanely poor traffic control. This is a scary nightmare for cars merging to get into the parking lot. Not to mention people on foot or on bikes. It must be a dangerous proposition for them. How about getting some traffic cops down there to regulate the traffic?
2) Parking lot is filled with potholes. The entire lot needs to be resurfaced and painted. It's dangerous for cars and pedestrians. How about picking an off-site lot and bussing people in? There are way too many cars here as it is. Perhaps you could install carport coverings with solar panels on top to cool the cars and power the market.
3) This place is too hot. Having a crowded farmers market in a very sunny, warm crowded area is unpleasant and difficult to navigate. The crumbling covered kiosks resemble a "Thunderdome"/"Barter City" vibe. Knock them all down and tent over the entire area or better yet build an enclosed facility ala the Philadelphia Terminal Market.
4) Cash only is so 19th Century. You can easily spend $10-$20 at any stall so why not make it easier on the customer. Install wifi onsite and get these guys on Square so people can use their debit cards. Or at least install ATMs just in case people forget to bring cash.
5) Am I supposed to just trust these people that this expensive stuff is organic? C'mon San Francisco! Time to regulate these guys as to the many lofty claims by these vendors. Or at least educate us as customers with a map or guide as to the vendors. It is utterly random and frustrating trying to gauge the claims of the vendors.
6) Introduce uniform vendor signage and pricing signage. At the SF Street Food Festival they have PERFECTED this system which makes choosing a booth and items to buy a breeze. Copy them please!
7) More food trucks please. Having better choice of food to eat on site would be nice. Please get with the times.
It also strikes me as odd how we raise taxes, fees, bonds, etc. to fix things in the city but somehow this farmers market goes ignored. Obviously the city found a way to refurbish the Ferry Building -- how about fixing up a place for the real citizens here -- not just the tourists. -
Review from Nadine J.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2012
BEST farmer's market EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Review from Jenny B.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2011
This is more of a market for people who want to get really good deals on produce and less of a market for people who want to get really good produce. I mean, don't get me wrong - there are many stalls selling really amazing stuff (organic, local, cruelty free and what have you), but there's also a lot of people selling pretty good produce dirt cheap. The sellers and clientele are multi-lingual and multicultural, so this is a great place to shop for nopales, thai chiles, or bitter melon. A lot of the good stuff sells out early and some stalls are packed up by 1:30, so I'd recommend going early.
One thing that really stands out is the flower stalls. Last few weeks there were two stalls selling cut flowers I've never seen before (and beautiful bouquets for about $5) and an older man selling crazy potted orchids for $20. -
Review from Peter H.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2012 34 Check-ins Here
Nearly unbeatable place for vegetables. From the farms directly to you, most of it is still alive, unless you go pick it yourself its hard to beat this level of freshness. I try to eat organically at home so this is where its at for me. Citrus at Bernard Ranches(non-certified organic I believe it 'cause I can taste it), Heirloom Tomatoes, Kale, and other greens from Capay farms, and anything else at Phan farms. The best meyer lemons I've ever had come from Capay and Phan is a great place for organic Asian vegetables. I haven't seen organic lemongrass anywhere else.
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Review from jonathan h.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Great place for fresh produce, honey, apple juice etc...it's alittle pricy but it's only once a wk, big plus for the Mexican food trucks =)
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Review from Gessa C.
San Francisco, CA
11/5/2011
This is the first time I've ever been, and I remember why I've avoided it the past 8 years I've lived in this area. I don't like being that close to shoppers. Especially angry Asian woman on a mission. They grab, push and cut in front of you. "Excuse me" is not in their vocabulary. I just don't understand, my Mom doesn't act like that. I was traumatized as a child from all the years of grocery shopping in Oakland + SF Chinatown's.
Shopping for vegetables at 6:30am is like getting dressed in the dark. Everything looks good. I saw a plum today that was bigger than an apple, but she wouldn't sell it to me because she wasn't ready. WTF!!!!! Arghh! -
Review from Jenn C.
2/4/2012
This farmer's market is enormous - much less snobby yuppy pretension and more crabby Chinese grandma ambiance. Tons of variety and cheap prices - you can find just about anything here and many things you didn't know you wanted to find. It's not entirely organic but just shop wisely. Good parking and lots of deals.
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Review from Samsudin K.
Santa Clara, CA
11/13/2011 3 Check-ins Here
We visited Alemany Farmers Market for the first time last Saturday after our good friend recommended Snyders Honey which is very good and pure. We were there around 10.00 am and getting into the parking lot was challenging and the traffic was crawling so park opposite the farmers market. Be careful when crossing the road since the motorist are rushing to drive out of the parking lot.
Overall, these farmers market has great selection of fresh vegetables and they are cheap. It does get very crowded and people are pushing their way and feel like shopping back in Bangkok or Singapore wet market. We have been to our local Farmers market in Sunnyvale and Mountain view but in term of prices and freshness they are the best.
I am little upset that almost all stalls give away plastics bags (small one are ok for you to keep the produce or nuts) and they give away large one so easily such that many (~40%) customer does not bring their own bags.
The stall owner are very friendly and they let you to sample fruits but people take throw away oranges skin, rubbish on the floor and make the place looks so dirty. I admire the staff who help pick these up and keep the place clean but this is not a place I will bring visitor to see the littered Farmers market. We might come back again to get fresh Asian produce, honey, hummus and the Afghan sauces but hope customers keep the place clean and bring your own bags please. -
Review from Claire J.
Daly City, CA
10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Produce are a lot cheaper and they have veggies that I grew up eating. Just unfortunate there's not much organic sellers. really wanted to go here coz great harvest sells their bread here and it's one of the few breads I eat now. It's closer to my place but I prefer going to san mateo or even ferry building on saturdays.
Parking can be crazy but go around 11am and it's a bit easier. -
Review from Toby R.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2011
There is no other farmer's market in the city. You know you are at the right place when all the Asians shop at this market on Saturday mornings.
Highlights:
Peach season, holy god.
Olive oil dude makes incredible fresh olive oil. pricy but worth it.
Fresh pasta dude, great fresh black pepper fettucini and artichoke ravioli
Also, food trucks and many food stalls are set up at this market. Do yourself a favor, go when you are hungry.
Only downside, crappy coffee so bring your own.
You're welcome. -
Review from Richa A.
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cluster. fuck.
Otherwise, amazingly cheap, high quality produce.
The stand that sells the nuts right when you enter also sells apples -- they are delicious! Get them. -
Review from T B.
San Francisco, CA
2/25/2012
This place is legit. Ferry Building is beautiful and I send every visitor there to experience. This Market dominates and is full of restauranteurs, chefs, and those in the know. But don't tell anybody.
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Review from Edna F.
San Francisco, CA
9/17/2011
I've been to a number of Farmer's Markets through the years both here in the City and other cities. It wasn't until a few years ago my husband suggested that I spend a Saturday morning at the Alemany Farmer's Market instead of the more pricier Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market.
I have to say I felt at home at the Alemany's Farmer's Markets. I even saw some of the vendors that I would see at the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market have a presence at the Alemany Farmer's Market. The price points were on par and there was a lot of different type of produce and wares. There were even a bunch of stands that had Asian produce that my grandmother would grow when I was young.
So if you want basic, fresh produce without the high price, go to the Alemany Farmer's Market. Parking isn't that great but it's all worth it. -
Review from Alice L.
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is the, hands down, the best farmer's market in the city. Just in terms of the sheer size, it's way better than anything else. And the prices are cheap too! I come here and buy everything in sight. The choice of ready-made food isn't as good as the Ferry Building, but just in terms of produce, this market can't be beat. I also love the Panorama Bread Company that comes here every weekend.
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Review from STEVE L.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2012
Great variety of produce. Not dirt cheap but still affordable. I recommend coming here at least once a month to see what's new and in season.
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Review from Chris G.
San Francisco, CA
7/4/2011
My first farmer's market experience in California! And what a great one, I've been returning as much as possible ever since.
Great layout, with colorful, muraled concrete bays for each vendor to show and sell their wares, and a fair amount of parking (though it can get pretty hectic). Of course it's best to get there earlier instead of later, as the "good stuff" tends to sell out by the afternoon.
The produce is as good as it gets, and there's a number of fantastic vendors set up with prepared items, such as The Hummus Guy and Panorama bread. And the prices are CHEAP! I try and do my produce shopping here as much as possible, saves tons of money and the quality is way better than grocery stores. Also quite a lot of rare fruits and vegetables that I haven't seen in any stores.
On Sundays this space is a Flea Market, not particularly huge but there's still plenty of great deals to be found. Two consecutive mornings here and you will make out like a bandit! -
Review from Milk M.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2012
This is the best farmers' market in the city. It's a market for cooks, big families and people on a budget more than for tourists and beautiful food browsing. We come home each week with loads and loads of brassicas, fruits, dates, nuts, potatoes, squashes and more. Plan for a crowded experience and be sure to bring cash (no credit card or ATM options).
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Review from Yumi H.
San Francisco, CA
9/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love Alemany Farmers Market! It may look small but it actually has a lot to offer! I've never seen so much FRESH produce in my life. There are also other local vendors that sell food that is ready to eat! There are also a few bakeries on the grounds. I really liked the layout of the Market.
Parking is a bit difficult and most people try to park right next to the Farmers Market area. My advice is to park away from the hustle and bustle... park a little bit further to the left near the houses if you can find space!
I would definitely love to come here more often! -
Review from Tysen C.
8/6/2011
Awesome, indeed!
Only thing missing is a bulk nut stand, but whatever...all of our favs are here, especially Far West Fungi!!!
:-) -
Review from Siai M.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lots of locally grown! Produce was really fresh and the price was not to bad. Definitely a great place for produce! Live healthy!!
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Review from Angeline P.
Manhattan, NY
5/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is legit. Show up starving, go to El Huarache Loco and order a super huarache and a pambazo, and maybe some lamb soup, get some hibiscus juice (or the creamiest horchata I've ever had in my life), and sit down at a table and wolf it all down. This is necessary, since you never want to grocery shop when you're hungry. Consider it part of the Alemany Farmers' Market experience. Then, whenever you're ready to start moving (this could take a while, depending on how quickly you ate), pick up some flowers (your house could probably use some!), grab some fruit and vegetables (I'm always surprised at how cheaply leeks can be bought here, and the fruit is always ripe, delicious, and cheap!), and then pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
This is one of my favorite Farmers' Markets in the city. It's pretty clear why. -
Review from Juliette R.
San Francisco, CA
5/29/2011
I love the whiff of fresh, ripe fruit you get as you pass by each vendor.
The atmosphere here is sort of hectic, but, that's also what's fun about farmers markets. You'll be sure to see things ranging from fresh produce to jarred honey. They also have an eclectic line of food vendors.
Be on your A game when it comes to finding a parking spot, some people are ruthless and don't care if you've been waiting. -
Review from Cindy B.
7/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Got to love farmer's markets that open well into the afternoon.
While I understand people like my uncle, who's firmly in the "get there first thing in the morning so you have a whole day ahead" camp, for me, going to a farmer's market is an experience in and of itself. Having said that, Alemany fell a little short in that regard.
People here are definitely serious about their shopping. Most of the vendors are in the concrete stalls with their trucks right behind them. Price is much more reasonable than Ferry Building and much less touristy. But in terms of people watching and good for hanging out, there is no live music, fewer ready-to-eat food stalls and even fewer places to sit down to enjoy them. -
Review from Ralph D.
Fremont, CA
12/31/2011 5 Check-ins Here
The Alemany Farmers Market is the farmers market of the people! The variety of produce is amazing and the prices are awesome. You will not break the bank here... the prices compete with super markets. The Tomatero stand and the seasonal plant vendor are two highlights.
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Review from S G.
San Francisco, CA
8/14/2011
We went at about 8am, and we found parking on the street nearby.
Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, but most stands are selling the same things!
Good prices.
They do not sell any meat, chicken, or fresh fish (okay, one stand with salmon). That's a major negative for me. -
Review from Cooter T.
Portola, San Francisco, CA
12/18/2010
I really, really, really love the Alemany Farmer's Market for the following reasons:
1) It's a ten minute walk from my house.
2) It's an experience instead of a chore. Whole Foods and Rainbow have nothing on this place.
3) You get to meet the peeps who grow your food.
4) Mama Phan from Phan's Farm. I love her. She cracks me up. She's got such a wonderful sense of humor.
5) Prices! This place is cheap and good.
6) Variety. I went today and bought three bunches of flowers, sage cheddar and butter, fresh pasta, a couple varieties of Chinese greens, shiitakes, cholani bread, a cup of coffee and myriad other delicious staples for about $65.
7) Hawt AZN men work here.
8) It feels like community.
9) It's a ritual, and a good one at that.
10) It's healthy. There's no processed junk to be found here.
11) Fresh flowers. I buy flowers every week because they are so affordable. They make my home beautiful and my heart happy.
A little hint, the best time to come here is around noon because the crowds are gone. Cash rules this place.
Cootz OUT!
({})Listed in: I live here, Get your grocery on!
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Review from Kathryn W.
South San Francisco, CA
4/16/2011 5 Check-ins Here
During the spring and the summer time I come here with the kids to go shopping for veggies and fruits. Over the years we have made friends with the venders and they have seen the kids get older over time. The kids take full advantage with the samples. It makes it easier to get the kids to try out fruits and veggies.
We also like the food, I like the blue corn lamb tacos, the kids like the oven baked pizza, and the fresh pasta.
The kids also love the lady who plays the saw and makes a cat dance.
This is the best way to get the kids out of the house and learn about fruits and veggies. -
Review from Lance G.
Boulder Creek, CA
12/7/2010
Besides the fact that I found nice late season jalapeno and Thai peppers they had Spring Hill Cheese Curds!
SUCK IT POE!!! -
Review from Jen K.
1/22/2011 7 Check-ins Here
OMG I am in LOVE!!!
I come here on a regular basis, close to twice a month. It's the only place I buy my produce. I love supporting our local farms plus its always cheaper than Safeway or other chain stores. Not to mention almost always organic (or maybe it is always organic, I'm just not sure) and just gorgeous.
Parking can be a nightmare if you come early. I've found that if you go after noon parking is a breeze and it's not nearly as crowded and I still always get what I want and need.
I don't understand why the Ferry Building is supposedly the better Farmers Market. It's way over priced and just reeks of snobbery. This reminds me of down home, genuine people who care about their community and giving back, not just shopping at a Farmers Market because it's the "in" thing to do.
I highly recommend the honey booth and the olive oil booth. As far as veggies and fruit so far it's all been pretty good! It's so big I can never remember the farms names, but come and visit and you'll see why you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Sam K.
1/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Alemany Farmers' Market rocks my socks!
It has just about everything you'd want to find, has smaller crowds than the other ones (Ferry Building, I'm looking at you here), the prices are great, and it's conveniently within walking distance of the Muni 67-Bernal Heights.
Screw you, Ferry Building Farmers Market! This is my new produce spot.Listed in: Shopping in SF
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Review from Jessica R.
Pacifica, CA
7/23/2011
This is one of the only things that I will roll out of bed early for in the morning on a Saturday!
My husband and I have a routine and always start in the pre-made foods section so I can get an almond croissant from Panorama Bread and then pick up some Spring Hill Chesse and Butter for our afternoon snack. We then move on down to The Hummus guy for Garli Hummus, Spicy Green Olives and halva, pistachio is my fav. Then it's time for all the fruit and veggie vendors and we load up our bags!
My parents came with us this morning and were amazed at the selection. We all had a really great time!
Oh and we love the lady that plays the saw and has a dancing wooden cat, we can stand there all day! -
Review from Jesse G.
Long Beach, CA
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the largest FM I've been to, they've got tons of produce.
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Review from Lindsay J.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2010
This place has revolutionized our grocery shopping. So much fresh produce, flowers, ethnic foods, spices, and nuts. The prices are insane.
With organic eggs (of all types - I bought quail eggs at .90 for 6), fresh pressed olive oil, and more honey than you can shake a stick at, you can get a good portion of your basics shopping done at much MUCH cheaper than a grocery store.
The parking isn't even that bad.
Check out the Afghan bread and dip seller. She's not only amazing to talk to, but insists on feeding everyone and is great with free goodies.
And don't forget - no dogs allowed.
