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Austin's Farmers Wednesday Market
Category: Food Farmers Market Farmers Market [Edit]
4600 Guadalupe StAustin, TX 78798
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
(512) 236-0074
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
20 reviews for Austin's Farmers Wednesday Market
20 reviews in English
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Review from Alex B.
2/29/2012
A small farmers market that nevertheless packs a surprisingly effective punch. Incidentally, I found this market to have a shocking martial arts theme, which I will explain.
This market is located in THE TRIANGLE (the N Lamar one, not the Bermuda one) which is one of those things that doesn't make sense if you think about it but then does make sense if you REALLY think about it.
Pastured eggs from liberated chickens are plentiful. Seasonal and local plants ("vegetables") are available. Sundries include local honey, homemade sauerkraut and hot sauces, and humanely-raised sourdough.
Since it is of paramount importance to me to only buy ethical animal meats, I questioned one of the meat farmers quite rigorously on this point.
He said: "Well, our cows are pastured and never confined to a CAFO" (Side note: I'm assuming he meant a N Lamar CAFO and not a Bermuda CAFO but who knows.) "Also, every cow is entitled, at least once in its life, to hear a Bach fugue courtesy of a harpist in our employ and to see the Jean-Claude Van Damme film Lionheart."
That sounds good to me, except for the Van Damme which sounds cruel.
Interestingly, another farmer tried to sell me his green onion planter kits. He mentioned that, "these babies are HARD TO KILL..." You mean... like Jean-Claude Van Damme???
Four and a half stars. -
Review from Joseph E.
Austin, TX
5/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
It is a nice little farmers market, but I stress little. There is not a huge selection, but what is there is nice. They also have live music.
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Review from Jennifer F.
Miami, FL
10/27/2010
Go there! Get your local, in season fruits and veggies. I did not give it 4 stars because it is small but Smith & Smith Farms are there as well as Richardson so you can get all your eggs, pork, beef, lamb and chicken that you need. I made a rack of lamb last Thursday from Smith farms. It was amazing. Support local food, reduce your carbon footprint and eat healthy meat that has not been given hormones and corn.
Here's to good cooking! -
Review from Austin T.
Austin, TX
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
We like the market we don't like the leash free dog park next to our food.
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Review from Dennis C.
Austin, TX
5/28/2008
Hopefully, this Market will grow in the coming months/years. I would love to see more vendors and a greater variety of produce and products available here. As of now, things are just starting out and are a bit limited.
As a concept, however, it's fantastic and worthy of local support. Buying local produce has so many benefits...I would love to see this take off. And, contrary to popular misconception, buying locally grown produce is not always more expensive. For example, we found fresh herbs like basil and mint for cheaper than HEB or Central Market.
Oh, one last thing...on a hot Wednesday afternoon, the fact that there's a Jim-Jim's Water-Ice vendor at the Market is a huge plus! -
Review from Lisa B.
9/16/2010
Small midweek, midtown farmer's market. Live music, dogs and kids welcome (well, I don't know about your kids...jk).
Like the downtown and Sunset Valley farmer's market, this is run through the Sustainable Food Center. In addition to supporting local farmers and eating local and in season, which is infinitely healthier, this is also a compost collection place!
Definitely a bit pricier than HEB, but it's real food grown by real people and, consumed on a regular basis, can make you real healthy. Not just fruits and veggies, though, this place has fresh hummus, bread, meat, tacos, tamales, stuffed grape leaves, jams, pickles, sometimes cheese. Though there aren't too many vendors, there is still a good selection. Email suzanne@sustainablefoo... to get the weekly email of what's available at the weekly farmer's markets. -
Review from Samantha G.
Austin, TX
3/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is a nice little mid-week market, and while there is not a huge array of vendors, it does have a couple things going for it:
1. Location - does it get any more central? I think not, my friends. Plus, if you can't find everything you need for dinner tonight AT the market, it's just a couple blocks to Central Market. Or Mandola's. Or Phonenicia.
2. Timing - we spoiled brats from the city have no respect for the life of the farmers. For them, it's up early and early to bed, but we city folk like to stay up all night drinking our cosmos and dancing to music with words that no one understands. Gaga??? Anyway, bless these farmers for realizing that their yuppie work-from-home contingency likes to get their market on later in the afternoon, and their yuppie at-the-office contingency can't make it til after work. AND, bless the farmers for realizing that a mid-week option might be nice, too.
The times I've gone, I've seen a couple vendors selling eggs, a few selling meat (bison, pork, beef, chicken), and a healthy amount of vendors peddling fruits and veggies; there are of course the various prepared-food vendors, as well. The convenience cannot be beat (free parking, what whaaat?), and the small but worthwhile selection will tide you over until (at least) Saturday. Hooray!Listed in: The Grand Grocery Tour of…
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Review from Brian B.
4/7/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Yeah, yeah, 3 stars. I know. All you 5-star guys are going to be hating on me like with Odd Duck.
Yes, this is a really neat farmer's market and yes, they have some really awesome vendors and items for sale, and yes, I realize that it is Austin, Texas and it's a million and five degrees all summer... BUT, if you've ever been to a true farmer's market in Seattle or Portland, you will know that this doesn't even belong in the same sentence. Where they might have 200+ vendors there, I'd guess that we're lucky to have 25 maximum at this one. The selection is usually pretty limited by what can be grown here in central Texas. On a typical evening, you'll find local honey/jam/jelly, free range meats and eggs, various greens, onions, tomatoes, misc veggies, and some prepared foods. Prices are relatively high, but you have to remember you are buying local and supporting people with jobs that are way better than those of us who work at offices.
Definitely recommended, but don't set your expectations too high. Stop by the Flying Saucer for a couple beers after. Bring your dog too! -
Review from Malita J.
Austin, TX
9/22/2010
This is the smaller of the three Austin farmer's markets, but the time (Wednesday's 4pm) is so much more convenient for me than the saturday a.m ones.
If you think the reduced size diminishes the quality of what they have to offer, you're mistaken. Of course the standard fruits and veges are there - but also some great stands such as a fantastic tamale stand (no lard, very good), a plant stand, artisan breads, honey, tea, meats, eggs and more.
Bring your cash, your bag and your appetite so you can sample some of the local fares. And it wont take up your whole day because of the size. -
Review from Shelly H.
Austin, TX
7/18/2007
I'm a regular! I even have a dorky sign in my yard "Join Me at Farmer's Market"....My neighbors make fun of me, but I don't care. I love this place. It's a perfect way to break up the week and enjoy some great produce shopping, local music and see friends.
First off the produce is great. Not a huge selection....but it's all fresh and we should all try to buy from local farmers as much as possible. Just about everyone has tomatoes, squash, peaches and onions. But, find your favorite vendor and just take it home and enjoy! Then there are vendors that have honey (awesome!), herb soaps, Texas French Bread, goat cheeses, Jim-Jim's frozen ice and just about the most fantastic Mint Hibiscus tea you will ever taste. Buy it and the wonderful African vendor sends proceeds from his sales back to his tribe. There are also non-food vendors worth checking out too.
Take the kids, a picnic and a bottle of wine (the food there is really good but expensive - you'll blow $20 bucks fast) and enjoy the local music and on a hot day the kids can play in the water fountains.
See you there!Listed in: My Neighborhood, Born to Shop
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Review from Tyler L.
Richardson, TX
4/6/2007
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Review from Jefe R.
San Francisco, CA
7/1/2008
On a Wednesday night, the lady called saying she was very very excited about the Farmer's Market, and let me tell you, when she gets excited, it's a sight to see. We headed down and I have to say, it both was, and wasn't what I expected. I expected a handful of good folks and a few hippies selling fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade soap, and patchouli to the new-yuppies who live in the Triangle, and that was certainly happening. There was also a significant presence of companies, restaurants and retailers who sell locally produced products, including a gelato stand, which I did not expect. Texas French Bread has it's own stores, fer cryin' out loud, i didn't expect to see them hawking their wares alongside the dirt worshipers. I have nothing against the folks who get down in the dirt to grow these veggies, and I know for sure they are delicious. It's also nice to keep my money close to home, if I had actually spent any money. These things are typically cash only, so I was outta luck that day. They also typically make me uncomfortable, as I will admit that vegetarians and vegans make feel judged in some way. People who collectively and adamantly deny themselves something that is such a fundamental part of my diet and my life, I have to admit it feels like they are saying that I am making a mistake, even if they really are not. So I took away a star for that, even though it's my own personal B.S. and not their fault.
But what it all came down to, for me, was Sarah Beth. She was so very excited to be buying fresh veggies, homemade soap, even fresh shrimp, and I was tickled pink to see her so happy. If you have someone who loves the kinds of places, remember to get over your own B.S. and have fun watching them have fun. It's always worth it. -
Review from kelly c.
Austin, TX
7/16/2008
small number of vendors, but i got everything i needed: local honey, ravioli, and a melon.
the man selling melon was the only one with fruit. he was sexy. we made him pick a ripe one for us.
all of the vendors seemed friendly.
tried the jim-jim, quite delightful.
definitely a "stuff white people like" candidate, not much diversity. -
Review from Laura F.
1/22/2010
I like this farmer's market because of the location and I really love buying local, organic produce and interacting with the farmers. That being said, I used to live in Chicago and this farmer's market will never compare to the ones that I got accustomed to living there. I'd recommend hitting this market up near the middle of the time- early enough to get the best produce but late enough to give all the vendors a chance to show up. I always get a variety of fresh vegetables, grandma's hummus (the best!), and sometimes some eggs or other goodies. I'd love to see these kinds of markets continue to grow.
Listed in: Austin favs, Born to Shop, Grocery stores galore
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Review from Keri B.
11/13/2008
What a great way to spend a lovely evening! It's sure in line with my schedule as it's hard for me to get up early enough on Saturdays to drive from Cedar Park to downtown or Sunset Valley. Plus, Wednesdays is usually date nite with my bff and we love coming here for ingredients for a healthy dinner. Strolling along, buying fresh produce, maybe some scrumptious marinated feta cheese, maybe a fresh roasted, farm-raised chicken, maybe some hibiscus tea. Watching the cute kiddos playing in the fountain. Lookin at the different kinds of dogs. Sometimes even hearing some live music. Definitely an Austin thang!
Listed in: Hangin with My Homey, Happy Birthday to Me....., Cheap Dates, Freshy Fresh
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Review from Brian H.
Austin, TX
11/23/2008
The 5 stars are not relative to other Farmers Markets, but rather to my food buying experience. It's almost peaceful to get out of the cubicle on Wednesday's and do my shopping here. The family picnics in the park, live mediocre singer/songwriter music, and people shoving clipboards into my chest while asking for a political donation remind me that I am alive and living in Austin. Free and easily accessible parking is also a plus.
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Review from Audrey L.
8/7/2008
I really like this farmers market. Not only are they positioned conveniently near my work but they are open at a time which is realistic for me to go. Its not often I'm up at 9 am on a Saturday which is when the downtown farmers market is, and if I am you dont want to meet me. The selection is small but they have plenty of fresh fruit and some on site food vendors. The meat selection and cheese variety is somewhat limited but very good for what is available. Defiantly a must see if your in the area and like supporting your local farmers. (that's not a guilt trip if I ever heard one)
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Review from Jessica M.
Austin, TX
6/24/2010
This market would be better with more vendors and diversity. For example, typically, there are only one or two booths selling meat. Everything is expensive, though the people peddling zucchinis I can't afford are pleasant. Harvest Time jams and jellies are necessary.
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Review from Anna G.
Austin, TX
6/13/2008
I headed to the Austin Farmer's Market in the Triangle for the first time this past Wednesday. It's a smaller version of those held in Republic Square Park and Sunset Valley and doesn't have nearly the selection, but the hours (4-8pm) and central location (The Triangle, off Guadalupe and Lamar) are more convenient for us work-a-day slobs. I was happy to see Texas French Bread (TFB), Jim Jim's (frozen ice) and Hibiscus Tea booths present. The boy and I waited for a late delivery of sourdough (white) from TFB (my favorite bread in Austin) and the bread dude was nice enough to give me a few bucks off for waiting. There were plenty of salmonella free tomatoes, carrots, garlic, chard and beautiful, differing varieties of squash. I was surprised only one vendor had basil. As always the vendors are friendly and there's a warm I'm-Shopping-At-The-Farmer's-Market vibe...though recently, it's more of a I'm-Sweating-Through-My-Clothes kindofa feeling. Despite the intense heat (and little shade to be found), this is good for the kiddos - there is a fountain that's perfect for them to play in (ground is flat, not like the super dangerous tooth-chipper at Republic Square Park). The "Little Kitchen" staff creates free, healthy snacks for the kids and passes them out as "taste tests" along with recipes. I think my little guy was offered at least four different snacks (smoothie, peanut butter ball, carrots, spring roll) in a half hour. Parking is free, close and plentiful.
Listed in: Diaper Friendly Diversions
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Review from piper b.
Austin, TX
8/8/2009
i am biased as this farmer's market is four blocks from my house. but i love that it takes place during the week, so i can get my veggies (and goat cheese) when i'm thinking about work and real life rather than when i'm in full-on weekend mode. the produce is always spot-on. the other options or coffee, bread, goat cheese, meats, honey, etc are all fantastic. there are always lots of people, kids and dogs in abundance, and music to keep the mood lively most weeks. i hope this market continues to attract vendors and grow, because it's awesome.
Listed in: things i like
