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Category: Farmers Market [Edit]
Neighborhood: EmbarcaderoTue., Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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This has got to be one of the best farmer's markets I've seen.
I normally come on Tuesdays during my lunch break cause I can never make it on Saturdays (usually still hung over from Friday night to meet the 2PM closing). Because I eat so much raw fruits and vegetables, I usually only end up spending about $20 which will last me at least a week, not too bad.
Tuesday version: Definately a scaled down version of the Saturday version. There are not as many farms selling produce and vendors selling food. If you are looking to just pick up a couple of things you forgot on Saturday, then the Tuesday version is best for you, especially if you don't like huge crowds. I suggest avoiding around 12PM-1PM which most people come on their lunch breaks to the farmers market.
Saturday Version: MUCH larger than the Tuesdays offerings. There is a lot of variety and lots multiple vendors to choose from. There is also a lot of GREAT prepared food to eat there too. Come early and bring your sunscreen.
Prices: Everyone complains about the prices. What do you expect from a place that offers mostly organic/local produce? Besides, if you are buying in peak season, its actually much cheaper than the grocery store's organic produce. Plus you always get that sense of satisfaction that your money is going straight to the farm instead of corporate middlemen which not much of the total profit goes to the actual farmer. It's also great to interact with the farmers themselves and their staff and hear their stories. Most are very friendly.
You also need to know how to pick and choose what you buy. Vegetables are usually always on the low price end, fruits are a little bit higher. Dairy products/meats are always the highest priced items at the farmers market, which doesn't apply to me anyways since I'm lactose intolerant and a vegetarian (Besides you should eat more fruits and veggies anyways!)
and BRING YOUR OWN BAG(s)!
I can always count on good fruit when getting fruit from the farmers market. After countless time of buying fruit from grocery chain stores and not having the fruit be sweet, I am getting up earlier to go to the Farmers market just for the good tasty fruits. Sure, paying $3 per pear or $6 for a pair (hehe excuse the pun) may be expensive, but think about how much more sweeter the fruits are and they bring in the fruit that are ripe and ready to eat. You are supporting local farmers and their time and their work to giving you this tasty treasure, and they get up so early in the morning and travel the distance to provide you this great tasting item just for the mere few hours that the Farmers' market operates. The fruits are seasonal, throughout the year, what else will they sell when these items are not in season? What happens to all the items they can't sell, composted if too ripe? Support your local farmers.
This farmers market has such a large variety of items to choose from and even has breakfast booths to start off your morning. It's a fun outdoor market, but yes, can be pricey especially when you are buying for a large family. This would be a fun adventure for the family, have a nice walk outdoors, buy a bag of sweet kettle cooked popcorn, share a plate of breakfast, and cut up a couple of fresh fruit and circle up and eat on one of the benches to watch the world go by.
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LOVE, LOVE , LOVE! The Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market is incredible!! Every Saturday morning I get up early to head down to the Farmer's market before it gets crazy crowded with natives and non-natives alike. To be honest, I don't usually buy that much (one person just can't go through that much produce in a week) but I always buy what's in season.
In August, the Peaches were OUT OF THIS WORLD (which says a lot coming from a southerner where we're known for our peaches), September was more about the Apples (probably the best granny smith apples I've ever had, and I'm a pink-lady apple person) and this month it's all about the Asian Pears and Persimmons (I had never tasted one until today). My favorite thing about the market is being able to leisurely walk around and browse all of the beautiful produce as well as SAMPLE everything. I'm all about the samples, especially items that i've never tried before, enter persimmons. A highlight from today's visit though was this chocolate covered toffee sample being handed out at one of the fruit and nut stands... needless to say I 'conveniently' walked by on my way out to get another sample ;) I am planning on buying some to take home over Thanksgiving, but if i brought that home to my apt... pretty sure I would eat the whole thing in one sitting, that's how good it was.
Sunny or gray, this is definitely a go-to for a leisurely Saturday morning (I find that the sun makes an appearance eventually!) There's also plenty of coffee stands (including the infamous blue bottle cafe) as well as fresh food stands to satisfy just about any craving.
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YUM!!! This farmers market is HUGE with a great variety of fruits, bread, olive oil, oysters, flowers, cheese, & meat. People may call it overpriced but what do you expect from organic local growers?! They all provide you with samples of what they're selling so they're PROVING to their customers that what they're selling is definitely WORTH it. Yes- If you go to your local Safeway or even Costco, it's much cheaper, but do you know how juicy and tasty is the fruit? How great is the cheese?? Hmmmm~~~???!!! Bf and i come here to get a few dozen raw oysters from Hog Island from time to time. DELICIOUS!!! *drool*
Make sure you bring cash, (There is a Bank of America ATM machine though) Stroller moms-- a lot of them running into you WITH their children in it. GAR!! If you have to use the mens or ladies room, get ready for long lines.
This is a beautiful spot to go on a warm summer morning / day. Bring a light jacket just in case!
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1) I love this farmer's market, especially when it's a sunny day, beautiful view and outdoorsy.
2) I think is ridiculous expensive 5 pears I pay $12
3) I was wondering HOW they grow these pears??? With champagne or any high end soil, or Barolo red wines???? I understand that they are good looking fruits. But, c'mon....such a RIP OFF!!!!
4)I think It's even more expensive than Whole food .
This Farmers Market is fun and lively, but tends to be overpriced compared to, for example, the Civic Center one. Parking is tricky.
The one highlight is the tattooed lettuce lady. Her booth is in back of the Ferry Building (on the side near the water). You will recognize her by, yes, her copious tattoos.
She displays several rows of wood bins filled with triple washed, pre-cut, ready-to-eat salad greens. There are spicy greens, sweet greens, peppery greens, tangy greens, bitter greens, buttery greens, even pre-made mixes.
She invites you to sample all the varieties before choosing. She will offer advice for pairing with cheeses and dressings.
The prices are superb. I can walk out with a full bag of delicious, no-hassle greens for $1.50.
I can't find a criticism regarding the stuff at the market, which is why I'm not docking stars. I mean- let's face it- this is one of the most impressive farmers markets in the country.
But this market has become almost unbearable! I'm convinced 1/3 of the Bay Area comes here and they're all bringing strollers, pushcarts, and huge wicker baskets. It's an agoraphobe's nightmare and frankly I wish people would do something else. Half the people just come here to gawk anyhow and it's become a circus, only less fun.
If you don't want to run screaming for the hills, I'd recommend arriving early and leaving by 10am.
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If you have been to this Farmer's Market (especially on Saturdays) and rated it anything less than 5… Read more »
The Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market BLEW my mind-- so much so, in fact, that in one Saturday, we made three separate trips there. It makes the Union Square Farmers' Market in NY, which I adore despite the crowds, look like amateur hour. Never before have I seen such an abundance of amazing fruits, vegetables, dairy items, baked goods, canned goods, and specialty foods in one place.
The colors, varieties, textures, and tastes of foods at this farmers' market practically made us cry tears of joy. We stood at one stand, sampling ten different kinds of peaches that ALL TASTED DIFFERENT! We took paparazzi-like photos of peppers in hues of the rainbow I'd never seen before. I ate huge creamy chunks of fresh butter. Multicolored heirloom cherry tomatoes exploded on my tongue. We cooled off with Happy Girl Kitchen hibiscus lemonade. A DONUT MUFFIN made quick home of my expanding stomach. We ogled gigantic avocadoes, gorged on California nuts, sniffed herbal tea.
When I tell people who ask about my trip that I would move to San Francisco JUST so that this could be my home farmers' market, they look at me like I am crazy.
Is this crazy too? On the Tuesday we left, we stopped by the (smaller, but still great) market and bought peppers, eggplants, berries, peaches, and squash blossoms, and tucked them into carry-ons and purses just so that we'd have an edible memory of our trip.
When I sampled those peaches and couldn't even find the vocabulary to describe what they tasted like-- I realized how much I had been missing until that moment! Our visit to the Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market was LIFE CHANGING!
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Best Saturday morning farmers' market EVER!
What an unbelievable variety of fresh produce, prepared foods, and flowers. Definitely worth getting up early for. I like to make a full morning of it and have breakfast there, too. The vendor who makes Mexican food is amazing.
One of my favorite stands is the one from Eatwell Farm. I'm totally in love with their tomatoes dipped in lavender or rosemary salt.
Totally amazing farmers' market!
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One word: OVERPRICED!
This is the capitalization of the organic movement. It's at the ferry building, of course you're going to have to sell your mother's bones, you're kids into slavery and mortgage your house twice, that's the point of having it at the Ferry building.
The stalls and sellers in front are OK, but again, it's exceptionally more expensive than other markets in the area like The Alemany Market on Saturday and the Civic Center market on Sunday. The sellers and gourmets in the back that sell a single pound of organic cherries for $14 inspire violence in me. This is why I won't go back. This is why I shouldn't go back.
Foooooooood overload!
This is a farmers market on steroids. Expensive steroids. While I was stimulated for nearly two full hours taking in the sights and smells on this lovely Saturday morning, I'm a little bummed because that was about all I could do - look and smell. Typically when I bring $30 to a farmers market, I can expect to walk away with a plethora of goods, but at this high-roller affair, the only thing $30 got me was a cup of Blue Bottle coffee and a giant peach. That's an exaggeration, but not by much.
According to Anthony Bourdain, the average Ferry Plaza Farmers Market shopper makes $85,000 a year, and it shows in the astronomical costs. While tasty and impressive, I think the bourgeoisie are the only social class that can truly benefit from it's offerings. I mean, the fact that they have a station slinging fresh-shucked oysters should tell you a little something about it.
It's a lovely way to spend a clear day on the Embarcadero, however... so for that, it gets a majority of the stars. But if you come across some extra cash and want to enjoy a fresh, organic breakfast right on the water, it really can't be beat.
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I went here for the first time last Saturday. I had a great time. It isn't a huge Farmers Market, but there is a good selection of items. You can grab some Blue Bottle coffee, walk around and check out all of the different produce. I found some really good herbs for my patio garden and my wife bought some great apples which she later turned into a marvelous apple crisp. I will come here again, especially on a beautiful day.
There are only a few things in this world that are worth waking up early on a Saturday morning:
1) Watching the sun rise over the Oakland Hills from the top of Twin Peaks
2) Morning Sex
3) The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
On those rare mornings that 1 + 2 aren't possibilities, you'll find me down by the Ferry Building absorbing the awesomeness of this market.
I must begin with the caveat that I recognize that this Farmer's Market is less "neighborhoody" and cozy due to its size and proximity to all things touristy. But that's exactly what adds to its charm. On any given morning, you'll find people who just finished their 15 mile morning run, German tourists looking to sink their teeth into some hearty American meat, hippies shopping for organic produce, and young lovers looking for flowers so they can rip off the petals and delicately place them in their bath tub before making sweet, sweet love.
It's located all around the Ferry Building which is one of my favorite spots in SF. Near the water, great views of the Bay Bridge, almost always sunny and warm. You can wait in super long lines for more of the popular food carts, or relatively short ones and grab pieces of a meal as you walk. I particularly like the lox/salmon station toward the very back. They always have 4 different types of sandwiches and none of them disappoint.
Once you're done grabbing your food, drinking your coffee and purchasing your bag of cherries, walk down the Embarcadero a block and head out onto the Pier closer toward the bridge. Sit down on one of the chairs and enjoy the view of the Bay Bridge, Cupid's Arrow and the SF skyline.
When friends come to visit me from out-of-town, this is a must see on my Tour de Francisco. If you live here, you should make it one of your regular stops too.
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I came here for the produce.
Really.
My nose led me astray from my mission. I walked towards the food stalls instead.
Rotisserie goodness from Roliroti. Wood-fired pizzas from Pizza Politano. Kimchee fried rice from Namu. Grilled gourmet hotdogs and cheeseburgers on the next stall. Wait, there's tacos here too?
Choices, choices.
The 20 minute wait at the Roliroti stand made me do a beeline for pizza instead. For the $12 Market pizza (and only a 10 minute wait), I was able to satiate my hunger with slice after delicious slice of thin crust pizza made with chard, red onions, creme fraiche, Zoe's bacon and mozzarella. The whole pizza was gone in 2 minutes! = O
Yeah, still hungry after that.
Went over to the next stall and ordered way too much: gourmet hotdog (hint of spiciness and fennel), Cheeseburger (mini-sized but juicy nevertheless), 4505 Chicharrones (aw man! you've got to try this! besides, it's cooked in rice bran oil, so it's healthful) and Gobba Gobba Hey dessert. (it's a gob, which has been likened to moonpies in Phily. Today's flavor: orange-cardamom with saffron cream.)
I needed that Blossom Puffs spritzer to wash all the food down. Don't even ask me what's in that cranberry plum colored drink, it's good and the guy standing next to me was curious about it and ordered it as well!
There's only 3 produce stands here, one of which is Dirty Girl farms, their fruits and veggies are both USDA and California certified organic. I purchased broccoli, strawberries and plouts.
The Thursday farmer's market is such a nice change from the more crowded Saturday's version. Oh, park at Washington Parking lot for validated parking on any day that the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market is here. Golden Gateway garage only validates on Saturdays.
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Best way to spend your Saturday in SF. Yes the goods are expensive, but they are all yummy eats.
What better place to write about for my 100th Yelp review (yah!) than the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market?? I LOVE going here every Saturday that I can (I wish I could go the other days that its open too because there are vendors that you don't see on Saturdays). The colors of the fresh fruits and vegetables (albeit a bit pricier than Safeway or Trader Joes) are amazing. The free samples of fruit and toffee (!!!) are the best in the summer. I love how many food vendors there are to choose from (tamales, roast chicken, sandwiches, etc)... everyone can will be happy! And if that isn't enough, you have the inside of the Ferry Building with coffee, ice cream, baked treats and salted pork parts... the Ferry Building's Farmer's Market is a foodie's paradise!
I love this farmer's market! I can buy my weekly produce, sample everything from cheese to bread to peaches, get a delicious lunch (there are both cheap and expensive options) and pick up some cooking gadgets at Sur La Table all in one place!
Some of my fave lunch options:
1. The Aidell sandwiches (outside in the back) are delicious, fairly filling and relatively cheap at $6. But the woman at the stand is pretty snippy late in the day. Not so snippy that I'll stop eating and buying sandwiches, but way more snippy than she should be on a beautiful SF morning. In fact, I'd say she was snippier than the burly guys at Swan Oyster Depot and the sassy trannies at Asia SF.
2. The SF Fish Company oysters are great (inside).
3. Walk amongst the stands and mix and match your own meal from among the appetizer-sized finger foods (both inside and outside).
4. Randomly eat the samples from all the produce stands (free!). Although you should be warned that eating the samples will usually entice you to buy something.
I love the produce available here! Some vendors are more expensive than others, but if you're patient and willing to come later in the day, you can find some deals. The best items to buy at the farmers market are things that are in season. Usually this means they're 5%-10% cheaper than what's in the supermarket. Berries are almost always cheaper at the Farmers Market, as are basics like onions, potatoes, carrots, and fresh herbs. One of the reasons I like shopping at the Farmers Market is that I am often introduced to new varieties and new vegetables and/or fruits. And I sometimes get a sample of a new-to-me item for free, because the farmer knows he/she has a good product and by introducing it to me, I'm likely to come back the following week and buy a bunch of it (like the white carrots and purple potatoes). Most of the vendors LOVE questions and are knowledgeable about their product and how best to showcase it.
I feel like the stroller people are totally getting more obnoxious (if you're going to a high-density place, why are you bringing the stroller equivalent of a Hummer H3 with you?!).
My biggest tip, is to bring plenty of cash with you. DO NOT count on the two ATMs at the Ferry Building, they often have long lines and/or run out of money.
Pros: 1. great selection of organic produce from local farmers
2. Marin Sun Farms and Mountain Ranch are ALL there on Saturdays. Excellent selection of grass-fed, pastured meats and eggs, stock bones and organ meats for pets.
3. Vendors usually really like talking about their stuff and answering questions.
4. Lunch at Hog Island Oyster: best clam chowder ever!
Cons:
1. VERY crowded. There are two types of people shopping here. The one's who possibly took a sedative prior to arrival ( I always get stuck behind them) or the ones who possibly had too much caffeine, Rock Star, coke, or attitude. They always get stuck behind me, but not for long because they're just so f$&@ing polite!
2. Really high prices for a Farmer's Market. I just paid $4.50 for a single head of Romaine lettuce today! I'm still hurting from that one. $3.90 for a pound of peaches!!! WTF.
It's kind of difficult to support the local farmers when I feel like I'm getting bent over the kitchen sink with no lube. OUCH!!!! Graphic I know, but that's how I feel, and I LOVE shopping locally damn it!!!!! LOWER THOSE PRICES!
I think the demand is starting to equal the supply etc, shouldn't shopping this way have some financial reward.
I was visiting SF from NYC and a critical stop on our trip was at the Farmer's Market on Saturday Morning.
NYC has a pretty famous farmer's market, too, but it pales in comparison to the one at the Ferry Plaza. NYC just can't compete when it comes to fresh, gorgeous, locally-grown produce. San Fran is the tops!
Expect tons of vendors, and many offering hot food made on the spot. It's more than vegetables and fruit - look for honey, and teas, and sugars, and fish, and meat and cheese, and flowers, and even more.
It's nice to be able to get your food and eat along the water. A glorious spot -- go hungry!
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Just believe the hype.
If for nothing else, you should stroll the market to try all of the many, many samples of absolutely delicious fruit samples which will be literally pushed on you by nearly ever vendor. Just be careful when actually purchasing anything (yes, that little peach you just bought relieved you of $1.50).
Enjoying some freshly prepared food or some fresh bread and ridiculously good cheese while enjoying the view of the Bay and the Bay Bridge is a special treat and it needn't cost you an arm and leg as long as you don't buy too many of those peaches.
Just do it.
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I absolutely LOVE this farmer's market. So why only 3 stars? It's so crowded you can't enjoy it and the prices are too high.
I highly recommend coming at least once. Just be prepared for the madness. If you are an early riser there will be less crowds. Lots of free samples, lots of things to buy, food to enjoy, etc. Great place for photos, hustle, bustle, romance and delicious food.
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Scream Sorbet on Thursday
About 8 flavors available
The ingredients are listed right there, and are simple with the promise of deliciousness. I think the Strawberry sorbet just had strawberries, water, and sugar, and it was a deep red color. If that doesn't entice, maybe these flavors will:
Plum = yum
Orange Fennel = refreshing and interesting
Vanilla Almond = :O
Too bad they ran out of vanilla almond. The nice guy manning the stall let us sample it, and no wonder it sold out! So much almond flavor in that small spoon.
$3 for a scoop of gelato in a recyclable cup. Definitely worth a stop if you show up on a Thursday.
Rest of the Thursday market: Not a lot of stalls so it gets crowded, but a nice break to the workday and plenty of food options.
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Date & Time: Thursday July 2, 2009 @ 11am
Event: Start of Thursday Street Food
Crowd: Mix of Tourists, Locals & FiDi Professionals
Atmosphere: Pleasant
Decor: Half-Dozen Food Stands. Make-Shift Communal Tables Under Tarps
Service: Nice
Imbibe: Blue Bottle Coffee, Agua Fresca & Horchata from Tacolicious
Devour: Kalbi Tacos from Namu, Roast Beef Sandwich from Roli Roti, Margherit Pizza from Pizza Politana, Sandwich from San Francisco Lox Sandwich, House Made Chips & Corn on The Cob from Tacolicious & Watermelon Sorbet from Scream. All Items Range from $2-$10
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Count me in as a big fan of this Farmer's Market. I wish I could eat food from every single vendor here, then curl up into a ball, and join the rest of the SF bums to sleep all day. The ironic thing? Everything is so expensive, you just might become a pennyless bum with all the money you're spending.
I had checked it out before, but this was my first time spending quality time walking around, sampling foods, and just enjoying the atmosphere on a beautiful day in SF by the Embarcadero. When people hand out free samples here, you take it without hesitation. Every slice of peach, nectarine, and fruit just tasted super sweet and juicy. It's that good.
Of course, it's not without its drawbacks. It's a tourist haven, so it can get awfully crowded as it get closer towards noon. The lines can be long-winded, so your patience for food will be severely tested. But chances are, whatever you're waiting for, it's probably pretty good at this Farmer's Market.
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Spicy sweet jelly, creamy blue cheese, fresh nectarines, plump dinosaur eggs, rotisserie chicken, a multitude of flavored salts, gigantic strawberries, fresh herbs, nectarines, fat peaches, oysters on the half shell and dozen, fresh squeezed juice mixes... *pant pant pant*
If the garden of Eden ever existed, this place would come pretty darned close.
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Hands down the best. Location, atmosphere, selection, smells, looks, tastes... you won't find any better in the Bay Area. Lotsa of free tasters although it tends to get crowded later in the day. Tip - Go EARLY. Some food vendors offering cooked delicasies for breakie and lunch. Biggest downfall is the parking and stroller natzis.
Don't forget to bring your green grocery bag if you want to avoid snears.
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It's a good experience if you haven't been there yet. There are a lot of vendors/booths out there giving free samples. The sunny day and the bridge in the background gave a great scenic walk around the market but it was just too crowded and we thought we'd beat the crowds coming around 10am but we were wrong.
The food booths looked really good but the lines were super long. I like acting like a tourist sometimes especially since I haven't experienced the farmers market until now but I think next time I'd come a little earlier or maybe on their Tuesday farmers market to avoid the crowds.
This farmers market looks all sweet and innocent but I must tell you, I believe they're involved in an evil capitalist plot concocted along with the shops in the Ferry Plaza itself.
That plot: To take all my frickin' money.
In no way could it be coincidence that there is a charming wine bar in the Plaza. You and your friends comment "Hey, lets snag a glass of wine while we're down at the market?" That glass turns into a bottle, and all of a sudden you're running around the whole farmers market with sixteen bags of produce. Then all giddy with delectable treats, you tipsily wander back into the Plaza just to start shopping all over again and of course, refill on the wine. Seriously, it's evil, last time I ended up hitting the ATM twice because I sorely underestimated my urge to blow cash.
Every time I go here I want to buy EVERYTHING. They have a ton of organic produce which works for me as I prefer my fresh delights minus the chemicals. I can't comment on all the cheeses and prepared items, I'm talking straight veggies and fruit here. The stuff can get pricey so learn from me kids, as tempting as it is, do not just randomly buy everything that looks good. Think about what's in season, think about how you want to use it, and take a look at the prices. One deal I can't get enough of is the mushroom places "ugly shittake" baskets, basically deformed shittake mushrooms on the cheap. I get a few of these bad boys and it's shittake everything all week long.
The other option is to just give in, go nuts, and spend until you can't spend any more. The produce is worth it, now if only my landlord would accept "sorry, I spent the rent money on collard greens and nectarines" I'd be good to go.
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I work downtown and I never miss Tuesday Farmer's Market!
I love the fresh food for lunch, and I do all of my grocery shopping for the week. The vendors are all very helpful, and the food is delicious! The prices are also very competitive compared to big grocery stores.
If you get a chance, check out the tamales vendor!
Wow it was so awesome to walk through the Saturday morning Ferry Building farmers market! I saw so many beautiful flowers, vegetables and fruits. There were lots of food stands and LONG LINES to get lunch...
Too bad we were already full from yank sing and since we're visiting...can't really buy fresh fruit and veggies...
Next time I'm going to try to stay for an extended trip to take advantage of the farmer's market specialities...I can't wait!
After circling for a parking spot for 20 minutes, we (the bf & I or the BFF & I) happily hop out of the car ready to spend a Saturday morning sampling our way through the farmer's market.
The crowd is a pretty even mix between locals & tourists. It gets really, really busy & do not underestimate that elder woman with the plastic bags- she will jab you in the ribs if you get in the way of her heirloom tomato picking experience. Ruthless, for real. I guess people get aggressive if you stand in the way of their organic fruit picking.
We start at the front, picking up honey flavored Saint Benoit yogurt and then make our way to some Mt Tam Cowgirl Creamery cheese. I MUST MUST MUST always pick up Marin Gourmet's Aubergine dip (roasted eggplant) and a baguette from Acme Bread. After we've spent every last dollar we own outside, we manage to scrape together just enough change to buy Ciao Bella gelato inside.
Seriously, it's such a fun way to spend time together in a beautiful part of the city, even if you end up spend your whole paycheck here. The quality is worth it & I love the experience of weaving through the various stands, finding something new to "ohh & ahh" about.
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Bliss.
I'm a big fan of farmer's markets, and this preeminent farmer's market for our area is simply superb. There are flower stalls, cheese shops, fresh fruit, brunch places, the smoked salmon, fresh meats, variety of veggies, Blue Bottle Coffee. The only thing that would make this better is more (and free) parking.
I am a lucky woman. Last week, I experienced Berkeley Bowl AND the Ferry Building's Farmer's Market for the first time. Wow, the only downside is that it makes my little Pleasant Hill Farmer's Market and little TJ and Safeways seem a little lackluster.
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Fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers... OH MY! If only I lived in a city that had a farmer's market like this. I would seriously consider moving to San Fran, just for this farmer's market. It was awesome, to say the least. Such great produce and local products! I would have loved to pick up some of the mouthwatering cherries, fragrant peaches and bucolic corn that dotted the rows and rows of locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Alas, my lovely hotel room was sans refrigerator or cutting board. Oh well, it was still a treat to peruse the fine food offerings and smell the amazing scents of fresh produce.
Of course there was more than just the produce -- there were also booths dedicated to jams, olive oils, breads and pastries, and so much more. My friend bought some delicious jams and a sampling of some unique olive oils. I had to have some coffee and a pan au chocolat, which put me in a fantastic mood (even though earlier the crowds had put me in a bit of a sour mood). And near the end of our trip through farmer's market heaven, we came to a booth that sold local honey. I l-o-v-e honey! I sampled some lavender infused honey, and I was sold. No matter the fact that bringing it home meant having to check in my baggage, I had to have some. And, I'm so glad I did. I've dipped into the fragrant and taste-bud-loving honey every day since.
I'd say my visit to the Ferry Plaza Farmer Market was one of the highlights of my trip and has set me on the path to seek out a similar one here in Phoenix. Wish me luck... or a may just have to move to SF.
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If you have out of town guests and want to give them a good SF experience, this a wonderful place. Whoever renovated the Ferry Building should get some kind of award for making a great urban space -- great views, lively atmosphere, amazing food, beautiful and delicious varieties of fruits and veggies -- my favorites are the rainbows carrots and Far West Fungi. But, if you live in SF and just want the food, go to the Alemany farmers market; it has a little more variety, and better prices.
Great place to just wander around and check out little things here and there.
Crowded but theres so much to check out and explore.
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WOW! This farmer's market is way bigger than the one in NYC. There are so many vendors and food stands. I wish I had the chance to try all of them, but unfortunately my wallet doesn't roll that way.
I split a lox salmon sandwich with a friend. It consisted of thinly sliced salmon on a baguette with sliced tomatoes and cheese, along with a few greens. I personally wasn't too fond of this, well, at least not for $10. Maybe if it was $4 than I would say, "Yes! By all means try it!" But for $10? Save you money for something yummier.
I think my best buy was the truffle oil. It was kinda pricey ($22) but I couldn't help myself. The smell of truffle lured me away into mushroom heaven! I ended up getting the second to last bottle for that day! Later that day: baguette from the bakery inside the plaza for $2, various cheeses from cowgirl creamery, grapes, figs, wine. Great combo for a wino evening (and of course, the truffle oil included).
This place rocks we came early for the ferry to Sausalito and wondered this many people can't be getting on the ferry or we're late. But not for some dumb ass farmers market. This was a 5 star farmers market and I cant believe they fit that many people into such a small area with so many great goods. We had to have a little sugar rush before we got on the ferry so I paid for a $4 cupcake. It was the creme de la creme of cupcakes. This is by far the most beautiful but very large variety of anything I've ever seen of a farmers market - top shelf. It made it great for us early birds, got a lot enjoyment of being there early. Our time was well spent.
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I know it's a little more expensive for a farmer's market. And on Saturdays, it's hard to avoid the tourists. But to be honest, I *don't* care. I meet friends here on Tuesdays for a low key, quick walk-through. On Saturdays, though, we go for the food. The Tamales are just amazing, as are the Chilaquiles. I, too, have discovered Blue Bottle Coffee-- and love that there is a stand at the market. We order, and then sit on the benches that overlook the water and the Bay Bridge. How can it get any better?
I'm a sucker for the take-home Pumpkin Parathas from Sukhi's Indian food stand (2 packages for $10-- and they freeze well, too), the amazing jams from Frog Hollow Farm (try the chutneys), and flowers from the big stand behind the building on Saturdays. I have only lived in the city for two months, so have only experienced a summer market, but the peaches never fail to amaze me.
I can't wait to see what the fall market will bring!
Note: I recommend heading in early (before 9:00) on Saturdays, to avoid the major crowds.
A human zoo and farm combined. Tourist piggy eyes stare, bags flapping: lettuce, mango and cheese together at last.
Another MUST-SEE in San Francisco! Saturday mornings starting around 8 and running just until 2pm, you will find rows and rows of fruits, vegetables, prepared foods, spreads, honey and spices. To avoid the long lines inside for Cowgirl Creamery and Acme bread, head out to the back where they set up a tent and sell a limited quantity of thier best-sellers. A baguette and a block of triple cream, Don't mind if I do. Vegetarians will be happy, but so will those who come here for the BBQ and meats. Coffee is the only thing slightly lacking in this area. There isn't one really good independent coffee place in the whole market. Peet's and the Orchard place are a little sub-par. No Starbucks to be seen.
My favorite food, aside from the cheese and bread, is the taquitos breakfast from the mexican stand. Scrambled eggs, chips with this gorgeous red sauce and avocado. Sooooo good- and filling. Split it, so you can eat again soon. This city has too many good restaurants to cram in on Saturday.
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Neighborhood: Embarcadero
Category: Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
Category: Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Financial District
Category: Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
Category: Fruits & Veggies
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin
Category: Fruits & Veggies
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