The Best Food Halls In The US

We get it. You're in the mood for a spicy margarita. And tacos, duh. Wait — maybe a wood-fired prosciutto pizza. Or there was that really great, buttery lobster roll from that place. Oooh — also your favorite celebrity chef just opened up a new spot. Except there was this hole-in-the-wall doing a killer poke burrito. But who doesn't love a cheese and honey tasting? Or a hot, steaming bowl of ramen? Or a cozy cup of Oaxacan drinking chocolate? Hold up — do they have artisan soft-serve with locally sourced sprinkles and fudge sauce that reminds you of when you were a kid?

Craving a little bite of everything? The stone-cold genius food hall concept has you covered from brunch to late-night dessert, all under one roof. With the original ideation popping up in 1825 with Boston's Quincy Market, the modern wave of the food vendor sensation hit the mainstream — nearly 200 years later — with the launch of Eataly in 2002. Ti amo, pastas of every shape and color!

These days, the food hall scene can be enjoyed all over the U.S., from New York City to Southern California. And the only decision you'll have to make when it comes to these culinary juggernauts will be whether to put on your burrito pants.

"OMG, I'm from Seattle and they didn't say Pike's Place in Seattle." Well, we certainly don't want to mess with an icon. But the crafty Melrose Market may just be a new spin on the legendary favorite. Launched in 2010, the hall features everything from artisan meats to wine tastings to "tide-to-table" seafood, and even a few fashion and gift shops. There's even a studio where you can host your wedding. All at your leisurely convenience on Melrose Avenue in Capitol Hill.

Got a hankering for house-made charcuterie? Need to butcher a whole pig? Get your protein to your heart's content at Rain Shadow Meats. No big deal, but they won The Stranger's 2011 Dyke March Wiener Taste Test for best freakin' hot dog. As the outlet described it, "Rain Shadow's wieners are peachy-colored and pornographically large in both length and girth; they're about a quarter-pound each." Well, no wonder they won.

And, putting the surf in surf 'n turf, there's Taylor Shellfish Farms which has been in business since, oh, 1890 in the Pacific Northwest. Set yourself up with several different varieties of oysters, mussels, and clams straight from the sea, or just kick back with a couple of oysters on the half-shell. Looking for something sweet? Nab a chocolate chip cookie at Homegrown and live your best life.

Skip the hike to the Hollywood sign, ditch the Oscars' Dolby Theater tour, and head straight downtown for the food! L.A.'s Grand Central Market has been happening since 1917, with an ever-evolving variety of culinary offerings that reflect the distinct SoCal culture of the city. Once called the "Wonder Market," for decades, some stalls still throw back to the days of selling farm-fresh avocados and dried fruit.

But as it is in the restaurant industry, so it goes for the food hall. In April 2023, KCRW reported that many older vendors were closing up shop, with new ones hot on their tails. As Eater LA reporter Mona Holmes told the outlet, "The owners are trying to achieve some kind of balance to make sure that it doesn't feel too, for lack of a better term, 'hipster-y.' I definitely see them wanting to respect the space and make sure that it still continues to serve all of Los Angeles."

So what's good? Grab a sammy at Ghost Sando Shop and sink your teeth into their Toasted Dutch Crunch roll. Throw down for some crispy chicharrónes at Sarita's Pupuseria. Take no prisoners with a savory bowl of Sisig Fried Rice at Sari Sari. And get a sweet strawberry-filled treat from The Donut Man. Still got room in that belly? Dig into a tangy key lime pie at Fat and Flour. This won't be a trip you'll ever forget.

Positioned to serve the community and celebrate Atlanta culture, Ponce City Market launched its very first vendor — Dancing Goats Coffee — in 2010, in the renovated Sears & Roebuck building. Since then, hoo boy, has it expanded. With mini golf on the sprawling rooftop, retail shops, award-winning restaurants, workspaces, and luxury residences, you literally never have to leave. It's like a cruise ship on land. But better.

Ever been to Fish Camp? W.H. Stiles Fish Camp owner and restaurateur, Anne Quatrano, is totally down to be part of the collective food hall vibe, telling Atlanta magazine, "It's been liberating. We don't have to serve coffee; we opened without a dessert on the menu. I had never done that before." You can also grab your favorites amidst a crush of other hot joints: A big ole slice at Pizza Jeans, baklava ice cream at Bibi, truffles and treats at French Broad Chocolate, queso fundito at Minero, the Barn Box Meal at Nani's Chicken, a short stack at Pancake Social, tamarind ribs at Botiwalla, or the Breakfast Cuban sando at El Super Pan.

Along with the food scene, there are plenty of events and workshops on site. Enjoy a cooking class, a wine tasting, and even a summertime movie screening. Is it a food hall? Is it a gateway to heaven? We may never know. Or care. Now pass a Nana's Puddin' cookie from Sugar Shane's, or else.

Nestled in the heart of The Loop on Clark Street, Chicago's Revival Food Hall made its big debut in 2016. And with it came 24,000 square feet of devastatingly delicious cuisine. Smack-dab in the middle of the business district, the lunch scene here is bustling. But you don't have to show up in a suit and tie in order to get your grub on.

At Revival, every restaurant must be a Chicago local. Sorry not sorry, Shake Shack fans. Staying true to its mission, this place features the very best of its home city's cult favorite offerings. And, no, it's not all deep dish. Sometimes it's New York style from Dimo's Pizza.

You probably don't think of BBQ when you're thinking Taco Tuesday, but Chicago Magazine named Smoque the city's best spot for tacos, noting, "The folks at Smoque swaddle their famously tender slow-cooked brisket in a flour tortilla, smother it in a smoldering barbecue sauce, and serve it all up for a few bucks a pop." Oops, drooling a little bit. But any day of the week, you're gonna satisfy your hangriest cravings. Dip into the Shawarma Hummus Bowl at LaShuk Street Food, tuck into a couple of grilled Mahi Mahi tacos at Dos, share a sweet Galette Des Rois at Familiar Bakery, or sample everything yourself at Danke. No judging. Only living.

As an emergent phoenix of New Orleans, the historic building that now houses St. Roch Market was built back in 1875, but fell into ruins after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005. With a little elbow grease and a cool $3.7 million, the market debuted with a bang in 2014, with a design throwback to its heyday in the '30s. As co-owner Will Donaldson told Visit New Orleans, "You can see business, you can see food, you can see music, you can see a little bit of everything." We'll gladly take it all.

But let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the food. It's all local and it's all amazing. Nosh on a crab cake sandwich the size of your head or a crawfish sausage po' boy at Elysian Seafood. Or pop over to Laksa Nola for crispy egg rolls and umami-packed Shu Mai. Scoop up a steaming bowl of ramen thanks to Lin sushi and poke. And treat yourself to a top-shelf craft cocktail at The Mayhaw.

The market even hosts a Sunday bazaar over the summer, featuring local artists, indie makers, and live musical performances. That's on top of the weekly trivia nights, board game socials, and happy hours for everything from cocktails to oysters. It's not a market, friends, it's a lifestyle.

If it's gonna be Napa, you better believe there's gonna be wine. And Oxbow Public Market's got plenty of it — plus, everything you'll need to keep the tasty party going all day long. While you're sipping Sangiovese along the Napa River, let your mind wander back to the 1930s when the building sold tires, not tartare. Now there's not a greasy wheel in sight.

While there are plenty of local, sustainably-focused favorites, there have been a few crowd pleasers which might seem surprising for those with particular tastes. Thrillist tapped Gott's Roadside for the perfect burger to soak up the booze, noting, "We especially love the Western Bacon Blue Ring with beer-battered onion rings and Point Reyes crumbled blue cheese, and the Green Chile Cheeseburger with Anaheim green chiles and a charred jalapeño mayo spread." Also suggested: Not missing out on the milkshakes and floats.

Since this operation is part food court, part farmers' market, and part retail grocery, there's something for everyone. Clink a tipple at Bar Lucia or even a pint at Fieldwork Brewing, split a New Zealand Roll covered in eel sauce at Eiko's Hawaiian Fish Market, or smush your face into an heirloom recipe empanada at El Porteño. Ready for dessert? Take your pick of the fresh-baked treats at Model Bakery. We're saving ourselves for their ridiculous Chocolate Rad cookie.

Way, way back in, oh, the late 1600s, Philly was already assembling motley crews of vendors for public mini markets. And after some back and forth — for roughly 200 years — about whether people liked the concept or not, Reading Terminal Market was born in 1893. Twenty years later, it was a total scene for everyone in their corsets and bowler hats.

These days, you'll find the best of local and Pennsylvania Dutch favorites. Sample the chewy soft pretzels from Miller's Twist, grab a homemade pop tart from Molly Malloy's, and dig a spoon into Sweet Nina's banana pudding. If you're looking for something more substantial, get your Southern comfort on with mac and cheese and fried chicken from Ma Lessie's Chicken and Waffles, or gumbo at Beck's Cajun Cafe. You can also go beast mode with an Angus Tri-tip from Halteman Family Meats, or taste the heartland with a PA favorite: scrapple. (Don't knock it til ya try it.)

And you can't miss Philbert , the adorable bronze pig statue. He's the beloved mascot of the market and his "doodies" are essential. Drop some money in his mouth, and he "poops" it into a box, collecting donations for local charities. Also, you can rub his snout for good luck — which you will need if you polished off the entire box of Beilers Doughnuts.

A relative newbie on the scene, Pine Street Market made its shimmering debut in 2016 in downtown Portland, Oregon. With a $4.7 million reno, it set up shop in an historical landmark: the Carriage & Baggage building, which was built back in 1886. But there ain't nothin' old about the food this place is cooking up for fans.

Take a hint from Teote Outpost, whose street tacos and sauce-smothered burritos are clearly calling your name. Or Kotsu Ramen, where a bowl of noodles will heal your soul. Feel like beef? Grab a mouth-watering Western bacon smash burger and parmesan waffle fries at Pleasure Burger. Throw in a few dumplings from Shanghai's Best, and wash it all down with a local brew at the market's own Pine Street Taproom.

Hailing itself as the O.G. food hall in PDX, it appears the collective may have suffered a blow over lockdowns, as well as contending with a growing tent population outside the space, for years. As one Redditor noted, "That place went from fantastic pre-covid to an absolute shell." Another shared, "[There are] always tents directly in front of the entrances each time I walk by it." Only time will tell whether offerings like the treats at The Mini Donut Company will be enough to save the beloved Pine Street Market. The restaurant biz sure isn't for the faint of heart.

Further south on the West Coast, you'll find Liberty Public Market, which also opened its doors in 2016. And by all accounts, the sunny San Diego vendor mecca is thriving with roughly 38 businesses selling everything from Strawberry Shortcake Puffs to falafel bowls. As a rep for Blue Bridge Hospitality — the company that owns and runs the market — told Visit California, "San Diego has a rich history, buzzing dining scene, and a deep passion for locally sourced ingredients, all of which enhances our reputation as a food destination."

We agree; San Diego tastes delicious. So what are we waiting for? Maybe we'll start with a lobster roll or a bread bowl piled high with chowder from Wicked Maine Lobster. Then casually go for a plate of Peruvian seafood fried rice at The Latin Chef. We're down for a little retail therapy at Cats and Money before we get back on the food train with a cheese empanada from Paraná. As far as sauces go, Thrillist recommends: "Make sure you get a good portion of one (or all four) sauces — chimichurri, chipotle chimichurri, roasted tomato, or creamy celery. [...] A little chimichurri is a good idea, but a lot of chimichurri is even better."

Unfortunately that's where we'll have to draw the line on this feast — psyche! #HUNGRY4LIFE. We'll also be hitting up Kebab Craft, Fluster Cluck Hot Chicken, and yeah, 1000% the prosciutto mac from Pasta Design. Y'know, because breakfast tomorrow.

Housed in an iconic late 19th century building along the San Francisco Bay — once a hub for trains and later boat transportation during the Gold Rush of the '30s — the Ferry Building Marketplace has been cranking out the hits since 2003. But while it has strong roots in Bay Area history, vendors are moving full steam ahead on culinary innovation.

Here, we're heading straight for the ice cream. But it's not just ice cream, it's ... ice cream. And Humphry Slocombe is dishing out the childhood favs, now crafted for adults. Nothing the rotating roster of unique flavors, The Infatuation noted, "Secret. Breakfast. [...] This is the best flavor at Humphry. [...] And whatever crazy seasonal sh*t they think up almost always nails it too. This is undoubtedly the best ice cream in the whole city." Think Berry Kouign Amann, Nutella with hazelnut brittle, and Cherry Elderflower Dark Chocolate Chip. So good, we don't even mind the brain freeze.

Also on hand, you'll find fresh-baked loaves from Acme Bread, Ube Horchata and tortas from Señor Sisig, Jamaican flavor-packed Peaches Patties, beignets from Boulette's Larder, every single sweet treat from Miette, and a spectacular mushroom offering from Far West Fungi. And just in case you forgot you were in SF, grab a cake and a photo op for your pup at Mishka Dog Boutique. Woof.

Another throwback to the early days, Union Market in Washington, D.C., originally opened as Centre Market in 1871. After several name changes and a location change, it returned with a bang in 1931 with a whopping 700 vendors. But the market we know today was launched by a successful reboot in 2012 with roughly 50 can't-miss stalls.

So where should you head first? Thrillist warned about long weekend lines but still says it's worth it for killer barbecue at 2Fifty's, where they're churning out hefty rib plates and cherry blossom cakesicles that deserve their own Fashion Week. Van Leeuwen won't leave you hanging thanks to their ice cream milkshakes and generous waffle cones. And you'll really be feeling yourself after some fish 'n chips from The District Fishwife.

Feel like a slice? Head over to Stellina Pizzeria. Or get a bowl of Shoyu at Ramen by Uzu. Grab brunch at St. Anselm, a literal rainbow of smoothies at South Block, or the world's cheesiest, juiciest, most decadent burger at Lucky Buns. Need to make some room for more eats? Jump into a workout class from 305 Fitness, cp:yoga, or just take the stairs to watch the sunset on the rooftop.

Launched in 2009 by the Bensidoun family, the European-style Chicago French Market on Clinton Street in Chicago, Illinois was created to elevate local vendors and showcase foods from around the globe. And boy, does it ever.

This O.G. is packed with goodies, with Time Out pegging Vanille Patisserie and Frietkoten Belgian Fries & Beer as two of their favorites. And as Dining Chicago described the sit-and-eat situation, "Seating consists of a large in-house area reminiscent of a Parisian street cafe." For the record, we would house this Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang chili sauce from K Kitchen anyplace, anywhere.

Get in touch with your inner carnivore with Barangaroos Aussie Pies. Grab a crêpe batter waffle at Bon Appetit Crêperie. And go deliciously veggie with saag paneer from Klay Oven Kitchen. There's even a market within the market where the Suarez brand stocks everything you need for your ride home.

We're back in NYC with Gotham West Market, which opened its doors in 2013. And as Manhattan Sideways surmised early on, "Gotham West Market has made Hell's Kitchen a dining destination, offering something suitable for every palette and time of day." That's a tall order for the city's 8 million hungry residents.

But this place is clearly up for the challenge. There's the ham, salami, provolone, mortadella, mozzarella, and spicy olive Muffuletta Pie from Corner Slice pizza. Or the perfect Cacio e Pepe at Dell'Anima. La Palapa Cocina Mexicana brings the Latin flair with a Taco Tuesday for the record books. And fresh, melt-in-your-mouth seafood is the name of the game at Sushi on Jones. If you can fit in anything else, we'd do an Old Fashioned, a frozen margarita, or maybe this Mac Daddy waffle ice cream sandwich.

Well, if you love it so much, why don't you marry it? Hey, the love between a human and an octopus salad may be real, but instead, you can always rent an apartment right above the market and come down for Blue Marble Ice Cream in your jammies whenever you like.

Denver, Colorado-based dining destination Avanti Food and Beverage bills itself as "a collective eatery," focused just as much on its curated culinary offerings as it is on its heart-pumping nightlife. There are multi-level terraces, rooftop bars, and views for days, but you don't come here to see the Rockies. You come here to eat the food and dance your butt off, people.

Although Condé Nast Traveler claimed the service was a little too slow, there's plenty to occupy you and your party of 20 best friends. Having opened in the LoHi neighborhood in 2015, In Good Taste Denver reported, "Avanti [...] is a great concept that not only gives diners plenty of options (allowing them to be as adventurous as they want) but it also serves as a restaurant incubator for new restaurant concepts and chefs."

Don't miss the arepas at Quiero Arepas — where you will want them all — and the craft cocktails at the house bar. There's also a very saucy fried chicken sammy from Knockabout Burgers and all kinds of fresh Bowls By Ko. Take a bao at Meta Asian Kitchen — or even do brunch with their Hong Kong French Toast — and top it all off with bingo, a comedy set, live music, or just relaxing under the stars.