Cleveland is a foodie paradise. Everywhere we turn, we encounter splendid restaurants with incredible menus. We regularly consume and appreciate cuisine from all around the world. Clevelanders have long consumed fresh produce and ethnic goodies, but one historic place brings the most diverse and tastiest foods together under one roof. This charming market is so big that you could spend hours shopping, but each visit is time well spent. When you find yourself looking for something fun to do and have a few hours to spare, you must check out this epic local landmark.
Welcome to the West Side Market!
Erik Drost/Flickr
Located in the Ohio City neighborhood, this stunning structure is a landmark that can be spotted from blocks away.
Erik Drost/Flickr The iconic Neo-Classical edifice was the result of Cleveland architectural firm Hubbell & Benes’ genius, and its clock tower has been a landmark since construction was completed.
This charming market is open year-round, and it carries the best and most eclectic selection of local goods.
Erik Drost/Flickr
You can find a little bit of everything at this enchanting market.
lionlooksright/TripAdvisor
Whether you are looking for spices or sweets, someone at the market has exactly what you are looking for.
Erik Drost/Flickr You’ll also find oodles of goods you didn’t even know you were looking for, so be sure to set a realistic budget before you go. Remember, you can always come back for more!
You could spend hours perusing the stalls and still overlook certain goods and products, so make sure you provide yourself enough with time to experience as much as you can.
Sharon S/TripAdvisor
You’ll be amazed by the history you encounter as you shop.
WANDERLUSTinMe/TripAdvisor This site dates back to 1840, though it originally operated on the lot across the street. The current building was completed in 1912, and locals have been flocking to its campus ever since.
Some of the vendors have sold products at the market for generations.
stu_spivack/Flickr Dohar/Lovaszy Meats is a long-time vendor at the market, and locals rave about their handcrafted products, all of which are free of artificial flavors. They use locally-raised meats and served smoked European-style meats to the Cleveland area since the late 1940s.
The long-standing vendors thrive peacefully alongside newer ones, as everyone at the market offers something special.
Peter Miller/Flickr
The Pork Chop Shop has been a vendor at the market for only six years, but their flavored bacon has made them famous.
lionlooksright/TripAdvisor Though their bacon is out-of-this-world, they specialize in all things pork, and the meat is all Ohio-raised.
West Side Market, which is a staple to many locals, has been featured on Travel Channel and Food Network…
Erik Drost/Flickr
…And tourists from all around the world cannot resist the call of this eclectic market.
Jolanda D/TripAdvisor
Since its founding, West Side Market has reflected the cultural diversity of the surrounding region.
Vickie C/TripAdvisor
Greek, Polish, German, and Middle Eastern delicacies are found alongside all-American classics, meaning you can tackle all of your shopping in one place.
momt00/TripAdvisor
After you’ve finished shopping, you can spoil yourself with sweet treats!
KYlove/TripAdvisor
It’s plain to see how this incredible landmark has remained Cleveland’s oldest continuously-operating market.
maxpaste/TripAdvisor
West Side Market space is visually interesting, providing a high-energy milieu that’s always enjoyable to visit.
WANDERLUSTinMe/TripAdvisor Foster’s Meats has been operating at the market since 2002, but founder Brian Foster has been a familiar face at the market since 1986. He once worked at Ehrnfelt Meats, but now he can be found under the gigantic horns of a Texas Longhorn Steer.
You can pick up every ingredient needed for even the most sophisticated dishes in one place…
WANDERLUSTinMe/TripAdvisor
…Or buy pre-prepared foods and chow down while you explore.
annbsj/TripAdvisor
West Side Market is closed Tuesdays and Thursdays, but you can swing by any other day of the week.
/:\ Road Warrior /:/Flickr The market is open Monday and Wednesdays between 7 AM and 4 PM.; Fridays and Saturdays from 7 AM and 6 PM; and spend your Sunday shopping between 10 AM and 4 PM.
West Side Market is one of Cleveland’s most epic attractions, and each visit is memorable in its own way.
Joan W/TripAdvisor
There is so much history at the West Side Market, and locals celebrate it by maintaining the market’s legacy. Delicious local goods and old family recipes mingle in the most magical way at Cleveland’s best market, and your taste buds are sure to appreciate a visit.
Erik Drost/Flickr
The iconic Neo-Classical edifice was the result of Cleveland architectural firm Hubbell & Benes’ genius, and its clock tower has been a landmark since construction was completed.
lionlooksright/TripAdvisor
You’ll also find oodles of goods you didn’t even know you were looking for, so be sure to set a realistic budget before you go. Remember, you can always come back for more!
Sharon S/TripAdvisor
WANDERLUSTinMe/TripAdvisor
This site dates back to 1840, though it originally operated on the lot across the street. The current building was completed in 1912, and locals have been flocking to its campus ever since.
stu_spivack/Flickr
Dohar/Lovaszy Meats is a long-time vendor at the market, and locals rave about their handcrafted products, all of which are free of artificial flavors. They use locally-raised meats and served smoked European-style meats to the Cleveland area since the late 1940s.
Peter Miller/Flickr
Though their bacon is out-of-this-world, they specialize in all things pork, and the meat is all Ohio-raised.
Jolanda D/TripAdvisor
Vickie C/TripAdvisor
momt00/TripAdvisor
KYlove/TripAdvisor
maxpaste/TripAdvisor
Foster’s Meats has been operating at the market since 2002, but founder Brian Foster has been a familiar face at the market since 1986. He once worked at Ehrnfelt Meats, but now he can be found under the gigantic horns of a Texas Longhorn Steer.
annbsj/TripAdvisor
/:\ Road Warrior /:/Flickr
The market is open Monday and Wednesdays between 7 AM and 4 PM.; Fridays and Saturdays from 7 AM and 6 PM; and spend your Sunday shopping between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Joan W/TripAdvisor
What do you love most about West Side Market? What goodies do you always end up bringing home with you? Tell us in the comments, and feel free to share your favorite pictures taken around the landmark!
Love history? These historic parks around Cleveland are sure to enchant.
Have you been to any of these hidden gems in Cleveland? If so, share your experience with us.
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