West Side Market

07/31/08

On the decline...

by Cleveindiescene at Citysearch

The Westside market, once a Cleveland instituation and hidden gem, is plagued with shady produce stands. While the inside retains all of its glory the outside produce stands are mostly buyer beware anymore. There are very rare exceptions such as the organic stand and potato/onion stand and a couple other down that particular smaller row that goes I think north/south (if you have been there you know the aisle I am talking about. The potato/onio stand has been in the same place for 20 years, not the main strip). The fruit sold is the same as you could get in the day old bins at the local grocery store now. It is ripe or a couple days over ripe and even though the deals are exception most of the fruit will go to waste if not eaten the same day or the very next day. It is so sad to see the old generations that worked their butts off in the early days of the market being lumped into this catagory but it is what it is. I would rather pay more at the grocery store, Whole Foods, or even Trader Joe's than throw my money away on bad merchandise. Sorry to say West Side Market, for nostalgia I give you a 10, but it is sad to say it is buyer beware at most of the produce stands and for that I give you a big zero. If you do go make sure to pick out your own fruit and vegetables or else you may very well be scammed.

• Pros: Inside, meats, cheeses, bakery, fish, poulty, spices, grains, coffee shop
• Cons: Outside produce stands

02/23/04

A living scrapbook of Cleveland's flavorful history comes to life at this West 25th Street food landmark.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Urban wanderers looking for something more can travel to this historic marketplace and find fabulous firecracker radishes and plump, flavorful tomatoes. Corner to corner, it's a social experience to be cherished. People-watching opportunities are definitely of the four-star variety. This is ground zero for experiencing Cleveland's melting-pot atmosphere. You can drink coffee when you shop, the vendors are friendly, and you won't find pierogi like these in your grocer's freezer case.

The Goods
After 85 years, the Market's still going strong and features over 80 vendors selling everything from fresh lamb (Bistricky's) to cigars (Don Pablo). You'll also find herbs, fresh seafood, sausage sandwiches, sauerkraut, fresh flowers, dairy products, teas, candies and baked goods. The prices are great at the outdoor fruit and vegetable walkway when the produce is ripe and ready.

09/07/02

The Melting Pot of People & Food

by joannq at Citysearch

Love going to west side market. I love the atmosphere, the choices and people watching.

• Pros: great prices, melting pot of people, variety
• Cons: not open on sundays, parking