The Original Farmers Market

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jazzwoman53

Joined 7 years ago

Smoke...smoke...everywhere cigarette smoke!. If you have any sensitivity to tobacco smoke, Farmers Market is not for you. Everybody's smoking! There are plenty of security guards who look to be somewhat intelligent, but there is no enforcement of state or city ordinances about smoking in public, or especially, dining places. We attended the Friday evening jazz performance in the main dining area of the food court, and I had to go take a walk to escape the smoke. Unfortunately, people were smoking at every turn, even while they were picking fruit and vegetables from the vendor's stands with ciggies dangling from the corners of their mouths above the produce. Ambling out to The Grove wasn't any better. The place was swarming with trendy twenty-somethings in Euro-trash attire, and at least 50% of them were sucking on cigarettes. If I ever go back, it will probably be on a weekday morning when there are fewer addicts out-and-about.

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anekab

Joined 11 years ago

Great for breakfast or hanging out. I've been visiting the Farmers Market since I was a child, and it's still one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. My father used to bring us here to shop for fresh fruit and visit the butcher shop. My mother used to bring us here for fresh bread and chicken pot pies. I've always loved the ambience of the place. Neighborhood residents chatting over coffee and donuts. Tourists browsing kitschy souvenirs and sampling the different restaurants. It's a bustling local attraction that still has a neighborhood feel. The only problem I have lately is the parking situation since the opening of the mall.

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kizmet_la

Joined 7 years ago

The Grove? Please!. The best thing about this complex is Farmer's Market. I appreciate the luxury of buying fresh produce and the array of different foods offered. But the Grove isn't more than a pretty packaged shopping mall. Doesn't LA have enough shopping malls? What would make this place complete is perhaps some lounges, museums, affordable shopping for the not so skinny and not so rich patron. Most importantly, how about a dash of culture? LA is a melting pot of diverse cultures. Who thinks we'd all benefit from a place catering to only European culture? That is my beef!

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laguy

Joined 10 years ago

Farmers Market / Grove. First off, I think the name needs to be updated since they built out The Grove extending the Farmers Market experience. The title should be called Farmers Market/Grove The Grove in itself has become my favorite outdoor shopping area and place to see a movie. Its a more mature and classy Universal City Walk with a taste of Disneylands Main Street (less the sardine tight crowds). It's what has been missing in LA forever, and now I dont need to travel to Santa Monica Promenade for the experience. Although its a year old shopping development, there is a charm of this new, well designed Grove right along side of the old Farmers Market with some of the best food in the city (do you like New York style deli food?)

Visit the Farmers Market/Grove and you will enjoy your day.

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oleskoo

Joined 10 years ago

Shady neighborhood?. I cannot agree with the neighborhood references of other posters -- this is the Fairfax District, as safe as any urban neighborhood.

That said, the Farmer's Market is a refreshing oasis of great prepared food and produce. There's no pretension here, just a lively place to get a plate of food or a pitcher of beer and be outside among the LA melange. Check your attitude at the door.

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samsquish

Joined 10 years ago

Good food, but a little scary. The amazing amount of great food almost makes up for the fear factor involved. The neighborhood is a little shady, not necessarily a place for children who might wander off. If you're buying bring cash.

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heavenbee

Joined 11 years ago

nice change. I work down the street and i used to love coming here on fridays to get some fresh strawberries or some amazing peruvian food.Its some of the best tasing food i have ever had. Its 5.99 and you get heaps of it. Plus when your done you can look at all the cool things they sell like paintings,purses and jewlery. Sometimes there is a band playing or local talent strumming at the guitar.

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SMM

Joined 11 years ago

Terrific Food Options. I am from out of town on business and my co-worker took me here for lunch today. It was a great alternative to the regular lunch options that are available. It was nice to have a wide variety of food choices and it was great to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. We had lunch at a Brazilian restaurant (don't remember the name) but the food was terrific. Highly recommend getting outside and enjoying the atmosphere for a change.

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taradelis_citysearch

Joined 11 years ago

Timeless. Farmer's Market is a great place to go with your grandmother, a date, out of town friends, whoever and whenever--it's timeless. There's so many different types of food to choose from, you're bound to find something you like, whether it's crepes at the French place, cajun food, BBQ--they've got everything. Grab a table and watch the throngs of tourists and longtime local patrons. Or just shop for produce, candy or souvineers.

Just beware of the parking lot. There's not enough room for everyone, and people's tempers run high. Last time I was there, my friend's car got keyed by someone who thought he stole his parking space. He left an insulting note on the windshield as well.

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kp

Joined 11 years ago

Fun but not a "Farmer's Market". The LA Farmer's Market is a local institution but the name is more of a historical reference than indicative of what you can expect to find these days. There are three or four stands of fresh produce and three or four butcher's counters but not too many other places in the LA Farmer's Market can claim their products come directly from a farm. The postcard vendors and knick-knack shops tend to outnumber everything else which is an unfortunate evolution for a farmer's market. I do enjoy the eclectic eateries (sometimes several at a time) along with side orders of entertaining people watching.