West Side Market

Photos by OHventures

West Side Market 
1979 West 25th Street
Cleveland, OH
(216) 664-3387

The West Side Market is notorious for its world famous cuisines, and has even appeared on television programs such as Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations and Man Vs. Food. The market includes a series of vendors of specialty foods, such as breads, seafood, meats, spices, produce, fudge, popcorn, and the list goes on and on and on AND ON.

The market is advertised as Cleveland's Oldest and Most Trusted Market (with its origins dating back to the 1840s), and is on the National Registry of Historical Places. It was dedicated and opened to the public back in 1912 (just over a century ago!), and can't be missed with its 137 foot tall clock tower! You'll be in awe of this place!

Today the market is home to over 100 vendors of great ethnic diversity. This past weekend, I was able to see this firsthand for myself when my Cleveland friend Emily and I explored the market! 

Talk about an adventure for your taste buds! There were so many things to see, taste, and smell at the West Side Market. I could spend hours and hours there, but unfortunately we only had just over an hour to cover the entire locale! We started in the produce section, where we were approached by vendor after vendor attempting to sell their fruits and veggies to us. It was a late Saturday afternoon, so they were likely trying to get rid of all of their tasty delicacies before they went bad (the market is off on Sundays). We made a beeline straight to the main area of the marketplace (signified by the beautiful brick ceiling).

I blew a TON of money REAL quickly. It's easy to do if you visit the West Side Market. There are so many high quality foods that capture your attention, that it is hard to say no. Here is the lowdown of what I bought: caramel & pumpkin flavored popcorn, and chocolate covered pretzels from Campbell's Popcorn Shop; cheddar spread and a 1 lb. bag of "bits and pieces" from The Cheese Shop; a cup of dark roast from City Roast Coffee & Tea; canollis from Theresa's Bakery; and nutella and banana crepes from Crepes De Luxe.

Eating our crepes at the famed West Side Market in the CLE!

I was glad that we only had so much time at the West Side Market, or else I would have spent WAY too much money. It is an adventure in so many ways: culture wrapped in history wrapped in cuisine. It is something you must do when visiting the CLE!