Alameda Swap Meet

Visiting Alameda Swap Meet felt like stepping into a constantly moving, ever-changing world. Every aisle offered something different, from food and clothing to live animals and specialty vendors. I appreciated how unfiltered and authentic the experience felt—nothing is overly polished, and that’s part of the charm. The energy is high, with music, conversation, and movement everywhere you go. It’s a place where you can wander without a plan and still leave with something memorable. While it can feel crowded at times, the variety makes it worth it. Overall, the Alameda Swap Meet delivers a raw, lively experience that truly reflects the diversity of the city.

Feels like a little town in Mexico, but pick your timing! If you have never been to Mexico, this place will give you a very authentic feel. It really feels like a small Mexican town inside. However, be careful with when you visit—I went on a weekday at 10 AM and the place was "dead." About 75% of the stalls were closed, except for some meat, vegetables, and a few clothes. I definitely recommend coming on a weekend if you want the full experience!

Good clothing and most products are a great value but the vendors that sell health products, DON’T TRUST THEM! My elderly mother wanted flax seed oil and trusted the sellers. One seller had the expiration date scrapped off. A different vendor from another section sold a product that expired almost 11 months ago in January 2025. See image. They are ripping customers off and jeopardizing their health for those that seek them for health and nutrition products. Expired food products may become rancid. Pills will not but their potency is greatly diminished and not as effective after the product has expired.

Good place to find several stuff. Cleanin supplies... safe place and good food

First time here! Heard about this swap meet through TikTok. Had s great time. The food was great. It's really big so there was a lot to see. Parking wasn't too bad. Found a spot right away and they only charged $3 to park. A must if you are in the area. Update: This place is still as awesome as the first time. Parking is only $3 which is great. Love their food and everything they have to shop for.

I love this place... Amazing atmosphere, great people. Just normal people like us. Working everyday to make a living. Make sure to go during the week tho. They tend to charge for parking on other spots if you can't park inside the lot. But it's not a lot for parking. You should try the food. Just be wary of some of the food. Update about the food. For a restaurant there, El Diablo, for them having a kitchen, they sure don't have great tasting meat. I tried the Al pastor, thinking it was going to be good, but instead, the first thing I bite into, was fat, then a second bite, and more fat. Then, started getting meat, and it was huge hunks. Plus the price for one, is ridiculous, high, for it to taste like, crap. So, don't eat there. I changed my mind. Go somewhere else. Trust me.

Everything you need and more in one place. Vendors are friendly, food is great. Enjoy a full day of mexican friendship and good people. Come and visit!!!

Let’s start with the swap meet itself. Walking through the aisles, I couldn’t help but feel like I was seeing the same things I’ve encountered at countless other swap meets. The selection was generic and repetitive, with nothing that really stood out or grabbed my attention. It’s like everything was just more of the same—clothing, accessories, knick-knacks—all the typical items you’d expect, but nothing that really made me want to open my wallet. In fact, it felt like the vendors were just rotating the same products you’d see at any other swap meet in the area. Unfortunately, it seems like swap meets like this are becoming a dime a dozen. However, what really saved the trip was the food. The food stalls at the Alameda Swap Meet were incredible! From mouthwatering tacos to refreshing aguas frescas, the food alone was worth the visit. Each bite was packed with authentic flavors, and it was clear that the vendors took pride in what they were serving. It was honestly the highlight of the day, and I’d go back just for that. Additionally, the grocery store at the swap meet was a pleasant surprise. It had a wide variety of fresh produce and authentic ingredients that you don’t always find in the big chain supermarkets. For anyone looking to stock up on some quality groceries, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Good clothing and most products are a great value but the vendors that sell health products, DON'T TRUST THEM! My elderly mother wanted flax seed oil and trusted the sellers. One seller had the expiration date scrapped off. A different vendor from another section sold a product that expired in January 2025. See image. They are ripping customers off and jeopardizing their health for those that seek them for health and nutrition products. Expired food products may become rancid. Pills will not but their potency is greatly diminished and not as effective after the product has expired.

I think Alameda Swapmeet reminds many people of their childhood. Going here was always a tradition. As I got older, trips here became less frequent and I really can't remember the last time I came here before today. I can go on about the amazing vendors you'll find here, all of them with their own unique inventory. You'll find jewelers, clothing makers, masseuses, etc. My favorite spots to walk by are the ones that sell amazing stuffed animals and Mexican candy. This is the perfect place if you're looking for jewelry Everyone here is incredibly friendly and will help you find what you're looking for. It does have an intense ambiance you'll find in a busy marketplace which I think is perfect if that's what you're looking for. There are many food vendors here too and you definitely won't leave hungry. I got the chance to try an ube raspado which was very delicious. If you haven't explored the Alameda Swap Meet for whatever reason, I really encourage you to go!

Coming to a swapmeet like Alameda is always exciting. You never know what you're gonna see. Sometimes you'll even come across a place where they sell birds. As you walk down you will hear different music. If you struggle to find a specific item you're looking for and ask,Some people may even help you if they know where you can find it. My favorite part is picking up a snack when I get hungry after a nice walk in the Alameda swap meet

Honestly I loved this swap meet! There is parking available right next to the swap meet, and so many stands! It feels just like a flea market in Mexico City! You can bargain with the merchants, the food is delicious, they had live musicians when I was there too! I ended up buying jeans, tops, food, got an eyebrow threading session for like 8 bucks... I would absolutely go back!! Not to mention all vendors are sweet and social.

I haven't been there many times--probably about 2 times. It's a typical swap meet with lots of businesses, plenty of food vendors, and many people offering massages. I believe there's live music on Sundays, and people even dance. You can find jewelry, clothing, and just about anything you're looking for. Overall, it's a pretty good spot, but parking can be an issue. It's best to go early; otherwise, finding a spot can be nearly impossible.

Great place to roam around at. Lots of shops. Fresh produce. Live music. Good food. Parking is hard to find though. Agua frescas was the deal of the day. Buy 1, free refills til they close. Worth your time if you're in the area.

I recently visited the Alameda Swap Meet and had a fantastic time! It's a fun little trip to go to as they have a wide array of small shops spread throughout the swap meet. I was delighted by the abundance of options for food, and it was a delight to explore the different culinary offerings. One of the highlights for me was the live music playing in the background, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. They even have a cozy sitting area where you can relax and savor your food. The parking situation can be a bit challenging due to the multiple lots, but it's manageable. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time browsing and shopping at the Alameda Swap Meet. Recientemente visité el Alameda Swap Meet y ¡me divertí muchísimo! Es un paseo pequeño pero divertido, ya que tienen una gran cantidad de pequeñas tiendas repartidas por todo el mercado. Quedé encantado con la variedad de opciones para comer, y fue un placer explorar las diferentes propuestas culinarias. Uno de los puntos destacados para mí fue la música en vivo que ambientaba el lugar, creando una atmósfera animada y agradable. Incluso cuentan con una zona de descanso acogedora donde puedes disfrutar de tu comida. El estacionamiento puede ser un poco complicado debido a los varios lotes, pero es manejable. En general, disfruté muchísimo mi tiempo explorando y comprando en el Alameda Swap Meet.

I came for Cool Piercings and Tattoo. I've gotten 3 new piercings and my nose ring changed. Astrig is THE BEST!!. Parking can be a problem and it's really easy getting lost in the Swap Meet building.

Lots to see, buy and eat at Alameda swap meet. Anything you can think of you can probably find here. But, that's not always a good thing. I am an animal lover and we walked bye a shop that had 3 TOUCANS, yes the exotic birds. We couldn't believe it, how are they allowed not only to have these animals but sell them. From the doorway we could also see a giant fish in a tank were it literally couldn't turn in. That was the end for me. Regarding food most of the vendors look clean and I wouldn't have a problem buying food from them, but there were some that were questionable in a sanitary kind of way. Parking was a headache and the places that offer parking for a fee were very sketchy. We had men waving us down in the street and standing in front of our truck bloking us from moving while they were trying to get us to go into the spots that they wanted us in. We obviously didn't and ended up parking on the main street/ across the street ...catty corner to the location of the swapmet. I highly doubt that we will go to this location again.

Amazing food, Welcoming People, and you can find anything you want!!! Just remember bring a lot of cash!!! The ambiance is amazing. I love it here.

Love coming here the carnitas are so good and all the veggies and fruit are fresh ! So many venders to see love getting my massage from magie here she is the best Hispanic masaje space (B 11) then they have here ! They have parking but they charge $3.00 even if you have a handicap card everyone pays ‍

I don't understand how no one has shut down the store towards the outside that sells animals. There was a fish towards the back of the store who could not even turn around in its tank. It made me so sad to see him struggle to turn. After seeing this, I asked a young man that was standing there, why they couldn't have a bigger tank for that fish and all he said was "he can turn". Ridiculous. I saw a review on here talking about the same fish. That review was made over a year ago. There were also two little puppies in one small crate. I asked if they were for sale and he said they were $1000 EACH. Two young dogs, full of fleas, clearly mixed dogs when he was claiming they were full breed Pomeranians. I was hoping they would be a little bit on the more affordable side so I could possibly help but two dogs full of fleas, clearly in some distress for $1000!? There's no way. The bird cages did have food and water but the water clearly looked old and dirty. All the birds other then the big ones were cramped in one small cage. The lady selling clearly only cares about money and has no genuine interest in the care of these animals. I wish I would've taken pictures but I was just so disgusted in the moment. Obviously will not be returning. I hope the right person with the right power is able to do something more about this.

You can find anything at this swamp meet. And I mean EVERYTHING! clothes, food, drinks, house items, window tinting, accessories, party decorations, horse riding, & they do car detailing. They have live music on the weekends, a dj or a special guest band. They bring out famous singers too and it's free. You can find lots of authentic Hispanic food and Mexican style clothing & accessories. Lots of great snacks, elotes asados, plátanos fritos, aguas frescas, tostitos fruta picada, raspados and many more. Parking is the worst! You need to park on the side of the road or parking areas near by, but its usually full.

We were in the area and decided to stop by for breakfast. We stopped at El Diablito restaurant. The lady preparing EVERYONES orders that were coming in, had her face mask around her neck like a scarf. My mom asked her politely as to why she wasn't wearing her face mask if she was preparing food. Her response was that is was too hot in the kitchen for her to wear her mask and if we didn't like it we were free to leave. That is unacceptable. I asked for a manager or someone in charge and nobody was available. She started to argue with me and I just told her to be quiet and walked away from her. I will not sit there and argue with ignorant people. Por eso estamos como estamos!

This place has it all. Great food to start with specially Mexican cuisine if you like Mexican street food . They have a fish market meat market and grocery store . They also have over 100 vendors selling anything from pets to household items . If you're in the area stop by . I give it 4 stars because parking is a nightmare at times specially weekends

I ordered an item from an ad on Facebook. I'm always aware that it might not be what was advertised, but it came broken, with unintelligible English on the label, they gave fake shipping updates through email from FINLAND (I keep getting them even though the package was delivered today), and a scam support email. It had "rocks and minerals" that were really colored and panted glass. The "advent calendar" came already torn open. The return address was Alice at this address. Pretty stupid really to out your actual return address on a package sent as a scam, don't you think?

Delete all stars!! Beware US Buyers of goods shipped from this location. This is truly a front for a SCAMING FOR SELLING CRAP FROM CHINESE operators. I foolishly purchased a couple of pairs of slippers based on an online ad. The sizes were not correct. I emailed the source and they asked me to return the goods to China for a refund. Very shady. I was informed that I could not return to the address on my package: ALICE at 4501 S ALAMEDA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90058 Avoid these scammers from China.

The Alameda Swap Meet is a trip to Mexico in the heart of LA. The pupusas are the biggest and best tasting anywhere. Every booth, food place and overall atmosphere has a very distinct vibe.

People complaining to clean this place? Is a swapmeet!!! I you Want A red carpet and a marble floor go to the mall Enjoy this place for what it is Period! Food is amazing people is friendly and helpful I love el swapmeet de la alameda

Completely SHOCKED & DISGUSTED!!!! Paid $3.29 for a corn on the cob. Corn was cold and tasteless. Not sure what the name of the place was, but it was directly across from the Diablito restaurant. Seriously, never again! I rather support my corn lady that sells on my street in a market cart. This swapmeet is not what it use to be. Prices on everything is so overpriced. Buy your toys at Walmart. Buy your Mexican candy at DTLA (Santa fe & Olympic).

The Mexican food here is the bomb. They have so much variety! You can eat anything from a street dog to a huarache to a pupusa to mariscos and so much more. The stores also have some pretty neat stuff. I recently bought moccasin style huarache sandals and I really like them. But you can get anything you need here. Clothing, piñatas, toys, pets, jewelry, massages, snacks, groceries, relics, ornaments and the list goes on. Parking gets pretty tight if you go on the weekend or at peak hours in the weekday.

Ok, parking could be a little issue depending on what day you come so be patient. Once you park get ready to eat and shop. If you are particular about food (street vendor type and grease) don't bother. You can find Mexican, Salvadoran, Chinese and ALL kind of sweets to name a few. $20 can feed 2 people easy. Entertainment on Sat and Sun on the court yard area is always amusing but at times standing room only. As far as vendors, you can literally find anything. Seamstress, stereos (installation), shoes shirts, dresses, work clothes, jewelry, mani-pedi, household goods and the list goes in for ever. Just remember to be patient and if you do not like crowds don't go on a weekend.

The people that sell fake documents here are associated with the people that steal your belongings they communicate when you're away shopping eating etc I would stay away from this place if you drive a decent car speaking from personal experience and hearing them whispering communicating that they're clear to steal peoples belongings

Great place to get a massage at JOY clinic, there are several , and they always offer a great service and comfort to your pain. Then after , you could enjoy a treat or a good lunch at El Diablo. Parking is free, small charge of $3 for the weekend. There's always something to bring back home, a plant or a Mexican medicine etc. I hope you enjoy it!

It was my first time there and I didn't like it.. it was dirty the floor had trash everywhere it smelled the aisles were very small. I didn't try any of the food their. Everyone there were very nice and very egar to try and sell their items.

Amazing food and amazing atmosphere, really affordable and just really nice bine in general

Amazing Items from the hundreds of different sellers. The area is clean and I am looking forward to going to this event again many many times in the future. Furniture garden and home decor is what I'm always in search of and I never leave empty-handed

So I come by this place to go shopping for groceries here usually I'll like to pass by for new things. Not that long ago, I pass by a business man who does embroidery for like hats and beanies I was interested in at least doing two of my beanies. Idk if it's a ripoff but it's $15 dollars each for a letter word the guy said until Wednesday will be ready I could you not .I could u not I ask he needed my number to contact me when it's finish and nope no answer I wouldn't recommend this places for stuff like this.

Yeah. I visit Alameda Swap Meat sometimes. You may find a ton of strange things here. Both jewelry and technological device repairs are reasonably priced here.

I purchased some bras from a ad on Facebook I received them great packaging good quality but don't fit wrong size would like to return mot sure how any ideas?

I ordered Mendsmay brow contouring brushes online. The deal was buy 1 get 1 free. With shipping, it came to $14.95. I received numerous emails tracking the pkg from Italy. It took weeks. I stopped keeping them because there was a new one every couple of days. Then all of a sudden they stopped coming. Now I received 1 contouring brush from Alice with the address of the Alameda Swap meet.

i had an awesome dr. mago jeong acupuncture and massage he has helped me in all my issues. but some might as how do u know who to trust.. a doctor u might say... well if a doctor can diagnose all the problems your having without knowing anything about you... that is a real doctor. he has his own remedies that really work. ive bwen to er and doctors and no one has been able to help me with the issues im having.. i highly recommend him. heres his information for those interested. dr. mago jeong acupuncture hurb & massage space # a-18

If you love Mexican food and Mexican candy place to come!! When I have my parties i go and buy the candy there.. it's really fun place to be with family

When you go to a place that isn't your local Ralphs or Albertsons, what you will see is a brand new world of colors, sights, tastes and sounds and that's what I got when I checked out the Alameda Swap Meet. The Alameda Swap Meet caters primarily to the Hispanic community, but of course, all are welcome to experience what this market place has to offer. The produce section is awesome. When you walk in, your eyes are just amazed at all the beautiful color abounding from the various boxes, trays and stalls. While some of the produce was familiar to me, there were still many that were unfamiliar to me. Across from the produce section, there's a butcher section where you can select a variety of different types of meat. As you walked towards the back, you'll encounter colorful pinatas and a candy section where you can get such things as chili mango lollipops. Yum! When you make your way outside to the plaza, there are a variety of food stalls where you can grab a bite to eat, whether it be an entire meal or just a snack. Also, inside the Alameda Swap Meet, there are stalls where you can purchase goods like clothing, shoes, toys, etc., but for me, it's all always about the food, so whether you're a cook who is looking for fresh Mexican ingredients for recipes or you're looking for a place to eat that isn't your regular Taco Bell, be sure to check the Alameda Swap Meet out sometime. To see pics of when I went there last year, go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/la_addict/sets/72157594224654031/

I came here this past weekend and I loved it! They have so much food to try, but I'm sad to say I didn't get to try everything. However, I did get to try the churro, elotes, and some drinks. The churro that I tried was awesome! It was freshly fried so it was nice and crispy. Watching the guy make the churros was just as entertaining as eating the churros. If I remember correctly, the small bag is $3, medium is $4, and large is $5. I tried elote in a cup and it was bomb! Definitely a better way to eat corn than eating it from the cob. As delicious as it was, I think I went overboard with the mayo and butter. Next time I go back I will ask for less for sure. The drink I ordered was a hibiscus drink. If you love sour floral drinks, this is your drink! I also love the color of the drink as well. Very purple. Me gusta. My bf ordered horchata and it was PERFECT. Just yummy. Parking here is a bit difficult since so many people come here. Definitely need a small car in order to fit the parking spots. BTW: The parking lot is right after Vernon like literally right when you past Vernon. When you see the gates, turn! I am definitely coming back to try more of the food.

Seriously this place is soooo dirty I like the food and all but please clean it with water and soap if the swapmeet was close for a long time I think yall had a lot of time to sweep and clean everything sorry but it is super dirty

No stars here. They need to be shut down. There stuff is crap. And false advertising. I bought something for $18.00 and it was nothing like I thought I bought. The pic was so different than what I got. And it was worth maybe a dime. And took 2 months to get. I'm going to return to sender. They r a scam. And I'm s ick of scams. Pass the word.

I love the swap meet for the bailes on the weekend and the shopping. The aguas frescas from El diablo are great, and the tacos de canasta from outside of El faro plaza are great too. the hot dogs and the other food from the inside of the swap meet looks like it will give you chorro, so I avoid it. For good food from street vendors go to olympic and central, but the swap meet is fun for the ambiance and to walk around and shop for miscellaneous things - especially for kitchenware and deals on things like soap, detergent etc. also there is always a guy outside selling homemade nieves (like ice cream and sorbet) and it is always the best. And they have great produce on the inside grocery section. some of the best produce in LA especially if you are looking for things like papalo, flor de calabaza, milperos, pipicha, and fresh chile de arbol.

Good place to eat walk around with the whole family shop and listen to music all afternoon

The worst experience ever! Parking suck, I went to the popusa place order hot dog sign say freshly made....but my hot dog was cold plus I had Diarrhea for 3 day straight.

Every weekend my family and I go shopping downtown LA after that we always come to alameda to eat, this place has awesome vibes and very good food here, especially the churros that make this swap meet worth coming over for

Well, I've been working as an indoor vendor and yes parking does get frustrating, especially on the weekends. SUNDAYS ARE WORSE. Food here is delicious, varies where you purchase it from. A lot to choose from. For people saying parking is bad on Sundays. Come before 11A and I guarantee you'll find parking right off Alameda and 46th, the Alameda Swapmeet lot. If you need to get something done, Monday-Saturday are the best days. If you come to dance, have a good time with the family, Sundays get crazy packed; live music, a lot of delicious food to choose from indoors and outdoors. THANKS FOR CHOOSING Alameda Swapmeet!

Stole our seats from car broke into car and asked people and acted like they have nothing to do when we know it was them. Literally was only in there for like 25-30 minutes never going there again

Tacos, corn, popusas, and most Mexican/latino food. Live music all tipes vendors real fun. Bring lots cash though most places here cash only and parking sucks.

This place is So much fun. I love the laid-back friendly atmosphere here with the good music, the happy people, and all the street food! There are churros here that are THREE for a $1.00!! Yes, Costco is like $1.00 for a Churro, its 3 for $1.00 here! And it's those smaller crunchier ones that aren't too doughy, or so I have heard. They also have street vendors with elotes, free fruits, fresh cut fruits, aguas frescas, and across the street where the live band is playing and everyone is dancing there is a whole section with MOUNTAINS of food just piled up behind the glass. It looks SO amazing. Piles of elotes or corn on the cob, piles of different flavored corns off the cob, pupusas, cabbage, sauces, tacos, quesadillas, etc. etc. TONS of food. This place is so big too there are two main sections. Both consist of a large live band and food area and huge inside areas full of lots of stalls of shopping of everything from acupuncture to games to clothes to shoes and more. Lol we must have looked out of place since the moment we got out of the car this guy approached us about getting something and we were like umm no thank you and hurried away. Free parking on street but try to go around the area between the two buildings or you will just get stuck there in the traffic.

This review is for Diablos mariscos. This place serves trash. I got food poisoning yesterday. I'm still in bed sick. I only picked this place because I saw the girl preparing the tostadas w a mask n gloves. She was very careful n clean. The cooks across the place were not wearing a mask so that was not an option. When we got our food already the pulpo smelled weird. I've never been disgusted in my life. Because my boss was treating me I tried to be polite n tri to at least eat the cucumber tomato onion. I must have eaten at least 3-4 pieces of pulpo but the thing was so damn chewy n disgusting I kept spitting it out and hiding it w a napkin. After we were done as we were exiting the parking lot my body was feeling weird. I had to turn n stop to the nearest side street to throw up, shit everything. This was the most horrific experience of my life. I had no control of what was going on. Day 2 I'm still throwing up. How spoiled or bad was this pulpo? Wtf Never ever eating at this swap meet again.

They are charging parking for disabled person parking... why??? The attends were very rude. They threatened to call the tow truck to remove my car if I didn't pay for parking... mind you they don't charge for parking during the week.

Many stores to choose from. Especially for food!!! Wonderful. If you are looking for something in particular, make sure you go around to the different spots and see which one will give you a good price do not just settle for the first one. Parking can be a hassle especially on the weekends, so try to go early as soon as they open.

Would of rated this higher but some bitch charged 3 dollars for 1 gatorade and almost didn't give me change back