Orsolya D.
Yelp
Most of us can recall the days of youth when Saturday mornings were about cartoons, cereal, and laziness. As adults, Saturday mornings have evolved to be about farmers markets and errands. One might long for those child's play days but I actually choose a farmers market. Nothing better than browsing fresh produce stands and unique, gourmet offerings. Los Angeles is the home to many farmers markets in each respective community and Burbank is no exception. Let's find out of this market merits a visit...
Held on every Saturday morning from 8am-12:30 (rain or shine); the Burbank Farmers Market is located on the corner of Olive/Glenoaks in the parking lot of the Burbank Administrative and Workforce Connection building. Parking is available adjacent to the lot (but is generally full) but there is ample street parking available and the lot at the firehouse is also up for grabs. Both parking and the farmers market are free of any charge/admission.
Now, don't be expecting a grandiose farmers market as the Burbank offering is rather small in comparison to some of the others in the city. This market is literally just a small square of vendors and not a market with huge quantity of sellers or bells and whistles like pony rides and inflatable rides for children. That being said, the Burbank Farmers Market still attempts to offer some varied goods. The produce booths are all generally the same: seasonal fruits and veggies and the prices are also even-keel at each booth so there isn't really one that is better than the other. However, there are also some unique products like salsas, cheese, Asian pickled foods, eggs, pressed juices, a mushroom varietal booth, and even a florist. Thus, you CAN find some surprise goodies even at this rather small market.
The great thing about the Burbank Farmers Market is that the negative of the larger markets being overly-crowded and being filled with children isn't an issue here. There is ample walking space, not really any children, and is pretty much an in-and-out deal. On the other hand though, ALL of booths here catcall to those walking buy and it sounds like an auction and makes one feel pressured to visit booths. It's a little bit intimidating and takes away from some of the pleasure of the market.
For those with EBT; the Burbank Farmers Market is EBT-friendly. Just visit the welcome booth where you tell them how much you would like to put on your card (you have to do this first before you purchase goods), they swipe your card, and exchange it for market money. They also give you a bonus dollar for your first time. The great thing is you can go back for more and it doesn't expire so you can keep leftovers for your next visit.
Don't worry about having to arrive too early. Even at 11am, all booths were still stocked and good to go.
Overall, the Burbank Farmers Market is rather solid and good for those located in the Burbank vicinity but not necessarily one to go out of your way for. It also doesn't compare to some of the other markets (such as the AMAZING Studio City Farmers Market) but again: it isn't bad. It is clean, offers a suitable variety of booths, and maneuverability is ideal. So if in the area and taking a break from Saturday morning cartoons (I'm not judging you!); then head to the Burbank Farmers Market.