61st Street Farmers Market

The Farmers Market on 61st was like heaven the options were insane. They had meat pies, creative icecreams, fresh produce, quiches, bean pie… everything. I tried the icecream and it was so delicious. The quiche was alright and the prices were a bit high but that’s just a farmers market for ya!!

such a sweet place. great location on 61st & dorchester, a very diverse selection of vendors — pastries, meat, honey, tons of produce of course, a blueberry guy, froyo/ice cream, and more — and just a pleasant experience all around. you can always stop by Build Coffee too!

At the Farmer’s Market, there is a coffee shop that has hands down the most delicious breakfast sandwich. I love coming on a Saturday for this sandwich. It’s so big, it’s usually 2 sittings or needs to be shared. The market in general is lovely, and has a little bit of everything. The fresh produce though and the flowers make it an easy win!

Friendly and very wholesome farmer's market! Lots of vegan friendly options.

The best market in the city! A hidden gem that goes year round. Extremely good community vibes, great vendors and the folks who put it together really put in a lot of effort and care. they do weekly food demos, yoga upstairs and have live music at reasonable volumes (sometimes kids perform, sometimes a local band, sometimes one of the girls who volunteers will just play violin on the corner!) one of my fav weekly rituals- and every single vendor accepts Link Card and the market will double your money with Link Match!

Great little farmers market! It's mid-July and lots of fruit and veggies you can't get in stores like black raspberries and different varieties of summer squash. Love the fresh mushroom tent. My fridge is full.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this Farmer's Market! The selection satisfying and service from the vendors is friendly and impeccable. You are also able to use your credit card there. They also have a program that allows link users to match their funds (for food only) up to $25. They have hot meals available, cooking presentations, and health screenings there as well. Great for the family to enjoy.

Great selection. My only concern is regarding the vendor selling honey. I gave her $20 for a $17 jar of honey. She felt she needed to tell me "okay, you can pick one...." I almost didn't buy it. Did she really think I was going to try and buy two with 20 bucks?

I'm sorry, I really wanted to like this market. Don;t get me wrong, the vendors were great and we bought more than we should have, honestly. But there are some significant issues. From outside in, the parking sucks. All very narrow street parking. Good luck. Then just finding the market is a challenge. An almost unmarked door just down from a coffee shop. What is this, some kind of speakeasy? Once you're in you're looking at two rooms of about 8 vendors per room. Kinda weak. And only maybe 2 of them were actual "farmers". The others had juices or baked goods or breakfast burritos or whatever. Not bad, just not exactly farmers market items en mas. The venue is...weird. It's like an artist coop or something. Really poorly suited to the market. The first thing I noticed was the smoke from cooking (burned?) breakfast foods hanging in the air. Less than ideal. The prices are stupid. Like stupid high. Sure, you expect that from "artisanal", "organic", "small batch", etc stuff. But this was over the top. $8 for a loaf of bread less than 1/3 of a loaf at any other bakery is stupid. The vendors are great, the quality is great. The space, both inside and out sucks, and the prices border on criminal. I suggest you look around for other venues if you are on a budget.

Best farmers market in Chicago, except possibly for Logan Square. They have excellent variety, with several produce vendors, meats, eggs, baked goods and specialty vendors. They had to adjust for Covid, so it's spread out a lot more and looks more sparse as a result, but don't be fooled. You can find what you want here. I visited almost every weekend for 10 years, and still go now and then even though I now live outside Chicago. My weekend shopping usually consisted of the market first and then Open Produce for anything else I needed. This is a really happy place. And stop by Build Coffee for a hot beverage!

This is my favorite Chicago Farmers Market. I like the size and the set up and the selection. There are great farms like Gorman, Star Farm, Urban Canopy and more. The prepared food is also delicious. I enjoy the sense of community I feel whenever I am there. Everyone is kind and helpful and I've had some great conversations. I also appreciate that it goes in the winter as well.

Really cute little farmer's market! I went once before when it was indoors for the winter, but this past Saturday was my first time visiting the outdoor market. People did a fairly good job of social distancing in line, and the vendors were great about handling all the produce themselves. I bought some farm fresh zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes to make caprese sandwiches and ratatouille (pictured below). The produce is definitely a little bit pricey compared to other stores in the neighborhood (TJ's and HPP), so I probably won't be making visits weekly. But I'm okay with splurging on veggies once in a while, especially if they're the focal point of the dishes I'm cooking! Overall, it's worth making the trip over at least once before the season is over. In addition to fresh produce, there are also vendors selling flowers, baked goods, spices, honey, cheese, and frozen yogurt.

SO worth the time to get here from Albany Park--especially in winter! My favorite vendors and a gorgeous drive along the lakeshore... what could be better? Top it off with beignets and coffee with your delicious breakfast at Roux on 55th Street.

LFK is the best for seasonings!!! The variety of flavors and choices of ready to use seasonings for cooking is a must for every household!!!

I live down the street from this market, and I enjoy the healthy hustle-bustle it brings to our Woodlawn neighborhood every Saturday morning. Things sold here include: Fruit (cherries, blueberries etc.) oils, vegetables, meats (pork chops, roast bratwurst, etc.) tea blends, frozen yogurt, bread (sourdough, ciabatta etc.), jelly & jam, pies, salsa, nuts, and cheese. Fairly pricy, but you get what you pay for, I suppose. PARKING TIP: There is a UChicago parking lot at 61st and Kenwood, behind the AT&T building, that does NOT require a parking permit on weekends. Probably not the brightest idea to share this, given that I sometimes have to park there myself due to the chaos, but there you go. Please save me a space! :)

The vendors were pleasant and friendly, if a bit fewer in number than I anticipated. The goods are a bit pricier than I expected, but it is the closest one to me since the South Shore one closed up shop. I think it might expand a bit as the season goes on, but I got some nice asparagus for the grill, farm fresh eggs, and my mom enjoyed the apple cider. I loved all the pastured meat options and free range eggs. There was even artisan sourdough and cheeses. Quite a few of the offerings were available to order and have delivered, rather than being on hand. There were goodies ranging from handmade ice cream, to rhubarb, to apple cider donuts, to king trumpet mushrooms. And, at the back end was a wood-fired pizza oven, cranking out all manner of tasty pies. I'll definitely return!

Sweet small farmers market with lovely bread, fresh flowers, apples, tofu and interesting fresh vegetables. Love coming to this mellow market.

This farmer's market is so cute and friendly. It's in a nice peaceful spot right behind a community garden. It was so nice to be outside enjoying the weather Saturday. And there was a nice assortment of goods available. I didn't even know people sold meat at farmer's markets, but there were 2 different tents with different cuts of organic meats. I can't wait to see what kinds of produce are available during the summer!

I really really like this Farmer's Market. First - it opens earlier than a lot of the others and stays open later into the fall. Of course there isn't as much there during the early spring and late fall (given where we live and growing seasons in the region) but they still have the local meat and cheeses and breads. Second - it's more than just berries and flowers. So many of the markets are really limited. This market has all sorts of seasonal goodies (fruits and veggies) plus, as mentioned above, meats, cheeses, herbs and other local products. Definitely a Community Market in the truest sense. Finally - it may be hidden, but it's really easy to get to. On a nice day, it's a great bike ride. And if I'm lazy, there's always plenty of parking nearby. And whether I bike or drive, I get to head home through nearby Jackson Park which always puts a smile on my face.

The Experimental Station on 61st and Blackstone has really blossomed over the past few years. I would like to think that my bringing the Bread and Puppet Theater from Glover, VT, to their space in 2006 helped launch this new era, but whatever it is, the recent developments are making me happy! While it took a few weeks for this market to get on its feet, the result is pretty darn good. It's on its way to becoming a smaller version of the organic mecca Green City Market in Lincoln Park, but it has that close-knit Hyde Park community feel that really warms my heart. Because it's not as crowded as other markets, you really get a chance to talk to the farmers, which is great. My top picks: the much coveted tomato jelly from Tomato Mountain Farm, triple cream brie with apricots, almonds, and honey from Brett Stamper Cheese, 8-grain bread and eggs from Bruno's organics, veggies from the oh-so-local Windy City Harvest in North Lawndale, and the trail mix scones from the Bleeding Heart Bakery. The last time I was there, Bruno's was selling shares for its raw milk. While I'm still on the fence about the product for myself personally, I strongly believe that subversive farming practices are what is going to save the world. After shopping at the market, be sure to pop into the Backstory Cafe for coffee-it's delicious! Another bonus is that you can buy some groceries and get a minor bicycle problem fixed around the back at the Blackstone Bike Shop.

I really enjoyed stopping by this farmers market today. Its still early in the growing season and I am excited to see the selection expand as more fruits and veggies become available. I totally dig that they also offer meat, eggs, and dairy, also produced locally and organically. And the community garden is fantastic. What a amazing little secret tucked in a little corner in Woodlawn. I will be stopping by here throughout the growing season. I also recommend stopping by the backstory cafe which is just around the corner.

The Farmer's Market has moved indoors for the winter! Saturdays, 9am-noon. November 8-December 13. Details here: http://www.experimentalstation.org/node/118

As I enjoy local Farmer's Markets, it was a pleasant surprise to find this one near my employer, the University of Chicago (its located a block from the Midway Plaisence).. I went one recent Saturday and found a small number of vendors selling items from their vegetables (asparagus is in season this time of year) to breads as well as a few folks who were selling menu items. I ended up getting a crepe from one of these folks which was made with fresh greens, mushrooms, pinto beans, and cheese. I topped it off with a cup of coffee (serve yourself, honor system) from another vendor. On the way out I bought a loaf of Oatmeal bread from another local vendor. All in all it was a pleasant way to spend a bit of time on a Saturday morning. I'll have to come back from time to time to see what else they have to offer. In addition, they also have cooking classes here which might be helpful to some.

I guess I'm a spoiled Californian, too. It's really small and there isn't as much variety as I'm used to. It's also more expensive than I'm used to. However, the produce is still really fresh and of good quality. I guess I'll go again if there are no better alternatives

The 61st Street Farmer's Market is a mere toddler in the realm of Chicago's Farmer's Markets. In just its second year, this has quickly become one of my favorites though. Tucked away in a small section where Woodlawn meets the U of C campus, and therefore my 'hood Hyde Park, it is a location that is meant to be kept fairly small. Essentially this market has been placed along 61st, just east of Dorchester. It is a very short block and as a result has a small amount of space for stalls- but the organizers of this market (Experimental Station- also located right here) have done a terrific job of ensuring great variety of products and representation in such a small, yet comfortable space. This past week, from what I saw, there were: -two different stalls specializing in cheese (funny side story: when a fellow Yelper asked about the differences in the range of blue cheeses being sold- one of them was described as "tasting like your basement... but in the most delicious way possible!" Guess which blue cheese I bought?!?!?); -a farmer who sold free-range chicken eggs (and had the chickens there on display for the children to see) and all cuts of pork raised on her farm; -someone selling lamb, goat, and mutton; -a very popular crepe stand with a busy man cranking out crepes seemingly through the day; -the local bike shop had a space to fix bikes on the spot (I know what I will be doing next Saturday- drop my bike off for an annual "checkup" while I shop away); -a stall with fresh herbs, greens and other vegetables (still early in the season for a lot of variety at this point); -another stall selling veg; -two different stalls selling their own salsas, sauces, and salad dressings; -a community organizer spreading the word about the upcoming "Real Men Can Cook" event I am sure I am forgetting at least a couple of things- but the point is, there is a great amount of variety. They accept LINK, WIC, and food stamps- making it a market for everyone to enjoy! They are supposedly working on getting a POS credit card terminal too, which would be awesome. While you are there, might as well stop in to Backstory Cafe- a really nice coffee shop which is a part of Experimental Station and open for anyone to attend during the market. Just north there is a community garden center filled with all sorts of gorgeous flowers, produce, and the occasional garter snake. Extremely easy to get to (just off of LSD near the Museum of Science and Industry) with unlimited street parking and tucked away in a really lovely part of town- with a lot to do and see after. I suggest everyone give it a try at least once this summer- besides, it is one of the few farmer's markets that is actually on a Saturday in the city.

this is one of the best farmer's markets in Chicago. They have a good selection of produce and a wonderful atmosphere. There's cheese, bread, and fresh flowers. parking is good and it is not crowded.

This place is amazing. Shows what a neighborhood collective can accomplish even if you find yourself on the less desirable side of town. I will be back again and again!

It's small but there are some great people and great finds here! I racked up at River Valley Farms. I really enjoyed the spinach artichoke dip, apricot- chile sauce, veggie burgers, butternut squash ravioli and blueberry lemon compote. My favorite items from River Valley were the cranberry chutney and wild mushroom burgundy pasta sauce-deelish!!!!!! The lady selling the goods was very nice as well. Pleasant House Bakery was there the day I went. I grabbed a couple of pies and some arugula. I don't know if this will be a regular thing for them. Anyway, those are some of the goodies that I got but there were also pastries, breads, fruits, veggies and demos as well. Why not head on over ?

I really love this market. Not only did I get some great asparagus, cheese and crepe this weekend, I got to visit with neighbors new and old. They accept LINK and will double it up to $25 which is great for a neighborhood in a food desert. Most of the farms are MI and WI, all are probably within 100 miles of the market. Good stuff.

Great intimate community Farmer's Market. Excellent Variety of Vendors incl produce, Cheese, floral, Made to order omlettes & tacos using market produce, Cooking Demos, Market School education. Accepts link & will double your value. $1 Coffee, raffles. Well organized, fun place to spend Saturday morning.

This was one of the few things I liked when I lived in Hyde Park. Good selection of produce - great apple cider in the fall! Also, the crepe guy rocks - the cheese and herb crepe, super yum, for a nice lunch post shopping.

I know I'm northern California spoiled, but I found pretty slim-pickings. Will give it another try, though.

A super great place to get fresh fruits & veggies and other items as well. Friendly people and a great way to support a small business

I LOVE this location. They have a great selection and atmosphere. Easy to find parking! SO glad we have such a great market on the south side!!!! It says on this page that they don't accept credit cards, but that's not true. There's a station where you can give your credit card and get farmers market cash in return. You can use them at any point during the market season.

I stopped by this organic farmers market in my old/soon to be new Hyde Park Woodlawn neighborhood - I loved it. It does appear to be sponsored by out and out Communists and their natural t-shop, bookstore has a lot of disturbing books about Abbie Hoffman, various Third World marxist movements, but I must give these folks lots of credit, their organic farmers market is really great and all the vendors are very nice and they sell healthy, high quality produce. The best vendors were an Amish family and the husband and wife had 8 children and home schooled. Maybe the Amish are the ones who have made communal societies a real success in America.... if these Amish natural grass feed, organic farmers are the face of Communism, communal living in America than I support them. God bless these good folks and I encourage many others to support this project and other projects like them.

Great farmers market to have in the neighborhood. It's small enough to keep busy but not to a point of anxiety. It has a great selection of produce, mushrooms and greens especially. The Michigan Honeycrisp apples are 1) outrageously priced 2) totally worth it. If all I had was twenty bucks for a week of groceries there's a 100% chance I would spend it all on a dozen of those apples....cos that's all it would get me. Moving on, there are a couple vendors selling crepes and breakfast burritos which is a welcomed bonus on a Saturday morning. AND they have a raffle each month and after each purchase you make you're supplied with a ticket to enter. I'm a fan. Even if you don't need groceries; crepes, coffee and a raffle, are you kidding me? That's a killer way to spend a Saturday morning.

It has been at least a couple of years since I last tried this market, and in that time the folks at Experimental Station have nurtured it into a fantastic venue! Fresh fruits and veggies, breads, pastries, eggs, flowers, cheese, meat products, a taco stand and a crepe stand. The number and quality of offerings is outstanding, especially for the south side. They even have a market dollars service, where you can purchase coupons with a debit or credit card, a great service for someone like me who rarely has much cash in his pocket.

Finally stopped back, after a two year hiatus. The 61st Street Framers Market has really grown and improved! There are many more vendors than its first year, and the prices, while still high, are within reason. I am glad I took a chance while there is still time to return this season. All of the vendors were friendly and helpful and the produce and baked goods looked fresh-as-can-be. Can't wait for next Saturday's return visit!