SFC Farmers' Market at Sunset Valley

Last time me and wife went it was our FIRST time ever at a Farmers' Market and we were super excited. Lots of great vendors and people here but a few bad apples stood out. Steer clear of the 2 Greek gentleman that sell various meats and eggs. When we approached them to see if any eggs were available they told us no. No problem, right? Maybe 15 minutes passed and we went back the same way only to find that they had LOTS more eggs available for sell. They simply wouldn't sell them unless you were a friend or someone they knew. This is EMBARRASSING and SAD to say the least. You could have told us there was some reserved and we would have understood instead you just lied. Don't give these folks your money. Lastly, the hummus guy with the foreign accent would NOT acknowledge me since I was a man. All the women who went there were happily given samples and had all their questions answered. But as soon as I walk over interested and ready to purchase and maybe even get a sample to purchase EVEN MORE. I was ignored and made to feel like a nuisance. Very sad and not to mention creepy... Shoutout to the marinara guy though. Absolute legend and AMAZING marinara sauce. He deserves recognition for his sales skills and hospitality. Unlike the previous vendors I mentioned. Hopefully things change the next time I'm around. If not, you will be hearing another review from me.

SFC is a shady company - Beware Vendors SFC stole over $1200 in booth fees from my small family business. I have been a vendor with SFC about 12 years. I have always praised them on how well they treat their vendors and run their markets. However, within the last year or so they have made changes to their policies requiring vendors to pay a full month of booth fees up front even if they aren’t in attendance. As well as these monthly fees must be auto drafted no longer cash paid or manual CC payment. For example, if you want to start selling with SFC mid month you will still be paying for the first two weeks you weren’t there. Or if you worked the first weekend but were unable to come the rest of the month, you would not receive a refund for those 3-4 weeks. I was not in attendance for many months in a row and was told my account was on pause for payments. Once I discovered I was being charged, I was told by Maya Adra and Marie Miller via email that I would receive a full refund. I checked back weekly for my refund which drug out over a month at which time I was contacted by Amy Gallo who decided I was no longer getting a refund because of ‘new policy’. She offered me less than half of what they stole. I demanded the full amount and she ignored my contact attempts from there one it. I was not in attendance any of the months I was charged. My account was not paused for payment as it should have been. I was told I would receive a full refund. Then denied my refund after being drug along for over a month. This is total and complete and theft!! I will NEVER recommend SFC to any of my vendor friends. They are no longer community focused or supportive to their vendors. They have gone full ‘big business’ and only care about their profits.

This is a friendly weekly farmer’s market with a good variety of vendors. This medium sized market has on strip of vendor tents with produce, baked goods, candles, crafts and everything you may want from a Farmer’s Market. Other than the three produce vendors, they do not have multiple vendors selling same product. Many people bring their dogs and there is a shaded section with chairs to laze around for a while and listen to the local live musicians. I like to pair a trip to this market with another nearby market at Barton Creek Mall.

Great local offerings, very good little band playing today! Tasty Pickle Envy fermented joy and Makayla Creations brownies yum!

Small number of vendors compared to other farmer markets. On the positive note, it’s easy to get to and unlimited amount of parking. Also had live music and nice place to sit.

If you are looking for naturally grown produce and other whole foods, this is a good little farmers' market. Prices are average for the area.

Great farmers market, the vendors are all wonderful people and supporting local businesses is always a plus

Grass fed Angus Roasts from Copper Creek Ranch , homemade sweets from Le Renard Patisserie, fresh produce from Flame Leaf farms (and many others) , featuring " Marky mark and the funky bunch of carrots" , and the biggest zucchini ive ever seen...

Little but lovely. We keep coming back for Gracy's Microgreens! They are the longest lasting microgreens ive gotten yet. And she gives you a little kickback for bringing back the tray; clearly I'm all about recycling. Live music only adds to the good vibes and sunshine

I've been a customer on and off at the Farmers Market at Sunset Valley for eight years. They are still open during the lockdown. There's lots of open air and you are required to wash your hands at the station before entering. Almost every vendor has their own water dispenser with soap. There were no more than ten customers shopping in the market. It's a great place to buy essential vegetables during lockdown, but I didn't see any fruit, hand lotion, or artisan soap for sale this time. I will be coming again to avoid large crowds at HEB and Costco.

I love to come get fresh farm vegetables and fruit here. I usually find many more things

This farmers market isn't half bad.. there's plenty of parking, lots of vendors free samples and just about everything you could want from a Farmers Market. I have been to better Farmers Markets in town however. Its feels really quite here and there is a sense of friendliness all around that I get from other farmers markets aka HOPE Farmers Market and the downtown market. Maybe if they got bands to play or blasted music and just made the whole environment here a bit more fun it would improve their image. The booths and products are great but there could be more of them. I could also use more food vendors. I like being able to get breakfast at the farmers market and the only thing I ever see here is the token tamale dealer and a taco truck. If you want to hit up a farmers market on a sunny Saturday for some stuff to cook they wont completely let you down here but I think there are better farmers markets if you look around!

Where have you been all my life and why did it take me sooo long to discover you?! Now that I have found the SV Farmers Market, there is no turning back. Located off 290 with plenty of parking, this place is great if you live south. I like that there are multiple booths offering a variety of veggies, fruit, meats, honey, bread, soups, jams, etc. Although I love JBG, I prefer to have other options as well for my produce, and this FM doesn't disappoint! Everyone here is super friendly, from vendors to customers. It is dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and has live music and a children's play area. This is now my weekly staple. I am obsessed with the Lacto-fermented sauerkraut, the grass-fed meats, and the awesome produce. As always, super proud to be a South Austin resident!

This quite small farmer's market has exceptional produce, baked goods, meat, eggs, body and pet care products. There was music and a very small seating area. Access was easy and the vendors were really friendly. Prices seemed very high to me but I live in another part of the country where unprocessed food is inexpensive so perhaps their prices are more typical here.

I like this small market. It is laid back, plenty of room for kids to burn off steam, dogs to pet, and today I saw a huge Main Coon (I think) walking on a leash with a dog harness. No dogs got near that cat my friend! There were about 20-30 booths open, with a few trailers. I was on the hunt for someone roasting hatch chilies, but I am about a week early. People are extremely nice at each of the places I spotted. Lots of local shoppers and really not worth a trip from RR or something, but quite pleasant. There are tons of parking but be sure and watch you speed though Sunset Valley. Definitely worth a stop as it is convenient. It is slowly getting bigger as there is more development in the area. Great for people watching also.

Apparently this was Austin's premier farmer's market at one time, but now it's hard to tell if we're just seeing the remnants of that, or the initial awkward stage of starting anew. I kept thinking this may be the current Highland Mall of Austin's farmer's markets. Even the dogs I saw scattered here and there looked like they wanted to be somewhere else. Darla A. is pretty much an authority on the political backstory here which she explained to me, but the bottom line is most of the vendors have left this location for the farmer's market at Barton Creek Mall, and it shows - I only counted twenty-four booths and about the same number of customers at 11:00am. The one advantage I see in coming here is if the Richardson's or Full English booths at Barton Creek sell out, you can drive the two miles to get what you wanted, because they're not going to sell out of anything anytime soon at their booths here. I bumped this from two stars to three because it's not about taking it out on the vendors, they just want a stable place to show you what they have on a Saturday morning. So if you do find your way down here for whatever reason - like the early morning door-busters at Kohl's - then consider stopping by here for a moment: You may find that tasty bottle of locally harvested honey, a perfect gift of aromatic homemade soap, or even an interesting head of Swiss chard for yourself - it will definitely be worth your time, and you'll be doing a good thing for everyone.

Saturday is YAY... Farmer's Market day, for me and the pups most weeks. This market is new - replacing the Sunset Valley Farmers market which moved in the spring to Barton Creek Mall. As somewhat of a Market rat... I have been known to hit all three south markets on a single Saturday. Lots and lots of great produce vendors and locally prepared foods, plenty of people wearing tie-dye and Birkenstocks and carrying their recycle bags... Austin-style live music, and a parade of furry friends that just make me smile... you couldn't be any more in Austin if you were to chain yourself to the Capitol building. About 60-75% of the vendors overlap from market to market... Some of them have a city license to sample (victory lap alert) and the SFC has a table featuring some of the market produce and prepared foods (like Texas French Bread and local Olive Oil). Some weeks they even do cooking demos with the local fare. So what is unique here at the SFC Farmers Market? I have not counted, but noticeable to me are: - Sgt Peppers - love the pestos and hummus. - Pura Vida.. best organic heirloom fare in town (LOVE the little multicolored tomatoes for $4bucks a basket and Basil for $1 a bunch). - Gwen Rocks Jewelry.. she mostly does wire wrap and natural stones... I always get compliments when wearing her stuff.... Market Tip - summer gets hot... get there when they open to get the best selection of produce and if too hot, leave the dogs home in the AC.

"Dead mall" farmer's market that has never fully recovered from the conversion to SFC. If it weren't for the ubiquitous Johnson's Backyard Garden presence, there would be no farmers to speak of at this market. Even the Johnson's booth here is sparse, and pales to their smorgasbord of offerings at Barton Creek Farmer's Market. Unfortunately, my idea of a farmer's market is more than a few trailer park food vendors scattered along a gravel walking path. Sadly, if you arrive more than 90 minutes after they open, even enjoying this aspect of SFC SVFM is very dicey and subject to frequent fail. You'll find most of the former vendors have boarded the "mothership" to BCFM. I'm going there instead from now on. It's just not worth the time and trouble going here.

I am not going to get into the drama that split the Sunset Valley Farmers Market into 2 separate markets - I am just glad there is still a FM here as it is 5 minutes from my house. Numerous Farms decided to stay plus have a booth at the Barton Creek Farmers Market and there were even some new Farms here for the first time. The SFC FM is about have the size of SV FM and moved over to Pillow St next to the Toney Burger lot where it was previously. Going east on the 290 service road there was good signage directions so you can easily find it. The biggest disappointment was that the musicians decided to move to the new location. But, the biggest win for SFC is that Aunt Nita stayed! I counted no less than 10 vendors plus numerous browsers munching on her Yummalicious 1.75 breakfast tacos!

I love the variety of cool booths at this market. I've seen a booth for herbs and tinctures, ritual paraphernalia and incense, honey, hemp oil and salves, specialty cooking oil, homemade sauerkraut, tacos, excellent tamales, and of course lots of produce stands. And there's almost always live musicians! It has a community feel with a kids play area and yoga going on. I highly recommend checking it out on a Saturday!

I was a little sad by this farmer's market and I am not sure if it was because of the time of year I went. I came here on a Saturday morning around 1am in the middle of March. The market was extremely small with maybe 8 places to shop. It might have actually been less than that. I went here and came up with nothing. I ended up heading out to the Barton Creek mall farmers market for a better variety of foods.

This was my go to farmers market. But they've gotten carried away with the whole msk deal and require it as if the air we breathe is poisoned by a toxic gas. Come on people it's outside the sun is out. WAKE UP!!!

I just found out there was a Farmers Market down here. Who'd have thunk. The parking lot was ginormous, but people parked their cars super close together in such a manner I was wondering how some were going to get out of the lot. There was a booth where you could try veggie samples from some of the stands, which was nice. As far as the stands go, there's your vegetable stands, your dairy stands, a couple of meat places, and 2 bakeries. There's also about 5 food stands that sell sandwiches, tamales, meat pies, etc. You should bring cash, but if you forget, they have an ATM there (which just looked like a cash register...not sure how that works). It's always fun to come here and check out the dogs. I've seen some huge dogs that could double as small ponies/bears. If you're scared of dogs...well, you probably should not come here for groceries. Oh and also, come early for the best selection! I think they open at 9 (according to their website) but when I got there around 9:30 some of the meat places had already sold out of certain items.

Let us consider the major upsides to this specific Farmer's Market: ample parking; inconvenient location, thus allowing for conveniently not-crowded shopping; and proximity to Wal-Mart to get your franchised and mass-produced fix. Also, Sam's is around the corner to supply you your way-not-local fruit that is often not found at FMs. Lastly, Spec's, arguably my favorite Spec's in Austin. You definitely cannot buy a great amount of local liquor (though Texas Sake is staking its claim in recent times). People giving this Farmer's Market a bad rap irk me just a little. Why belittle a little guy in a corporate world for attempting to do something different. Sure, it sets up shop in an industrial often-used-for-band-practice lot; sure, there is not a whole lot of produce; sure, you cannot always get what you want. But, honestly, Austin is just not the ideal place for food production. A testament to this: I used to buy meat all the time. I came back in the Fall of 2011, and the dang drought had wiped out the grass which wiped out the protein production. What did I do? I ordered up a FM Community-Supported Agriculture Box. I ate veggies for a week. I had a very "fine-tuned" body. Adapt and enjoy... though I am somewhat of a hypocrite. I do enjoy a corporate-beef burger every so often. Make your way down South and enjoy what this farmer-driven, "shop local" outpost of the elitist locavore grocery shopping style has to offer.

A couple of really great vendors here. More than a few really, but I have my favorites: Stones Throw Studio (handmade jewelry), Kala's Kuisine (authentic Nepalese sauces and spreads - I got the Mango Chutney!), as well as grass fed lamb, and another retailer (name escapes me now) selling Indian food. Nearly each of these stands let us sample before buying. There were plenty of produce stands as well, selling organic beets, carrots, squash, herbs, and more. Hand-made soap, gluten-free pastries, pickles and jams, homemade kombucha. Even taco deli had a stand if you needed a bite whilst shopping for goodies. Prices were probably on par with Central Market, give or take. Was nice to support the little guy, though. This was a really enjoyable experience and I look forward to going back.

I love this Farmers Market so near my house. We pick up our CSA subscription there on Saturdays and browse the booths. I've gotten amazing locally raised lamb, wonderful breads, delicious tamales, and refreshing lemonade. The other advantage to locally sourced food is limited ingredients - while I'm on a temporary dairy/soy free diet it's really nice to be able to talk to the purveyors of the food I'm buying, or read an ingredient list with less than ten items. It makes shopping for food much more pleasurable and stress-free.

I adore this farmer's market! I am a volunteer for the Sustainable Food Center and work here a few Saturday's a month. When I'm not working at the info booth I am shopping! The produce offered by the farmers here is outstanding and the actual people working the booths are some of the most friendly you will ever come in contact with. They will go above and beyond to make sure that you are going to love their product and come back again. They always seem so ready and willing to chat and help. Aside from the outstanding produce there are quite a few other vendors offering a wide variety of delicious prepared food. A perfect way to spend a Saturday involves shopping and then picking up a few treats up for yourself for lunch. Last but not least the parking lot is enormous! You will never have an issue finding a spot here.

There are pros and cons to this market. If you're looking for small with an abundance of parking then this is the place for you. However if you are looking for a lot more variety then it may be best for you to visit the Farmers Market in Barton Creek mall. I needed some meat, honey, and veggies so it was ideal coming to this market. The vendors are kind and knowledgeable on their products and they had what I needed.

I have shopped this market since it was located in West Lake Hills and seen it go through a number of changes. It will always be my favorite precisely because it is smaller and I don't have to drive or take a bus to get to it. Children can play in the shade while I listen to music and talk to local vendors. Everyone from the vegetable vendors to the folks who make jewelry take great pride in what they offer and have tips on how to use and share it. Sustainable is the new direction that farmers markets need to take in order to differentiate from what "organic" is becoming-- a new profit-making machine for corporate America. Tecolote Farms is my favorite precisely because of their high commitment to sustainability. I I loved Pura Vinca also but i dont know where they've gone :( Swede Farm & Mill Creek Dairies have beautiful products. Truth is every farmer here has wonderful stuff to try. Also try some raw kombucha, delicious tamales, artisan breads and raw organic honey. Not only that - I find beautiful handmade unique gifts for loved ones. I'm worried that this market is shrinking, and it would be a tragedy to lose this jewel. I don't want to go to a farmers market in the hot parking lot of a giant mall!!

Even though I live closer to this Farmers' Market, I've always gone to the bigger one that used to be located in this area just because I thought bigger was better. I've learned with this market that, this is not always the case. There is an abundance of parking in the lot at the Toney Burger Center. The market was set up along what almost looked like a wide trail. It was cozy, in a good way. The band area is nice and open off the main trail and you can listen to the music while you enjoy shopping. There were a wide variety of vendors present. You could find anything from small handmade goods to honey to produce. The vendors I came across were all very nice people and were very knowledgable about their products. I kind of like the smaller setting better because I almost feel like I can slow down. Plus, it seems that even though I got here "late" by farmers' market standards (10:30-11ish), there was still the optimal pick of produce, the meat wasn't gone, and the eggs were still available. At the larger markets, if you're not there before 10:30 or even 10:00, you can be SOL. So I'll probably be back. I'm surprised I didn't try it earlier. This might be my new go-to place, especially when it is only 5 minutes away instead of 10. I always thought that was kind of the point of a local farmers' market- not to have to drive all over town (unless you have a favorite must-have vendor).

I like any farmers market, I just wish they were located farther up north on the weekend. Ok, well this Wednesday market will just have to fit the bill. What a great place to pick up veggies for dinner. I came home with all the fix ins for a salad and pasta with veggies, along with wheat sourdough bread. The veggies were fresh and bountiful although there were the basic varieties: radishes, squash, zucchini, red leaf lettuce, garlic, onions--list goes on. We also picked up a dozen eggs. This market is petite but is great for picking up a few items to throw together for dinner.

Why do I go to a farmer's market? To buy food for my table, hopefully from the people that raised it. The Sunset Valley farmer's market seems to have less food than 'stuff' (e.g., soap, popsicles, recycled wood planters, wind chimes, etc.). I went to the market when it was combined with the downtown market during ACL fest. I have not been to the Sunset Valley market since a bunch of vendors left to set up a new market at Barton Creek Mall in 2010. The combined market was a disappointment - can't imagine what the 'normal' Sunset Valley market is like these days. Perhaps there are too many Saturday 'markets' in our town - would one BIG one make sense? I remember the Sunset Valley market having all kinds of farmers, bakers, and food-related vendors in the past - but not so much now. Guess I know where to go if I need wind chimes...

Nice farmers market. Always find what I need. They have all the same vendors that the other markets seem to have. It is close, not ridiculously crowded, plenty of parking, and great produce. I hear people talking about the "vibe" compared to BC Farmers Market. Honestly, I don't see any difference between the two markets. I mean your shopping for local fair, so what is the deal if it isn't the top "trendy" spot to go by veges. I think its a great setting, better than going to a mall parking lot.

Drama, drama, drama is the name of the game at this so called farmers market. I do not recommend to others and will not be going back myself. Better options elsewhere.

I love this FM. The people are great, so helpful and friendly. Get to know your farmer. Unfortuantely with the split up that happened, it's smaller, but may just be the time of year. Still good vendors. I'm realizing quite a few of the farmers are selling their product in stores around Austin. Not a bad thing, and will still buy from their table. (more $$ in their pockets). I just wish it had all my farmers as it used to. (some are over at the mall, not my fav. location, but great vendors still)

Nice market but too political and too many rules with a left wing, almost Walden Pond twist. Good stuff here, but sacrifices of vendor variety for ideological purity and "fairness." Housewives are made to prove market items are local produce with every detail provided of how they are made, with multiple requests for more info for approval by a commissar figure. Not sure why. That kind of request is bothersome and drives off artisans and creatives, who have slowly faded over away over time. Good produce though, with the earthy layout bolstering an idea of bare-footed hayseed farmers as the image of the perfect vendor. The vendors are really nice, so I agree maybe one or two rules are helpful, but this could also be the result of walking on eggshells. And those vendors who are successful but are sensitive to cash flow are made to move around their booths so that they cannot be found by customers until they give up or the vendor leaves. I resent having to go on a hunting expedition for my favorite vendor who probably gave up anyway. Poor farmers! Burn the rules and start over.

This is my favorite Farmers Market.. I love going here picking up veggies to fix for brunch/dinner, everything tastes so fresh and delicious.

It's a fine farmers market. Lots of good vendors, but for some reason it just doesn't have the same positive vibe that some of the other markets have. I just prefer Barton Creek or SFC Downtown.

I went to this market for the first time since the name change over last weekend. I am not familiar with particular farms, but the quality of produce was way better than the last time I went. Sweetish Hill bakery has a stand here, which in itself makes it worth the short trip from my house. As long as SFC keeps up with such a great assortment of local produce I will keep coming back.

We had a blast at Sunset Valley Farmer's market. Purchased fresh heirloom okra from one vendor; the most beautiful eggplants and pickled okra from Hill Country Home Style, and an assortment of goodies from Cake and Spoon. It's a fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning!

Kind of pricy and medium sized, but, the produce is amazing. There is nothing like fresh veges, in season and local. Thanks to the Farmers for coming out!