South Bend Farmer's Market

The Farmers Market has seen better days. While it once offered a charming, old-style atmosphere with fresh produce, it now feels dated and run-down. The prices have climbed significantly, and many vendors come across as overly self-important rather than focused on quality or customer service. The market has taken on a distinctly "yuppie" vibe, which may appeal to some but alienates others who preferred its former welcoming, community-oriented feel. Unfortunately, if you don’t fit into a certain niche, you might feel like an outsider rather than a valued customer. For those seeking an inclusive, reasonably priced farmers' market experience, this may no longer be the best choice. Final Thoughts: 2/5 Stars – A shadow of what it once was, with overpriced goods and an unwelcoming atmosphere.

What a fun place to come check out. The produce is very yummy.

Best Farmer's Market ever! Okay...I grew up in the area so I'm sort of partial to it, but even after traveling and visiting others around the country, nothing compares to it. Wonderful variety of fresh everything from fruits and vegetables to breads and meats as well as healthy plants and homemade items. It is a must-visit farmer's market. And the restaurant is amazing with great service. Check out the avocado toast I recently had for breakfast. Is that eye candy or what? And it was so tasty, too. Excellent service came with it, which was a bonus. So whether you live near South Bend or are just passing through, pay it a visit. You will not regret it.

Indoor, year round farmer’s market. Great variety of things, always interesting and fun. The cafe serves excellent breakfast as well.

Got an Almond Joy frozen coffee. Worst coffee drink I’ve ever had. Diluted, like frozen water with no flavor. My husband asked for an espresso. Didn’t know what they were. Wouldn’t go back.

The restaurant inside is ONLY good if you know someone. Otherwise, you get food that is fast food quality at best on top of terrible service. The waitress handling my party would be there for a second, then talk with those she knew, neglecting her other customers. That’s only the restaurant. The actual Farmer’s Market part of the building isn’t awful, but it is ALWAYS busy and the prices are the /SAME/ as store prices. Not worth the drive because you lose out with how much gas is. If you have Notre Dame moneys, then fine, otherwise, you’re out of luck. (06/2025)

Lots going on at this market. Produce seems great. Honey. Popcorn. Smoothies. Tchotkes. It’s all inside in a smallish hallway that makes a big square.

Great place for the whole family. They always have a great selection of vendors - all of which are extremely friendly and helpful. My favorite is this succulent farm with a huge selection of succulents! You can also grab breakfast or lunch from many different vendors.

Indoor flea market in South Bend Indiana. Located along the Saint Joseph River. Open daily, super cute Indoor with a lot of things to offer. Your senses will be captivated by many sights,sounds and smells of local farmers bringing their goods to this market. Vendors and customers come from far and near to sell and purchase goods from the many stalls that are owned and operated by families. Love supporting small businesses and it's a must see when in South Bend.

It's a fairly large market for South Bend, but I admit, I was expecting a different style...you know, a parking lot with little tents and so on. This was like a grocery store with generational stalls. The pricing was way higher than I was expecting, as well. I get it though...I live on a farm and know how much work it takes to do this, but Daaaym! Expensive! Seems like everyone was willing to help you buy something, which was cool, but it felt rushed and a bit contrived for a Mishawaka market. I mean, some high-falutin' kind of business going on here. Be prepared to spend a leg on some mighty fine mushrooms and honey.

Came here while on vacation. The pictures on Yelp showed a bustling market with tons of fresh produce and people buzzing around. Wrong!! It was a sad death inside market with very little vendors Joe. And the vendors that were open. We're the ones that made their wares themselves such as knitted hand towels, wooden pens, frilly doil dressed dolls or glass formed objects. There were a few that sold produce but at the prices they wanted I passed. $4 for a tomato! I get it but I can wait till I go to my hometown farmers market for that price. There was a great cheese shop that had a huge and wide variety of different cheeses I'd never heard if. Of course I picked up some of those and a few were so funky I almost gagged at the smell when I opened the package. That didn't stop from gobbling down the dairy Goodness. I love all cheese. There was a great meat market too. Had I not been on vacation I would have purchased some fresh meat but had to pass. There was also a small and quaint little diner inside that sat maybe 20 ppl. Small menu with basic midwestern food. Nothing I had to have so I passed in dinning there. There is a orivate parking lot that needs some attention for there were many potholes and one girl hit the telephone pole cause it's hard to back out of some spots. Overall, glad I stopped to support local but it wouldn't be a place I frequented.

So many vendors! And a great variety of wares. It's indoors so temperature controlled all year round! Has a a central cafe. Lovely space to browse and learn about local products and small businesses. Most vendors take credit and debit. There's also an ATM if cash is needed. Everyone is very friendly.

We were in the area and found this place near by. When we arrived here, it's an indoor walkthrough market. It's a bit outdated like a flea market kinda feel. We came here on a Friday afternoon in July...not a lot of vendors were open assuming this place would get busier during the weekend. We got fresh berries and root vegetables. They had vendors that sell local honey, meats, cheeses, eggs etc. We also found their indoor cafe/diner which they use the markets farmer's food items to serve customers. The food was also affordable and tasty. The cafe had low stool chairs under a long lamamet table shaped like a U shape with a could of tables and chairs outside of the cafe. The prices were reasonable. I got the chicken fried chicken with gravy hash brown scramble eggs and cinnamon toast. Chicken breading was thick n crunchy, gravy was creamy, hash brown has some crispy bits. My scrambled eggs were a bit overcooked/dry. Hubby's breakfast burger was also good. It's was a brioche bun, burger patty-crispy edges, has browns, bacon and a sunny side egg. He would get it again even though it got messy eating it. His fresh fruit cup was also good with fresh cut up pieces of sweet juicy peaches, pitted cherries, and blueberries. Overall, nice experience, we'd go back there again.

If you want to find a place for brunch on a Saturday and do some grocery shopping, the farmer's market is the perfect place for you. The cafe offers a wide range of brunch and lunch items, and they also offer a lot of specials to choose from. I had the pork belly Benedict special for mine! And it totally blowed me away! So good! I've also had the farmer's market traditional (the first item on the menu), and it was also tasty. The cafe space is relatively small inside the market, and you can either sit inside or outside. The server was always nice and friendly. After a great brunch/lunch, you can walk around, buy some local staff or just chat with the local vendors. It was really great! Definitely recommend.

Love, love, love this Market, Qwaint, but everything you need, restaurants nearby beer garden on the premises

Local grown produce and merchandise Been around all my life- unique to area Favorites - Moms Keifles, Kris' Kountry Kitchen, and The Great British Tea House Love my sweets!

We like running through Farmers Markets whenever we are in a new city - and this time we had a chance to visit the South Bend, Indiana Farmer's Market ... and you should too. This Market is a year-round affair, so you can get Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) during the summer and fall months right from local growers; in the off seasons they purchase out of state FFV and thus are still able to offer better produce than one usually finds in the big supermarkets. This particular Farmer's Market is enclosed - as it would have to be to be year-round in the Midwest. There are roughly 50 individual sellers in the entire setup - which is laid out as a pair of stacked boxes - the middle being washrooms and the like. All the stalls face inside in a double row ... the center portion of the boxes being where sellers can back up their trucks. There is a little diner restaurant on one side that offers a bunch of nice meals - breakfast food and when we were there pulled pork nachos (yum). There is also a bakery stall. They have parking on site, but it is just barely enough for the crowds the Market attracts. We liked this market because it really was mostly FFV and not a bunch of stalls selling candles and the like. There even are a couple of stalls selling meat - at least one fresh and one frozen. Give this place a try and you'll like it.

The restaurant at the Farmer's Market has definitely stepped up their game! Now under newer management, they take credit cards and the chef features different vendors from the market each week. It's still a challenge to get a seat so get there early or be prepared to wait. Luckily on our most recent visit, we were there early enough to grab two counter seats. The chef was showcasing DC Meats so as strange as it sounds, my husband couldn't pass up the BBQ pulled pork omelet The omelet was loaded with pulled pork and drizzled with BBQ sauce along with hash browns and toast. I opted for the asparagus and swiss omelet. My only complaint was they were a little stingy with the asparagus and I wish they would have loaded it up, but it was still great. Service is always spot on and prices are very reasonable for the portions.

Love , love , love the SB farmers market! So many friendly vendors and booths. Always fresh and delicious items. I just wish it were a bit closer!

I had been wanting to get to this Farmers Market for awhile now as I knew some of the vendors here are also at the French Market in Chesterton during the summer. Recently I had my chance to get there....and it was well worth it. I only bought from the one vendor I knew there...but got ideas on where to get some fruit, veggies, meats, and cheeses I might not find anywhere else. I was also impressed with the Polish Bakery that was there....they had a wide range of Polish pastries of which I was familiar with...and some I wasn't. I am definitely making a return trip here as I want to try the cafe...and also to get some other great locally grown food!

I love this place. So many interesting things to see or buy. The surrounding area is great with butcher shops, Mediterranean grocery, and a greasy bar. The best part, right next to the river walk!

We have been to the Cafe a couple of times. This was our 1st time for the Tuesday Breakfast Special. $5.00 gets 2eggs, Choice of 2 slices of bacon, or 2 sausage , hash browns, toast and choice of beverage. From 7 til 11 am. Never saw a pulled pork omelet listed on any menu, until today.

Stumbled upon this place. I loved it, prices are reasonable and product is fresh. Loved that the restaurant uses fresh ingredients from the vendors. The sausage was so good. Coffee was superb. Can't wait to come back. Oh the rhubarb pie oh so delicious from the stand right when you walk in the door.

Great breakfast in the cafe. Mostly counter space. We were able to squeeze three people in when one couple left and another moved over one for us. The breakfasts are homemade and super delicious. We got the Portobello mushroom/egg plate, chocolate strawberry waffle and the specialty farmer's omelette with sausage gravy on top. All were very tasty and excellent. We will definitely be back if we are passing through South Bend again. Plus all the great farmer's market shopping when we were done!

South Bend Farmers Market! Great place to go on Saturday mornings. Lots to look at and a great experience Summer & Fall veggies straight from the garden. Ceres & Company skin care is awesome stuff!

You know the saying you don't appreciate something until it's gone? Well, now that I'm more of a visitor to my old stomping grounds (South Bend) I'm more conscious of what makes our farmer's market so great and unique. I also bonk myself on the head for not using it more back when I was a townie. Anyway, I'll start with why I (read: everyone) should go to the South Bend farmer's market more. First, it is year round friendly. How do I know? Well for starters, I am writing this review in January after visiting it during a cold winter break in December. But weather aside, the structure lends itself to year-round use. The market is in what is basically a hollowed out square. The vendors are inside the perimeters protected either from the bitter cold or blistering heat. The other benefit of this set up for vendors is that it makes it easy to load/upload their products. Second, this place really is a market. By that I mean you could easily do your grocery shopping here as well as get a pretty trinket or two. Before the SB farmer's market, I thought of markets primarily as places to get fresh fruit and veggies, which is true. But the unique thing about the SB market is that you can also get produce, meats, sweets, breads, spices and then some more local treats, which brings me to my next point...You get to find out about a lot of cool businesses in South Bend! For example, did you know we have a whiskey distillery on Sample Street? My own hometown! Who would've thunk it. Also, we can't forget about the cute little cafe in the middle of the market. I have yet to try it, but it would be a great place to either to start or end your time at the South Bend Farmer's Market!

For being a fairly small community, South Bend has a lot to brag about when it comes to its Farmer's Market. As an entirely indoor location, they can remain open through bad weather and the winter months. If you really wanted to, you could probably buy almost your entire grocery list here; they have it all: produce, bread, baked sweets, coffee, spices, meat, books, crafts, kambucha, cheese, etc. The list goes on! The only disappointing part of the experience at this market is that the vendors are not necessarily only selling local produce; several stands sell wholesale product at marked-up prices. Although they don't specifically market it as being local, they purposely repackage the product for appearances. However, with the exception of that particular aspect, the overall atmosphere and experience is an enjoyable one and I make sure to bring any friends that visit from out of town to help support local business!

Before today it would have be 5 stars Nearly every Saturday we come to breakfast and love every morsel. The menu changes and can be very creative which we look forward to. Today we were a bit late and were waiting for two spots to open up and I was looking directly into the kitchen window where the food is served. I couldn't believe what I saw one of the cooks placed scrambled eggs onto a plate with his bare hands (No gloves spoon or tongs) along with slices of bacon. He then proceeded to wipe his hands on a dish towel that he also dried a skillet with. Yes I do understand the cafe may not be the "ritz" but this was more than I could handle. And I'm quite tolerant. This makes me sad . We did talk with the manager and did observe her speak with the cook but couldn't stay and eat after what we witnessed. I am sad to say we will not be coming back for a long time, maybe ever. If you can get past this the food is delicious so Well, chef Nate invited us back to give them a second chance and we went for it. What went for lunch on a Thursday and as always the family was excellent. They reported thanks the cook was training to wear gloves so all is well. They do have a wonderfully menu. We will be going back.

Salt of the earth! This is what downtownso used to be like 50 years ago - small mom and pop enterprises with lots of different wares. There is a huge diversity of produce hear including foraged mushrooms and lots of heirloom varieties. You can also browse antiques, get a freshly cooked empanada, time travel to a mid century lunch room and have a grilled cheese. It's a great atmosphere and a lot of fun!

There is just something to be said about buying your food 1. locally 2. from the people that actually grew it 3. surrounded by other people supporting the community together. I LOVE the South Bend Farmer's Market. I love the history. I love the vendors. I love the choices. I love the sense of community and togetherness it brings. I just seriously love the experience. On my first visit I was shocked at the variety of items offered at our farmer's market. You can seriously do all of your food shopping here. Produce, meat, cheese, noodles, bread, sauces, spices, desserts-- You name it; it is here. Not to mention novelty shops like-- a book store, a tea and coffee store with tea pots and other knick-knacks, candy, "healing stones", locally sourced honey, flowers in beautiful arrangements (all seasonal), pottery and more. Not to mention, there is a WIC and foodstamps approved booth too. The people are amazing as well. They love to swap stories (unless it is Saturday morning! Watch out :) ) They are proud of their product... which makes you proud to buy it. Wait, there is more-- you know how they say don't shop on an empty stomach?? WELLLL there is a restaurant so check that off your list as well. Does it get any better than this??

What a fun place to spend an hour if you are visiting town. We picked up some coffee and candy because easy to take back on the plane with us but ALL the items from homemade to home grown looked great. Friendly vendors and patrons.

I totally thought I had already reviewed the South Bend Farmers Market, but then I thought about it, and I had actually entered in the correct address and hours, and I may have even missed out on an FtR badge. Oh well. In the fall of 2001--it's really been ten years?--I spent many a Saturday morning here with my friend Esther. Yes, the farmers market used to be part of my pregame ritual, at least for one season. Look, it took me almost that entire season to get used to the fact that the game starts in the afternoon. I grew up in California, so when I think of Notre Dame Saturdays, I think of waking up "early" on a weekend and watching the game before I've taken a shower. That doesn't work so well in Eastern Standard Time, and while everyone was crowding Martin's, Esther and I were scoring deals left and right here. It's a legit farmers market. If you're used to places that offer ridiculously priced, fancy-schmancy items that are presented just so, you'll be severely disappointed. But if you like buying veggies directly from the farmers who grew them--and saving money because you're cutting out the middleman--then you'll love this place. Now, if you still want to overspend, there is that one stall on the west wall of the building with the overpriced vegetables. (You can always pick it out because the sellers were matching polos.) But you still won't be spending that much. If none of this have persuaded you to visit the South Bend Farmers Market, I have two little words for you: cheese curds. Still not enough? Here's three words: Amish cheese curds. The Amish dairy stall sells wonderful stuff all the way around, but you must must must buy their cheese curds. And since they're Amish, you know they don't treat their cows with RBGH or RBST or any other ridiculous factory-farming hormone.

Went for the first time today. Let me say this first: If you don't handle crowded, confined spaces without chemical aid, don't go here without chemical aid. That said, it's obviously a VERY popular place--especially for breakfast on a Saturday morning. Vendors were friendly and helpful. NOTE: It's best to do a full loop around looking at merchandise and prices before you buy. Not everyone takes credit cards so be sure to have cash. P.S. If/when I go back it will be on a weekday to (I hope/assume) avoid the congestion/crowds.

Great place to shop local and get some home grown produce. They also have a meat market here. A nice little restaurant is inside to grab some lunch during your shopping trip.

One of the things in South Bend that I tell people they have to check out if they visit. Some of the farmers bring things in from the farm, but others mix local with wholesale. Skip the breakfast place. They are a greasy spoon, and they don't take advantage of the farmer's market produce or meat. Everything in the diner is trucked in from the mega food service vendors. If you want food after grabbing some vegetables, meat, and bakery I would drive down Mishawaka Ave. East to Jeannie's Place and get Jalapeno sausage & Eggs.

A weekend ritual for S and I. Everything you need from the grocery for a good meal, you can find here. And the prices can't be beat. The meat is fresh, there are artisanal cheeses and breads. Fresh cookies, coffee-- it's all here. If you want your vegetables without pesticides and locally grown (if you want to lower your carbon footprint), you should give the South Bend Farmer's market a try. The veggies are so flavorful, you won't want to go back to the grocery again. It's refreshing to see so many people there supporting their neighbors. One of our first stops is the pretzel stand. Hot, buttery deliciousness cooked on sight and served by the cutest little kids whose parents are teaching them about business and money. Give it a try soon, taste the difference of fresh and locally produced food-- you may become an addict, too.

Love it. Lots of great, unique stuff like jalapeno mustard! I love the spices, local fruit and veggies, eggs, cheese, and the fresh meat. I like how I can find something different every week. My shopping trips here are my absolute favorite Saturday morning activity! It would be nice to see more deli meat and smoked meats though, and not just plain old lunch meat that I can get anywhere. Bring a reusable shopping bag. The plastic bags are a pain to carry around the market.

I love the South Bend Farmers Market. Great selection with a lot going on. I brought my husband from Missouri here, and his eyes were wide with so many beautiful choices of fruits and vegetables for great prices. Many vendors are from Michigan. It's one of my favorite places to go whether I'm looking to buy or just wanting to do something fun on a Saturday morning.

An all year indoor framer's market in a winter town was an amazing treat to find in our newish home. It's eclectic like any good farmer's market and even has a diner serving up a standard diner fare. Our favorite stop is one of the local butchers for chicken feet (treats for the pups) and duck. We plan on trying one of their rabbits soon. I've also grabbed rib eyes from a local Amish farmer who sells the best jerky (husband's words and mine too). You'll find old books, jewelry, local brewery tastings, oodles of fresh veggies, herbs, spices, coffee and much more at long standing institution in South Bend.

I'm going to dispense with the normal caveats about picking produce carefully and whatnot; I trust that anyone reading this will know how to find a good tomato, for instance. That said, between the months of April and October, you can feed a family almost entirely on goods purchased here. One can find everything from high quality organic heirloom tomatos to imported Chinese green teas and fresh-roasted coffees to half-baked pizza crusts. For me, particular highlights are: -Preston's for summer vegetable selection, everything from topflight summer squash to bulk tomatoes. -Johnson's Produce for vegetables, particularly broccoli, heirloom tomatoes, and bell peppers. -Hovencamp's Produce for AMAZING mushrooms in about half a dozen varieties. -Klug Family Farms for fresh fruits, particularly berries in the summer and applies in the fall. -D'Avella Family Winery for wines; their sweet and berry-accented vintages are particularly good, and I've got a sweet tooth when it comes to wines, so I was very pleased. -Sweet Street for candy and coffee roasts. My only complaint is that the deli, butcher, and poultry stands tend to be on the pricey side; for the more expensive and selective cuts they're very competitive with a supermarket and the expertise they offer is well worth it, but for daily use I simply can't afford it. I'm also holding out for someone to start producing and selling tofu; I miss my marketplace back in Beijing. :o

Love the place. Fresh locally grown and raised produce and meats. If it's in season likely you will find it there.

I am a HUGE fan of Farmer's Markets, so when I heard that there was a year-round, indoor market in the area, you can bet I was out there the first market day I was in town! I had heard wonderful things about this place (both from friends and from reviews on the internet), but I have to admit that after several trips on all different days of the week, I'm just not thrilled with this market. Let's start with the good: for a Farmer's Market in an (admittedly) small city, there is an impressive selection of items that you can buy here! From produce (vegetables are abundant but fruit is much less so... though still there) to meats to spices to books to knick-knacks to plants, there's plenty of variety to keep you interested over several visits. On a slower day (read: any day but Saturday), the majority of the vendors are attentive and happy to talk you through tips and tricks about their items. The prices are pretty fair (though the meats tend to be less affordable than you might expect) and the food is certified as locally sourced. And, honestly, there's just nothing like going to a crowded, lively Farmer's Market early on a Saturday and just enjoying the energy all around you. But that said, I've been to better markets. Parking gets pretty crazy on the busy days, even though there's plenty of it, but that's hardly the market's fault. And I don't blame the vendors for being a little bit more rushed and curt on a busy morning. But, I don't know, it just feels like something's lacking. Besides organic options -- because that niche is very seriously lacking. Don't get me wrong, there's an organic stand, but it's relatively small and I was very disappointed to find that it had no competition whatsoever. That might not be a big deal for most, but I always prefer to buy organic whenever I can, and it bothers me that I have more organic selection at a grocery store than at a local market. Worse than that, though, it REALLY bothers me that some of the vendors don't even seem to know basic things about how their produce is grown. I stopped at one of the many non-organic stands on a slow day and asked the vendor how they controlled their pests (I was half curious and half just making conversation as I was picking out vegetables -- it wasn't an interrogation!) but the man wouldn't elaborate beyond that their farm only used pesticides "sustainably". That's a buzzword that means NOTHING if you can't elaborate on why you consider it to be sustainable! I don't know about you, but if I'm buying locally, it's because I actually want to know how my food is grown (organic or not) and with some of these vendors, I can't even be sure they've had any real involvement in growing what they're selling. Honestly, I'm thinking joining a local CSA might be a better route if you're truly interested in buying locally and knowing more about what you're putting into your body. tl/dr; The South Bend Farmer's Market is a decent option for your locally-sourced needs, but there is plenty of room for improvement, and the Michiana region offers more options for those looking for a different experience. PRO TIP: Get there early if you want the best selection of food, and be sure to bring cash, as many vendors do not accept cards.

Great place to buy veggies, fruit, poultry, BBQ Sauce and pretty much anything else. Most merchants are great conversationalists (on non busy days). The polish stand serves pastry, but my favorite is the polish sausage sandwitch (his grandmother's recipe). How many varieties of mushrooms are there? Don't know, but most of them are on sale here Saturdays. A stand that specializes in Rhubarb!!! Yep, my childhood favorite. He will give you tips on cooking. Rhubarb, Sour Cherries and Peaches is my new favorite. The only place I found like this farmer's market is in downtown Philadelphia. The locals in SB, don't know how lucky they are. Come early before the crowd builds. You wont be disappointed.

Went to the farmers market cafe What a big dissapointment Service was slow Food was worse. Won't go again to the cafe

TIP: No FREE WiFi. Only for vendors...not customers. Seriously? Love the Farmers Market. Enjoy the vendors and the entire support your local community mentality. Got there early enough on a Saturday to enjoy the restaurant for breakfast. Large servings, plenty of hot coffee, friendly staff and good food.

Right off the tree fruits for great prices. Friendly, people that are not bigoted running the stands. Can get everything at a cheaper price( half a bushel of apples for 6 dollars) and with a better quality than any grocery store. Go here. Don't go to Walmart. (Also there are chocolate covered pecan covered tart apples straight off the tree)

I've been working here at Coffee and Tea Thyme ever since I was a little girl holding onto my mothers pant leg. There are so many new things to explore to this day, the market is never the same even if some vendors have been there since the dawn of time it seems. There is so much variety, from the coffee, tea, and spices my mother sells to amazing stone work and leather wallets. There's always fresh produce to be had, each morning my mom gets us a little basket of cherry tomatoes to munch on through the day and a banana to wake us up. This place truly is special and amazing.

This place is GREAT! Tons of fresh foods - the produce looks amazing - fresh meat, seafood, tons of books, plants, candy, jewelry. It is definitely a great place to buy fresh vegetables. I would like more outdoor and/or indoor seating so families could sit and enjoy their snacks or lunches while shopping. But overall this is a great market!!

There's really nothing better than going to the farmers market. The selections of cheese, pastries, meats, potted plants, cut flowers and farm fresh produce is to die for. Even have vendors that do arts and crafts so it's also a good place to look for unique tchotchkes. My favorite store here is the polish bakery. Bear claws and paczkis they make are delicious. Parking gets tight at times so be prepared to wait a bit on mornings when it's crowded.

the fresh market stalls are excellent - highly recommended. The diner for this greasy spoon diner is very hit or miss. Not worth the hassle on Saturday. You are better server by other ready to to eat vendors

Really great to have this place in our area. We buy everything we can here, and we're never disappointed!

This place is the real deal. The market is located in a permanent building with ample parking and it's open 3 or 4 days a week year round! I'm always surprised by how much they have to sell in the winter, and summer is like an embarrassment of riches in produce. Like a previous poster wrote, if you're looking for organic free range whatnot sometimes you'll be disappointed, though there are vendors who sell this. The majority of the offerings are simply local, but the prices alone are enough to bring be back each week. I love the Italian deli's selection of cured meats, cheeses and olives, and after shopping here I can't shop anywhere else (I'm talking to you Martin's. Your deli selections are not so good.). There are several really good bakeries so I can always satisfy my sweet tooth or buy a hearty loaf of bread. There's a vendor who makes homemade salsa that is out of this world. Check that out! I only wish there was a local cheese shop. Several vendors sell cheese, but most of it is repackaged and from out of the area. As for the cafe, you've got to have breakfast here at least once! They use ingredients from the market vendors and have great affordable dishes. I usually have the Eggs Benedict (the dish I judge all diners by) but their pancakes and omelets are wonderful too. The cafe can get super busy, especially in the summer, so be careful when trying to secure a table. It's seat yourself so larger parties will have problems here.

Our second visit in three years. Welcomed in the parking lot by an F bomb over a parking space. Although there are some good vendors & locally grown produce, one had to ask. And then there is the freshness issue. Tossed half of the fruit & a quarter of the produce upon arrival home as rotten or moldy. Given their proximity to one the best produce & fruit regions in the country, deplorable.

The South Bend Farmers Market is awesomely no-frills: if you're looking for organic, hand-raised, free-range whatever, you may be disappointed. But if you're happy with fresh, seasonal, local and great value for the money, you will be more than satisfied. (My family in Seattle can't believe there is such a thing as a farmer's market where the fruit and veggies are LESS expensive than at the grocery store!) Obviously summer is the peak season, but they are open year-round. A great variety of local farmers and food merchants. Favorite stalls include the coffee seller, the Italian deli and the lady who sells spices in bulk.

The farmer's market is one of my favorite things about South Bend, especially in the summer. I cannot stress how much BETTER things taste from the farmer's market as opposed to the supermarket. Additionally, the prices are so much more reasonable!! People who buy their fruit and veg at the supermarket are simply being ripped off! I love getting to know the vendors too, since most are very nice. They occasionally throw in some free fruit for regulars like me, which never hurts!

Great breakfast for 2 for just over $20....Love the Farmers Market, but would love it even more if the "farmers" weren't re-selling. I would prefer talking to the farmer that grew the food...here there are a lot that do, but some that just sell you something they bought.

There's nothing as good as getting a sense of community while you shop. You can get to know the farmers, bakers, weavers, butchers, etc. It's so nice to shop here. They have such a wide range of products, the prices are great, the produce is fresh and almost always local. I love going here and it is a Saturday tradition. Grab a cup of coffee from Zen, a pastry from Baker's Dozen and away we go for veggies!