Federal Plaza Farmer's Market

Although this isn't the largest Farmer's market in the Loop — Daley Plaza takes that cake on Thursdays — the Federal Plaza market is by far my favorite. I can walk to both from where I live, but love the more intimate, less bustle-y scene at the Tuesday a.m. market at Federal Plaza. In the eight years that I've lived in the Loop, I've gone to one or both of those markets nearly every week of the season …so, this review definitely comes with due diligence :-D Aside from the added convenience of being able to hit the [albeit not-as-delightful an experience] U.S. Post Office when needed… I've also found you don't have to get there at the absolute crack of dawn if you want in on the best produce, flowers and baked goods. AND, unlike the Daley Plaza market, there are hardly ever lines to wait through (and if there are, it might be 2-3 customers, max… opposed to the frequent 6-8 at Daley). Sure, there is a much wider selection at the Daley market (e.g. more vendors, goods not available at Federal, as well as several great made-to-order food options)… but for the staples that I absolutely want from week-to-week, Federal Plaza is hands-down my fave (actually, even including outside of the Loop—I've been to most, though not all). I love having both [Federal and Daley] markets around from Spring to Fall — but I have to say: the bonus amount of joy that (to me) is added by the camaraderie of an opportunity-in-time to not just "buy stuff", but also share conversation with the vendors… it's what genuinely makes the Federal Plaza Farmer's Market a highlight of each week.
4 7 years ago (24-01-2018)

I've been going to the Federal Plaza FM for about 8 years, and I love it. It's not my favorite, but a lot of my favorite vendors are there and they always greet you with a smile! It's the perfect place to pop over for lunch and grab a lot of my produce for the week, plus say hi to the wonderful people who grow my food. I can't wait until it opens next week!
4 8 years ago (04-05-2017)