General Information
NFT Map: 2
Address: 6333 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 323-933-9211
Website: www.farmersmarketla.com
Hours: Mon–Fri: 9 am–9 pm; Sat: 9 am–8 pm; Sun: 10 am–7 pm
(merchant hours may vary)
Overview
The Farmers Market opened in the 1930s as a humble dirt lot where farmers parked their trucks and sold their produce right off their tailgates. Over the years, it’s slowly morphed into an occasional motley crew of souvenir shops and food stalls. And even though it was scaled back a few years ago to make way for the fancy, schmancy Grove shopping mall, it’s still one of the best melting-pot LA experiences around. Old timers are eating the same Sunday brunch they’ve been looking forward to for years; there’s always a young, semi-recognizable Hollywood type from TV’s latest teen drama or cash-cow horror to point and gawk at; and hipsters are drawn to it for the kitsch, good grub, seasonal festivals, and, during the right time of year, live music. Patrons can keep abreast of updates and soirées via the Farmers Market Bugle, available at the market or online. Plus, when you’re with a group of friends that can’t decide on what to eat, this place is a godsend.
Where to Shop
There are two kinds of shops at the Farmers Market—the kinds that sell food and the kinds that don’t. It’s hard to go wrong with any of the food-sellers. Mr. Marcel Gourmet Market has an extensive selection of imported cheese, and you can watch the whole candy-making process at Littlejohn’s English Toffee House. Magee’s House of Nuts has been in operation at the Farmers Market since it began and will open your eyes to a world of nut butters that goes far beyond peanuts. The Fruit Company always offers a wide variety of fruits that are consistently fresher and more reasonably priced than any local supermarket.
The Farmers Market’s other businesses are a bit more eclectic and can be somewhat hit-or-miss. By Candlelight has an impressive selection of candles and Light My Fire sells bottled hot sauce that ranges from mild to downright combustible. There are also many shops that cater to the tourist crowd and sell cheap, Hollywood-themed souvenirs. If you’re hoping to do some serious shopping of the mainstream variety, hop on the trolley (or take a short walk) and head over to The Grove.
Where to Eat
There may be no better place for breakfast in all of LA than Kokomo Café, one of the Farmers Market’s few sit-down dining establishments. This casual café serves up an eclectic breakfast and lunch menu and, best of all, their egg dishes come with coffeecake. Even with its new fancy remodel, Du-par’s has an old-school feel that tourists and locals can’t resist. Then, there’s always the food court. If you can handle the wait, the French Crepe Company serves ‘em up sweet and savory. The Gumbo Pot dishes the tastiest Gumbo YaYa this side of the Mississippi and is tucked away in a courtyard corner with a bar to help wash down the spicy stuff. And no matter how much you’ve gorged, you must try at least one of Bob’s Coffee and Doughnuts’ doughy delights—they’re considered by many to have the best donuts in town. Some of the finest Mexican dishes west of Alvarado are found at ¡Lotería! Grill. For a more elegant Farmers Market experience, check out the wine bar at Mr. Marcel Pain Vin et Fromage. In other words, it’s pretty much impossible to go wrong here.
How to Get There—Driving
To drive to the Farmers Market from almost anywhere south of the Valley or north of LAX, your best bet is to take surface streets. The Grove’s opening has made 3rd Street slower going than it used to be, and Beverly Boulevard isn’t much better. Take whichever east-west thoroughfare you choose until you hit Fairfax Avenue, and head north. You can’t miss the Farmers Market at the corner of 3rd and Fairfax. If you’re coming from the Westside or South Bay, you might hop on the 10 Freeway, exit at Fairfax, and head north. Valley residents can hop on the 101 and exit at Highland. Take Highland to 3rd Street and turn right. Continue on 3rd until you reach Fairfax, and the Farmers Market will be on your right.
Parking
Before the opening of The Grove, parking at the Farmers Market was a challenge, but at least it was free. To discourage mall patrons from hogging the smallish parking lot, however, the Farmers Market now charges for parking. With validation, you get two hours of free parking and the third hour is $4. If you find that the lot more resembles a war zone, street parking may be your best bet.
