City of Rochester Public Market

Category:	Produce Market
Address:	280 Union St N, Rochester, NY 14609, USA
Phone:	+1 585-428-6907
Site:	cityofrochester.gov
Rating:	4.7
Working:	Closed 6AM–1PM Closed 6AM–1PM Closed 5AM–3PM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Paul Cicotta

The Rochester Public Market was voted accordingly to USA Today, one of the BEST public markets in the United States. There are over 300 local vendors that product a variety of meats, seafood, florists, and even some breweries. It is truly a remarkable site, as it could take you a good morning to work your way around the loop. Everything is always fresh, and you can pick up many items in BULK. Keep in mind, prices here are CHEAP, but food expiration goes by fast (so eat up!). They remodeled the Public Market recently, and included more in-door units to accompany the ones they already have set up. Every vendor at the market is extremely inter-personnel, going out of their way to make sure you are getting the best available piece of produce. You can even see animals in cages as part of their pet and eat section, if you wanted to purchase a fresh chicken. Make sure to stop by Dukes Donuts to get one of their FAMOUS Apple-Cider Donuts, you wont regret it. The beekeepers are already there with their bees, to make sure you are getting that honey fresh to the last drop. First thing in the morning, you can see the Amish people caulking their wagons down Railroad Street, to deliver those discounted Amish goods, better than a gangstas paradise. You better stop by the cardboard boxes, and no you will not find a homeless person hiding inside, but clothes GALORE at discounted rates. If you cant get to the market from downtown, they offer the Market Trolley which will take you from East Ave., to the Market. This trolley makes you feel like youre in Mister Rodgers Neighborhood, especially when it wheels along the loop of the Farmers Market. Events here are plentiful as you can see the FAMOUS Food Truck Rodeo, Chefs at the Market, Flower City Days, and Bands on the Bricks to name a few. These special events, along with the ENOUROUS amounts of free samples from vendors make sure that not only is your belly full, but your shopping bag too. Dont count out the delicious side restaurants along the market such as Cure and Fiorella, which is some of the best dining in Rochester! Overall: One of the BEST Public Markets in the USA, CHEAP Prices, Friendly Vendors, Ample Amounts of Produce, and Animals in Cages....Of Course, I Will Be Back.

Cheryl Feder

I still love being at the public market. You can get great deals on many things and the best when you can get fresh local grown produce. Parking however is horrible...a nightmare most times!! Driving around in the market is AWFUL. And just for the record city of rochester...you charge too much to your vendors ,and you do little to encourage smaller startups and make it affordable for them...you should! And there is way too many resale vendors, Id like to see more of the local fresh produce and products. It would be nice to make it more evident which vendors are resale and which have local product...syracuse public market does this. Last week one vendor had a sign saying the tomatoes were all fresh local grown...dont think so since they all had the little code stickers grocery stores use!! Its a crazy, usually crowded, eclectic place you either love or hate...i love, but Id love more if they could help on the parking!!

Carissa Beal

I do like the public market, however, I enjoy the shops surrounding it a bit more. I love the cheese shop! I am a bit disappointed that it seems to be more a flea market, then local market. I miss the Chelsea Market in NYC, there were farmers from all over bringing their fresh produce, organic foods, local yarn. This is more of the food off of trucks, which is why it is so inexpensive. The quality is so-so. It reminds me of the fruit and veggie stands on the street corner of NYC. I will say there are a few local companies, the Perogie Guy is awesome. Best in town. Small World bakery is there...and there is some organic local beef and cheese available too! You have to go either very early to avoid the large crowds, I am very accustom to crowds, but this one does not do it for me. Also, dogs are not allow, which is pretty sad.

David Skeldon

Even compared to Boston Market and San Franciscos Fishermans Wharf, Rochester has a strong showing for being a minimally commercial, largely local market, operating as one of the oldest in the country. Everything from fresh fruits and vegetables from within 50 miles, to meats from farms in Western NY and Northern Pennsylvania, to fish fresh-caught from New York CItys harbors. Local Coffee shops, excellent imported cheeses, and even chickens and goats! Fun for the whole family. Try the Empanadas from Juan and Marias, and the breakfast sandwhiches from the cheese shop. Also come back at night for Cure, which offers amazing unique hand-crafted French food, which by day on Saturdays in market has good caffeinated drinks, next to delicious pastries.

Will Riedlinger

Going to The Rochester Public Market is like going to an old market in Europe, with the salesmen barking, and people bargaining! However it maintains the feel of Rochester with cherries on the cheap in summer, and apples aplenty in fall, modern accommodations without losing the olden feel. They have actually competitive prices that are the lowest youll see because they are the ones that grow what they sell, no middlemen, no brand names, just cash or card and a hand shake deal is all it takes to get the freshest food in Rochester. Come on Saturday morning to really get the feel and the best selection, but come early (8am) and beat the rush!

Wesley Moon

Parking has gotten better and better, the environment is something you cant replicate. Security is always present and I have never had an issue with the crowds there other than it being a busy place. *****BRING CASH Most vendors are cash only- ATMs are available at a charge.***** Bathrooms are also available This is somewhere to bring a friend or a group of people to have a unique breakfast. Everything sold from flowers and cell phone cases, to fresh amish bread and fresh king crab legs. Highly suggest the fresh seafood if you enjoy it, and the breakfast joints towards the end of the pavilions.

Alana Norton

Theres always something new and exciting at the market, from fresh picked, home grown produce, to bootleg toys from China, to high end couture jewelry... You never know whats waiting in the next booth. I especially love the monthly Garage Sale events. And the wide variety of delicious foods and beverages available on site are a HUGE bonus... Note: It can be EXTREMELY crowded (like, hard to move kind of crowded) and parking is often really difficult to get close to the vendors. And remember to wear comfortable shoes, youll be walking a lot, especially if you have to park further away.

A HAI

I read a few reviews to make sure what I was told was true. Than I visited the market and it was true. We did not even take enough cash with us so for 32.00 we had so much vegetables and fruits that my family of four could not carry or hold bags any more because it was getting very heavy :). Lets put it this was total worth could have been about 50-60.00 for sure at another place. Some stuff you cant even find like south Carolina peaches 10.00 of 13 peaches if found somewhere would have been easily 20.00. Hope this helps.