Old LA – Highland Park Certified Farmers Market

Good location off the gold line highland park station, in North East L.A. Produce looked excellent, eclectic mix of dining options including wood fire pizza, Mexican, Salvadoran, and Asian cuisines. I really enjoy having fresh produce within walking distance from home. Plenty of parking available unlike the other local farmers markets in the area.

It’s a pretty small farmer’s market and honestly, you can walk the entire distance in less than 10 minutes (including stops). But it’s mainly for the locals. They have a guy who sells great honey (it’s pricey but it’s worth it!), roasted nuts, fresh pizza, and some arts and crafts. The fruit and veggies are very good and competitive prices with the markets. So give it a try!

I was happy that I found some time to check out this local farmer’s market in my area. This farmer’s market happens every Tuesday from 3−8pm. It’s located right next to the Highland Park Metro Gold Line station. Just FYI, this farmer’s market is much smaller than the usual, typical market that most people would expect but it’s good enough for basic needs. They have one street with all the fruit, vegetables, nuts and honey/​jam vendors. They also have about 5 – 6 food vendors that sell tamales, tacos, elote, agua frescas, BBQ and teriyaki. And another street had vendors that sold arts’n’crafts, hand-​knit hats, jewelry, and clothes. There seems to be plenty of parking in the residential areas or you can find a meter and pay $ 1/​hour (before 8pm).

Just one word, overpriced.
I just go to take pictures.
Fruit, drinks and even pupusas are sold for more.

I just left the farmers market with a Bag full of tasty goodies. They definitely have grown since they first started which is really nice to see. First off let me start by saying that I do not go to the farmers markets for produce, so I can’t really comment on taste and pricing regarding veggies and fruits. However my tummy does enjoy visiting farmers markets for the baked goodies and the food and homemade treats.
They had a few food stands, jewelry vendors, produce and even people selling some antique vintage things.
I ended up buying some honey from the gentle man that has his own honey stand. In fact as I type I am dipping my finger in some sage honey, my gosh it is soooo delicious!
I also visited MarySues baked good stand. She had jams and jelly, but what caught my attention were her home made cupcakes. I bought two at $ 2.50 each. She had samples for people to try as well. Her guava cupcake was super delicious and moist!
The last stand I went to was the KettleStones hummus stand. I cannot say no to good hummus and pita bread:)
He has many samples for me to try and I bought 3, since he had a deal that was 3 for 10 bucks or 5 bucks each. The cilantro lime was good and so was the Tzaziki dip.
Like I said, I cannot comment for the produce section but I did enjoy the walk, the samples and the friendly vendors:)

We used to make a habit of going here. Loved hanging out in the neighborhood and picking up organic produce. Or so I thought it was organic. We indulged in decent tamales and enjoyed tasting fruit before buying it. The last time we went, however, I happened to be hand picking some tomatoes to purchase when I came across one with a LABEL on it! I asked the vendor where her farm was and why there would be a produce sticker on it and she said she didn’t know how that tomato got there. Needless to say that was the LAST time we went. It’s too bad that one vendor spoiled it for the rest of them. (And us) I now go to the farmers market in Eagle Rock.

Farmers market in the barrio. Well equipped and they have just enough vendors. I sampled lots of fruit and found the prices to be comparable to organic market price. While there I had a really great experience with the juice or jugos naturales truck where they sell food and juice. The mango juice was awesome ! Tasted all mango ! Overall thoughts, nice way to round out the afternoon.

Great little spot right off Metro Gold Line Station and near the Highland Park Theatre. It has that hipster appeal now too. Of course, I get fruits and veggies that are in season. There’s also, bread, bacon wrapped hot dogs, soaps, honey, a kid’s jumper, a clown and some crafts. A bit of everything. My fav spot is the Blazing Grill BBQ. They usually have tender pork and beef ribs. They have chicken and sides too. Sometimes, I run by the local Highland Park Floral Shop while there or the Tropical Fruits & Juices stand. But, if you’re in the area definitely check this Farmer’s Market out. And, do have the ribs! You’ll be hooked!

Not the largest Farmer’s Market, but has all the booths you need and at decent prices. Add some live music and its location right next to a metro gold line stop, and you got yourself a good combo. For all you metro riders when I was there I saw a lot of cops/​and or metro guards hanging out at the market. Almost looked like a trap busting gold line riders without a paid ticket.

Great Market with great prices and great selection. I absolutely like the fresh roasted peanuts! It is a safe atmosphere and a great family friendly place.

Good sized Tuesday farmer’s market. It is right outside the gold station. They have produce, restaurant pop ups, and homemade goods. Highland park also has food truck night down Figueroa/​York in the 99 only parking lot. It is in walking distance. If you are in the area I suggest checking both out. You can get cash at Tom’s burger.

Just a quick update: this is still my weekly produce shopping destination. The vendors remain the same for the most part, and their stuff is definitely their own (not the kind that fell off the produce truck). There is now a honey guy too! The only thing I’m still missing is a bit more variety of greens: they always have kale and romaine, but I would like more chards and collards and mustards and other ‘exotic’ leafies.
Note, that during the winter hours they seem to be shutting down by 7 or closer to 7 than 8.
If you use the parking lot by the metro station, don’t forget to feed the meter!

LOVE this farmer’s market! 3pm — 8pm. Not very crowded and reasonable prices.
It is right off the yellow goldline Highland Park station. A small farmers market that is only two streets long. On one street is the food with great local produce, lots of veggies and some fruit, and also some food vendors. Pretty good prices and much lower than the South Pasadena Farmers’ Market. I usually buy an agua fresca when I walk around. But be careful because this area says «NO Live Animals». I tried to walk my roommate’s dog around but saw the signs and had to turn back.
On the other street, a bunch of vendors are lined up selling used clothing, handmade jewelry, homemade lotion, bags/​purses. It is also really kid friendly and usually there is a jumparoo and last time they had clowns and balloon makers.

This will never run the risk of being mistaken for the Hollywood Farmers Market, sure, but it is pretty great nonetheless. Not a vast selection, but I still love the simple pleasure of being able to walk here to grab anything that catches my eye. I’ve gotten some really nice succulents from this sweet dude who is like the horticultural Jesus – I think I learned everything there is to know about them in a ten minute conversation. Bouquets of cut flowers from here are basically a weekly staple for me, and the prices are always right. Personally, I like this particular farmers market for the charm and sense of community it lends to my neighborhood. It will never replace trips to Whole Foods, but I dig it for what it is.

It’s great if you are in the area!
Same vendors as the silver lake farmers market but a fourth of the prices! Heck Yeah!
Metro line makes it convenient and GREEN!
Veggies may look cheap, but it’s only cause they are by Fig and 57^th instead of by Sunset Junction or Hollywood and Vine. It’s the same Veggies and the same vendors! Not a huge selection, you can walk this market in under 30 minutes.
Marmion Way hosts the vendors selling jewelry, massages, antiques and little odds and ends (you can skip this part altogether really).
57^th Ave. (closest to Marmion Way) is where the hot food vendors sell Peruvian fare, tacos, burritos, tamales (not too many choices but don’t need too many choices if the few that you have are pretty good already)! Also the peanut man sits on this side of 57^th near Marmion, though a bit stingy the sign says you may only sample ONE peanut! so better pick a good one!
Closer to Fig. are the Fruits and Veggies, its a bit iffy which ones are actually organic but you can always ask and nothing says honesty like a look in someone’s eyes or a handshake between two people in a business exchange… or so you would hope!!! Some produce is OBVIOUSLY organic though. The lady that sells the GREENS (mid street) has a beautiful layout and there’s also a tomato stand (just across from greens lady) OMG!!! they taste like sweet succulent fruits, not tomatoes at all! Be sure to sample, ask questions and engage. After all, this is part of the Farmer’s Market Culture!
Cheap Coffee at Antigua invites you to make an afternoon out of it all!
$ 3 legendary Highland theater across the street if you wanna make a night of it too!

While the selection of fruits and veggies may be completely limited compared to other farmers markets, and the prepared food area is really small, I have to give this one farmers market credit a lot of other ones just don’t have — Scenery.
You’re probably thinking I’m high on crack right now in saying that. Considering that you can buy some cocaine in some back corner around here — I guess you must think I went to visit my dealer or something…
But no. You see, I love the scenery around here. You have the metro line going to Pasadena right next to it and with those cable lines above it sort of reminds you of how it’s probably was back in the red car days. They even make a muffled honking noise as they pass by.
Then you have the homes and buildings around the place that are dated far back to the early 20’s and they don’t have any sort of indication of change since then. There’s even a lot of older model cars just parked on the street.
Yeah, all those things combined just make me feel like I’ve stepped out of a time machine into a land that doesn’t know what the fuck an heirloom tomato is — no seriously, can someone tell these vendors what an heirloom tomato is. I would have figured that was one of those FM staples, but this FM didn’t have a single dealer trying to sell them even though they are in season.
In reality, a lot of the stuff you can find here can be picked up at the local El Super for far cheaper. You really don’t get anything off the norm and that’s the major problem. But it gets the very basics covered and the prepared food selection is pretty damn good.
If you’re in the area on a Tuesday and you see this up and running, it may be worth stopping by. But you’ll be disappointed if you drove out all the way out here for this one. Unless you go to the $ 2 – 3 movie theater near by as well. Then I guess it’ll be worth it.

I guess for being Highland Park I expected more vendors, maybe some Mariachi Music, or even Churro’s…
…But that wasn’t the case… I was in the area because Mardie’s Munchies that is the only reason they are getting 3 stars… There were some fruit vendors but very over priced, you can get more for your money at the Vallarta Supermercando!!! I know you’re saying it’s organically grown but do you really know that…
I don’t know… To me a Farmers Markets has always brought to you things that you normally can’t find around the corner at the grocery store… You know things like blankets, paintings, Churro’s, West Virginia White Peaches, eateries offering BBQ, Gator Tail, Tamales, maybe even some Soul Food… Sadly this place only offered Costume Jewelry, over priced potatoes, and some garage sale fodder.
I guess the best thing about this place was I didn’t have to pay for parking!!! If the powers that «BE» are reading invite more vendors or offer them incentives for coming out… I think this Market has a potential for being very huge… So make it happen so I can come back and give it 4 to 5 Stars.

ahhhh, its more like a 2.5 but I don’t want to rag on this place. Its pretty cool. They have a jumper for the kids. A creepy clown that makes balloon animals. All the obligatory things are here. The prepared food tents. Fruit and Vegetable vendors. The bread people. The lady giving massages. The arts & crafts area where you can buy some used books, hand made soap or some beaded key-​chains and stuff.
BUT the selection is weak. I went today looking for some peppers, mushrooms and squash and could not find any. (Perhaps because those items are not in season? i don’t know, I’m not a farmer.) I did get some beautiful tomatoes though.

I love a good farmer’s market. It’s a great way to get some truly fresh vegetables and other assorted goods straight from the farmers, producers or manufacturers. You get to discover how an item was grown, prepared or made, and even meet the people who are selling the bounty of their work. Need I mention that all the money goes straight to the people who have done all the hard work? No middle-​men, marketers, or commission-​driven salespeople are involved.
But as of late, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend occurring amongst the various markets around the city. It seems that various individuals have realized that it’s quite easy to set themselves up as a paper farm (i.e. a farm or ranch that exists only on paper), go downtown to the docks with a van or truck, buy up a few cases of produce, and sell them at a farmers market. While the end consumer thinks that they are purchasing locally-​grown products, the sad fact is that they probably aren’t –especially if the product is out of season. Not to mention the fact that these products are often touted as «organic» and priced accordingly, when in fact, these veggies are the same pesticide-​laden items you would find at the mega-​mart.
These individuals are quite easy to spot, if you know what to look for. Some signs are simple, such as cardboard boxes in or around the van that do not match the name of the farm, or the sellers not being able to answer, or providing contradictory answers to, simple questions about who harvested the produce, where the produce was grown, or what fertilizer or pesticides were used. You get the idea. Basically, just like in any consumer setting, if there are doubts ask questions! If the answers are unsatisfactory, walk away.
I mention this, because I’ve caught a couple of «farmer”/vendors red-​handed in doing this. And while technically the produce is «fresh,» everything else is anyone’s guess. You can get the same fruits and vegetables from Figueroa Produce for the same or often cheaper price, but without the deception.
But don’t let this particular trickery leave the impression that all vendor participants do this –far from it! There are many legitimate, real farms selling their yields. They’ll usually, and quite clearly, publicize this with photos, and most importantly, be able to answer any questions you may have — so ask!
There are, of course, venders who sell everything from gourmet cheeses to exotic honey. Sometimes these are a real bargain, other times… not so much. However, most of these vendors are usually willing to haggle on a final price, so don’t be afraid to step up.
The purpose of a farmer’s market is to bring products and produce directly to consumers at a lower cost. Unfortunately, with this particular one, there really aren’t enough bargains and too much trickery to justify going very often. This is not to say that people shouldn’t go at all. Instead, perhaps the powers-​that-​be should take a closer look at some of the merchants, and give the spaces to actual farmers, rather than crate buyers.

It’s kind of a delicious guilty pleasure, walking to my little local Farmers Market on Tuesday with my reusable bag. Ten years ago, I never would have thought I’d go all Laurel’s Kitchen on your ass.
Nevertheless… whether or not it’s a total white cliché, buying locally is a good idea, and there is definitely some good shit to be found at this farmers market. I have found some of THE freshest, most incredible tomatoes, and some great garlic from central California (not from China, like they sell in most grocery stores) here.
Really, my only beef with the HP farmers market is, it’s TINY. Sometimes I go there looking for essentials that I am pretty sure are not out of season, and my search is fruitless (no pun intended.) I also wish they had more food stands. The pupusa guy is pretty cool, but to be honest, I like Cazuelas’s pupusas better. Some of the vendors are selling the same produce but for different prices, which can be frustrating.
I will continue to hit up the farmers market, though, because it’s a cool place to say hi to neighbors and there is definitely some good food to be found. Perhaps if more people patronize it, it’ll get bigger.