Baltimore public markets: Lexington, Broadway, Cross Street and Hollins

Baltimore's public markets have a long history, and several are still working markets where people buy lunch and groceries on the same trip. Each sits in a different neighborhood and has a different character, so a visit to one tells you only a part of the story. Here is how the best-known markets differ, what to do at each, and how to plan a day. Stalls change, so check the hours on the day you go.

How many public markets does Baltimore have?

The city's public markets are run by a nonprofit, Baltimore Public Markets, and several are open for shopping and dining. The best known are Lexington Market, Broadway Market in Fells Point, Cross Street Market in Federal Hill, Hollins Market in Pigtown and Northeast Market on East Monument Street. They share a tradition of stalls run by families and independent cooks, and a mix of fresh food, prepared food and takeout counters. Because each market sets its own days, always check the schedule on the day you plan to go. Some markets close on Sundays or Mondays, and holiday hours differ. The nonprofit that runs them publishes a shared page with current times, and each market also keeps its own listing. A call or a look at the page saves a wasted trip, especially if you are traveling from out of town.

What is Lexington Market?

Lexington Market dates to 1782, and it is one of the city's oldest markets. The current market building replaced an older structure, and it houses a large set of food stalls. It is the market most associated with Baltimore's traditional foods, so it is a good place to try crab cakes, fried chicken, baked goods and other local dishes from several vendors in one visit. It sits west of downtown, and you can reach it by subway, light rail or bus. The market has seating areas, so a group can buy from several stalls and eat together, which is the easiest way to taste a range of foods. Weekday lunch is busiest with office workers, so a mid-morning visit is calmer, and the selection of baked goods is best early in the day.

What is Broadway Market?

Broadway Market, in Fells Point, dates to 1786, and it reopened after a major renovation in 2019, after part of the market had been closed for some years. It sits a short walk from the waterfront, in a neighborhood of cobblestone streets and old brick rowhouses. It suits a morning coffee, a casual lunch and a walk along the water. Because it is smaller than Lexington Market, it is easier to see in an hour. The neighborhood around it has a long history as a port district, with taverns and old warehouses, and the waterfront promenade is a short walk away. Pair it with a walk to the water and a look at the historic buildings, and leave time to wander the side streets.

What is Cross Street Market?

Cross Street Market is in Federal Hill, on a street that runs south of the harbor. The market has been part of Federal Hill for generations. It has a reputation as a place to eat and drink in the evening as well as at lunch, with seafood counters, bars and prepared food. It is close to the harbor and a popular stop before or after a game at the ballpark. On game days the market and the streets nearby fill up, so arrive early or plan for a wait. On a quiet weekday it is a calmer place to sit with a drink and a plate of seafood, and the streets nearby are good for a walk.

What about Hollins Market and Northeast Market?

Hollins Market, in the Pigtown neighborhood, is an old building with a more neighborhood feel and a smaller set of vendors. Northeast Market, on East Monument Street, is another historic market. If you want to see the city outside the tourist center, either is a good choice. These markets give a view of everyday life in the neighborhoods, with regulars who know the vendors by name, and prices that tend to be modest. Take cash, be patient at the counter, and do not be afraid to ask what a dish is. Hours at the smaller markets are shorter, so call or check before you travel.

What should you eat at a Baltimore market?

Baltimore's foods are a mix of Chesapeake seafood and immigrant traditions. Look for crab cakes, steamed crabs in season, fried chicken, oysters, sandwiches and baked goods. Ask vendors what they are known for, and share dishes among a group so you can try several. Menu prices do not include Maryland sales tax, which is added at the register.

How do you plan a market day?

A good plan combines two markets and a walk.

• Start early at the first market, when the selection is best and the crowds are small.
• Walk or take transit to the second, and eat a second, different meal.
• Finish with a stroll along the waterfront or through the neighborhood.

Baltimore is hilly and can be hot in summer, so wear comfortable shoes and carry water. If you are visiting in winter, dress warmly, since some market areas are drafty. Pace yourself: a tasting day can easily include five or six small dishes, and sharing keeps the cost and the portions manageable.

What are the safety and access tips?

Baltimore has areas that are better visited in daylight, and market staff and local guides can advise you. Use daytime hours, travel in a group if you are unsure, and keep valuables out of sight. Most markets have accessible entrances, but older buildings can have uneven floors, so check ahead if you use a wheelchair.

How do you keep track of what is good at each Baltimore market?

Ask vendors, watch the lines at lunchtime, and see which stalls sell out first. Then write it down. Mosey is a food app for finding, rating and sharing places to eat, and it rates by the dish, so the crab cake from one stall and the fried chicken from another each get a score and a tag such as Must-Try or Cash Only.

Keep a list for the market day, share its invite link with the friends who came along and follow the ones who shop the markets every week. Next visit, you start from your own ratings.

Rate your favorite market dish in the Mosey app and add it to the list.

More guides to read next:

• Where to eat in Baltimore by neighborhood: Fells Point to Highlandtown
• Baltimore Farmers' Market and Bazaar under the JFX: a Sunday guide

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