More people have become conscious of the importance of shopping local, so Boston made arrangements to accommodate this lifestyle. As a result, in July 2015, the Boston Public Market opened its doors.
The indoor market is open all year round, Wednesday-Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm. It offers Bostonians the chance to purchase from over 38 vendors from all over New England, each one serving up some awesome and unique products, all made locally and sustainably. With this many vendors, the market can be overwhelming, so we’ve created this guide to make your next trip a little easier.
Photo courtesy of bostonpublicmarket.org
Baked Goods
Mamadou’s Artisan Bakery
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
This shop offers up French-style breads and pastries, all fresh and great for dipping in soups or eating as they are. Keep an eye out for the olive bread. It’s exquisite.
Union Square Donuts
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
A Somerville native, this stand is THE place to go for some fluffy and wonderful donuts. Try the maple bacon donut. I know, it sounds gross. Just trust me.
Swissbäkers
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
This bakery offers up European-style goods from quiche to pretzels. Be sure to stop by for fresh-baked berliners (the German version of a stuffed donut).
Refreshments
George Howell Coffee
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
George Howell (the owner) travels to almost every farm he purchases from all over the world. This creates lasting relationships with the farmers and guarantees a perfect cup of coffee everytime.
Hopsters Alley
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
This shop offers the largest selection of craft beers in New England. Walking down this alley will leave you filled with spirits (locally made, of course).
Massachusetts Farm Winery and Growers
Photo courtesy of masswinery.com
Fine wines and hard ciders are the way to go, especially if they’re made in our lovely Massachusetts state. Stop by for a glass or two or three. Better yet, buy a whole bottle for yourself. We won’t tell.
Mother Juice
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Juicing is a health trend that we’re all familiar with, and Mother Juice takes this to the next level. Get some great juices for a cleanse or a hearty meal that’s just as healthy.
Dairy
Appleton Farms
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Appleton Farms has a long history of creating high quality dairy products that are guaranteed to please everyone.
Cellars at Jasper Hill
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Cave-aged cheese made with all the love and care you could possibly imagine? Yes please. Jasper Hill serves up all these delicacies, and will even put it in a grilled cheese for you.
Crescent Ridge
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
If you’re into ice cream that was ranked in the top ten in the WORLD by National Geographic, be sure to stop by Crescent Ridge. Grab some of their glass-bottled milk, too.
Wolf Meadow Farm
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Artisan cheese is a trend in this market, but Wolf Meadow specializes in southern Italian styles. Make sure to check their panini of the day while you’re there.
Meat & Seafood
Chestnut Farms
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Family owned and pasture raised, what could be better? Chestnut Farms proves that their techniques for raising livestock is the best way.
Daniele
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Since 1976, this vendor has been serving up artisan charcuterie. Their products are the perfect addition to any appetizer, soup, or salad.
Lilac Hedge Farm
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Lilac serves up frozen (and fresh) meats as well as some prepared foods, perfect for any college student who knows the importance of stocking up when you can.
Red’s Best
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
This vendor stays true to the fishermen who provide for them daily. They offer fresh cuts as well as prepared options (including a make your own sushi kit).
Stillman Quality Meats
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
The name says it all. This farm is focused on providing quality meats served up as they are or as ready to eat selections.
Ready to Eat
Beantown Pastrami Company
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
If old-fashion, traditional food is what you seek, then grab a sandwich from Beantown. The 1800s would be proud.
Bon Me
Photo courtesy of bonmetruck.com
Sound familiar? Bon Me started out as a Vietnamese food truck, and now has their own stand in the Boston Public Market. Tracking the truck can be exhausting, so stop by their permanent location.
Boston Smoked Fish Company
Photo courtesy of bostonsmokedfish.com
BSF takes their sustainably harvested fish and turns it into flavor-packed dishes, like cajun salmon sliders and fish tacos.
Inna’s Kitchen
Photo courtesy of jewishboston.com
Inna’s serves up hearty, soul-filled Jewish-style dishes, but also offers foods with Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and Mediterranean flares as well. They have something for everyone.
Noodle Lab
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Hand-pulled noodles are what make ramen what it is. The folks at Noodle Lab don’t skimp on any details in their preparation.
Produce
(Note that some produce options vary based on the season)
Corner Stalk Farms
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
This farm is a little untraditional, but no less sustainable. By using recycled shipping containers as their farmland, they grow leafy greens all year round.
Harlow’s Vermont Farmstand
Photo courtesy of harlowsvermontfarmstand.com
Fruits, vegetables, cheese, jams, and salsas are some of the organic products served up from this Vermont based vendor.
Lakeside Organics
Photo courtesy of eco-farm.org
Farmer Joe offers customers 30 organic products hand-picked right from the farm.
Red Apple Farm
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
This stand serves apples in every possible way. Apple cider, apple crisp, apple butter, or as it is. But when you stop by, make sure to try their apple cider donuts.
Siena Farms
Photo courtesy of sienafarms.com
Anything that grows from the ground can be found at Siena Farms, especially beautiful flowers.
Silverbrook Farm
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
The farmers over at Silverbrook offer more than just produce. Check out their jams and pickles as well.
Stillman’s Farm
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Stillman’s has a wide variety of products, including fresh greens, peppers, carrots, and pumpkins.
Specialty Items
American Stonecraft
Photo courtesy of simplygourmetinsouthie.com
These crafters turn natural, New England stone into functional tableware, from cutting boards to bowls.
Boston Honey Company
Photo courtesy of simplygourmetinsouthie.com
The beekeepers at Boston Honey Company find ample ways to use their liquid gold, such as skincare and candles.
Mangé
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
This vendor serves a unique but necessary item: Fruit vinegar. Add it to your cocktails and enhance your dinner with this burst of freshness.
Nella Pasta
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Pasta is the easiest and most versatile ingredient there is, and the crafters at Nella Pasta add special flares to this simple component. Indulge in some Sriracha casarecce and ancient grain orecchiette.
Peterman’s Boards and Bowls
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Peterman’s doesn’t sell just any wooden appliances; they’re wooden appliances made from discarded or fallen local trees. Start up some dinner party conversation by explaining the history of your serving tray.
Q’s Nuts
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
This store serves nuts of every possible combination and flavor. Six different types of nuts made in a variety of three different tastes – sweet, savory, and spicy.
Soluna Garden and Farm
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Although this stand is very small, they offer a huge selection of herbs, tea blends, and dry rubs. You can also purchase a refreshing cup of tea to go.
Stow Greenhouses
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Stow specializes in 50 varieties of flowers, each one more vibrant and fragrant than the next.
Sweet Lydia’s
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
This vendor sells gourmet sweet treats, from marshmallows to chocolate caramels. Each delectable was inspired by the campfire favorite loved by all – s’mores.
Taza Chocolate
Photo by Krystyana Greaves
Taza brings chocolate to the next level by treating it the way it deserves to be treated. They serve up stone ground organic chocolate which is incorporated in items from drinks to candy bars.