LA Locals Love: Grand Central Market

If you’re wondering where to grab a delicious meal and people watch simultaneously, you’ve gotta get yourself out to the Grand Central Market in DTLA! This vibrant urban food market represents the melting pot that is Los Angeles. Got a couple of hours and a big appetite? Want to meet up with friends and chat over a few drinks? Here are some fun and helpful things you should know about the Grand Central Market that’s going to make your adventure a tasty and stress-free one!

Fun Facts:The Grand Central Market in Los Angeles is 100 years old! This historic market place first opened its door in 1917 with the purpose of serving the local community. People in the neighborhood went to the Grand Central Market for all their grocery needs, baked goods, coffee, and flowers. It was a place for people to gather and get to know their neighbors. It is 100 years later and this historic landmark is still serving the local community while attracting foodies and tourists from all over the globe.

Cuisine: The Grand Central Market is currently home to over 30 food vendors and the list continues to evolve and grow! There are amazingly unique vendors serving food from many different parts of the world in this 30k square-foot space. Authentic Mexican food, freshly made Italian pasta, Currywurst straight from Berlin, Thai street food, vegan Ramen, and good old American BBQ are all examples of what you will find in this beautifully designed market space. Eggslut has been the most popular foodie favorite for the last couple of years with a wait time of up to an hour plus!

Let’s Grab a Drink: The craft beer trend had made its way to the Grand Central Market. Golden Road Brewing served their first customers in 2011. They boast 20 craft beer on tap with light fares to snack on. The tasting area is open and welcoming to patrons to sample their revolving beer selection. This brewing company believes in practicing sustainability in the beer brewing process and they are darn proud of it. My go-to meal is Horse Thief BBQ Brisket with a beer.

If you prefer wine over beer, grab yourself a seat at Bar Moruno. This vendor aims to provide casual upscale dining with a wine list that consist of mainly Spanish and French wine.

Socialize: The Grand Central Market is the perfect place for locals, tourists, and adventurous eaters to come together and hang out! Depending on the day of the week, there is often hosted game night, live music, and movies being streamed. For more information on events, take a peek at their calendar here. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Parking: If there’s one thing that really stresses people out in LA, it is the parking situation, or lack there of. There are many parking options in this area of DTLA, with metered parking, adjacent garage parking, and several parking lots available. Make sure to bring cash and read signs carefully! Parking availability and costs depend on peak hours.

TheGrand Central Market is now open 7 days a week, from 8am – 10pm. The hour of operation of each vendor varies but there is always something delicious for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and, my favorite meal, dessert. Lunch time tends to be the busiest so come before or after to avoid the long lines! 

I hope this post will inspire you to visit the Grand Central Market whenever you are in the DTLA area. This historic landmark house so many diverse food vendors that will satisfy meat eaters and vegans alike. Be sure to enjoy the sunny LA weather by dining outside or pull up a seat inside and listen to some live music. Come hang out and be a part of the community for a day! 

Your LA Friend, 

Wendy

Pin for later!