If you’re taking Austin culinary arts courses, you’ve spent time looking to get the freshest produce in Austin. We have compiled a list of five outstanding farmers markets where you can get quality locally grown and raised produce, meat and fish for all your cooking needs.
Downtown Austin
SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown at 422 Guadalupe St.
Open Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Head to Republican Square to see this hub of the Sustainable Food Center Farmers’ Market system. There’s live music, award-winning food artisans, dozens of farmers, room to picnic and more.
East Austin
HOPE Farmers Market at the intersection of East 5th Street and Comal Street
Open Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
?This is the longest-running farmers market in East Austin and the Austin Chronicle voted it “Best Farmers Market” in 2012 for the diverse selection of food artisans, artists, farmers,community outreach and live music found here every week.
Springdale Farm at 755 Springdale Rd.
Open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
?Glenn and Paula Foore own this urban farm that grows more than 75 seasonal vegetables and is the location for the bi-weekly farmers market. You can grab some locally grown produce and visit a hen house at this market!
South Austin
Barton Creek Farmers Market at 2323 S. Lamar Blvd
Open Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
?Wolfgang Puck loved this market when it used to be known as SVFM. Other fans include the Audubon Society, the Austin Chronicle and Eating Well magazine. You’ll find dairy, meat, produce, internationally prepared foods cooked by local vendors and more at this South Austin farmers market.
North Austin
SFC Farmers’ Market at the Triangle at 4600 N Lamar Blvd.
Open Wednesdays from 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
The bandstand is always booming with local bands and musicians who play at each session of the market. It doesn’t matter what season it is or what the weather conditions are, this market is always open on Wednesdays. To get a sampling of the vegetables available, you can ask for a “Taste the Place” sample and you can see what some of the produce is like.
Besides ingredients for your next incredible dish, farmers markets are a great place to grab a locally sourced meal from some unique area vendors. You can have a one-on-one conversation with restaurant industry insiders and to see what it’s like cooking outside of a physical restaurant. And there’s great networking potential with vendors who might provide goods to your future places of employment or even to an establishment that you run!
