The East Coast is home to some of the best food halls in the country. Food Halls feature multiple vendors offering different food, drinks, and shops. These vibrant and diverse spaces offer something for everyone. Here are the East Coast food halls that you can’t-miss on your next visit.
Baltimore: Lexington Market
Located in the heart of Baltimore, Lexington Market is the city’s oldest and largest public market, one of the oldest food halls in the country. Established in 1782, this bustling market has over 150 food stalls offering seafood, produce, deli items, BBQ, baked goods, and more! The market is open seven days a week, and it’s a great place to grab a quick bite or sit down for a leisurely meal with friends.
The world-famous crab cakes at Faidley’s Seafood are a must-visit at this Baltimore food hall. You may or may not recognize them from that scene in the movie “Sleepless in Seattle,” but you’ll never forget their award-winning lump crab cakes.
New York: Gotham West Market
Gotham West Market is a foodie paradise located in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. If their website claims they’re one of the best food halls in the world, you must try them.
This massive food hall features over a dozen vendors, offering everything from artisanal sandwiches, pizza, shoyu ramen, coffee, ice cream, and artisanal doughnuts. Say that five times fast! The market also features a full-service bar and plenty of seating, making it a great place to grab a drink and a bite with friends.
Boston: Quincy Market
Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace are side-by-side historic buildings close to Boston’s North End. Established in 1826, this market has been a popular spot for locals and tourists. Quincy Market is also home to various live entertainment, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.
You can sit outside in the warmer months or wander around the market’s 50+ vendors, offering everything from seafood to sandwiches to international cuisine. But our favorite bar food and drinks is Anthem Kitchen & Bar – order local oysters on the half shell and enjoy views of historic colonial sites like Old South Meeting House. Do you know which historic event took place there? Hint: it has to do with tea!
Miami: St. Roch Market
If you make it down to Miami, St. Roch market needs to be at the top of your to-do list. St. Roch Market is a trendy food hall in Miami’s artsy Wynwood Design District. This market features over a dozen vendors, offering everything from barbecue to artisanal cocktails. Make it a point to visit Sushi Yasu Tanaka by Iron Chef Masumura.
St. Roch Market is open all day and has super flexible seating. Take your laptop and work from the market while enjoying chef-centric food and drink options. If you’re looking for a place to start your night out with friends, St. Roch boasts a full-service bar and plenty of seating.
Charleston: Port of Call Food & Brew Hall
Port of Call is a brand-new space located at 99 Market Street in Charleston, NC – in the former Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. location! It opened its doors in 2021 and offers a two-story indoor food hall and market and an outdoor dining area to enjoy the SOutch Carolina weather.
About eight up-and-coming food vendors are inside, with two full bars emphasizing local craft beer. Since there are only a few delicious vendors, we’ll list them out for you to explore:
- Low Co Seafood Shack
- Délicieux – French Bistro
- Taco Art
- Argo – Greek Street Food
- Pineapple Hut – Healthy Softserve
- Pisco Mar – Peruvian Cuisine
- Empire Oyster
Atlanta: Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is a massive (and I mean huge) food hall located in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. There are over 50 vendors inside – coffee, seafood, ice cream, burgers, tacos, fried chicken, flower shops, gift shops…I’m out of breath. There is also a rooftop with mini golf during the summer and an ice rink in the winter. When it gets chilly in Georgia you can sit inside cute igloos with friends.
Everyone seems to be moving to the ATL, so if you’re looking for an apartment, Ponce City Market is renting out flats right along the Beltline. The apartments are inside of a fully renovated historic Sears building, located right next to the brick behemoth that is Ponce.
Philadelphia: Reading Terminal Market
If you read our Best of Philly for Under $50 article, we boasted Reading Terminal Market as a great local activity for residents and tourists alike. Established in 1893, Reading Terminal Market is one of America’s oldest and largest public markets.
The market features over 80 vendors, offering everything from traditional Dutch fare to Asian cuisine, Soul Food, and of course Philly Cheesesteaks. However, most vendors are small mom-and-pop shops so you can shop and eat guilt-free knowing you’re supporting local small businesses in Philadelphia.
These are just a few of the best food halls on the East Coast. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a leisurely meal, or a craft brew, these markets have something for everyone. So next time you’re in one of these cities, check out one of these East coast food halls.
Happy eating!