Green Giants: A Guide to Chicago's Best Farmers' Markets

by Jennifer Olvera - Citysearch Contributor - 3,378 Reviews - 26 Lists

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Updated: September 23, 2009

Forget trips to the grocery store for wilted veggies and underripe fruit; instead, vow to buy local like the chefs do. At Chicago's farmers' markets, you can score plump peaches, juicy tomatoes and candy-sweet apples, directly from the source and in-season. Whether you crave asparagus in spring, raspberries come June or romas when the late-summer locusts sing, these local markets are ripe for the picking.

Chicago Farmers' Markets

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Daley Plaza Farmers' Market
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    50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL null (map)

    Skyscrapers fringe this popular Loop market, which holds court in the shadows of the Picasso sculpture at Daley Center. Fragranced by a rainbow of fresh-cut flowers, the market attracts dozens of vendors. Look for bread from La Briola and honey from Kress Apiary, as well as River Valley Kitchen's just-plucked mushrooms and asparagus. Need some small-batch cheese for your wine? Brunkow Cheese has your back. When: Thursdays 7am-3pm through October 15, 2009.

  2. 2 Evanston Farmers' Market
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    University Pl and Oak Ave, Evanston, IL null (map)

    Cooking demos from Now We're Cookin', a local Evanston culinary center--plus art exhibits--add to the appeal of this North Shore market, which is one of the longest running of the growing season. Although it's loaded with a bounty of cukes and berries from neighboring states, you'll also find fresh-baked breads, fork-tender beef and vibrant bouquets. The crisp lettuce, sugary corn and jade beans from Henry's Farm are a veggie-lover's dream. When: Saturdays 7:30am-1pm through November 7, 2009

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average Green City Market
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    Between 1750 N Clark St & Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    Keep your eyes peeled: This nonprofit organic and sustainable market with upwards of 50 regional vendors lures top toques, whose finds inspire fresh, day-of feasts in restaurants citywide. Prepare to splurge on Chicago Honey Co-Op's bee-based treats, buttery tenderloin from Heartland Meats and Kinnikinnick Farm beets. When: Wednesdays 7am-3pm and Saturdays 7am-1pm through October 31, 2009.

  4. 4 Oak Park Farmers' Market
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    460 Lake St, Oak Park, IL null (map)

    Come for the produce, stay for the fresh-made powdered and cinnamon sugar donuts. They're prepared at adjacent Pilgrim Church and then passed through the window to hungry market goers. Perennials alone are enough to excite those with a green thumb, but the crunchy peppers from Geneva Lakes Produce and beef from Heartland Organic Meat steal the show. When: Saturdays 7am-1pm through October 24, 2009.

  5. 5 Wicker Park & Bucktown Farmers' Market
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    1500 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL null (map)

    A less chaotic alternative to the downtown markets, this smaller one in Wicker Park boasts bushels of apples and tender squash blossoms begging for a goat cheese filling. Marvel at Cox's Orange Pippin apples from Nichols Farm & Orchard before moving on to Brandywine tomatoes--they'll taste great in your next BLT--or ogle baskets of fiery, locally sourced jalapenos from Michigan farms. When: Sundays 7am-2pm, June 7 through October 25, 2009.