What is it?
North Market is the quintessential indoor (and sometimes outdoor) market in Columbus, being at its current location since 1995! Outdoors, they have covered and uncovered areas that host a farmers market on Saturdays in the warmer months (roughly June through October) and special events like Yoga at the Market, not to mention outdoor seating.
Indoors, the market really comes alive. It is set up as a series of stalls right next to each other, with food and drinks and groceries, oh my! The Market has over 30 vendors serving foods from cuisines across the world. Of course, it’s not all prepared food to eat on-site – you can also get high quality meats, seafood, spices, cheese, even your morning cup of joe.
Where is it?
North Market’s home base location is 59 Spruce Street in Downtown Columbus. It is right at the end of the Short North, and directly across from the Convention Center. Speaking of which, beware if there is a sports convention there (like a cheerleading tournament) – North Market will FLOOD with families midday!
For parking, North Market has their own lot (which frequently fills up). If you buy something inside, ask them to validate your ticket, and it’ll only cost $2. There is also a parking garage beside the Market, and street parking around it (rates vary).
North Market has also opened a location at Bridge Park in Dublin – I won’t cover that here, but it is worth checking out as well!
When is it open?
North Market’s normal hours are Sunday 10a – 5p, closed Mondays, and open Tuesday through Saturday 9a – 7p. Check with them for holidays – they’re typically closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, but they add some Monday hours to compensate.
What you need to know about visiting:
Come hungry, thirsty, or just looking to take something home to cook a nice meal! This place has it all: Meats, seafoods, dairy, beer, wine, asian cuisine, fried chicken, donuts, bakeries, coffee, I could go on, but you get the idea. There is no shortage of foods from across the globe.
When you stop in, I suggest getting a coffee at Staufs (in the middle of the market) and taking a lap, just to take in everything the market has to offer. If you have never been, you really need to take in how vast the place is.
Once you’ve had a peek around downstairs (and possibly bought some food), head upstairs. There you’ll find Hot Chicken Takeover, as well as seating all around the rim of the Market. You can snag a table for a large group, or a couple seats close to the rail for some prime people-watching. There is also some seating outside (on the parking lot side of the building).
Our Favorites & Advice
First, if crowds aren’t your thing, get there early! Especially if you want your pick of some prime farmer’s market goods. North Market also hosts some events, like Night Market, occasionally throughout the year (in case you’re not an early riser).
This is a hard section to write, because I don’t know if I have ever had something I didn’t like from one of the vendors! If you’re feeling some food, I recommend getting some dumplings at Momo Ghar, a Columbus staple. If you want to grab a drink, go to The Barrel and Bottle. My favorite snack-on-the-go is a pretzel from Brezel. If it is a nice, hot day, just look no further than Jeni’s ice cream directly inside the entrance from the parking lot.
Other Brews and To-Dos
Looking for a traditional coffee shop? Head to Brioso Coffee Downtown.
How about a nice brewery and restaurant? Go to Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus.
Chill out(side) with a nice movie night at the iconic South Drive-In.
Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
Email us at help@brewsandtodos.com
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