By Nick Dekker
Posted On: May 7, 2021
Shopping can be a fun experience at these specialty markets across Ohio, ranging from large-scale stores to international supermarkets to classic public markets featuring local vendors.
NOTE: Check directly with places before you go to learn about their health guidelines, safety updates and any required reservations.
West Side Market in Cleveland
Cleveland’s iconic West Side Market sits in a stunning brick building in the Ohio City neighborhood. More than 100 vendors camp under the beautiful vaulted ceilings. After you visit the outdoor market stalls lined with colorful fruits, vegetables and flowers, head indoors for some of the city’s best bakeries, butchers, candy-makers, and more. Many of the vendors have been in business for decades, making the WSM a true Cleveland institution.
Findlay Market in Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s Findlay Market is a centerpiece of the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, and Ohio’s oldest continually operating public market. The central indoor market hall features bakeries and butcher shops, seafood, flowers, gelato, waffles and more. The outdoor plazas offer more shopping from local merchants with everything from wine and teas to coffee, barbecue, Venezuelan arepas and items for your pets.
North Market in Columbus and North Market Bridge Park in Dublin
The North Market and its new companion, the North Market Bridge Park, have been staples of Columbus’ dining scene for decades. Located just north of downtown, the market is home to dozens of vendors featuring everything from Ohio meats and seafood, to flowers and baked goods, and prepared foods ranging from Polish to Nepali, Vietnamese to Mediterranean, donuts to vegan soul food. The markets often serve as incubator spaces for small businesses; Jeni’s Ice Creams first started in the market, while favorites like Hot Chicken Takeover, Hoyo’s Kitchen, and Momo Ghar have grown their followings there too.
Photo credit: 2nd Street Market, Facebook
2nd Street Market in Dayton
Operated by Five Rivers Metroparks, the 2nd Street Market in Dayton’s historic Webster Station neighborhood is currently open Saturdays with 40+ vendors. You can visit them for everything from fresh produce and meats to artisan baked goods, local honey and maple syrup, plus handmade goods like clothing, ceramics and glassware.
Saraga International Grocery in Columbus
Saraga features two locations on Columbus’ northeast side, complete grocery stores featuring an incredible range of international goods. They’re the place to find goods from every corner of the globe, including a lot of hard-to-find snacks, ingredients, prepared foods, plus fresh fruits, fish, meat and more. Both groceries also include a few stalls serving Mexican, Indian, Korean, Nepali and other foods.
Photo credit: Bodega Wine and Specialty Foods Market, Facebook
Bodega Market in Tipp City
Located in downtown Tipp City, Bodega Market features a robust wine selection, deli cases stocked with hot and cold items, crave-able cinnamon rolls, and a brown bag lunch and dinner menu.
Center Street Market in Hilliard
Hilliard’s new Center Street Market is a specialty food hall and brewery in historic Old Hilliard. Anchored by Crooked Can Brewery, the market features a collection of vendors serving everything from meatballs to dumplings, tacos to fresh-baked cookies and more. Market visitors can enjoy its gigantic patio and its proximity to public art, bike paths and parks.
Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield and Cincinnati
Jungle Jim’s really has to be experienced to be fully understood. Their massive stores span more than 200,000 square feet of shopping space, selling hundreds of thousands of products from all over the world. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, natural foods and supplements, an extensive beer and wine selection, and international items from more than 70 countries.
Photo credit: Meyers Specialty Market, Facebook
Meyers Specialty Market in McConnelsville
In charming downtown McConnellsvile, Meyers Specialty Market features loads of local goods, bulk items, a full deli, plus fresh-baked breads, cookies and other treats.
For more ways to #SupportLocalOhio and enjoy foodie adventures, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
*Photo credit: all blog photos (unless noted) by Nicholas Dekker
Dining and Cooking