For nearly 100 years, Downtown Los Angeles’ Grand Central Market has been a haven for Los Angelites looking for fresh produce and grab-and-go meals, all wrapped with a healthy dose of small talk and a sense of community. Whether you’re looking for a bushel of fresh apples or an authentic street taco, Grand Central Market has you covered.
Originally opened in 1917, Grand Central Market has long been one of the best places in town not only to forage for fresh produce, but also to grab the herbs, spices and other dry goods necessary to make the perfect Mexican dishes at home, all at discount prices. The Market has also grown to include food vendors selling the best grab-and-go comforts of Latin America and Asia.
The last year has brought newcomers to Grand Central Market as the concept was revisited and modernized for a 21st century L.A. – but the market’s old soul remains ever-present. Bins of dried beans and bright piles of fresh lemons entice visitors to this indoor market as the spicy smell of carnitas street tacos and teriyaki beef wafts through the aisles.
Dining is a relatively new star player at Grand Central Market, starting bright and early for breakfast with vendors like G&B Coffee and the cheekily-named Eggslut offering the convenient L.A. basics of coffee and breakfast sandwiches. For lunch, you could choose between quick Chinese takeout, a Japanese bento box, Hawaiian barbecue, Persian kebabs or burritos de lengua. And if your sweet tooth is aching, you can always grab a scoop at Jose’s Ice Cream Corner or a pastry at Casa de Dulces.
You might also visit the market to get the fixings for a homemade meal, stopping at A&B Coffee for fresh grains, Valeria’s for dried chiles, Lupita’s Seafood for your main course and DTLA Cheese for nice imported cheese.
No matter what brings you to L.A., indulge your inner foodie with a stop at Grand Central Market.
(Main image: vmiramontes)
