The Milwaukee Public Market

Such a fun little eclectic mix of
vendors in this building!

The Milwaukee Public Market is a fun place to visit, eat, hang out, take cooking classes, or whatever!

The Public Market is located in the 3rd Ward, and is home to many different vendors selling fish, meat, fruits and vegetables, popcorn, coffee, seafood, sushi, breads and other baked goods, cheeses, wines, salads and more!

You’ll also find vendors that specialize in spices – some of my favorite spices have been purchased from one of the vendors here - and honey – which is locally harvested.

You can purchase flowers there, find prepared foods such as fresh seafood, soups, salads and sandwiches, or Middle Eastern cuisine. You can purchase items to cook at home, or eat at the market.

I just visited one of the vendors who specialize in preparing seafood, and ate a live maine lobster for only $12.95! And it was excellent!! I have to say that I was really surprised that there was someplace in Milwaukee I’d be able to get a lobster for under $20!

There are vendors that specialize in wine, which has come in very handy when I’m looking to purchase wine for friends or family. I’m a wine virgin so I really have NO CLUE what the difference is between bottle A and bottle B.

I was actually purchasing wine for someone who drinks it all the time so I was a little nervous about getting it right. I went there with the knowledge of what type of wine my friend usually drinks, told them how much I wanted to spend, and they gave me a wonderful suggestion which my friend ended up enjoying! Yay! :)

I love this place! I love grabbing something small to eat over lunch, and eating next to the row of windows on the second floor. I love wandering through the displays of the local vendors – such as home made purses, jewelry or other items. Oh, and the food vendors almost ALWAYS have samples to try! Make sure you're hungry during your visit!

For more information including the address and operating hours, visit the official Milwaukee Public Market Website (opens new window).

You’ll find regular events such as Movie Nights that center around food and the health benefits of eating properly, or interesting topics such as the Detox/Weight Loss Program Using Organic Foods that was recently held, other health related topics, and even music during the lunch hours or during the warm weather at the “Outdoor Urban Market.”

The Public Market is just a fun place to hang out and do some shopping, and you feel like you’re helping Milwaukee in the process. The vendors at the market are all privately owned food growers, artisans or purveyors (as the website indicates). By the way, “purveyor” is a fancy term for “grocer” for those of you who don’t know...I was one of those who didn’t know! :)

You’ll find the Milwaukee Public Market has a Farmers Market during the warmer months - spring through fall. It’s a vibrant, thriving community that many Milwaukeeans have really taken to since its inception.

Take a lunch hour, or a Saturday afternoon, and stop by the market to find out for yourself!

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