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Party Earth Review Dozens of ferries may depart and dock each day at the historic Ferry Building – also the site of many retailers and upscale restaurants – but shoppers and foodies know it best for the popular weekly Ferry Plaza Farmers... ... read full review
1 Ferry Building
Ferry Building Marketplace
San Francisco, CA 94111
BART: Embarcadero
MUNI F Line: The Embarcadero/Ferry Building
415-291-3276
Tu, Th 10am–2pm, Sa 8am–2pm
Downtown / Financial District, San Francisco –
Dozens of ferries may depart and dock each day at the historic Ferry Building – also the site of many retailers and upscale restaurants – but shoppers and foodies know it best for the popular weekly Ferry Plaza Farmers Market that sets up out front.
Three days a week, roughly a hundred farmers turn a stretch of sidewalk along Embarcadero Street into a whirling bustle of brightly colored awnings, organic produce, homemade peanut brittle, and throngs of people. Residents come from all over town to pick up a few choice veggies, while office workers from the Financial District pop over to grab a quick lunch at one of several restaurant tents.
Flitting from stand to stand, tourists snap photos and try their luck at the art of haggling, as canvassers clutching clipboards of petitions take advantage of the enormous crowds.
Budget-conscious college students are easily drawn in by the calls from farm representatives, who tempt onlookers with free seasonal samples of juicy tomatoes, vibrant red strawberries, and other goodies, while everyone from hippies to high-end ladies carries reusable totes as they load up on both common veggies and unusual heirloom varieties.
With such widespread diversity in both products and patrons, it’s no wonder Ferry Plaza Farmers Market attracts an estimated twenty-five thousand visitors every week.
Students, foodies, hippies, professional chefs, young professionals, office types, camera-toting tourists, moms with strollers, and the healthy wealthy. All ages.
Mix of street musicians vying for attention. Free cooking demos featuring top chefs available on Saturdays. See a listing of special events at www.cuesa.org/calendar.
In addition to the fresh produce and homemade snacks on hand, several restaurant food tents serve prepared meals. The Ferry Building itself is home to several permanent high-end restaurants, including the popular Vietnamese eatery The Slanted Door.
Nearest parking lots include the Embarcadero & Washington Lot and the 75 Howard Garage. Street parking can be difficult, but metered spaces are available. The market offers validated parking for the lot at Embarcadero & Washington.
Only guide and service dogs allowed.
Fresh produce $.50–$5+. Tent menu items $3–$7+. Parking $2.50+/hour depending on hours, lots, and validations. $3 parking all day Saturdays at Golden Gate Garage (250 Clay Street).
Most vendors are cash only. ATMs on site.
Anything goes: from shorts, tank tops, and spandex to impeccable suits.
Saturdays for the highest energy scene, the most vendors, and the biggest crowds. Tuesday or Thursday mornings to avoid the masses and speak at length and mingle with the merchants, area chefs, and devout foodies.
Ciao Bella Gelato (1 Ferry Building, Suite 8), steps away inside the Ferry Building, is a delicious way to end the Market experience.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market User Reviews