Squirrel Hill Farmer's Market

This is the best farmers market I've been to in Pittsburgh. I'm sad I didn't come across it sooner, but it's my go-to Sunday activity now and I'm making up for lost time! The farms that bring their produce to this market have some of the most beautiful produce I've come across locally. There also seems to be *more* produce compared to some other farmers markets in town. There are plenty of other great vendors selling things like meat, fresh bread, coffee beans, pastries etc. It's a wonderful way to stock up on fresh goods for the week. Shoutout to all the local vendors who make this market a real gem.

My favorite Sunday activity! The squirrel hill farmers market has lots of fresh produce and also ready to eat food. Plus they have other bonus items besides food like fresh flowers, soap, and more!The fresh produce offered changes slightly depending on what is in season, but there is always something great to buy! I never leave unsatisfied. Many vendors accept cash, Venmo, and credit cards. There is also a tent where you can use your EBT or credit/ debit card to exchange for tokens if one vender is unable to take card. All the vendors but one except the tokens as payment. Like other farmers markets, there really isn't much seating except for a few public benches. If you do get ready to eat food it is usually not hard to eat while walking or standing. My go to favorite is the gyro! Overall a great stop for a bite to eat and quality farm fresh produce!

Great Sunday event throughout the summer and fall seasons to purchase local produce and products. Be sure to get here early to have your pick of the choice fruits and vegetables!!

The Squirrel Hill farmer's market is back open on Sunday mornings and I want to spotlight one particular vendor that drew my interest in coming here.Ulric and Jen Joseph operate a Trindad vegan prepared food stand known as Shado Beni. Shado Beni which means "culantro" is a seasoning used in East Indian dishes, widely used in Trindad and happens to be the name of the owner's father. I had the opportunity to interview him and learned about the business.This is his 2nd year doing farmer's markets which are Pittsburgh based and the first year he is preparing everything for take out due to CoVid 19 restrictions prohibiting eating in farmer's markets. His menu is extremely limited but you can preorder your food on his website shadobeni412.com the Wednesday before the scheduled market you wish to attend. He also has the same food for sale at his booth. His main staple is called "deconstructed doubles" which consists of spiced chickpeas placed between two pieces of fried dough known as barra. It comes with various toppings you can add to make it as hot and spicy as you like or sweet with cucumber chutney and tamarind sauce.Each week he has a "special" entree. In my case it was pastelles. Trindad pastelles are a cornmeal pie filled with season lentils and vegetables. They are sealed in a banana leaf which is used for steaming your delicacy. They also come with pretty much the same toppings. Ulric explained that although it is a Christmas delicacy in Trindad they have become year round favorites. I had purchased a 4 pack completely frozen and when I cooked one for lunch it was literally to die for! It was so good and very filling! While chatting with the couple I had a "sorrel" tea. It is a Caribbean drink made from the red hibicus flower and brewed with other spices. It was a refreshing drink and he sells the leaves in a ready made packet where you can create up to a gallon of your own at home.Although the business does not have a storefront yet it is his hope that one day he will open up one on the Northside where they are situated. Everything is 100% vegan and tastes great! The Squirrel Hill Farmer's market is one of three city operated farmer's market going on throughout the summer and fall. This market is open on Sundays from 9-1. Restrictions are in place for Co-Vid 19 which include mask wearing, one way directional signage, and capacity limits. Get here before it opens to avoid waiting to get in.The lady at the gate explained to me that although you follow a certain path there are breaks in the dividers so that you can make a "u turn" if you are after a particular farmer. The market had a good selection of farms represented as well as other products for purchase. I was thrilled with the fact that there was a good fruit selection and that some of the vendors helped me find the best I needed since they have a "no touch" policy. Prices are pretty much on par for farm food but you get good quality. I already dug into fresh blueberries and an evercrisp apple and they were delicious! I was very thrilled with the opportunity to try a very new concept I had read about for some time now and ShadoBeni was indeed an outstanding vendor. Am looking forward to a future visit to try his coconut baked bread and the deconstructed doubles.Located in the Beacon/Bartlett parking lot in Squirrel Hill, metered parking is free on Sundays.

Maybe a 3.5 for me. Overall, I love the buy-local and farmer's market concept. The Squirrel Hill Market is a decent one - focused on local foods and not crafts and such. They have a selection of fruits and veggies, breads, cheese, honey, meat, and pasta along with several food truck/cart options if you want to eat while you shop. Many of the vendors offer samples, which I have found are more plentiful in the first weeks and then taper off a bit. I have seen some live music there as well. Here are the basics. The market runs on Sundays from 9-1. We walk to it, so I can't comment on the parking; but since the venue is actually taking up one of few parking lots in the area, I would hazard a guess that it is hit or miss. Bring cash, as most of the vendors do not take cards. There is a little kiosk that you can charge at and get tokens or something, but that seems like too much of a process for me. Come hungry, as there are several vendors serving meals and they are all pretty tasty. Now for the reason that it isn't a five star rating. This market is expensive. There are usually 4-5 fruit/veggie vendors of varying sizes and price shopping is tough since not all of them clearly mark their produce. Having shopped here several times though, I can say that you are absolutely paying more than you would at Giant Eagle (and significantly more than at Aldi). For fresher items, I am willing to pay it, but I don't notice that difference on many of the items. You do get some fresher and more flavorful items sometimes, but it's hit or miss. The other specialty vendors (cheese, pasta, meat, bread) are also expensive, but I do notice more of a quality difference there and generally shop those more than the produce folks.

The food quality and selection are best of the best in Pittsburgh. Love Farmers Markets and go to one every week.Outstanding heirloom tomatoes and beautifully presented vegetables. Miss the Greek food this year from Ambridge, but excellent bread choices from The Breadworks!

Not a farmers market at all! Much of the produce sold was not in season nor could have been locally sourced. It casts doubt on integrity of all the other vendors. Why have this market when one can simply shop the trusted local businesses in Squirrel Hill?