Milwaukee Public Market
400 North Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 336-1111     
Hours: Weekdays 10am-8pm
Saturday 8am-7pm, Sunday 10am-6pm

Located in the heart of the Third Ward, the Milwaukee Public Market is not only a source of fresh fish, deli products and flowers – it also houses some of the city’s most diverse food selection for lunch. On a busy Friday afternoon, nearly every seat in the atrium is filled with people of all ages and professions. The various shops and food stands below have lines that zigzag throughout the aisles.

The vendors include a bakery, coffeehouse, candy shop, taco stand, Italian cuisine, sushi on the go, soup market, middle eastern food, salad bar and seafood specialties. After making a few turns around the market I settled on Rupena’s Fine Foods, the Italian deli, which was difficult because every vendor beautifully displays their selection.

After sizing up the deli case, I chose the balsamic chicken Panini and my friend opted for a large fresh meatball and mostaccioli pasta in a red sauce. The Panini came piping hot, sliced down the middle and wrapped in a paper. Fresh mozzarella cheese oozing down the sides of the ciabatta bread deliciously complimented the lightly seasoned chicken. The meatball tasted handmade and was covered in a rich tomato sauce, the same that was used for the pasta.

The prices vary depending on the type of vendor, but it is common to spend $5-10 for lunch at the market. The market is open until 8pm during the week, so dinner can be enjoyed at the various stands as well. The open air concept of the market makes it family-friendly, but there are a few corners that cater to just adults, like the wine shop where sampling is encouraged.

During this holiday season, the Milwaukee Public Market is the perfect one-stop shop for a scrumptious and quick meal as well as for shopping for locally-based gifts. Also, with a purchase the first hour of parking in the covered parking lot is free. Be sure to validate your ticket with the cashier.