The Original Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax has been feeding Los Angeles since 1934 — making it one of the oldest continuously operating food markets in the United States. What started as a cluster of farmers selling produce from their trucks on a vacant lot has grown into a sprawling, beloved institution with over 100 vendors, stalls, and restaurants spread across a covered open-air complex in the heart of LA.
It's the lunch stop on every LA in a Day tour, and consistently one of the highlights guests mention when they look back on their day. Here's everything to know before you visit — every stall, every vendor, and every food option worth knowing about.
📍 Address: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 · Open daily · Hours: Mon–Fri 9AM–9PM, Sat 9AM–8PM, Sun 10AM–7PM · Free parking on site
The History — Why This Market Matters
The Farmers Market opened on July 14, 1934, when a group of farmers began selling directly to consumers from their trucks on a field owned by Roger Dahlhjelm and Fred Beck. The idea was simple: cut out the middleman and let farmers sell fresh produce directly. The concept was an immediate hit during the Depression era, and the market grew rapidly.
By the 1940s, permanent stalls had been built and the market had become a fixture of LA life. Over the decades it became more than a food market — it evolved into a cultural institution where Hollywood celebrities, industry workers, tourists, and locals all mixed over breakfast and lunch. Clark Gable, Marlene Dietrich, and dozens of other Golden Age stars were regulars. Today the tradition continues, with a mix of long-running family businesses (some in the same stall for three and four generations) and newer vendors who've earned their place in this historic setting.
In 2002 the adjacent The Grove shopping centre opened, connected directly to the market via a walkway. The combination of the historic market and the modern shopping destination has made the 3rd & Fairfax complex one of the most visited locations in all of Los Angeles.
The Layout — How to Navigate
The market is a covered open-air complex — a maze of stalls, aisles, and seating areas that can feel overwhelming on first visit. The key is to do a full loop before committing to any one stall — the market rewards exploration. The main entrance is on 3rd St; entering from the Fairfax side gives you access from the parking lot. The Grove entrance connects the market to the shopping centre via a covered walkway.
Most of the market's seating is communal — you order from whichever stall appeals to you and find a table in the central seating areas. It's perfectly fine (and very common) to combine dishes from multiple vendors at one table.
Every Stall & Restaurant Worth Knowing
🥞 Breakfast & American Classics
Du-par's Restaurant & Bakery
The most famous tenant of the Farmers Market. Du-par's has been here since 1938 and is legendary for its pancakes — thick, fluffy, and served with real maple syrup. Full diner menu including breakfast all day, pies, and classic American comfort food. One of the great LA institutions.
Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts
A Farmers Market cornerstone since 1971. Bob's makes fresh doughnuts on-site every morning — glazed, old-fashioned, cake, and seasonal varieties. The line moves fast and the doughnuts sell out. Come early if you want the full selection. Classic drip coffee served in paper cups.
Magee's Kitchen
One of the oldest continually operating stalls in the market. Magee's serves hearty American breakfast and lunch — corned beef hash, omelets, sandwiches, and soups. Beloved by regulars and often overlooked by tourists, which keeps the line reasonable.
The Gumbo Pot
Authentic New Orleans-style cooking deep in the heart of LA. The Gumbo Pot serves excellent gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, po'boys, and beignets. One of the more unusual and rewarding options in the market — the flavours are genuinely transporting.
🌮 International & World Cuisine
Loteria Grill
One of the best Mexican food stalls in the market. Loteria serves proper Mexican street food — tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and enchiladas made with quality ingredients and real technique. The pastor tacos and the chicken mole enchiladas are standouts. Expect a line at peak lunch hours.
Monsieur Marcel
A proper French bistro and wine bar right in the market. Monsieur Marcel serves classic French dishes — croque monsieurs, salads niçoise, cheese boards, charcuterie — alongside an impressive wine list. The adjacent gourmet grocery shop is excellent for picking up French cheeses and specialty items.
Kokomo Café
A market favourite with an eclectic menu that spans American comfort food, Caribbean influences, and California fresh. The chicken and waffles, the turkey meatloaf, and the mac and cheese are all excellent. One of the more substantial meal options in the market.
Moishe's Village
Excellent Middle Eastern and Israeli-inspired food — falafel, shawarma, hummus, and fresh pita. One of the healthier and more filling options in the market, and consistently good. The combination plate with falafel, hummus, and salad is a great value.
Shibuya
Fresh sushi, sashimi, and Japanese dishes at the market. Quality is consistently good and the selection is broader than you'd expect from a market stall. The lunch bento boxes are good value. A solid option for those wanting something lighter and clean.
Patsy D'Amore's Pizza
Another Farmers Market veteran since 1949. Patsy D'Amore claims to have introduced pizza to Los Angeles — whether or not that's true, the pizza is good: thick-crust, cheesy, and satisfying. Also serves pasta and Italian sandwiches. A solid pick for families with picky eaters.
Tusquellas Seafood & Tapas
Fresh seafood and Spanish tapas in a market setting that somehow pulls it off. The ceviche, the gambas al ajillo, and the grilled fish are all worth ordering. One of the more sophisticated dining options at the market, at reasonable prices.
Phil's Deli
Classic Jewish deli fare — thick-cut pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and knishes. One of the rare places in LA still doing proper New York-style deli. The Reuben is excellent. A must for deli lovers.
🍦 Sweets, Desserts & Drinks
Bennett's Ice Cream
Hand-dipped ice cream in the market since 1948. Bennett's makes their own ice cream in a wide range of classic and seasonal flavours. The sundaes are generous and the service is fast. A perfect end to a market lunch, especially on a warm LA afternoon.
Littlejohn's English Toffee House
Making English toffee and handmade candies at the Farmers Market since 1952. Littlejohn's toffee is buttery, crisp, and deeply addictive — they'll let you taste before you buy. Makes an excellent edible souvenir. One of the market's most beloved long-running vendors.
Tropical Nut & Fruit
Massive selection of nuts, dried fruits, trail mixes, and healthy snacks. Great for picking up trail mix or a bag of mixed nuts for snacking during the rest of the tour day. Also sells a wide range of candy and confections.
Peet's Coffee
A Peet's Coffee location sits within the market complex for those who want a reliably good espresso or drip coffee. Faster than waiting for a table at Du-par's if you just need a coffee fix before heading to the next stop.
Fruit Works
Fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and acai bowls. One of the healthier options in the market and a great choice on a warm day. The green juices are properly made and the tropical smoothies are refreshing after a morning of walking.
🛒 Specialty Food Shops & Grocers
Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market
The retail arm of Monsieur Marcel — a superb selection of French and European cheeses, charcuterie, tinned seafood, olive oils, wines, and specialty pantry items. If you're a food lover, this shop is worth at least 15 minutes of browsing. Ships nationwide.
Farmers Market Spice Shop
An excellent selection of spices, herbs, and seasoning blends from around the world. Great for picking up something unique to take home — the custom spice blends make excellent souvenirs. Staff are knowledgeable and will help you find what you're looking for.
International Wines & Spirits
A solid wine and spirits shop within the market complex. Good selection of California wines alongside international bottles at a range of price points. A bottle of local California wine makes a great souvenir.
The Grove — Right Next Door
Connected directly to the Farmers Market via a covered walkway is The Grove — one of LA's most popular outdoor shopping destinations. Opened in 2002, The Grove is designed in the style of a classic American main street, with a beautiful central fountain, a vintage-style trolley that runs the length of the complex, and a mix of retailers from luxury brands to mainstream stores.
The Grove's dining options add further variety to the lunch stop:
- Nordstrom Café — reliable, quick, and good quality
- The Cheesecake Factory — extensive menu, reliable crowd-pleaser
- Din Tai Fung — world-famous Taiwanese restaurant chain, excellent soup dumplings
- Shake Shack — quality fast-casual burgers and shakes
- Eataly — the enormous Italian food hall with multiple dining concepts under one roof
If your group is split between the market's classic stalls and something from The Grove, the communal seating areas in the market make it easy for everyone to eat together regardless of where they ordered from.
Tips for Your Farmers Market Visit
Do a full loop first
Before committing to any vendor, walk the entire market. The variety is enormous and first-timers often wish they'd explored more before ordering. A full circuit takes about 5 minutes and gives you a much better sense of what's available.
Arrive with an appetite
The market stop is a full hour — enough time to eat well, browse, and maybe grab a dessert from Bennett's. Don't snack too much during the morning tour stops.
Seating is communal and plentiful
Don't worry about finding a table — the market has extensive communal seating and it's rare to wait. Groups can easily find adjacent tables even when the market is busy.
Budget $15–30 per person
Most main dishes run $12–20. Add a drink and a dessert and $25–30 per person covers a very comfortable lunch. Du-par's is slightly more expensive than the stalls; the deli and Mexican options tend to be better value.
It's cash AND card
Most vendors accept cards, but a few older stalls prefer cash. Having $20 in cash is useful but not essential.
💡 Pro tip: Du-par's and Loteria Grill have the longest lines at peak lunch time (12:30–1:30 PM). If you have your heart set on Du-par's pancakes, order quickly when you arrive. For Loteria, the line moves faster than it looks.
📋 Original Farmers Market — Key Facts
- Address: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (corner of 3rd St & Fairfax Ave)
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9AM–9PM · Sat 9AM–8PM · Sun 10AM–7PM
- Parking: Free 3-hour parking in the market lot off Fairfax Ave
- Connected to: The Grove shopping centre (via walkway)
- Founded: 1934
- Vendors: 100+ stalls, restaurants, and shops
- Best for: Lunch, breakfast, browsing specialty foods, people-watching
Visit the Farmers Market on Our LA Tour
The Original Farmers Market is our lunch stop on every LA City Tour and Anaheim Tour — a full hour to eat, explore, and enjoy one of LA's great institutions.
Book LA City Tour Tour DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Farmers Market free to enter?
Yes — the market is free to enter and browse. You only pay for what you eat or buy. Parking in the market lot is free for 3 hours.
How long do you spend at the Farmers Market on the tour?
A full hour — enough time to walk the market, choose your lunch, eat, and browse. Some guests also pop into The Grove for a quick look before regrouping with the tour.
Is there vegetarian and vegan food at the market?
Yes — Moishe's falafel and hummus, Loteria's vegetarian tacos, Fruit Works smoothies and acai bowls, the Spice Shop, and many of the produce and specialty stalls are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. The market caters well to dietary requirements.
Can I buy groceries or food to take home?
Absolutely — the specialty shops like Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market, Littlejohn's Toffee, and Tropical Nut & Fruit are excellent for edible souvenirs and food gifts to take home.