West Side Market; Ohio City, Cleveland

One of Cleveland’s signature buildings, this historic market anchors the Ohio City neighborhood and fuels the City’s passion for ethnic and local foods.

Key Details:

Located on a major street intersection on a bluff above the Cuyahoga River, this corner has served as a major hub of commerce since the mid 19th century.  The market building was completed in 1912 and has a prominent clock tower on the primary corner.

The markethouse has a high vaulted interior concourse that creates a wonderfully cozy but vibrant ambiance.  The gorgeous ceiling is covered in a herringbone pattern of glazed ceramic tiles.  Most of the fresh meat and seafood vendors are found here with some ready-to-eat vendors mixed throughout.  The west side of the concourse has a second-floor viewing overlook that provides a dramatic view of the bustling activity below.

To the north and east of the markethouse is the open-air arcade where fresh fruits, vegetables, and other items may be found.  The most recent renovation of the market enclosed the arcade to allow for year-round use.

If You Go:

The West Side Market serves almost a million visitors annually and is a bustling center of activity for both regular shoppers,  and tourists.  Unlike other notable markets, it does not have many ready-to-eat options or interior dining space.  However, there are several options here and immediately adjacent.  The market is generally open during normal business hours on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.  It is closed on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.  Check the market website for specific hours and special holiday hours.

Sources:

http://www.westsidemarket.org/about.html

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