The Best Food Halls In The US

We get it. You're in the mood for a spicy margarita. And tacos, duh. Wait — maybe a wood-fired prosciutto pizza. Or there was that really great, buttery lobster roll from that place. Oooh — also your favorite celebrity chef just opened up a new spot. Except there was this hole-in-the-wall doing a killer poke burrito. But who doesn't love a cheese and honey tasting? Or a hot, steaming bowl of ramen? Or a cozy cup of Oaxacan drinking chocolate? Hold up — do they have artisan soft-serve with locally sourced sprinkles and fudge sauce that reminds you of when you were a kid?

Craving a little bite of everything? The stone-cold genius food hall concept has you covered from brunch to late-night dessert, all under one roof. With the original ideation popping up in 1825 with Boston's Quincy Market, the modern wave of the food vendor sensation hit the mainstream — nearly 200 years later — with the launch of Eataly in 2002. Ti amo, pastas of every shape and color!

These days, the food hall scene can be enjoyed all over the U.S., from New York City to Southern California. And the only decision you'll have to make when it comes to these culinary juggernauts will be whether to put on your burrito pants.

Skip the hike to the Hollywood sign, ditch the Oscars' Dolby Theater tour, and head straight downtown for the food! L.A.'s Grand Central Market has been happening since 1917, with an ever-evolving variety of culinary offerings that reflect the distinct SoCal culture of the city. Once called the "Wonder Market," for decades, some stalls still throw back to the days of selling farm-fresh avocados and dried fruit.

But as it is in the restaurant industry, so it goes for the food hall. In April 2023, KCRW reported that many older vendors were closing up shop, with new ones hot on their tails. As Eater LA reporter Mona Holmes told the outlet, "The owners are trying to achieve some kind of balance to make sure that it doesn't feel too, for lack of a better term, 'hipster-y.' I definitely see them wanting to respect the space and make sure that it still continues to serve all of Los Angeles."

So what's good? Grab a sammy at Ghost Sando Shop and sink your teeth into their Toasted Dutch Crunch roll. Throw down for some crispy chicharrónes at Sarita's Pupuseria. Take no prisoners with a savory bowl of Sisig Fried Rice at Sari Sari. And get a sweet strawberry-filled treat from The Donut Man. Still got room in that belly? Dig into a tangy key lime pie at Fat and Flour. This won't be a trip you'll ever forget.

Nestled in the heart of The Loop on Clark Street, Chicago's Revival Food Hall made its big debut in 2016. And with it came 24,000 square feet of devastatingly delicious cuisine. Smack-dab in the middle of the business district, the lunch scene here is bustling. But you don't have to show up in a suit and tie in order to get your grub on.

At Revival, every restaurant must be a Chicago local. Sorry not sorry, Shake Shack fans. Staying true to its mission, this place features the very best of its home city's cult favorite offerings. And, no, it's not all deep dish. Sometimes it's New York style from Dimo's Pizza.

You probably don't think of BBQ when you're thinking Taco Tuesday, but Chicago Magazine named Smoque the city's best spot for tacos, noting, "The folks at Smoque swaddle their famously tender slow-cooked brisket in a flour tortilla, smother it in a smoldering barbecue sauce, and serve it all up for a few bucks a pop." Oops, drooling a little bit. But any day of the week, you're gonna satisfy your hangriest cravings. Dip into the Shawarma Hummus Bowl at LaShuk Street Food, tuck into a couple of grilled Mahi Mahi tacos at Dos, share a sweet Galette Des Rois at Familiar Bakery, or sample everything yourself at Danke. No judging. Only living.

If it's gonna be Napa, you better believe there's gonna be wine. And Oxbow Public Market's got plenty of it — plus, everything you'll need to keep the tasty party going all day long. While you're sipping Sangiovese along the Napa River, let your mind wander back to the 1930s when the building sold tires, not tartare. Now there's not a greasy wheel in sight.

While there are plenty of local, sustainably-focused favorites, there have been a few crowd pleasers which might seem surprising for those with particular tastes. Thrillist tapped Gott's Roadside for the perfect burger to soak up the booze, noting, "We especially love the Western Bacon Blue Ring with beer-battered onion rings and Point Reyes crumbled blue cheese, and the Green Chile Cheeseburger with Anaheim green chiles and a charred jalapeño mayo spread." Also suggested: Not missing out on the milkshakes and floats.

Since this operation is part food court, part farmers' market, and part retail grocery, there's something for everyone. Clink a tipple at Bar Lucia or even a pint at Fieldwork Brewing, split a New Zealand Roll covered in eel sauce at Eiko's Hawaiian Fish Market, or smush your face into an heirloom recipe empanada at El Porteño. Ready for dessert? Take your pick of the fresh-baked treats at Model Bakery. We're saving ourselves for their ridiculous Chocolate Rad cookie.

A relative newbie on the scene, Pine Street Market made its shimmering debut in 2016 in downtown Portland, Oregon. With a $4.7 million reno, it set up shop in an historical landmark: the Carriage & Baggage building, which was built back in 1886. But there ain't nothin' old about the food this place is cooking up for fans.

Take a hint from Teote Outpost, whose street tacos and sauce-smothered burritos are clearly calling your name. Or Kotsu Ramen, where a bowl of noodles will heal your soul. Feel like beef? Grab a mouth-watering Western bacon smash burger and parmesan waffle fries at Pleasure Burger. Throw in a few dumplings from Shanghai's Best, and wash it all down with a local brew at the market's own Pine Street Taproom.

Hailing itself as the O.G. food hall in PDX, it appears the collective may have suffered a blow over lockdowns, as well as contending with a growing tent population outside the space, for years. As one Redditor noted, "That place went from fantastic pre-covid to an absolute shell." Another shared, "[There are] always tents directly in front of the entrances each time I walk by it." Only time will tell whether offerings like the treats at The Mini Donut Company will be enough to save the beloved Pine Street Market. The restaurant biz sure isn't for the faint of heart.

Housed in an iconic late 19th century building along the San Francisco Bay — once a hub for trains and later boat transportation during the Gold Rush of the '30s — the Ferry Building Marketplace has been cranking out the hits since 2003. But while it has strong roots in Bay Area history, vendors are moving full steam ahead on culinary innovation.

Here, we're heading straight for the ice cream. But it's not just ice cream, it's ... ice cream. And Humphry Slocombe is dishing out the childhood favs, now crafted for adults. Nothing the rotating roster of unique flavors, The Infatuation noted, "Secret. Breakfast. [...] This is the best flavor at Humphry. [...] And whatever crazy seasonal sh*t they think up almost always nails it too. This is undoubtedly the best ice cream in the whole city." Think Berry Kouign Amann, Nutella with hazelnut brittle, and Cherry Elderflower Dark Chocolate Chip. So good, we don't even mind the brain freeze.

Also on hand, you'll find fresh-baked loaves from Acme Bread, Ube Horchata and tortas from Señor Sisig, Jamaican flavor-packed Peaches Patties, beignets from Boulette's Larder, every single sweet treat from Miette, and a spectacular mushroom offering from Far West Fungi. And just in case you forgot you were in SF, grab a cake and a photo op for your pup at Mishka Dog Boutique. Woof.

Launched in 2009 by the Bensidoun family, the European-style Chicago French Market on Clinton Street in Chicago, Illinois was created to elevate local vendors and showcase foods from around the globe. And boy, does it ever.

This O.G. is packed with goodies, with Time Out pegging Vanille Patisserie and Frietkoten Belgian Fries & Beer as two of their favorites. And as Dining Chicago described the sit-and-eat situation, "Seating consists of a large in-house area reminiscent of a Parisian street cafe." For the record, we would house this Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang chili sauce from K Kitchen anyplace, anywhere.

Get in touch with your inner carnivore with Barangaroos Aussie Pies. Grab a crêpe batter waffle at Bon Appetit Crêperie. And go deliciously veggie with saag paneer from Klay Oven Kitchen. There's even a market within the market where the Suarez brand stocks everything you need for your ride home.

Denver, Colorado-based dining destination Avanti Food and Beverage bills itself as "a collective eatery," focused just as much on its curated culinary offerings as it is on its heart-pumping nightlife. There are multi-level terraces, rooftop bars, and views for days, but you don't come here to see the Rockies. You come here to eat the food and dance your butt off, people.

Although Condé Nast Traveler claimed the service was a little too slow, there's plenty to occupy you and your party of 20 best friends. Having opened in the LoHi neighborhood in 2015, In Good Taste Denver reported, "Avanti [...] is a great concept that not only gives diners plenty of options (allowing them to be as adventurous as they want) but it also serves as a restaurant incubator for new restaurant concepts and chefs."

Don't miss the arepas at Quiero Arepas — where you will want them all — and the craft cocktails at the house bar. There's also a very saucy fried chicken sammy from Knockabout Burgers and all kinds of fresh Bowls By Ko. Take a bao at Meta Asian Kitchen — or even do brunch with their Hong Kong French Toast — and top it all off with bingo, a comedy set, live music, or just relaxing under the stars.