University District Farmers Market

I used to live in U-​district and liked to hang out at the market on Saturday mornings. There are fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables year round, plus good eats.
I liked a pie spot that’s close to the 50^th and University Way intersection. It has very good lemon custard pies and pear pies. They may also have seasonal flavors sometime.
Overall, quality of deli and produce is very good. The only downside would be that everything is more expensive than usual, which at the same time is understandable.
Although I’ve moved out of U-​district and it’s not as convenient going to the market as before, I still want to go back and check it out again sometime.

This is one of the nicest farmer’s markets in Seattle. Located at the edge of the University District, it’s a sensory wonderland. Fresh breads and pastries, vegetables and about anything else you can think of is here. We lived in Seattle for years and this was absolutely our favorite local market (of course there is no rival for the downtown Pike Place Market).
Parking can be a bit of work because it’s a crowded city neighborhood where lots of students live (and park their cars). But it’s well worth walking a few blocks.
Seattle has a lot of colorful characters so people watching is a fun part of the event.
Be prepared that you will in many cases pay a more than at the local market but this is the ultimate expression of supporting your community and farmers in the area.

When I think of farmers markets, I think of fruits and veggies, but here I find much more. There are many local vendors here every week and some just occasionally. Plenty of stalls offering a large variety of vegetables, fresh and frozen meats, cheese (I love Appel Farm’s jalepeno gouda), etc. Seasonal fruits including a flat of blueberries (Mount Baker’s or raspberries or kiwi-​berries (mmmm just thinking about ‘em).
My staples: at least a family size of Ellenos Greek yogurt & a refill of Rachel’s ginger beer.
Occasional pickups: La Pasta (red pepper pasta, spinach & garlic ravioli, pairing with one of their sauces).
If you happen to roll outta bed by 1pm, stop by, otherwise many start packing up around 1:30 or some run out of items before then!

I love this place… You can find many things that you may think you will never find.

This is probably or of the biggest farmers markets in the region, and definitely has the most diverse selection of fresh produce and other goods I’ve seen in the state.
First off, there are about a dozen organic and conventional farms that bring their immensely high quality produce to market. They’re all from different regions so they have different offerings and different produce at different times.
The prices are good, too. You can get organics pretty reasonably — tomatoes, spinach, chard, winter squash, summer squash, peppers, cherries…
The market is unique because they also have other great offerings like foragers who collect mushrooms, and small dairy and egg operations. They even have small cattle rangers bringing their meats, sausages, and more.
And even more! They have craft beer and wine Brewers, cider.
To top it off, you can even get breakfast or lunch here. There is a coffee cart and at least one pastry place, artisanal cheese makers who bring mac’n’cheese… Plus, the meat peeps have pasta and burgers. There’s a dynamite El Salvadorean food booth, and organic tamale place.
It’s a great way to spend a Saturday, rain or shine!

Today I got the small Ellenos pumpkin pie yogurt! Beautiful day to walk around on the Ave.

As a farmers’ market this is a disappointment. I mean one of the key the points of farmers market is to eliminate middlemen and sell directly to the customer, isn’t it? The reduced overheads and low cost of fuel at this time is not reflected in the price of produce here and in fact many farmers’ markets around the country.
It was nice to visit for sure, but don’t expect a good value for the $$$ you spend. Everything is pricey.

The U-​District Farmer’s Market is one of the reasons why I love living in Seattle. You’ve got everything from charcuterie to sticky buns to beer from all over beautiful Washington state! I’ve never seen so many varieties of pears, apples, garlic (?!), peppers, potatoes, grapes, and berries until I dropped by the market this morning. Everything looks so gorgeous and is super fresh.
Speaking of garlic, be sure to visit the Jarvis Growers’ garlic stand. We picked up a bulb each of Spanish Roja and Chesnok Red and they were the best thing to happen to my stew.
The market is situated on a block on the Ave northeast of the Safeway. There were a few fantastic musicians scattered through the market. In true Seattle style, there were also two hipster gentlemen on typewriters writing poems for patrons for a small sum.
Love!

More farm stands than crafts, etc. like some of the other local markets. It’s got everything you need!

a smaller farmer’s market with lots of organic fruits and vegetables, honey and other food. Right across the University of washington, we found this place and found close parking:
seattle pops 4 stars — for $ 3.50 they make delicious pops in different flavors. My kids and I enjoyed the blueberry cream and strawberry pop.
We also bought cherries, apricots and plums from different tents. They were very sweet and fresh, way fresher than the fruits I buy in hawaii. They said it’s the end of cherry season though, but even if to them they aren’t the best, it tastes the best to me!

I didn’t realize I hadn’t been here for 2 years! Since then they moved the vendors from the parking lot onto University Way, leaving much more availability for drivers to the market. This was an excellent decision! I was pleased to find an ideal selection of produce even after rolling out of bed super late on a Saturday morning. I went in planning on grabbing some fungi and maybe some flowers, but left with a little of everything and excited to go home and cook with everything!

Every Saturday I head here for three things: milk, eggs, and seasonal vegetables. Sometimes (actually, every time) I leave with more than that, but that’s what will be in my insulated reusable shopping bag at the very least.
Why do I leave my cozy N. Beacon Hill bed, get into my car, head up NB I-​5, and search for a parking spot, just to stand in either the egg line at Skagit River Ranch or the meat counter at SeaBreeze Farm every Saturday morning, rain or shine? Short answer: because it’s worth it (and so is my family). Almost all of my favorite things to eat are within this farmers market, aka: my grocery store. Unless I’m traveling, you can find me at this market every Saturday morning. Here are some of my favorite items and vendors:
— Skagit River Ranch: grass-​finished beef & pastured pork cuts conveniently portioned, vacuum-​sealed and frozen. The eggs are from genuinely pastured chickens, meaning they forage on big, open pastures all day every day. Don’t leave without grabbing a few packs of bacon. If you bake some Skagit River bacon and serve it for brunch, your family will think you are a miracle worker.
— SeaBreeze Farm: also grass-​finished beef and pastured pork, but their products are refrigerated as opposed to frozen, so you can cook it right away. I’ve been to George’s farm on Vashon many times and have met the cows I get my raw milk from. How many people can say that about their dairy products? Other treats: duck leg or gizzard confit makes for lovely breakfast snacks with a couple eggs.
— Convoy Coffee: brick and mortar in Pioneer Square coming in June! They Aeropress or pour over locally roasted coffee (like Kuma, Velton’s, or the new Rose Line in PDX). Ask for their cold brew in the spring/​summer.
— Soup’s On: Jerry is a soup genius. He has a rotating selection of homemade soups, packed in frozen quarts. His curry soups are my favorite. The night before I cook it I’ll move the frozen soup into the fridge and a pack of stir fry beef from Skagit River Ranch. When I get home I’ll just put everything into a pot to warm and it’s perfect. Leftovers make great lunches, too!
— Lyall Farms: THE best sweet onions and sweet potatoes (my friend calls me «Bubba Gump of sweet potatoes» because I prepare them a billion different ways). Conveniently packed in 3-​lb bundles if you’re in a hurry.
— Ellenos Greek Yogurt: Local Greek yogurt that tastes like ice cream? Yes please.
So yeah, just some of my favorites. If you do your grocery shopping on the weekend, it’s worth the time and drive to hit this farmers market on Saturday. You’ll quickly find some favorites of your own.

I love farmers markets!
Every Saturday I find myself making the journey to the University Farmers market to see what fun and healthy goodies I can acquire for the upcoming week.
On a regular basis I get Ellenos Greek yogurt, Honey Crisp cider, assorted cheese and vegetables. If you want food you can find fresh made sandwiches, pizza, tandoori, and more. If you want to try something most establishments let you taste.
It’s also very dog friendly. One of my favorite things is seeing all the dogs that owners bring to with them. If your feeling healthy or like getting out of the house make your way to the University Farmers market!

I used to visit the UDistrict Farmers Market often when I lived closer back in the day in the ‘hood and Ravenna. It had been awhile and needed to return an apple cider bottle.
Arrived around 1pm on 12÷6÷14 and surprised to see it relocated onto University Way from NE 50^th upward, not at the adjacent University Heights parking lot. Excellent collection of vendors, farmers, food booths, and even a wreath making area by the local P-​patch.
Thought I’d just drop off the cider bottle, ended up getting another half gallon of tasty honeycrisp apple cider ($ 11 w/​bottle return, $ 12 without) and a box of sea salt caramels ($ 10). Kiddo scarfed a European raspberry pastry and a garlic naan ($ 3 each). Brisk early afternoon, but folks walking about looked genuinely happy and in the holiday spirit.
Sure beats hunting for parking in some crowded local shopping mall!

The University District Farmer’s Market had a lot of hype. It is supposed to be one of the top farmer’s markets in the country, so I had high expectations. The location is pretty good, and street parking can be found pretty easily.
There seemed like a lot of different vendors, but not a lot of variety. I am a person who likes options, and there were a few places to get some decent produce, but not very many. There was more variety in terms of food vendors… Anyway, the highlight of this market is the Seabreeze Farms booth from Vashon Island. Their meats and raw milk are worth the visit to the market. It really saves the time and money not having to take a ferry to the island.
Is it the best? Not by a long shot, and it is just OK. I just wish there was a better selection of produce. This is a FARMER’s market yeah? Where are the farmers? This Market can learn a lot from the Portland Farmer’s Market (which is the best market).

This is a great farmer’s market! It is pretty big and I love that it is open year round! The vendors are all very kind and helpful. My husband and I spent a good 20+ minutes talking to a vendor about their seafood. I also love the variety of vendors, sometimes farmer’s markets can have too many stalls of the same things. This has a nice mix and a large handful of people there rotate between other markets. I would highly recommend going!

Oh Farmer’s Market, I am delighted to know that you are found in various cities with fresh ingredients of all kinds.
The University District market starts on 50^th street. It’s a great place if you are looking for fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, flowers and something to snack on.
Like others have said, the prices can be a bit expensive but they can also be fairly reasonable or cheap. Now that it is, Fall there are a lot of orange pumpkins! It is a great stroll, unless it is raining. Corn? Get two for one! Need any jalepenos? Get them fresh 5 for one. The tomatoes here are plump and juicy and there are even a wide range of mushrooms! You can sample cheese, bread, caramel candies and all kinds of fruit. The apples and peaches looked so good!
This place is not Pike Place so you will not see the huge array of flowers but they still have vibrant, fresh cut flowers. The bouquets start around five dollars and can go up to around 15 depending on the size and type. I got three brightly colored flowers today and they were each a dollar per stem.
There are a few food stands. The quesadilla stand has an exceptionally long line during lunch time. I can see why though, the smell is to die for! All the grilled veggies… Mm! There are a few more at the end of the market and an Ellenos Greek Yogurt stand. If you like this from Pike Place and you live around here, it is your lucky day. I always go for the marionberry pie or the passion fruit. We also came across an empanada stand and we were able to get a beef empanada right when it came out of the mini oven! So hot but so good! Meaty filled goodness with a beautiful flaky crust. It costed 3.50 per and cash only! They also offer spinach and cheese and a vegetarian one.
Overall, this market is great if you want some fresh ingredients for your kitchen and some flowers to brighten your room. I also enjoy the small snack foods to eat while browsing!

I haven’t been to the University District Farmers Market in years — it has improved significantly since my last visit. The vegetables and fruits that were at the market this weekend were better than any I’ve seen all year. Empanadas, drinking shrubs, and Ellenos — are just three things found here that aren’t at the Ballard Farmers Market which make coming to this one worth the drive for me.
Only reason I’m not giving them 5 stars is the parking — I came AT 9am when they open and still drove around in circles looking for parking as their very small dedicated lot was already packed full. Ended up having to pay for street parking.

One of the best famers markets… the food vendors are good but I am more about the market vendors.
Foraged & Found — some of the best mushrooms around. This guy has some great morels, best porcini, and some other great wild mushrooms. Everything he has is awesome.
Sea Breeze Farm — 10 stars. This place makes some of the best meat you will ever have. Try a slice of the porchetta. It is worth every penny.
Kittitas Valley Greenhouse — Awesome tomatoes. These people have 15 – 20 different heirloom tomatoes. Everyone of them is great. Get your stamp card.
Olsen Farms — some of the best potatoes you will ever find. My favorite’s the purple skin Caribe, and the king… German Butterball.
So many good vendors. Mt Townsend Creamery, Tall Grass Bakery, Skagit River Ranch, Samish Bay Cheese, all good stuff!

I’ve lived near this farmers’ market for years, but didn’t really start taking advantage of it until a few months ago. I’d stop by once every few months, wander around eyeing the stalls, and then leave with maybe a bag of overpriced but tasty apples.
The trick is to have a plan. Here’s my plan. Check the website for the current list of vendors and produce; they do a good job keeping it up to date. Pick out two or three interesting-​looking things you can’t get at your local supermarket — whatever’s in season. Come in, walk up and down the market once without buying anything. You’re just looking for interesting things to come back to later, and locating the vendors you picked out on the website. Now, buy your pre-​selected items. Buy *one* other product that caught your eye. (Today’s item was a comically oversized head of organic garlic, from Spain or somewhere.) *Maybe* get some lunch (though the vendors I tried didn’t really serve meal-​sized portions). And then leave, not much poorer, with no more than one small bag of stuff.
After you go through this dance a couple of times, you start to spot some good deals hidden among all the overpriced apples and potatoes. Here are a few favorites to get you started:
— Loki fish. A bit of coho salmon now and then won’t break the bank. And this is very good salmon. Jiro dreams of this salmon.
— Hama Hama seafood. These are the exact same oysters that your favorite seafood restaurant charges $ 18 for, for a plate of five. Over here, you get them for $ 10/​dozen. I tell you this in good faith; please don’t eat all my oysters and make me find another source. Great clams and occasionally other stuff too, all reasonably priced.
— Andrew. He sharpens knives. Got Sybil good as new for $ 11. Sybil is my beat-​up old Dexter-​Russell cook’s knife. I’m rather fond of her.
— I skip most of the bulk produce, but occasionally pick up some fresh herbs or chiles. You aren’t going to go into debt buying chiles. I got a bunch of Indian red chiles for 20 cents today.

I’ve always felt a bit out of place at this market and I don’t know why. It’s year-​round and of course, bigger in the summer and smaller in the winter. It has a nice selection of vendors — produce, cheese, meat, honey, breads, really everything you would need to put together a great meal. I’ve been ignored more often than not by vendors here and I think it may have to do with them being familiar with their regulars. I’m all for great relationships but I think in the end, we’re all there to spend money, are we not?
Today was a great day because it slows down in the winter and every vendor was super friendly, offering samples, and ready to close some deals. I found a beautiful selection of hot peppers, which I love. There was also some fantastic gouda offered by two different vendors — one was offering hers at 50% off! Beautiful organic ginger was for sale as well.
Aside from the goods you can buy, there are also a few key street food vendors. Tandoozy is one of my favorites and they offer naan topped with butter chicken and such. Yum! I stopped by Pampeana Empanadas today to grab a sweet and a savory. I feel bad that I can’t remember the names of some of the others but there is a great place that serves pupusas.
A good market; I’m a fan but not a regular.

Lots of fresh produce but also much more expensive than a chain grocery store.
I have friends who shop here on a regularly basis. I visit here every once awhile and pick up an item or two.
It can get really crowded. I have never really been to other Farmers Market in other neighborhood so I can’t really compare it with others.