Top 10 Farmers Markets in SF

If you wanted to, you could find farm fresh produce in San Francisco almost every day of the week. The city hosts 23 markets, most of which operate all year long. However, not all SF farmers markets are created equal — prices, vendors, and vibes vary. Pro tip: If you use EBT, ask any market’s information desk about how and at which stands to use it. Most SF farmers markets accept EBT, but not every market makes it visible. Here is my take on the top 10 farmers markets in the city and what to expect from them, in no particular order.

The largest and liveliest of the markets that I’ve visited is the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays. It hosts over 100 neatly packed stands and local food trucks, so make sure to arrive on an empty stomach. This market is run by the nonprofit Foodwise which makes shopping for farm goods accessible through EBT. The Ferry Building location also hosts a smaller market on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Vendor Highlight: Crumble & Whisk. Would you like to try a roasted peach crumble cheesecake? I thought so. These cheesecakes are curated by a culinary professional who understands what pastries should taste and look like. They also have vegan and sugar-free varieties.

Also hosted by Foodwise, the Mission Community Market is open from March to November each year. This one may be smaller, but it packs a punch. It’s open from 3-7 p.m. on Thursdays and brings together vendors and small businesses along with the sounds and sights of local musicians and performers. It’s hard not to have a great time here. Mark your calendars for March 14th!

Vendor Highlight: Norte54. How often do you think about pan dulce? If you’re like me, you think about them a lot. Raquel Goldman makes them, and other lovely baked goods, really well.

Looking for more live music while you stock up on carrots? You’ll find another evening market on Noe Street in the Castro, but alas, you’ll have to wait until April. The Castro Farmers Market takes place on Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m., April through November, and features niche vendors that you may not find at other markets around the city. Because of its smaller size, this is a great place to chat with vendors and see familiar faces.

Vendor Highlight: Clara’s Egg Farms. This is an egg business owned and operated by three generations of women. If you want to eat eggs from chickens that have essentially been hugged and kissed, buy eggs from here.

Opened in June of last year, the Southeast Community Center Farmers Market is the newest market in town. It was opened through the advocacy group DragonSpunk, which focuses on food justice and environmental rehabilitation. Located near the Third Street metro station in Bayview, this market is pulling out the stops with some wonderful and recognizable vendors, like Rize Up Bakery and Medina Berry Farms.

Vendor Highlight: Mossed Juicery. This juice company blends delicious fruit and vegetables with a vitamin rich seaweed variety called seamoss. Also, the drinks are bright and beautiful!

Let’s turn to some markets a little closer to home. Nobody likes the DMV, but what if the DMV had a fun market going on every Sunday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.? Divisadero Farmers Market accepts EBT and operates all year long. Come to this one to see familiar vendors and make new, more positive associations with the DMV.

Vendor Highlight: Greek Table. Mediterranean dips galore! This vendor frequently adjusts their menu to offer customers fresh and delicious Greek snacks.

Since you are a USF community member, chances are you have been to the Clement Street Farmers Market on a wholesome Sunday morning. At least, I know I have seen many of you there, buying a dried flower bouquet or a fresh pistachio croissant. From 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., this market offers up more vibes than perhaps any other in the city. Stretching two blocks on the already food-rich Clement Street, you can get your fresh things here and then head to Green Apple Books to browse.

Vendor Highlight: La Vie. This woman-owned business offers probiotic drinks and yogurts. Their goal is to align physical health with mental and spiritual health.

Sandwiched between buildings at United Nations Plaza is the Heart of the City Farmers Market. This market vends produce and other products at a lower price than many of the other markets in the city. It is also San Francisco’s only farmer-operated and entirely independent market, founded by farmers in 1981 and continuing to support smaller scale farmers. Visit it on Wednesdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Vendor Highlight: Ken Pham Farms. This 20-year-old business has a huge bounty of herbs and highlights Vietnamese herbs. Never overspend on spice again!

Another convenient neighborhood spot is the Inner Sunset Farmers Market around 9th and Irving. It operates year-round on Sundays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and sets you up for a lovely Sunday. Like the Clement Market, this one is surrounded by cozy shops and hosts vendors offering everything your heart desires.

Vendor Highlight: Home Maid Ravioli Co. These guys have been making home recipes for ravioli, lasagne, pesto, and more since 1949. They know what they’re doing.

Keep walking to the beach and you’ll hit the Outer Sunset Farmers Market and Mercantile. This market was founded by two women as a bright community event with crafts and artisan goods, and it has since expanded to include farm goods. Hosting a large kid-friendly play area, musicians, and more than 100 food and art vendors, this market will likely put a smile on your face. It’s open on Sundays from 9 a.m – 2 p.m.

Vendor Highlight: Medrano’s Flowers. This business has been around for 23 years and is run by a flower expert of over 30 years. Their stand is a headturner!

Alemany Farmers Market is considered the first farmers market in California. It opened in 1943 and has since been dubbed “the People’s Market” of San Francisco. You’ll find more vendors offering ingredients that are specific to Latin American and Asian cuisines here than you might at other markets. 

Vendor Highlight: Two Dog Farm. This family-owned farm specializes in tomatoes and peppers, and more specifically, dried tomatoes and jalapenos. Must-haves.