The West Side Market

Cleveland’s West Side Market is an absolute treasure, a survivor from the era when immense public marketplaces were necessary for every metropolis. Before the onslaught of suburban supermarkets that have become the dispiriting norm, city markets were the cosmopolitan supercenters of their day.

The West Side Market still stands as a wonderful multicultural, economically diverse, mixed creeds, and all-ages crossroads. It is one of my favorite places on the planet, filled with gorgeous produce, diverse comestibles, and multiple languages. The impressive brick building with the focal point clock tower is located where it has been since 1912, in the now revamped Ohio City area of Cleveland, across the Cuyahoga River from Jacobs Field (oh, alright, Progressive Field; that still doesn’t ring true. Jacobs Field quickly and affectionately became “The Jake.” So what are Indians fans left with now? “The Prog?”)

The origins of the market date to 1840 when, with remarkable foresight, Josiah Barber and Richard Lord gave the land to Ohio City with the stipulation that it always be used for a public market. They should have a statue erected to them, or at least their images carved in butter or cheese.

The Market has undergone considerable upgrading since I first knew it in 1984. Then you could still choose a live chicken, and the vegetable stands were exposed to the elements year ‘round. On site slaughtering is gone and the stands are now protected, and I do miss the kids who used to carry bags for a dollar, but the Market’s bounty and international ambience is still in full vigor. The 160 stalls are just as varied and some long-time favorites are still going strong.

Bookending the length of the interior market are two fabulous sandwich choices. One is Maha’s Falafil, next door to the fish market; the other is Frank’s Bratwurst, next door to the Mediterranean Imported Foods. Carnivores go to Frank’s, vegetarians to Maha’s; omnivores have the best of both worlds and bounce between the two. Frank’s is open early and brats are available for breakfast on the go.

Mediterranean Imported Foods is one shop I never miss. Manager Mark and owner Gus (the Greek) have kept me supplied with Petit Basque, feta, Stilton, and other brilliant cheeses for over two decades, along with olives, chocolates, coffees, teas, and a swath of irresistible European fare, including my daughter’s childhood favorite, Orangina.

Offering a variety of goods too numerous to list, including beautiful breads and baked goods, ethnic fare, whole bean coffees, fresh meats and Eastern European sausages, organic fruits and vegetables and much, much more, nowhere is the food pyramid, or America’s melting pot, represented better than at the Cleveland’s West Side Market.