Reviews for: Low-Line Market

It's great, communal, friendly, nice minging of people and good prices, amish farmers there

They do great work and are committed to bringing affordable local, sustainable food to a neighborhood much in need of some choices.

61st St Farmers Market truly gives back to the community by helping make organic and sustainable foods available to everyone.

Love having a market that is intentionally dedicated to building community as well as bringing local produce and food to the southside.

I really appreciate how invested they are in bringing fresh, local produce to a "food desert" community, and their encouragement of the use of LINK cards.

It is a neighborhood party every week with wholesome healthy food. The garden next to it makes it a place of beauty and serenity as well--although sadly the university of chicago will probably remove the garden by next year.

An amazing market in an amazing community, bringing much-needed fresh, local and organic foods to an inner-city neighborhood, and even making affordable. So much more than your average farmer's market, they're actively improving their urban community and their city and the lives of its inhabitants!

Well, first it is local (in the Chicagoland urban area); second, it promotes small local farming and organic argiculture; and third, most fabulously, I believe it is a self-help project for individuals emerging from homelessness, incarceration, or otherwise in jeopardy with positive healthy employment.

it's the best. The most convenient shopping in the area with fresh fruits and vegetables. It brightens the neighborhood.

The market isnot only providing a critical food service, it's creating a racially-integrated community who need, want and care about sustainable food. Lastly, I love that the market has big signs saying LINK accepted.

goats! And they are unique for the area. We need them more than other places. There's no whole foods around the corner in hyde park.

For a small market, there's a good variety. Fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat, cheese, honey, jam, bread, a couple of options for lunch. The vendors are quite good. I haven't yet had problems with unpleasant staff, unlike at other markets (ahem, Bronzeville). Some of the range of services/activities (the Experimental Station's bike shop setting up a booth, a chef's demo) are cute, though I don't really partake. But I have a bit of a gripe...part of the (heavily advertised) mission of the market is to bring fresh local food to the Woodlawn "food desert." While the market accepts food stamps, I just don't see this happening. Like basically all farmer's markets, it's a haven for liberal, fairly affluent, mostly white people. I see very few members of the poor black community in Woodlawn there. And I don't blame them: if I were struggling to make ends meet, a $5 half-pint of blueberries or a $7 small jar of honey wouldn't be on my shopping list. I see little effort to bring in vendors who will sell anything for cheap and instead an effort to focus on local, organic food. While admirable, this emphasis makes me wonder: does "bringing organic/local food to Woodlawn" mean helping current Woodlawn residents or helping to gentrify Woodlawn? (Bronzeville actually did better for the community in this regard and was a larger market, though now that they moved their day to Saturday, conflicting with 61st St., I decided to stick with the closer-by market and don't go anymore to Bronzeville.) All told, though, 61st St. is a good little market.

It's not just the great produce, the chef demos, the educational programs. It's the fact that an excellent farmers' market has been established in an area that truly needs it, rather than in yuppie-ville, which doesn't.

right in the neighborhood with a great mix of fresh foods, prepared foods and friendly faces

Bringing a variety of fresh, local food to Chicago's south side. The amish eggs are delicious!

The people who run and attend the 61st St. Frarmers Market are all great. And it's a place that truly creates community. It's a place to shop, to meet new people, reconnect with people you haven't seen for a while, etc. But above all, it provides a source of high-quality locally grown food to a neighborhood that is otherwise a food desert.

We are so fortunate to have this wonderful market in our neighborhood. It just gets better every year and has transformed 61st Street into a fun activity to do every Saturday morning, with other activities available at the Environmental Station during the week. Keep it up!

Everyone is very dedicated, there's music, great food, and good vendors. Perfect Saturday morning.

Gets the whole neighborhood together including local restaurants and businesses. Much more accessible than Green City Market to South Side residents.

I believe in the ecological importance of buying/supporting local growers and their produce. It's close by and encourages fellowship in our community. Our market offerings are so diverse, fruits and vegetables of course, but also flowers, handmade soaps, and you can get your bicycle check up while you're there!

It is a family-friendly environment, good setting with the community garden adjacent and local restaurants and organizations participating.

The 61st Street Farmer's Market is a mere toddler in the realm of Chicago's Farmer's Markets. In just its second year, this has quickly become one of my favorites though. Tucked away in a small section where Woodlawn meets the U of C campus, and therefore my 'hood Hyde Park, it is a location that is meant to be kept fairly small. Essentially this market has been placed along 61st, just east of Dorchester. It is a very short block and as a result has a small amount of space for stalls- but the organizers of this market (Experimental Station- also located right here) have done a terrific job of ensuring great variety of products and representation in such a small, yet comfortable space. This past week, from what I saw, there were: -two different stalls specializing in cheese (funny side story: when a fellow Yelper asked about the differences in the range of blue cheeses being sold- one of them was described as "tasting like your basement... but in the most delicious way possible!" Guess which blue cheese I bought?!?!?); -a farmer who sold free-range chicken eggs (and had the chickens there on display for the children to see) and all cuts of pork raised on her farm; -someone selling lamb, goat, and mutton; -a very popular crepe stand with a busy man cranking out crepes seemingly through the day; -the local bike shop had a space to fix bikes on the spot (I know what I will be doing next Saturday- drop my bike off for an annual "checkup" while I shop away); -a stall with fresh herbs, greens and other vegetables (still early in the season for a lot of variety at this point); -another stall selling veg; -two different stalls selling their own salsas, sauces, and salad dressings; -a community organizer spreading the word about the upcoming "Real Men Can Cook" event I am sure I am forgetting at least a couple of things- but the point is, there is a great amount of variety. They accept LINK, WIC, and food stamps- making it a market for everyone to enjoy! They are supposedly working on getting a POS credit card terminal too, which would be awesome.

There is a vendor there whose uses the name "Living lovely". This phase epitomizes the concept of the 61st Street Farmer's Market, introducing visitors to the loveliness of beautiful vegetables, fruits, cheeses, baked goods, and so many other goods. The atmosphere shouts out health, beauty, and loveliness.

Variety, freshness, cooking, personal touch -- great people! Very different from any farmer's market I've attended!!!

61st St provides the only accessibility to local and organic foods in the area, and it does so in a way that encourages neighbors to meet neighbors.

Chicago Southsiders have big hearts! There's a lot of community love in this market. It's an easy walk for neighbors that might not otherwise get a chance to buy farm-fresh fruits and veggies. And the vendors are great!

My family is one of the vendors and we have a lot of fun being at the market raising money for our orphanage in the Philippines.

Because I want the people of the Woodlawn neighborhood to have fresh fruits and vegetables available for their families.

great location, great food, entertainment and wonderful caring people. the 61st street farmers market brings fresh produce and many other products to a community in need.

Often meet friends on Saturday, this supports the neighborhood which is a food desert, support fantastic vendors and local growers and benefit from their fruits, cheese, veggies, baked goods, preserves, chestnut products, worm castings, prepared food combined with the great programming at Experimental Station. I missed the cheese all winter, and gave the canned products as holiday gifts. We'll miss the proximity of community garden beauty.

I like the mood of this market. It is a short walk from my home. The produce is excellent. Everyone involved is very pleasant and obviously dedicated to organic gardening, and I want to support activities at the EXperimental Station.

Because it brings fresh produce and a variety of other whole foods to this often overlooked south side community. Plus, it's location near the Experimental Station reminds the community of the tremendous non-profit organization in their midst!

Even the very idea of this market in its essence reveals the human common thread. I hope the same for the rest in Chicago. Also I have a special relationship to Hyde Park.

This market is great! What a variety!

I am not from the area. But I happened on the 61st Street Market on a trip to Hyde Park. And all I can say is - I wish we had one of "these" where I live. This is one of the best farm markets I have seen - alive and with an enthusiasm for what the people there are doing that is rare. And very good to see. Moreover, the quality of the food - both the veggies and the baked good - at the 61st Street Farmers Market is just superb! I highly endorse this farm market.

because it serves both the university and the south side community and deserves to grow!

In addition to the fresh, wonderful local veggies there's so much more - from Amish baked goods and preserves to raw milk and edible flowers. It's always an adventure and it's a social outing to go with friends.

Because Green City Market is awesome but also a 1.5 hour trek by bus from the South Side!

It's a great place to hang out and meet cool people, plus most of the vendors are from the area. I love the variety of fresh and local organic food. Also, Yah's Vegan Cuisine is AMAZING!

Great vendors; imaginative programming; reliable products; community resource that lasts more than the Saturday morning market; and delightful people!

Such nice farmers and a great selection of food. Plus music, guest chefs, delicious crepes and right next to the best community garden in the city!

They have great vendors such as Brunos Organics (Amish meats, honey, eggs, and organic bread), Mint Creek Farm (pastured organic Lamb), and many other venders with soaps, fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and a wide variety of other products.

Our 61st. St. Farmers' Market supports local farmers who produce naturally raised and/or organic foods. Most importantly for our health - it is Fresh!! Sometimes we have cool music, prepared food, cooking demonstrations, goods from a local bakery, plants and flowers for sale as well as produce, cheeses, and lamb. All fresh, all regional-local, and friendly folks who also believe in Nature providing us with good healthy food instead of packaged "foodstuffs" that deplete our health, our society, and the environment.

I support the farmer's market because I like the fact that the food is right off the farm and hasn't been processed to death. It is nice to have the farmer's market in my area as another healthy food option.

61st St is intimate but well stocked, and it's proximity to Backstory Cafe and the MSI makes it a great destination for Hyde Parkers and other Chicagoans alike.

It brings fresh food and flowers, nutritional education, music and culture to a historically fresh-food destitute community. It is both affordable to low-income residents (food stamps accepted) and attractive to any fresh-produce lovers.

Having grown up in Oak Park Ill, and enjoyed a fabulous market there, it's been beyond belief to watch the 61st street market grow!They have the variety, price, and quality that surpasses all others! And serving the local community at a level that rivals all other markets has renewed my spirits and proven that moving south was part of being ahead of the curve, not way off base as my family once worried!!! Thank You

Because it is bringing fresh food to a neighborhood that has not had that option before.

They are very involved in the neighborhood and provide fresh produce to an otherwise underpriveledged community with a food desert.

The food is great, the community is growing, the variety and diversity of offerings and the mission

It is in a location that has the potential so serve a neighborhood with limited access to fresh produce. They have a market manager who is response to the community and enthusiastic.

The market is a breath of fresh air for the surrounding area (Woodlawn, Hyde Park, South Shore). There are so many people I meet and normally would not see throughout the week. Plus the market is right across the street from me. My mom,sisters, my dad and stepmother loved the baked goods, flowers and fresh vegetables (greens, tomatoes and onion). The value of the food and other goods are regional.

I love that this market is just down the street from my home. I grew up in an area of many farms, and have missed being able to get fresh produce and fruit close by. This market is full of fun things every Saturday!

It's in a food desert area between two neighborhoods of differing wealth (Hyde Park/U of Chicago and Woodlawn. It brings a lot of people together who wouldn't normally meet and it educates them on the origin of their food and the value of organic/natural farming.

We were part of getting them started and we are so proud of what they are doing to bring fresh produce to this community!

I enjoy most farmer's markets, but one often seems much like another. 61st Street Market has taken enormous care to tailor itself to the needs of its diverse community and is itself an organic part of of a wider network of concerns and activities that consciously address very local needs in the context of much wider and very important concerns. The market's motto is "connect to your food," but the connections fostered among friends, neighbors, and vendors goes far beyond what I have experienced at other markets. I love it.

Bringing organic and local produce to an underserved area! And who doesn't love fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan cheeses, and yummy pastries?

I love that it is on a Saturday and that it offers meats and cheeses along with the vegetables and fruits. I also like the live music.

The 61st Street Farmers Market is a community rooted, grown and supported Farm that supports the development, cultivation, and support of community in a holistic and spirited way! It is a model Market & everything there is delicious!!

A great community gathering place! I volunteer in the welcome tent, and we see a wonderfully diverse group of people. It is a great addition to our community! Also, I love that patrons can use food stamps and WIC.

sustainable and organic farmers, mix and variety of vendors, educational programing, great community

They provide great food to a neighborhood severely lacking in healthy eating options.

It is a comfortable, non-pretentious, wonderful little market with everything you would need. The vendors are friendly. The location is ideal. And the food is fantastic.

I love that market!! It's such a great community and brings together Woodlawn & Hyde Park and all area's the cool people doing good things. Plus, a lot of Woodlawn is a food desert, so it's a great benefit to the neighborhood and people who want access to fresh produce instead of fast food.

It is an asset to the Woodlawn community. There is a great need for more healthful food options in that neighborhood.

It is in my neighborhood, and I love the sense of community that it creates and inspires among my neighbors!

It's in a great location for me, and I love the music, chef demos, and everything the Experimental Station does, as well!

Wonderful location in a basically underserved neighborhood and dedicated organic farmers and purveyors.

61st Street Farmers Market has a wonderful variety of goods every week; offers incentives to community kids to learn about where food comes from & why it is good for you as well as accepting low income forms of assisted payments. Everyone can shop here & be healthy! Plus, farmers are the greatest!!

The 61st street farmers market is all organic and has a great variety of our regions offerings. I go there every Saturday for my produce, dairy, meats, tomato soup, salsa, preserves, fruit and soaps. It is just wonderful and the coffee is good too, there is a high quality cooking demonstration and great live music.

It is more than just a farmer's market; it's part of a network of caring, mindful people helping each other live healthy, thoughtful lives.

I love the produce, interactions with the farmers, delicious pastured meat, and everything else!

Great local produce; variety of seasonal produce, meats, artisan cheeses, bread. One stop and make your fresh seasonal dinner and dessert. Brings the freshest food to our community.

Great market in a great location - the beginning of a transformation, hopefully!

Its a wonderful place, the ways in which the market connects to the neighboring community garden paints a powerful picture of what local food systems should be.

Connie Spreen and her crew are dedicated to improving the Woodlawn Community, and the 61st Street Farmers Market is one of the many projects that is making my neighborhood a healthier, safer, and warmer place to live. When I shop at the market, I genuinely feel that I too am supporting our community through purchasing locally grown organic/no-spray produce, dairy, eggs, and meat, and also talking to the farmers, business owners, students, and artists at the market. I also see my neighbors, which is great!

the market serves a community that is desperately lacking fresh food options and constructive community engagement. The market has helped us to meet our neighbors in an ethnically, and economically diverse neighborhood.

interesting variations of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, beverages etc that make for extremely healthy eating options.

The products and prices are great. It is wonderful to be able to access fresh and healthy produce in the community. I love the cooking classes, the people and the entertainment is something my neighbors and I look forward to on the weekends.

Chicago is, sadly, a food desert, but for markets like this one. This one is the most needed, as it serves a community that is vastly under-served in terms of food. Being the most needed, it also struggles most and it is the struggling ones that need the most support. Let's make sure the prize goes where it is needed.

61st St market provides good food, good information, good music, and makes our neighborhood a better place

Great community event, great produce. It reminds me of France, where good food is usually within walking distance of your home.

This is a well organized market with a wide variety of healthy fruits and veggies in a place that has no grocery store service. 61st Street Market is an oasis in a food desert. They very much need and deserve this award!

It's a great public event for our neighborhood and provides food in a food desert!

It's a small market but offers everything the large markets offer. It has also made me feel more connected to my neighborhood, I've gotten to know more neighbors and it feels safer than ever before!

Although it's not big, it's choice. Lots of very local (as in - grown in the city!) produce, plus neighborhood chefs, neighborhood music, neighborhood bakery goods, and all sorts of neighborhood connections.

it is four blocks from my apartment, has wonderful fruits and vegetables from local growers and great cheese! also, lots of good company and music.

It is very well run and always has very interesting products, events and people participating! Great job and thumbs up to the organizers!

The best selection along with the sense that the organization is also very connected to the art world.

This Farmer's Market exists in a food desert. It is bringing fresh, organic, and local food to an area in desperate need. Not only that, but the music, food demonstrations, and atmosphere of the market attracts people to come and be a part of the community.

The location is fantasticÂ?right beside the most delicious and cozy cafe on the south side (if not the cityÂ?but I'm just a sucker for really fresh food), a reliable bike repair shop, and a sustainable community garden. This place makes me feel like home.

It has a mission to bring healthy food to a food desert and to connect people with their food, their farmers, and their neighbors.

It's a lifeline in Hyde Park to fresh local unsprayed produce - and it's a lot of fun too. Thanks to the Experimental Station and the market vendors for giving us locals a nucleus of sanity.

Fresh quality products. Neighborhood appeal. Family presence. Friendly vendors.

The lamb from Mint Creek Farm and heritage pork from Faith"s Farm is the best one can find in or around the southside of the city. The livestock is raised on free-range pasture that is not chemically treated. Both are Illinois farmers with a sincere commitment to providing an underserved community with the very best.