Grand Central Market

The downtown Los Angeles Grand Central Market opened in 1917 and has been selling fresh produce, proteins, meals and drinks ever since. Originally serving the 1920s prosperous Bunker Hill commercial and entertainment venues, Grand Central Market has continuously operated through various downtown transformations. In the neighborhood's current rebirth, the Grand Central Market is still the place for fresh produce, dairy, meat and fish stalls, but also offers high-end, foodie restaurants such as The Oyster Gourmet, Olio GCM Wood Fired Pizzeria, Eggslut, and Mark Peel's Bombo, to name just a few.

Best and worst time to go to the Grand Central Market
Naturally mealtimes are busy at Grand Central Market, especially during lunch when surrounding office workers visit. Your best bets are mornings when stalls are newly stocked.

Must see/do at the Grand Central Market
If you love coffee, be sure to grab a caffeinated beverage at G&B Coffee so you can take your time sipping while surveying the fresh and colorful food offered by the variety of vendors. For meat connoisseurs, Belcampo Meat Co. is not only a butcher shop with organic grass-fed meats, but also operates a restaurant. Authentic Mexican food lovers have a plethora of picks with Tacos Tumbras A Tomas, Sarita's Pupuseria, La Tostaderia, Las Morelianas, Jose Chiquito, and Ana Maria.

Visiting the Grand Central Market
The Grand Central Market is located at 317 S. Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. The market hours are Sundays through Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The market extends its hours to include dinner Thursdays through Saturdays, hours 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Parking and public transportation at Grand Central Market
Located at 317 S. Broadway (between Third and Fourth Streets), Grand Central Market offers paid underground parking with the entrance at 308 S. Hill Street. There are also several paid parking lots on surrounding streets. For public transportation take Metro Red or Purple lines to the Pershing Square Station (at Fourth Street and Hill Street).

Insider tips for visitors to Grand Central Market
Although there is seating inside the market, just outside of the Hill Street entrance, you'll find outdoor tables and benches for Horse Thief BBQ. On select Saturday nights, Grand Central Market partners with the Million Dollar Theatre (at 307 S. Broadway) for a night of food, music and a movie. Also don't miss visiting the historic Bradbury Building (304 S. Broadway) across the street from Grand Central Market.

Author's bio: Lori Huck works in television development as well as writes on entertainment, travel, and the arts. She's a fan of the vibrant arts scene in Los Angeles and is a member of various film, TV, and arts organizations.