The West Side Market has been serving the citizens of Cleveland for nearly a century. Its classic architecture, dedicated vendors, and rich history have made it the United States’ best public market still standing.
Our two-hour tour of the West Side Market brings you through this historic market to meet the long-standing vendors, take in the history, and enjoy a variety of sumptuous cuisine as we visit approximately 15 vendors throughout the facility.
The tour may feature the following specialties:
Our two-hour tour of the West Side Market brings you through this historic market to meet the long-standing vendors, take in the history, and enjoy a variety of sumptuous cuisine as we visit approximately 15 vendors throughout the facility.
The tour may feature the following specialties:
- Apple turnovers
- Olive oil tasting and appreciation
- Cleveland’s best hummus
- Organic fruits and vegetables
- Mediterranean specialties
- Michael Symon’s favorite beef jerky
- Tasting and appreciation of handmade almond, cashew and peanut butter
- Handmade desserts
- Fresh-squeezed juices
- Spicy and sweet pickles
- Cambodian specialties
- The City’s best falafel
- Artisanal cheese
- Dried fruits and vegetables
What Is Not Included?
Guide gratuity is not included, but certainly appreciated.
Meeting Location
West Side Market (Cleveland, OH)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance as tours usually sell out ahead of time. To maximize your chances of getting your desired day, time, and number of tickets, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, AMEX, or Mastercard. Cash is not accepted.
- How much food is served on the tour?
- You will sample vendor specialties at approximately 15 stops on the tour. For most people there is enough food that lunch afterwards is not necessary.
- What types of foods are served on the tour?
- Some of the food may include: apple turnovers, olive oil tasting and appreciation, Cleveland’s best hummus, organic fruits and vegetables, Mediterranean specialties, Michael Symon’s favorite beef jerky, tasting and appreciation of handmade almond, cashew, and peanut butter, handmade desserts, fresh squeezed juices, spicy and sweet pickles, Cambodian specialties, the city’s best falafel, artisanal cheese, and dried fruits and vegetables.
- Are there any beverages served on the tour?
- Yes, there will be fresh juices served on the tour. We will also provide water bottles for each guest at the beginning of the tour.
- What if I have dietary restrictions?
- Please let us know if anyone in your group has a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. As long as we know well enough in advance, we can often accommodate your needs. If we do not find out about the special needs until the day of the tour, it is usually not possible for us to appropriately adjust the food on the tour.
- What about taking children on the tour?
- Children are welcome on the tour. It should be noted, however, that the tour is 2 hours long. Some children have a limited attention span and therefore the tour may not be appropriate for some of them. Parents, who know their children best, should assess the situation on a case by case basis. Since there is a lot of standing and walking, please consider this when deciding whether the tour is appropriate for your child.
- If I am bringing an infant/very young child, do I need to purchase a ticket for them?
- If you are bringing children below the age of 7 and they will not be participating in the tastings, you do not need to purchase tickets for them. However, please do let us know if you will be attending with an infant or young child when you purchase tickets.
- What happens if it rains or snows?
- The tours are held rain or shine as the entire tour takes place inside the covered market building.
- Are bathrooms available during the tour?
- Yes, bathrooms are available during the tour inside the West Side Market.
- How much walking is involved?
- We are on our feet for the entire length of the tour. We are walking through the market and standing at each of the vendor stalls. So, remember to wear comfortable shoes.
- Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?
- While the market itself is wheelchair and stroller accessible, it is often crowded and may be difficult to maneuver. If you or someone in your group will have a wheelchair or stroller, please include a "Message to the Seller" when purchasing your tickets to alert us ahead of time.
- Do we just walk around and sample food?
- Absolutely not! Aside from sampling delicious food, you will learn about the history of the West Side Market and it's importance within the city of Cleveland. The tour is fully narrated by your guide, who will discuss the history and culture of the market and the surrounding area.
- Where does the tour finish?
- The entire tour takes place within the market. Guests may want to spend some time in the market after the tour is over.
- Can I shop on the tour?
- We reccommend not shopping during the tour as we do not have enough time to do so. We ask that you take time before or after the tour to purchase any items.
- Are cameras allowed on the tour?
- Yes. Cameras and filming are allowed during the tour. We strongly encourage participants to take photos throughout the tour.
- Is there parking nearby the tour meeting point?
- Yes, there is parking located near the meeting point. Specific parking details are included in the meeting location directions after purchasing ticket(s).
- Does the tour leader accept gratuities?
- Yes, it is customary to tip the tour leader at the end of the tour. Tour leader gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Industry standard is between $3-5 per person.
- Are there gift certificates available for the tour?
- Yes, gift certificates are available and make an ideal gift for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion! To purchase a gift certificate, please click on the "Contact CleFoodTours" link to make a request.
- Can I book a private tour?
- Yes, private tours are available. To inquire about booking a private group tour, please click on the "Contact CleFoodTours" link.
Taste Cleveland Food Tours
Taste Cleveland Food Tours is the City's source for food tours, culinary events, pub crawls, and corporate team building events that bring together history, architecture, and cuisine in a variety of different venues and historic neighborhoods.
Our food tours and events have been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Indianapolis Star, Cleveland Magazine, The Baltimore Sun, and Bon Appetite Magazine.
Cleveland is undergoing a culinary awakening; indigenous cuisine is mixing with progressive, while authentic ethnic enclaves continue to grow in number. The heart of the city, fully rejuvenated, teams with excitement, nightlife, and fantastic dining options. We want to open your mind and your palette, show you the architectural highlights, and recount the rich history of the city of Cleveland. Taste Cleveland Food Tours is a proud part of Food Tour Corporation.
Our food tours and events have been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Indianapolis Star, Cleveland Magazine, The Baltimore Sun, and Bon Appetite Magazine.
Cleveland is undergoing a culinary awakening; indigenous cuisine is mixing with progressive, while authentic ethnic enclaves continue to grow in number. The heart of the city, fully rejuvenated, teams with excitement, nightlife, and fantastic dining options. We want to open your mind and your palette, show you the architectural highlights, and recount the rich history of the city of Cleveland. Taste Cleveland Food Tours is a proud part of Food Tour Corporation.
