Nestled at the corner of 3rd and Fairfax since 1934, the Original Farmers Market is a beloved Los Angeles landmark where food and history blend perfectly. What started as a simple gathering of farmers selling produce from their trucks has evolved into a bustling marketplace with over 100 vendors.
Visitors can sample global cuisines, shop for unique gifts, and walk the same paths as countless Hollywood legends.
1. Farm-Fresh Beginnings
Back in the Great Depression, local farmers in Los Angeles parked their trucks on a dusty corner lot to sell fresh produce directly to city folks. The idea caught on quickly!
By 1941, the market had permanent stalls and shops, evolving from a temporary solution into a beloved fixture of the city. Today’s market still honors those roots, with several produce vendors offering California’s finest seasonal fruits and vegetables.
2. Celebrity Playground Through The Decades
Frank Sinatra shopped here regularly. Marilyn Monroe browsed these aisles. The Beatles even stopped by during their 1964 tour!
Located near Hollywood studios, the market became a favorite spot for stars seeking authentic food away from the spotlight. Walls throughout the market display vintage photographs of famous visitors from Shirley Temple to modern celebrities, creating a unique timeline of Hollywood history.
3. Global Flavors Under One Roof
Your taste buds can travel the world without leaving this historic Los Angeles marketplace! From authentic Singaporean laksa to Brazilian churrasco and French crepes, the food court serves up culinary adventures from every continent.
Many family-owned eateries have operated for generations, perfecting their recipes. Grab a seat at the communal tables, and you might find yourself sharing a meal with tourists from Tokyo, locals on lunch break, and even food critics sampling the latest offerings.
4. Magee’s Kitchen: The Market’s First Restaurant
When farmers needed a place to eat during long market days, Blanche Magee stepped in with sandwiches in 1934. Her simple act of kindness grew into the market’s very first restaurant!
Still operating today, Magee’s Kitchen serves their famous corned beef and horseradish that has barely changed in nearly 90 years. Their classic comfort food has fed generations of Angelenos, making it a true time capsule of Los Angeles culinary history.
5. Clock Tower: The Market’s Iconic Symbol
Standing tall since 1948, the green and white clock tower has become the market’s most recognizable landmark. Its cheerful face has guided shoppers for generations!
The tower survived several renovations and expansions, remaining virtually unchanged while the area around it transformed dramatically. Local artists frequently include it in paintings and photographs of Los Angeles landmarks, and it appears in countless tourist snapshots as the official meeting spot for market visitors.
6. Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts: Morning Ritual
Long before fancy coffee chains appeared, Bob’s was brewing the perfect cup to pair with their hand-cut doughnuts. Opening at 6am daily, they’ve fueled early risers since the 1970s.
Lines form quickly for their apple fritters and buttermilk bars, made from recipes that haven’t changed in decades. Hollywood writers reportedly developed movie scripts over Bob’s coffee, while market workers start their day with Bob’s famous glazed twists before opening their own shops.
7. Transformation From Rural To Retail Hub
The market sits on land once covered in oil wells and dairy farms! As Los Angeles grew, this corner evolved from countryside to commercial hotspot.
In 1982, The Grove shopping center opened adjacent to the market, creating an interesting contrast between historic market stalls and modern retail. Despite development pressure, the market maintained its authentic character through strict preservation efforts, allowing visitors to experience a slice of old Los Angeles amid modern developments.
8. Littlejohn’s English Toffee House: Sweet Legacy
Using copper kettles and marble slabs, Littlejohn’s has hand-crafted their famous English toffee since 1946. The intoxicating aroma of caramelizing sugar draws visitors from across the market!
Their recipe remains unchanged—pure butter, sugar, and chocolate made in small batches. Celebrity fans include Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who reportedly send Littlejohn’s toffee as holiday gifts. During December, the tiny shop produces over 2,000 pounds of candy weekly to meet demand.