The Reading Terminal Market is one of the oldest and largest public markets in the United States and is also one of the most popular places to shop. Since 1893, it has remained in the same building, which is now a National Historic Landmark thanks to its significant historical significance. The Market offers an incredible selection of locally grown and exotic produce, meats, and poultry sourced locally, as well as the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and confections in addition to a wide variety of other foods.
You will have the ability to find anything and everything you require to prepare a meal that will remain ingrained in your memory for a very long time, including cookbooks, table linens, kitchenware, fresh-cut flowers, and more. Additionally, the largest variety of dining establishments is contained within a single building. This historic public market in Philadelphia has everything you could possibly require under one roof.
What Exactly is the Reading Terminal Market Goal?
- As an urban farmers’ market, it is important to maintain the architectural and historical integrity of the Reading Terminal Market as well as its current role.
- Farmers, growers, producers, and chefs will bring a broad variety of raw and prepared foods, including vegetables, meat, fish, bakery and dairy goods, and other types of food, to a public market in the middle of the city; the purpose of this market is to provide:
- To preserve a setting that acknowledges, appreciates, and even celebrates the diversity of our residents, as well as one that encourages contact between them;
- To strengthen the historic link between our rural and urban communities and reduce the degree to which they depend on one another; and
- In order to accomplish this goal while also ensuring the continued financial viability of the Market and working toward reaching self-sufficiency for the Market.
Reading Terminal Market Hours
| Wednesday | 8AM–6PM |
| Thursday | 8AM–6PM |
| Friday | 8AM–6PM |
| Saturday | 8AM–6PM |
| Sunday | 8AM–6PM |
| Monday | 8AM–6PM |
| Tuesday | 8AM–6PM |
Reading Terminal Market Parking
2-HOUR DISCOUNT PARKING | With $10 Market Purchase & Validation at Merchant $4 – 11TH & Arch St.Hilton Garage $5 – 12TH & Filbert St.Parkway Garage.
Merchant Directory
Amazulu
Charita Powell launched Amazulu in 1989 to sell her sterling silver jewelry. Now, she manages the booth as an artists’ collective, displaying metalworkers from around the world. Each necklace, bracelet, ring, and pair of earrings at Amazulu is created or picked by Powell for its quality and intricate detailing. Ask about Amazulu’s home décor ideas, which include one-of-a-kind lamps, dolls, sculptures, and more.
Contessa’s French Linens
Want to upgrade your dining room or weekday meals? Contessa’s French Linens carries imported and American-made table linens, aprons, towels, soaps, porcelain and stoneware serving pieces, and more. Find gifts for foodies and entertainers. Or visit the Contessa, who will help you decorate your table. Contessa’s French Linens sells linens, kitchen/dining room décor, French jewelry, and scarves.
De’Village
In 2001, Watson and Joycelyn Parks founded De’Village at Reading Terminal Market to introduce African customs and cuisine to the area. Their stall has been transformed into a tranquil, incense-filled haven among the crowded food vendors, where both foreigners and locals can shop for African jewelry, art, fabrics, and accessories. Unique souvenirs, handmade jewelry, and artistic sculptures are manufactured in Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Little Marrakesh Bazaar
Shoppers and others looking to give gifts can find the most genuine examples of handiwork from Morocco at the Little Marrakesh Bazaar. Little Marrakesh Bazaar is owned by Chakir, who collaborates with Moroccan artists to develop the items that are sold there. Chakir travels back and forth between Philadelphia and Morocco on a regular basis to find the goods that are sold in his store.
Russ Brown Photography
Philadelphia was the subject of Russ Brown’s point-and-shoot camera. He shot some strange photos on Kelly Drive. Excellent! Russ fell in love with photography and the city of Philadelphia at that time. When Russ first started out, he walked around the city and picked up a camera. Through trial and error, Russ taught himself. Specifically, he hopes to give the impression that Philadelphia is a magical place. His photos from Philadelphia are candid shots, unaltered in any way.
Beiler’s Bakery
The same Pennsylvania Dutch family has run Beiler’s Bakery since 1984. They also own the salad and donut shop next door. All of their baked goods are made fresh on the premises with all-natural ingredients, and the friendly staff can direct you to the perfect treat for any event. Before they became mainstream, the Amish enjoyed sticky buns and whoopee pies.
Beiler’s Donuts and Salads
Beiler’s Donuts and Salads has become Philadelphia’s go-to site for fresh, hand-rolled donuts. More than 50 flavours for $10 a dozen explain why. Beiler’s is held by numerous generations of the same Pennsylvania Dutch family, using centuries-old recipes and techniques. The barrel pickles, classic PA Dutch puddings, and salads at this stall, all produced with natural ingredients and presented with a smile, are also worth the stop.
Famous 4th Street Cookie Company
Since 1978, RTM has carried 4th Street Cookies. Using a family recipe and excellent ingredients, we’ve made Cookies for 40 years. Never artificial preservatives, flavours, or colours. Made-from-scratch cookies. We started with a large, thick, fresh, chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie dripping with real chocolate chips and now offer 28 flavours. At our Reading Terminal Market kiosk, you can select from White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Oatmeal Raisin, Chocolate Chip with Walnuts, Snickerdoodle, and a freshly dipped Black & White.
Flying Monkey Bakery
Flying Monkey Bakery’s delicious baked pastries use fresh ingredients. Every one of their confections is produced from scratch in tiny batches, from banana bread to whoopie pies. Peruse their display case for seasonal mini pies and handheld delicacies, and watch as their pleasant crew makes cupcakes, buttercreams, and other desserts. Chocolate or vanilla? Desserts? Pumpple Cake is a fall favourite comprised of vanilla cake with apple pie and chocolate cake with pumpkin pie, filled and iced with vanilla buttercream. Flying Monkey makes unique cakes, pies, and sweets.
Market Bakery
Many bakeries can be found in Philadelphia, but not quite enough to supply Reading Terminal Market. The assistance of Market Bakery is appreciated. Le Bus Bakery and Liscio’s Bakery produce a variety of breads, bagels, pastries, and rolls that are available at the Market Bakery. Sandwiches served all day long include both breakfast and deli standards. At Market Bakery, you may get breakfast sandwiches, deli standards, and fresh muffins any time of day.
Sweet Nina’s
The banana pudding that Sweet Nina makes is simply out-of-this-world delicious. This is the best way to describe it. This dessert is a Southern classic with a twist that features a range of flavours, and it’s exactly what your taste buds are looking for right now.
Sweet T’s Bakery
It is believed that Sweet T’s Bakery was the first bakery in the history of Market to be owned by a person of African-American descent. They have a variety of sweets and baked goods that are based on sweet potatoes, such as sweet potato pie, sweet potato pound cake, and sweet potato cheesecake. In addition, they have four separate beverages that are each unique in their own way.
Termini Brothers Bakery
Since 1921, when brothers Giuseppe and Gaetano founded their South Philadelphia pasticceria, Termini has been known for exquisite, handmade Sicilian sweets. Third-generation Termini brothers continue the bakery’s traditions. Their grandfather and father made traditional cookies, cakes, pastries, and torrone (nut-studded nougat) for almost 90 years. Termini leads Philadelphia’s Italian bakeries with its almond- and orange-scented cookies, biscotti, pignoli, flaky sfogliatelle, and tall, perfectly frosted carrot and cream cakes. Choose from New York–style cheesecake, fig bars with Marsala and hazelnuts, or cannoli filled with whipped ricotta cheese, chocolate, or vanilla cream.
Four Seasons Juice Bar
The snacks and energy drinks at Four Seasons are both healthful and perfect for enjoying after a workout. Whole fruits and vegetables are included in all of their smoothies and freshly pressed juices, providing you with healthy, organic fuel. A list of acceptable ingredients for making your own smoothie is displayed below the cash register. Wheatgrass juice is a great source of antioxidants; try mixing it with kale, pineapple, and ginger.
Molly Malloy’s
Shopping-weary? This market-area tavern serves breakfast and lunch while showing sports. Multiple large-screen TVs and a variety of beers, wines, and other alcoholic beverages are available. The cuisine features Reading Terminal suppliers like Iovine Brothers Produce. Make a burger with fresh meat, toppings, and cheese, or choose from salads, soups, sandwiches, and entrées. You can eat in, order takeout, or drink in the center court. At 4, the bar opens. DAILY SPECIALS
Old City Coffee
Freshly roasted coffee fills the Reading Terminal’s 12th and Filbert entryway. Old City Coffee micro-roasts since 1985. Reading Terminal’s Arabica coffee is perfectly roasted. You can purchase a cappuccino, americano, or latte made with their custom-blended six-bean espresso, a cup of the day’s drip coffee brew, bags of beans, and brewing equipment at their flagship stand or their second location outside the 11th and Arch entrance. Coffee specialists can recommend the best roast and origin.
Pennsylvania Libations
The largest selection of handcrafted beverages in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is promoted and sold by Pennsylvania Libations. Christian Simmons, the owner, and Arthur Etchells, the general manager and a native of Philadelphia, stand behind and sell only alcoholic beverages produced in the Keystone State. In the beginning, there was just one distillery client, and that broker company swiftly expanded into a full-fledged sales and representation firm.
Really Real Ginger
The history of Hadia Muhammad’s family in Mali, which is found in West Africa, has had an impact on the goods that Iliyaas and Hadia Muhammad sell to customers. In addition to the crumble that bears its name, Really Reel Ginger is now firmly established as a staple at the Market. It serves customers a variety of ginger-flavored confections and beverages, in addition to the crumble that bears its name. In addition to items for the skin, they now offer a new assortment of ginger-flavored candies as well.
Tea Leaf
Lynnette’s tea business is a quiet market booth. Tea canisters from around the world are displayed on wooden shelves. Teas might be light, bright, or rich. Earl Gray, caffeine-free ginger and peach infusions, aged pu-erh, toasted genmaicha with puffed rice, passion fruit-flavored black tea, and scented matcha green tea powder. Optional? Staff will let you view and smell different teas. The tiny tea bar with a few stools is a Market meeting area where you can drink hot or iced tea.
Mueller Chocolate Co.
Family-run Mueller Chocolate Co. has been hand-making chocolates since 1980. What’s Strange? chocolate organs. The Tower consists of chocolate-dipped Rice Krispies treats chocolate chip cookies, Oreo cookies, marshmallows, and peanut-butter cups. Pretzels, clusters, cookies, fruit, marshmallows, and more are wrapped in chocolate at Mueller’s. Opposite our kitchen window, they have chocolate body parts. Mike Tyson’s Twitter is tied to chocolate ears.
Pennsylvania General Store
Everyone should visit the Pennsylvania General Store. Michael and Julie Holahan started the company as a lunch box catering service in 1987. When a consumer asked about Tastycakes, the Holahans focused on Pennsylvania-made products. These make shipping gift baskets and goody trays. Their shop features Hope’s Cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels, and Pennsylvania’s greatest chocolates, truffles, and caramels. Young Philadelphia entrepreneurs make fresh-roasted coffee, Pennsylvania Dutch preserves and honey, pottery, quilts, and Girls Can Tell, Wild Heart Paper, and Tin Goat Soaps.
Sweet As Fudge Candy Shoppe
Paul Fisher’s Sweet As Fudge is a colourful confectionery business. There are licorice sticks, rainbow-colored gummy creatures, chocolate-dipped nut and fruit bars, and more. Sweet As Fudge sells odd sweets. Root beer barrels and chewy Mary Janes have 1980s-style cellophane wrapping. Seasonal delicacies like chocolate bunnies and candy corn are nearby, and dried fruit and nuts are across the aisle. A package of their artisan chocolates or homemade fudge can bring back county fair or beach memories. Maple, chocolate walnut, carrot cake, and salted caramel are standard flavours.
Beck’s Cajun Cafe
Beck’s Cajun Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with authentic Cajun and Creole flavours. The James Beard House guest chef keeps Reading Terminal casual and classic. Beck’s provides New Orleans classics like gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, and the muffaletta, but also Cajun breakfast po’ boys like steak and egg with salsa and Southern specialties like deep-fried mac & cheese and shrimp and crawdad pasta. Coffee and beignets on Wednesdays and Sundays. No lunch? It has andouille, meat, salami, cheese, and onion. It’s worth it.
By George Pizza, Pasta & Cheesesteaks
By George has Pizza Slices, Cheesesteaks, Lasagna & Meatballs like Nonna made. Brick Oven Pizza, Cheese Steaks, Chicken Cheese Steaks, Stromboli, Gourmet Sandwiches, Pasta Salads, Caesar Salad, Hot and Cold Italian Specialties, Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Baked Ziti, Sausage Peppers & Onions, and more. By George! is a cookbook for Italian food enthusiasts. Fresh and frozen pasta, Marinara and other sauces, pizza dough, fresh mozzarella, antipasti, and bake-at-home Stromboli. Pizza, Pizza Dough, and Pasta are all available in whole wheat, and they have numerous vegetarian options.
Careda’s Caribbean Cuisine
Chef Careda Matthews, who was born in Jamaica, is responsible for the preparation of real jerk chicken and other Caribbean dishes.
Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies & Cheesesteaks
Carmen’s proves you don’t need to go to a specific neighborhood for a Philly cheese steak. They’ve been making Philly’s greatest sandwich since 1983. They add onions, mushrooms, and peppers to the original cheese steak. American and Philadelphia cheeses are in the Franklin. Kamikaze cheese steak has hot peppers, pepper jack cheese, and hot sauce. Meat Lovers cheesesteak has bacon and pepperoni. Carmen’s serves seitan cheesesteak. They prepare hoagies with prosciutto, meatballs with parmesan, and spinach and broccoli rabe. You’ll get a card when you order. Suits are unbeatable.
Dienner’s Bar-B-Q Chicken
Dienner’s serves Amish-style rotisseries and wings since 1980. Their chicken comes from Philadelphia farms every morning, and they’ve used the same family recipes and local ingredients for three generations. Sam and Anthony Dienner are confident in their BBQ chicken. Don’t believe them—try it for yourself. You can choose from three types of wings, smoked and rotisserie legs, full and half rotisserie chickens, and pulled chicken sandwiches, plus home-style sides and sauces. Request a Frequent Chicken Card. Buy 8 specials, get 1 free.
DiNic’s
Tommy Nicolosi’s grandfather Gaetano opened a butcher shop in 1918. Gaetano grilled roasts in the garage. DiNic’s Roast Pork and Beef opened in the late 1970s. Tommy and Joey run Tommy DiNic’s. Joey has added beef brisket and pulled pig to DiNic’s famous Italian sandwiches. The Nicolosis’ attention to detail, dedication to excellent ingredients, and love for old-world techniques have garnered them followers, admirers, and the media. DiNic’s Roast Pork Sandwich earned Best Sandwich in America in 2013.
Down Home Diner
This restaurant has retro décor, vinyl booth and counter seating, handcrafted comfort food, and all-day breakfast. Chef Jack McDavid values fresh food and friendliness. Since launching the Down Home Diner in 1987, he’s built relationships with local farmers and Reading Terminal Market sellers. Daily baked biscuits and cornbread, homemade jams and soups, and Reading Terminal Market beef burgers. Skillet Fried Chicken or Pan-Seared Salmon for lunch or dinner.
Dutch Eating Place
Located in Reading Terminal Market, this eatery specialises in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and serves it both to-go and at the counter. Popular breakfast items include freshly squeezed orange juice, scrambled eggs, blueberry-studded pancakes, apple cinnamon French toast, and bacon. Lunch consists burgers, deli sandwiches, fresh-cut fries, or chicken and waffles, pork and sauerkraut, or Pennsylvania Dutch chicken pot pie. Lunchtime? Molasses-based shoo fly pie and apple dumplings laced with cinnamon are both delicious options.
El Merkury at The Market
Sofia Deleon started El Merkury. Deleon, a native Guatemalan, travelled to the US for education in 2012, earning a degree in Food Industry Management from Michigan State and an MBA in Food Marketing from St. Joseph’s University. Deleon represented Kerrygold, Hormel, and McCormick. Deleon quit her employment in 2017 as the political scene was changing and there was a lot of hatred towards immigrants and Central America. The idea was to give food from little countries that are often misrepresented in the media but have plenty to offer.
Market Blooms
Market Blooms, Reading Terminal’s florist, has lilies, chrysanthemums, tulips, and roses. Market Blooms prioritises sustainable sourcing and environmentally sound procedures since beautiful flowers shouldn’t harm the earth. Market Blooms sells fresh flowers from across the world, but owner Steve DeShong grows many of them on his farm in Clarksburg, NJ. Enjoy a bouquet of his local organic peonies, sunflowers, zinnias, and other flowers, or try birds of paradise or orchids. Market Blooms stocks spring and summer bulbs and vegetable and flower seeds in the spring.
Bassetts Ice Cream
The same family has owned America’s oldest ice cream company, founded in 1861, since 1892. Their 40+ flavours range from traditional to unusual (cinnamon or matcha green tea, anyone?). Each flavour is hand-crafted and tested with western Pennsylvania cream and milk. Check out the original marble counter, hand-painted mural, and historical video footage from when Bassetts Ice Cream was created in the Market’s basement.
Miller’s Twist
Miller’s Twist sells butter-dipped Amish-style pretzels and Lancaster County ice cream. Reading Terminal’s pretzels aren’t as chewy as Philadelphia’s, yet many like them. Hand-rolled and twisted fresh dough makes these delicate. They’re flavoured by baking soda and butter. Miller’s Twist has figured out way to serve its delicious pretzels three times a day. Bacon, egg, and cheese wrapped in pretzel bread are breakfast options. Pretzel-wrapped hot dogs and broccoli-cheddar turkey sausage are lunch options. After either meal, try Kreider Farm’s butter brickle, strawberry, or cow palace ice cream.
Giunta’s Prime Shop
Giunta’s owner Robert Passio was a butcher shop delivery guy in the 1980s. Since then, he’s become one of the city’s most knowledgeable and beloved butchers, with a great understanding of Philadelphians, their demand for high-quality products, and their willingness to develop long-lasting business relationships. Giunta’s Prime Shop offers fresh beef, lamb, hog, poultry, and veal and prepared meals. Find your next feast’s main course here or ask the helpful staff. When in doubt, ask! We accept custom requests and cuts.
Godshall’s Poultry
Godshall’s has the freshest poultry. Locally bred, free-range chicken and turkey are delivered daily. Godshall’s was founded in 1916 by Charles Godshall and passed to current owner Steve Frankenfield in 1984. In addition to chicken and turkey, they sell poussins, capons, ducks, geese, free-range eggs, chicken and turkey sausage, and cured poultry meats. Take a number and watch the butchers break down whole birds behind the counter. Whether you know what you need or need inspiration, the employees at this poultry mecca will help you out.
L. Halteman Family Country Foods
L. Halteman Family Country Foods has great bacon. Three generations of Lancaster County butchers offer eight varieties: applewood, pepper, maple glazed, and beef and turkey. Their most popular variety is hickory, which they smoke themselves. Ham hocks or turkey wings flavour greens, while smoked pork chops go well with apples. The shop also sells fresh cuts of Lancaster County cattle, chicken, and pig, as well as preserves, dry goods, and summer vegetables. Jake and Samuel Riehl run the show, although practically everyone behind the counter is Mennonite.
Martin’s Quality Meats & Sausage
Philly loves Martin’s beef since the 1920s. The Giuntas are butchers. They sell beef, veal, lamb, hog, goat, and game at Reading Terminal. They started in South Philly’s Italian Market (by special order). Hams, smoked meats, and hard-to-find parts are available. Mickleton, New Jersey’s Martin’s manufactures fresh, all-natural sausages. They still prepare the same Italian sausage and confused sides. Sage-scented turkey or pork breakfast sausage, Italian-style chicken sausage, lamb merguez, beef sausage, smoked Portuguese linguica, and German kielbasa. Martin’s supplies meal meat.
Iovine Brothers Produce
James and Vincent Iovine opened this stand in the early 1990s, but the fresh, quality ingredients and exceptional customer service that made them local legends remain. What started as a modest produce stall is now a favourite of Philadelphia chefs and foodies for its colourful displays, reasonable prices, and wide array of specialty produce. Discover common and exotic ingredients from around the world. Iovine’s has everything you need to spark your culinary imagination, from potatoes and onions to gourmet mushrooms, obscure fruits and vegetables, and cold-pressed juice.
O.K. Produce
OK (Lee) Produce has bins of potatoes, bananas, onions, yuca, pomegranate, and daikon radish. OK (Lee) Produce focuses on fresh products, but also carries spices, nuts, dried noodles, and other Asian groceries. A fridge case cools fresh herbs and salad greens. OK Lee stocks fresh berries so you can get your daily antioxidants. Bulb of fennel or heads of lettuce are often bagged in twos or threes for a dollar. Another bargain? Students and seniors get a 10% discount daily with ID.
Golden Fish Market
Golden Fish Market on the Arch Street side of Reading Terminal is a seafood lover’s dream. Here you’ll find mounds of fresh whole fish and fillets, shrimp, locally harvested oysters and clams, and live lobsters, as well as prepared foods like cooked crawfish, pre-seasoned raw halibut, and steamed lobster. In the summer, customers line up for locally caught, cooked crab claws. Seasonal specials are always posted at the counter, and the staff is happy to help you decide what to cook.
John Yi Fish Market
John Yi Fish Market sells some of the freshest seafood in Philadelphia. You’ll find farmed and wild-caught fish and shellfish, sushi-grade tuna and salmon, and a giant tank of live lobsters. They also offer precooked lobster, crabmeat, shrimp, salted cod, scallops, and fillets. Check out their immaculate display cases to see what’s in season, and don’t be shy to ask questions: the staff is happy to chat about their products, share recipes, and offer cooking advice.
Umi Seafood & Sushi Bar
UMI Seafood and Sushi Bar offers more than 50 seafood dishes and 100+ sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls. All dishes are available in-Market or to-go. Salmon teriyaki, scallops, lobster mac and cheese, couscous, and grilled vegetables are reheatable. Chef Yong Kim of Bluefin restaurants and Suzi Kim of John Yi Fish Market, Under the C Seafood, and Ardmore Seafood collaborated on UMI. The joint venture combines Yong Kim’s 20 years of restaurant experience and Suzi Kim’s 40 years as a seafood provider in Philadelphia.
What are the various public transit options for getting to Reading Terminal Market?
Information on SEPTA schedules can be obtained by calling (215) 580-7800 or visiting www.septa.org.
Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA): Buses, trains, trolleys, and subways.
Jefferson Station is the stop for regional trains (formerly called Market Street East Station). The Pennsylvania Convention Center and Reading Terminal Market can be reached by following the signs.
The City Hall stop on the Broad Street Line of the Subway. Head east on Market Street. To reach 12th Street, go left. Just keep going straight ahead for one block and you’ll reach Reading Terminal Market.
For those taking the subway, the 11th Street Station is the point of exit for the Market/Frankford Line. Proceed westward one block to 12th Street. To reach 12th Street, go in a right-hand turn. Just a single street away is Reading Terminal Market.
To get there by subway, get off at the 13th Street station for the subway’s surface trolleys. Go east for a block to 12th Street. Make a U-turn into 12th Street. Just a single street away is Reading Terminal Market.
High-speed PATCO service to and from New Jersey terminates at Market and Eighth Streets. Getting to 12th Street from Market is a westward trek. To reach 12th Street, go in a right-hand turn. Just a single street away is Reading Terminal Market.
30th Street Station on the AMTRAK Line
You may reach Market Street East Station by using a SEPTA regional train. The Pennsylvania Convention Center and Reading Terminal Market can be reached by following the signs.
By Bus
If you need timetable information, contact SEPTA. The contact information is as follows: 215-580-7800 www.septa.org
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