This has been on my list for decades, so I had high expectations and was so disappointed. The entire market is maybe 10 sellers and the items were very uses, not gently used. The food options were very limited. There was one vendor selling elotes, and another selling ice cream and granitas. We were done in 10 minutes. Very disappoining. read more

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It brings me no joy to write this, as Maxwell Street Market used to be a Sunday tradition my partner and I really looked forward to. The MSM is a shell of what it used to be. It started even before the pandemic - some vendors stopped showing up, and eventually the Market was cut in half. It used to extend past Taylor street all the way to Roosevelt, where a Maxwell Street Market sign still stands. Now it ends at Taylor. Then in 2020, Rubi's realized they were too big for the market and opened up their own successful restaurant in Pilsen. And rather than being open every Sunday they cut back to being only open half the year. We went back for Father's Day this past weekend. We moved away from the South Loop in 2021, so we hadn't been back in a while, but what we found was super disappointing. There used to be a churro truck from Xurro. A place specializing in the most amazing Oaxacan tamales. Several competing taco vendors. Fresh produce from local farmers. All of them gone. There's still one vendor selling fresh roasted elotes, and another vendor selling ice cream and granitas. But if you want a meal, your only option is La Flor de Mexico. Don't get me wrong, their food is pretty good, but it's literally your only option now, and because of this they get slammed and we saw them either being slow on orders or missing people's orders entirely. I'm not sure what happened...is the city charging too much? Is this a self-fulfilling prophecy, where fewer people are showing up which means fewer vendors which means fewer people? I used to highly recommend this to anyone in the area, now I'm not sure I'll ever return. Hopefully something happens to re-spark the magic that used to be here. read more

Maxwell Street Market. From Benny Goodman to the Maxwell Street Polish sausage sandwich to Hill Street Blues and the Blues Brothers, this market has a long history. Now in it's "new" location on S. Desplaines, it is still a great place to pick up a bargain or a tasty treat. Love the fresh fruit aquas frescas and so many taco stands from which to choose. Fun to also get a quick taste of the Chicago Blues on a late summer Sunday morning. For almost a hundred years, immigrants peddled their goods at Maxwell Street's busy markets. From sidewalk stands to pushcart peddlers, the huge open air market offered a wide variety of new and used, legal and illegal wares. If the price was right, buyers didn't ask questions. It also offered both immigrants and minorities a safe haven to make and spend their cash as an alternative to price fixed retail establishments. The streets were initially filled with Klezmer music, the music brought from Eastern European by Jewish immigrants in the Sunday only market. As the neighborhood changed, so did the music. This was the birthplace of the Chicago Blues. As many southern black musicians migrated north during the Great Migration starting in the 1920s and 1930s, they realized that their acoustic country "outdoor" blues couldn't be heard over the bustle of the city and the market. Over the next few decades, new electric instruments evolved and revolutionized their music creating an urban blues now know as the "Chicago Blues." Many musical greats, like Muddy Water, Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon and Howlin' Wolf, played the blues in Chicago. The Jewish merchants at the Maxwell Street Market offered many musicians a place to play and the electric extension cords running from their stores supplied their amplifiers with the required electricity. This symbiotic relationship benefited the store owners by attracting patrons to buy their wares. Maxwell Street has often been called the "Ellis Island" of the Midwest and, until the expansion of the UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) campus by imminent domain, it was a historic melting pot of cultures, customs and community that spoke one unified color--green. The last open air blues performance was in 2000 by "Little Sonny" Scott, Jr. with an extension cord that ran from Maxworks Cooperative, the last remaining building in use on Maxwell Street. The new market is open every Sunday as a nod to the historic beginnings. read more

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Authentic culture evolution, from the polish to the Mexican, plus so much more. You can get tacos, then shoot right over to get rib tips and fries. You wash all that down with mango sorbet and chaymo sauce. What?! read more

I tried to go to the market however it was closed. Yelp it said it was open and so did Google but it is not, it is only the first and third Sunday that it is open of every month. Please see the attached sign. Save yourself a trip and read this sign. read more

Maxwell Street Market - Flea Markets Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Noooooo! Don't do it!!! We took a cab over and was very disappointed. There were maybe ten booths. We did buy a bracelet tho.

Flea shoppin'! This Mexican-themed mercado is a great place to get some deals! It happens only on Sundays, I believe, and takes up several blocks of closed down streets in the Hispanic part of Chicago. There's all kinds of things to see and buy here- people come and pull up with the trailers or mini-vans full of old Nintendo games, tools, books, metal signs, sports memorabilia, you name it. Some of the stuff looks like it "fell off the back of a truck" somewhere to get here. My favorite part of the mercado is the food! Small street food vendors line the street selling delicious Mexican street foods. I got some tamales from Oaxaca, which were simply fantastic. It's so much fun wandering through and taking in all the amazing aromas that come from the street meat booths, or the vendors of spices and peppers! The market also had live music and uniformed police hanging around keeping things safe. Most of the stuff I saw was clearly marked with prices, but everything is negotiable at the flea market. This was a fun flea market, but I didn't end up getting anything other than food. read more

The closest thing Chicago has to a real outdoor Mexican Mercado. I'm only giving it 3 stars because compared to the real thing it's only a sliver authentic. When I visit, it doesn't bring me back to Mexico, close but no cigar. Unless you want to wait 30-40 min for infamous Ruby's, every other food stand is just ok. I can vouch for Monolo's who serves homemade tortillas but the Pastor was mediocre, try a different filling. Maybe I have yet to go down the line and find a food item that I would give the gold metal to. A small pina colada I tried is praiseworthy for a cool $6. Aside from the food, there are new and used goods being sold by all types of vendors. Sometimes you can get lucky and find something that catches your eye. One vendor I really like is this T-Shirt Vendor that sells all types of unique Chicago sports t-shirts. I really want to go back to pick up a Dia De Los Muertos Cubs shirt and a Ditka Bears Shirt. Other than that I wish I lived during my Dad's era to experience the real Maxwell St. Market. He has lots of cool stories about going with my Grandpa when the Market was thriving in it's prime time. Raw and real. None the less, it's something to experience a few times a summer and I can always appreciate the skyline with the Sears Tower peeping out! read more

Maxwell Street Market - Tacos Al Pastor! When you can't say no to the site or smell of homemade tortillas! - Flea Markets Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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You'll find almost everything here but furniture. It's in the shadow of the Sears Tower. They have clothes, tools, some food items, hygiene products like shampoo toothpaste etc, basic tech like chargers, headphones. I highly suggest you haggle for large ticket purchases. It feels safe - I want to stress that. Really good Mexican street food. And nothing like it anywhere nearby read more

Maxwell Street Market - Flea Markets Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This ever changing market is open year round. If you want to avoid crowds, go early, during bad weather, or when it is almost warm. The vendors are less likely to negotiate with you than prior years/decades. The demographics of the market have changed greatly over the years too. It's more focused on Latin American food than before. If you go during peak times, the line at Rubi's is likely at least half hour long. On a cold rainy morning at 9am, I walked up to no line and fresh off the trompo al pastor tacos. $3 each with slightly crisped edges. These were $1.50 just a few years ago if that gives you an idea of the popularity that they gradually doubled the price. The freshly made tortillas are great. I order mine with onions, cilantro and pineapple with lime wedges, grilled knob onions and jalapenos on the side. The salsa verde has a good kick but if you want seriously spicy, point to the jar of what appears to be marinated onions and carrots. I don't know what it's called but heard it referred to as escabeche previously. I have my normal routine at Maxwell street down pat. I park in a nearby 30 minute loading zone, throw on my hazards, walk directly to Rubis, place my order, then head to the blue delivery truck for fresh out of the fryer churros(still $1.25 each), walk back to the tamales Oaxacan stand across from Rubi's for a banana leaf wrapped jumbo tamale with chicken and salsa Verde ($3). I go back to Rubi's to pick up my tacos which, if I time it right, are just about ready. I return to my car just as the 30 minutes are up, set up shop on my trunk and dig in. I will sometimes pick up horchata or a fruit juice to wash everything down. If there is a long line at Rubi's, head to Manolos in the next tent which has shorter lines. During the warmer weather, you'll find much more expanded food options. Maxwell street has vendors hawking expired household goods on the somewhat cheap, over ripe produce on the cheap, legally questionable tools and other items. Some things are a great deal, some decent, others can be found cheaper at grocery stores and the interwebs. For a market that used to have the motto, "cheat you fair," it's now more like, "eat your share." My favorite non food find as of late is an old Vienna beef sign that says, "have one, Daley." read more

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We go here every couple of Sundays for the amazing food and questionably sourced yet reasonably priced home goods. The stand with oaxaqueno tamales (big tamales in banana leaves) is THE BEST. You can have mole sauce and sour cream on your tamale and they have seating. They also make a great pozole soup perfect for chillier days and served with chips or tortilla. All of the vendors are very friendly and open to haggling. It's right by Binny's if you want to get your drink on. Speaking of drinks any of the stands with fresh cantaloupe or watermelon fresca are out of this world sweet and delicious! Makes a great mixer. Lots of great street food you'd find south in Pilsen but closer to the south loop. read more

Fun outing on a lazy Sunday. This Maxwell Street Market is a replacement for the old one that was actually on Maxwell Street...on the south side of Roosevelt Road and a bit west of the Dan Ryan...all that was razed for the expansion of University of Illinois Chicago. This new version is on the north side of Roosevelt Road and on the east side of the Dan Ryan. The new Maxwell Street Market is on Des Plaines Street (the first street east of the Dan Ryan) and goes from Roosevelt Road (12th Street) north to Polk Street. The market is about two-thirds seeming garage sale and one third food stands. We like to walk by all the stuff but mainly focus on the food stands which are great. Just about all Latin American food - some Mexican (tacos and the like), some Salvadoran (papusas and the like), etc. Manolos Taqueira, Rubi's, and our favorite Mama Lula's for papusas (see Yelp comments on all of these). One of these Sunday mornings when you've nothing to do, give this place a try. While it is not the old Maxwell Street filled with Jewish merchants, it is still a fun and inexpensive outing. read more

This is a review for Calvillo's- a great family owned Mexican restaurant at Maxwell Street Market. My friend Marcia visited from London. I got her down to the market on Sunday to try some authentic Mexican street food. We split a huarache, or masa flatbread, topped with pork al pastor, bacon-y and rich, with a sweet touch of tropical fruit. She got a tangy quesadilla filled with squash blossoms. I got a pambosa- basically potato and chorizo torta drenched in roasted tomato sauce and fried. We split elote- kernels of sweet corn topped with a thick cap of mayo, lime and chile. For dessert we split a styrofoam cup of champurrado- Mexican hot chocolate thickened with corn masa into the thickness of a hot milkshake. It warmed our hands and bellies while we strolled the market. read more

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My first time here, I did not know what to expect, parked about a block away and walked over. The market is a few blocks long and they offer plenty of new things and some used. They also have a few restaurants and a couple of the restaurants were crowded, I talked to a couple of people and they said they came here only for the food so I have to stop by for the food next time. On this day they had a band playing on one end and a DJ on another. It was a pleasant visit. read more

I have gone to this market for over 50 years.. Food , furniture, music, culinary , vintage, used, new.. African goods.. yes from Africa,, soaps , Shea butter , incense!! EVERYTHING AND THE KITCHEN SINK.. Hurry up and reopen!! read more

I love this. I love how no one I know is brave enough to go to this. I love that it is near my house, and happens every week. I love how you can find ANYTHING here from used hammers to bootleg rap shirts to weird-brand named soap to cactus sections. It's definitely overgrowing its britches and closing down more streets. i love that! I love how there are 2343 vendors selling SOCKS. VIVA LA MAXWELL STREET MARKET! read more

Maxwell Street Market - now extending north of roosevelt - Flea Markets Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Definitely worth checking out for local street eats and flea market merchandise. The foods are overwhelmingly Mexican, cheap, and tasty. Street vendor like food. It's not for everyone. The merchandise has some garbage (e.g., used shoes) and some pretty good deals. Caveat emptor as pretty much everything is sold as-is where-is. read more

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Great flea market to eat authentic Mexican food and churros! I tried churros that were filled with vanilla and chocolate. They also have strawberry to choose from or plain. I was wishing for some dulce de leche. Nonetheless, the vanilla and chocolate churros were very good. I also had a tongue and pastor taco. The tortillas were freshly made and delicious. The pastor was moist and full of flavor; some of the best pastor I have had. The tongue wasn't bad but it wasn't the best u have had. Their green sauce was very good. read more

Maxwell Street Market - Pastor tacos. - Flea Markets Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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4 stars? Are you for real?! The only saving grace of this place is its' half way decent street taco vendors and that they sell really cheap packs of condoms. Fake luxury handbags, random car parts, seriously cheap packs of condoms (though questionable since they are in the sun for hours), over the counter meds, the list goes on. Whatever random stuff you could find at the La Puente Swap Meet, trust me, you'll find it at the Maxwell Street Market. Upon walking up to the street market, we expected to see a hipster street fair. You know..crafty street vendors, creative foods. Kind of like your local farmer's market. We were somewhat unpleasantly surprised though when we stumbled along this place. The fact that it's Chicago's Top Must See Place is shocking and we even had to confirm with the Firefighters parked out front that we were indeed in the right place. And unfortunately, we were. As I said, only thing worth visiting here is their Street Taco Vendors. I don't think I truly understood how lucky I am to be living in SD with the best Mexican Food until I came here. The food does the trick since Chicago doesn't seem to have many Mexican eateries and this actually the best place to go for authentic food so, I guess it does the trick. Hardly as impressive as its' made out to be. read more

Maxwell Street Market - Street Tacos - Flea Markets Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I wasn't sure what to expect. I was thinking fruit and produce marketplace meets flea market. What I found was less fruit and more flea. By flea, I mean more of the inedible goods for sale. Most of the wares were random items like women's socks, handbags and craftsman tools. Heck, I even saw tires rolling away after purchase. While I didn't buy any merchandise, I sure loaded up on the food. My first stop was to one of the taco vendors. My sister happened to pick one in which there really was no menu and one guy distributing the food. Since we don't speak Spanish and this was our first time here, it was confusing at first, but she finally figured out that you need to grab a number and then they'll take your order as everyone is circled around the ordering area. She was finally able to get an asada (steak) taco and a lengua (tongue) taco for me. As she found me at our meeting place behind the clowns (yes, there really were two clowns out there), I brought a huge steak quesadilla that I got from another stand. Later we posted ourselves in front of another stand, La Paz. We first ordered tamales, one red and the other green and a Mexican Coca Cola. Since those were so good, we decided to wait in line again for a steak gordita and a quesadilla with chicharrones (pork skin). Those items were well worth the wait. To finish my meal off, I found the ice man and got a nieve de guayaba. A small consisted of two scoops of guava goodness and only set me back a buck fifty. On the way out, we found the churro truck. The guy was freshly filling them. We got one vanilla and the other strawberry. Each was only a $1.25. That's about the same price I paid for them when I was in elementary school in the 1980s! If the rest of the world can marketplace, why can't we? While I likely won't buy any merchandise, I sure will return for the fast and fresh food. The horchata maker will have to make an extra jug the next time I roll into town! read more

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So there's a lot of history with the Maxwell St Market. This is a huge flea market with a ton of food vendors. There's a little bit of everything here, such as tires, boots, toys and even some food items. It's a large market area, taking up from Roosevelt to past Taylor. There's a section consisting of just food venues, all Latin based. So you have your taco's empanada's tamales and more. They all looked tasty and there were lines for a majority of them. If you've got the time grab a bite and check out the crowds, if anything it's fun people watching read more

So happy we decided to sneak on down here to get this real Chicago local experience. On most days you can find any and everything you could ever want at any if the many vendor stalls here at the market. The best part of this market is all the food vendors. This is a true Chicago mecca for some of the best and authentic Mexican street food. From the this to the quesadillas you can't go wrong... Trust me!!! This was some of the best carnitas and tacos el pastor I have ever had!!! Make it a point to visit this place walk around and enjoy a taco or two you won't go wrong... read more

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Went here on Sunday for food. There is a flea market and bunch of food places. Overall the area this covers isn't too big. But they have quite a bit of food if you're coming to eat. There is one taco place that was amazing - you won't miss it as it will have a long line. I would recommend getting a quesadilla in addition to any tacos. I thought the quesadilla was better! We also tried a few other food along the way. All very good and authentic. This is a great place to go if you are looking for legit Mexican food. Before we left we also got a churro from the food truck there. It was a fun way to spend a Sunday and get some good food! The actual flea market part of it wasn't all that great though. Worth it to check it out! read more

Pretty overrated. Only reason I gave it a 2star is coz I was amused to see jack hammer, tampons and drum kit being next to one another. Waited 45mins to have possibly the worst tacos I have ever had. read more

Note to self. Go to market with people who know where to find the best grub. I went with a friend who basically visits just to walk around. Not to check out the goodies. So when I asked what should we eat, he really was clueless and we just sat at the least busy taco stand even though I really wanted the handmade tortillas across the way. The food we had was decent but didn't blow my mind. I must say, there was tons of fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, electronics, knock off purses, you name it, someone there's gots it. I expected that the space would be bigger than it was. It's basically seemed like a couple city blocks with jam packed stuff. I'd go again, but would try and avoid rainy days since the day I went there was so much rain, I ended losing my car keys down a sewer drain. Talk about an expensive outing. read more

Ok so here I go again in one of my crazy adventures in getting myself lost around Chicago. I decided to go here on the day of the Chicago Marathon so most of the CTA lines were rerouted. Bless my luck for getting lost after getting down at the Clinton blue line, walking a few blocks I ended up with the other end of the street market! It is HUGE! They sell knickknacks of all sorts from power tools, lamp shades to fruits by the box for $10! I managed to buy a nice pair of gloves for winter for 5 bucks. For a first flea market, I would say it was interesting, although I would say that when you go here, be open to all sorts of merchandise because you would never expect what to find in this place. So after trying out the dollar tacos (which were fantastic), I realized what the bigger things were called! They are called quesadillas! Far from the ones I am used to back home in Manila. These quesadillas were awesone (especially for the price!) They cook the fresh corn tortilla on the spot, which comes out with a gentle sweet soft texture and a nice crust. I chose the al pastor and it was flavorful and meaty! definitely a must eat when you are in this place! read more

The listing is incorrect on Yelp. The new Maxwell Street Market is actually located on Des Plaines St. between Harrison and Roosevelt. The weather was not cooperating today as it was dreary and wet. So, I believe that some of the vendors were not really there. Anyhow, looking at the stuff that they have, your best bet is for the hats that they have. They were selling cologne and perfume, but I do not know if I can trust the knock off stuff as they perhaps may give you a rash. I was hoping that they had some knock off caps but I really didn't see much of that. There were several taco stands during my walk. Those were pretty interesting, although I have to say that you can get the same food at a Taqueria anywhere in Chicago. I think the only thing that you could not get readily at a Taqueria are the funnel cakes. I didn't see any artwork during my walk. I commend these people for actually opening up on a rainy day. I wish I could have found something to buy, but most of this stuff, you probably can go to the dollar store to purchase. read more

HISTORIC SUNDAY SHOPPING I feel like I've grown up visiting this market since I was a little child. In fact, I've actually followed this Sunday market as it's been displaced by the city to three different locations over the years. The original location was located actually on Maxwell Street and Halsted. Starting around the 1880's, Eastern Europeans became the dominant ethnicity in the hood here. During this same time the open-air pushcart market appeared, which eventually made this neighborhood famous for deals, shopping & goods from around the world. Over this long history the neighborhood has changed along with the different ethnicities that have called it home but one thing remained. This market was a place where everyone in the city could come together and shop. There were no ethnic lines or judgements. Everyone was bonded by one common goal...to get a good deal. When I was a little a trip to this iconic street was not complete without a visit to Jim's for a Maxwell Street polish. I believe this is the birth place of the Chicago style polish. As you walked up to Maxwell Street, all you could smell were onions grilling. In fact, if I close my eyes I can still smell them now. Yum! I was really mad at the University of Illinois at Chicago for stepping in and ruining this Chicago tradition. In 1994 they slapped an eminent domaine on Maxwell Street Market, in order to take there property for themselves. Some things were not meant to be torn down and thanks to UiC we lost a piece of Chicago tradition because of greed. Luckily the city recognized the rich tradition the market played in our history and relocated it a few blocks east to Canal Street. It was also renamed the "New Maxwell Street Market". Unfortunately the market was no longer in Maxwell Street. Also the delicious smell of Jim's onions were also forced to move. Thanks UIC...NOT...as I'm shaking my head. Jim's Maxwell Street Polish is actually closer to his original location then the market is. He was moved over to Roosevelt Rd and the frontage road of the expressway. There's nothing like a polish with onions over there. A visit to Jim's reminds me of being a child visiting the original Maxwell Street on a Sunday. The new location was okay but lacked any feel of tradition that the old Maxwell Street contained. Then in 2008, Maxwell was forced to relocate again to Des Plaines Avenue. I blame Dominick's for this. They complained that the Sunday market was ruining there business. Let's recap...Dominick's said it was ruining there business...where is Dominick's now? Gone! If anything ruined Dominick's it was Safeway. Again another Chicago tradition that will be gone forever. RIP Dominick's. My point is we need to stop messing with a Chicago tradition or it will just disappear. I hope that this will be the final home for the famous open air market. The city has even erected medal structures on each corner to signify the markets existence. The market has changed over time but you never know what you are going to find. Also come hungry because the Jim's Polish dogs have been replaced with steak tacos. Yeah there is still the smell of onions in the air but its a different smell. Shopping and food go hand in hand. My brother taught me a valuable lesson about Maxwell street. Get there as it opens, in fact, if the vendors are still setting up their tables that's even better. They are eager to make their first sale, so you have the negotiating power to getting a good deal. Also, don't take the first price. You are suppose to haggle that's how people shopped before price tags. I also want to share a piece of market etiquette that you should use while shopping. Please do not walk up in the middle of my price negotiation with a vendor and then try to out bid me. This is not an auction. I was here first...walk away and find your own deal. This is the most annoying thing ever. It happens more when it's crowded and is really uncool. So have some respect to the process and negotiate your own deal. Maxwell Street has been around for a long time. It is part of our history and I hope it has a long run at the new location. Everyone loves a market. I am glad that Chicago has a place where all ethnicities can join together in a common bond of shopping for great deals. read more

I never even knew about this but am so glad we have it! The best way to describe this would be: an outdoor (not covered) flea market with cart vendors that sell various foods (fresh groceries, tacos, sopes, tamales, menudo), clothing, VHS/DVDs, imitation designer purses, and household electronics. It spans a few blocks, Roosevelt Rd being the southern most point. I think this occurs almost every Sunday, rain or shine. We came on a cold, rainy day, and a few vendors still stayed till the mid-afternoon. I'm not sure how crowded it gets on a nicer day. We got 3 tacos from the Rubi's stand for $7.50, and they were huge! They press and cook fresh tortillas right in front of your eyes. The handmade tortillas are a little thick but very comforting. The tacos are almost the size of a burrito - you can probably eat 1-2 for a meal. The al pastor supposedly has grilled pineapples in it, but we couldn't taste them and could hardly see them. The steak was my favorite, and the cactus was pretty good too. For those of you haven't tried cactus, it tastes like pickled yellow peppers. The man at Rubi's told us that Rick Bayless eats there often. Almost all the food vendors have covered seating with folding tables, plastic tablecloths, and plastic patio chairs. Just wear your not-so-nice clothes and bring hand sanitizer. To eat, this place is fantastic to visit because you can "food truck hop" and try new foods that are steps away from each other. The groceries looked fresh and bright too. I'll be back! Here's a map of the vendors: http://timeoutchicago.com/restaurants-bars/59106/moving-maxwell read more

The best place to get Mexican food. So amazing even in the winter. Goat quesadillas! Homemade tortillas! Chorizo tacos! This market is such a fun place to go when you're visiting Chicago. Love it here. We always go for lunch when we are in town. Highly recommend. read more

I have to give Maxwell Street Market four stars because of not only the historical significance, but also because this flea market has the best food options of any flea market I've visited. The elote in a cup was probably my favorite part of our trip here. The merchandise and vendors rank somewhere between 2-3 stars. There were some "junk" vendors with lots of random tools, household decor, and kitchen appliances, which are usually my favorites. I purchased a set of porcelain coffee mugs made in France for $8. They're looking pretty cute next to my Keurig! Other vendors include the infamous socks and underwear, toys, bath & body products, jewelry, soccer balls and t-shirts, and office supplies. Nothing looked "hot" to me, but much of it screamed "overstock," because how on earth does someone have 20 bottles of Dove body wash to sell? Prices are not phenomenal. My dad tried to negotiate with a vendor on a set of sockets. The vendor went down a whopping $1. Another vendor wasn't flexible at all on a pack of Sharpie pens. That's cool, dude. I'll spend a few bucks more at Staples where they're guaranteed to work or I can return them. We spent about 2-3 hours here, walking around, shopping, and eating. Almost half of the market was vendors selling tacos, tortas, elote, horchata, churros, etc. Food is cheap. You MUST eat at the market if you come. We got here shortly after opening. I don't feel that we got any better deals, but my mom raved about how much open space there was to walk around. No worries about strollers being jammed into your heels at Maxwell. Even as it got later, there was still plenty of open space, and even some dogs too! There's tons of street parking in the area. Because I'm sometimes just an ignorant suburbanite, I couldn't remember if we had to pay for parking on Sundays. Well, if you do, it's $4/hour. If you don't, it's $0. I shelled out the $4 for the first hour out of fear. YOU'RE WELCOME, RAHM. read more

I hope people realize what this is prior to visiting. This is a flea market. Not sure how I can make that more clear but you shouldn't expect some 'hipster street fair' as one Yelper wanted (I hope they were as embarrassed writing that as I was to read it, I mean seriously there is an entire documentary made about the history of this, just educate yourself). There is a ton of historical significance to this gathering of residents from all of the world. This was referred to as the Ellis Island of the midwest for a reason. The stuff they sell may not be high quality but it's how people historically were able to obtain things when they didn't have enough money to go to malls and such. This was the point. This isn't some new phenomenon created to satisfy someone's hipster appetite; this is and was the livelihood of some of our fellow citizens. Despite the two moves it has endured, it has evolved into more of a modern day swap meet with some great, authentic food options families have brought over from their native countries to share with us. That being said, I too primarily go for the food. I did get a pound of dried chiles today but other than that just walked around and ate. As most people say, Rubis is the place to go. Honestly it's the best taco I've ever had anywhere. There is a reason this tiny little stand in an outside market has gotten attention of quite a few famous chefs and food personalities. The red sauce that's on the table, I was considering what I could dump some in so I could take it home! I got the beef and cactus and it was to die for. My husband got the mole and he was in love. We also went to the stand where they have the pork on a spit like a gyro (which is apparently the truly authentic way to cook the pork) and it was definitely solid. Of course get a chocolate churro from the Rick Bayless truck as well as a Mexican Coke and how is that not a great day? The tacos get 10 stars but since I'm reviewing the total experience, gotta go with 4. :) read more

Next time I will go to Maxwell Street Market hungry! There is an abundance of ragingly awesome Mexican food, with a spattering of joints vending Polish sausage, brats, etc. Simply divine. I was stuffed from brunch though...so go hungry, I implore you! Now seriously, I was not expecting this. It is simply unbelieveable. It is so large, massive, commanding...it's precious and delightful, a grand people watching, bargain hunting experience. (You must wear comfortable shoes. Seriously.) There is no close CTA transport. We walked ALL THE WAY to Lasalle/Van Buren Brown Line. So like I said, bring comfy shoes or somehow park somewhere. There is great produce, 6 million athletic sock vendors, power tools, and pretty much every piece of imaginable crap you have ever envisioned needing. I got 12 pairs of Puma socks for $10. I call that a deal! It's just such a fun place to dig around. If you don't appreciate "culture" I doubt you'll appreciate this. It's an experience. I will be back to consume the food, and find more cool, random, bizarre shit. read more

For once, I didn't go out drinking until all hours of the night Saturday night and was up early, so I thought I'd finally wander over to Maxwell Street and see what the hubbub was. I walked up and down the market both ways. What did I find? Detritus. Bad things happen when you don't stay out all night Saturday night and then get up early on Sunday morning. Never again. I'd rather have the hangover. Uno star. read more

When I was a little, my father used to have to come down to the (old) MSM to buy his hubcaps back every weekend. True story. My fella calls this place the "dirt mall." Come hungry, because you'll want to eat your way through the market - delicious food in every direction. You can find anything here, just be sure to give yourself enough time to browse. Last weekend, I got a beautiful vintage tablecloth (pink and brown 1940's awesomeness), 2 pupusas & 2 jarritos, a mexican coke, 2 vintage patches, a 1920's california art pottery ashtray in perfect condition, a cool vintage Old Style stein, a couple of plate hangers and a ukulele for under $20.00. I would have paid more for the uke, but I heard the vendor tell a woman in Spanish that it was $8.00. When I asked, he told me $12. I pointed out to him that he had just offered it to someone else for less and haggled with him from there. He was so embarrassed at being caught that I got it for a song. Nice. read more

As some reviewers have mentioned, "this is not the Maxwell Street Market we all remember from years back, where it was bustling and you could find everything under the sun to purchase". We can all agree on that. What I don't accept is that we regretfully must watch "the market's demise", hands in our pockets. If you want to preserve history, if want to see the old vibe return, then make it happen. Vote with your dollars, visit the Market, and visit more than Rubi's. If you value community, consider visiting or following the Maxwell Street Market Vendors Association, a group dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the market, at http://www.maxwellstvendors.wordpress.com or https://www.facebook.com/MaxwellStVendorsAssoc. In full disclosure, I'm affiliated with this group. You can also contact the department who runs the Market ([Commissioner] michelle.boone@cityofchicago.org), let them know what the Market meant or means to you, let them know that you aren't satisfied with the direction in which they've guided the Market, and what you think would help. Advertising maybe. Greater input from vendors maybe. It's up to you. In fact, this whole thing is up to you. read more

This is not the Maxwell Street Market we all remember from years back, where it was bustling and you could find everything under the sun to purchase. These days it is much smaller, with the focus on food moreso than products and the grumblings of vendors complaining about the city "pushing them around" with high fees. While I was sad to see the market's demise, Rubi's is going to keep me coming back. So, this 5-star review is for Rubi's (the only reason we will be heading back to the market!). Yes, yes, yes! Yep, that is what you will hear from Mr. Rubi calling out to summon customers to Rubi's at the market while simultaneously sharpening the knives to cut the al pastor meat to perfection. And that is the same thing I left thinking when I finished my early lunch at Rubi's this past Sunday. Open from 7am-3pm every Sunday, Rubi's has some of the tastiest tacos and quesadillas I have ever tasted. I am really picky when it comes to Mexican food and even my mom that is an amazing cook was impressed. Where to begin? There is a vast selection of taco and quesadilla choices; certainly goes beyond your usual al pastor and steak. Options include mushroom, huitlacoche (corn fungus), rajas (sliced grilled jalapenos), mole and many many more. All are served in a big, fresh and tasty homemade tortilla that is made right before your eyes. I opted for a carne asada taco with cactus and a quesadilla con rajas (grilled peppers). Both were topped with onion and cilantro and with the green and red salsa on the tables, I was in heaven. The tacos and quesadilla were not greasy, huge portions, and tasted extremely fresh. I loved that the tacos were topped off with a grilled cebollitas. I cannot wait to go back and try the al pastor, and the tacos with huitlacoche, as well as the mole rojo taco. You can only eat so many tacos - believe me, picking out what to order was the hardest decision I made all day. I also noticed that this was one of the cleanest places to eat at the entire market. I also liked that unlike some of the other stands, they have one person that focuses specifically on taking your order and handling the money. I really appreciate that they have hand sanitizer available too & the utensils and napkins were well-stocked. The woman working there (maybe she was Rubi herself?) told my mom that when they don't sell out (which is rare) they eat the food themselves or give it away; never freezing it using it the next week. We believe her - everything was so fresh and tasty. No mysterious vats of ingredients; you can see everything being made and grilled right in front of you. Rubi's has just vaulted up to my #1 favorite taco place in the city and is the sole reason I will be making the trek out to Maxwell Street Market (well them and for the churros). Maybe it is not so bad that they do not have a restaurant and we have to wait to partake in deliciousness only once a week on Sundays at the New Maxwell Street Market, otherwise I'm thinking my waistline would be vastly expanded. Do yourself a favor and head to Rubi's on Sundays - but get there early, they close at 3PM but often sell out before that! read more

These guys mess up traffic every weekend for a makeshift swap meet. If you want Mexican food, stolen tools, socks and jeans, or fruits and veggies...this is the spot. If you want to be annoyed by a traffic jam, this is also the spot. This place is a gypsy orgy. read more

I started coming here in the mid 1990s, when it was at the second location. Back then, $10 was enough to leave you stuffed. Prices have gone up since, and it is increasingly yuppified, but this is still one of the best places in the country to get authentic, cheap Mexican food. I plan all my trips back to Chicago around a Sunday morning at the market. The michoacan style enchiladas from the place (Green Ranch? Green River?) where they fry them in oil right there in front of you are the best. I've tried to find similar in Los Angeles and it isn't possible. They are pure heaven. Heaven laced with crack and speed and angel dust. I'd marry someone just to have these enchiladas three times a week. I'd also be about 250lbs as a result, but I'd be the happiest fat chick in the country. These enchiladas are one of my top three favorite dishes in the entire world. The one white tent with the two long lines forming at opposite ends (sorry, I can't describe it better than that) and the u shaped kitchen where all the pots are covered with foil has decent mole. Long waits, but decent mole. The meat can be a little tough. Churros. Oh, man. I love me the churros from the churro truck! Better than I can get in Tijuana. Nothing beats these churros on a chilly spring or autumn morning. Every now and then they can be tad soggy or undercooked, but it's so rare to get them fresh from the oil that the occasional sogginess is worth it. The last time I was there, when the market was moved to its current (third) location, I didn't see the music guy with his "Grown Folks Music" sign. That made me very sad because his sign ALWAYS made me smile. Overall a great way to spend a Sunday morning in the nation's best city. read more

Seriously this market has everything you will ever need! Need a charger...got that...need toothpaste...got that...need tires...got that .....need produce...got that...need lunch or brunch...got that! This wonderful gem is not far from my place and I always look forward to going every Sunday morning. The MSM has a great variety of sellers and pretty much something for everybody. For people like me who are post it note junkies and pen junkies, there is a guy who sells nothing but post it notes, pens, markers, and other office supplies. There are few other stands that sell socks, socks, and more socks. Not going to lie, this stand comes in handy since I mysteriously loose socks after putting them in the dryer. There are a few produce stands with produce cheaper than the grocery stores. Bonus points: cheap avocados, cilantro, and tomatillo. The best part of this place is the food!! Yes, the food!! My personal favourite and I could seriously eat 1,000 of these are the Oaxacan tamales. These tamales are huuuugge! Don't confuse these with your average tamales. These Oaxacan tamales are wrapped in banana leafs and filled with salsa verde, chicken and cheese. These tamales are soft, buttery, and rich in flavor. These bad boys can feed two people for the price of three bucks. Then there is Rubi's, which is everybody's favorite. They are good and well worth the wait. Remember to get the grilled onions. Then there are several stands that sell goat tacos,soup and tortas. YUMMMM!! Goat can taste quite gamey. However, if cooked right, it will leave you wanting more. There are so many great places to eat here that I could probably spend the next few hours talking about it. If you haven't been to MSM...you should definitely go! read more