Square State Colorado

Denver’s South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market Review

One of the things that I look forward to during the spring is the start of Farmer’s market season. Denver’s farmers markets typically open for business in early May and close up in November. It’s actually a fairly long season considering that we live in a cold weather location. I have a few favorites and one of them is the South Pearl Street Farmers Market located in Denver’s Platte Park neighborhood. If you’re looking for some fresh food, cool Colorado vendors and a low-key activity on a Sunday morning, the South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market may be for you.

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Cowtown Denver Newsletter

South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market

During COVID, every business had to adapt and local farmers markets were no different. The South Pearl Street Farmers Market continued to be incredibly busy during the summers of 2020, 2021 and 2023. We found ourselves waiting in line in order to manage capacity, missing food samples and trying to steer clear of one another. Despite that the Farmer’s Market continued to thrive and became one of my weekly highlights.

I wasn’t sure what to expect on opening day 2022. What shocked me was how busy the market was. In fact, I’m convinced that this was the busiest opening day that I’ve ever seen for the market after shopping at the market for more than 10 years.

It was insane.

But the energy at the market told me a couple of things. Denverites are ready to get back to “normal” life whatever that is. The South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market continues to be one of the most popular markets in town. I thought I would share some pros/cons and areas of improvement for this market and some of my favorite vendors.

The South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market 2023 Experience

I’m going to tell you right now that the South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market continues to rock and roll with energy, great stalls and see and be seen vibes. This year’s market seems to have a lot more made for you food experiences than previous years. One of the standouts is the Colorado Stroopwafel stall making the best stroopwafels I’ve ever had…and I’ve eaten them in the Netherlands.

Notable South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market Vendors

I was shocked at how many incredible vendors were at the market. In fact, it was as if market management decided to “stack” all of the best businesses in the city and have them at the market. I have a list of the ones that REALLY stood out to me and the list is surprisingly long.

Favorite South Pearl Street Farmers Market Vendors List

These are vendors who were at the market during the 2022-2023 Farmers’ Market seasons. I’m excited to see if they’ve returned and to add some new favorites to my list.

New Favorites!

• Ototo-Love Japanese food? Especially robata style tapas? Look no further. They’ve set up a booth in front of the restaurant where you can buy tako yaki, sushi and kaarage. What they offer each week may change so be sure to check it out.

• Diamond Doughnuts-These doughnuts are freaking delicious. And they are the first food African item that I’ve ever seen at this market. These doughnuts are from a Sierra Leonean family recipe. So dang good.

• Roxy’s Remixes-If you’re looking for delicious and fresh mixers for mocktails, cocktails and anything in-between, make sure to pick up a couple of these blends. I really like the grapefruit mixer. Steampunk vibes!

• The Boozy Botanist-If you’re looking for delicious craft glitter sugar cubes, bitters, infusions and simple syrups you have to check out the Boozy Botanist. The package is so pretty and these products will make their way into a lot of my gift bags this year.

• The Hungry Tree Hugger Bakery-I’m not a vegan (I was one for a month and a vegetarian for 5 years). So, when I say that The Hungry Tree Hugger Bakery’s pastries caught my eye and I kept wandering back to the stall-I’m not exaggerating about how good the pastries taste. If you’re looking for vegan pastries, this is the business to buy from.

• Pandemic Donuts-When I tell you that I was low-key jealous of the City Market Farmer’s market because they had Pandemic Donuts, I’m being serious. If you’re needing a donut fix Pandemic Donuts has you covered.

• Salsadas Caras-I bought a jar of their salsa verde and it was fantastic. I plan on making my way through all 4 of their products including two oil based products that I’m excited to try on chicken.

• Haykin Family Cider-In a city of beer drinkers, I don’t like beer. But, I really DO like cider and I truly enjoyed Haykin Family Ciders.

• Dar Chocolates-These chocolates are outstanding and the partnership with artists

• Bosco Baking Company-One thing I look for at a farmers market is diversity in food products. Bosco Baking Company is a gluten-free bakery with products that look and taste delicious.

• Bubby Goobers Baked Goods-I’m going to be honest and say that I think Bubby Goobers stall is in a challenging location. I almost missed them but they’re across from the Palidori Sausage stall. Every time I see their pies and other baked goods I just want to throw my cash at them.

• Yummy Lotus-If you’re looking for delicious and unique jam combinations, you have to check out Yummy Lotus. One of my favorite snacks is butter and jam on a delicious piece of bread. What makes these jams so special is that they all have a little bit of a “kick” to them with an addition peppers that are paired with them.

Fairly New Vendors at the Market (Started During COVID)

• Frescos Naturales-I’m not a fan of La Croix. It tastes like an empty can of Sprite. Like sadness and exhaustion with a lime tinge. Frescos Naturales is the exact OPPOSITE of that experience and I am rooting for this locally made sparkling water company to kick ass and become a nationally known brand. My favorites are guava and passionfruit. As a sparking water drinker I’m always looking for refreshing drinks with low sugar content.

• Atost-The first time I noticed Atost was during the summer of 2019. They were making spirits that I enjoyed. This was surprising because I’m not a big drinker. Instead, I enjoy one really good bougie drink when I go out. If you’re unable to go their lounge in Golden, pick up a sample pack and begin mixing some drinks. Great for mocktails too!

• Palidori Sausage-If you are looking for a Colorado local company making delicious sausages-run to this stall. Hot damn, it’s so good.

• Il Pocellino Salami-When I say that my second favorite area of town is the 41st and Tennyson neighborhood and shopping district, I mean it. But, I don’t get over there often. It also happens that Il Pocellino Salami has its main location on that side of town. I was thrilled when they joined the market in 2021 and I’m excited to see that they’re back in 2022. If you’re looking for high quality sausages, etc. with well sourced meats look no further.

• Bibamba Chocolate-I love chocolate. And Bibamba Chocolate makes delicious chocolate in addition to having a wonderful business model of sourcing and working directly with Colorado artisans and sourcing from overseas.

• Bucking Nuts-The first time I had boiled peanuts I was in Huntsville, Alabama. They were odd to me but delicious. When I saw these being sold last year at that market, I was like-oh, hey. I’m glad to see that Bucking Nuts is back. Now, I want them to make sausage rolls sometime this summer. It’s a West Virginia specialty that the owner knows how to make.

• Green Belly-I love all things spicy. If you’re a hot sauce enthusiast, check them out.

• Sweet Gold Juice CO-These fresh juices are so yummy!

• The Easy Vegan-I was a vegan for 1 month and a vegetarian for 5 years. I currently eat meat. So, when I say that The Easy Vegan makes some of the best food that I’ve seen at a Farmer’s Market-I’m not exaggerating. Not just vegan food, but food in general.

• Rebel Bread-When I say that the line for Rebel Bread was low-key INSANE, I’m serious. They also have a retail space located at 675 S. Broadway and that’s my preferred location to pick up their breads. The space also has a patio area with limited seating.

• Boulder Chip CO-I am obsessed with this indigenous owned chip company. They also sell their chips at Whole Foods. But, the product that you have to pick up with their chips is their garlic spread. You’ll smell like garlic, but damn it’s so good.

Oldies But Goodies

• Biker Jim’s-If you’re looking for delicious hot dogs made with venison, boar and other delicious wild meats-Biker Jim’s is the #1 choice in Denver to get your meat on.

• Tlaque Salsa-I’m completely confused as to why more people don’t know about this insanely delicious salsa. They also sell tamales as well. I think it’s because people don’t know how to properly say the name. It doesn’t matter, pick up several jars of their salsa and a bunch of tamales-your stomach will thank you.

• Patter Bar-I’m waiting for Patter Bar to go national. If you’re looking for locally made, healthy snack bars for your next hike or to have on hand-I recommend Patter Bars. Nice family too.

• Mile High Fungi-If you’re looking for fresh, locally cultivated mushrooms this is the OG business that people love going to. Their branding is pretty good too.

• Miller Farms $15 Veggie Bag-Inflation has finally hit the Miller Farms veggie bag, but honestly, I still think $15 bucks for an all you can stuff bag of veggies is a fantastic deal. You just have to have a process and system to get as many fresh veggies in the bag as possible.

• Guerrero’s Chili-Who I go to for fresh roasted Pueblo and Hatch chilis every year. There’s nothing like hearing the crackle of chilis being freshly roasted in front of you.

• Hoja-I’m obsessed with their tiny restaurant located about 3 blocks from the market. If you want posole roja, this is one of the places that I like to go.

• Arepas House-Venezuelans and lovers of arepas who are missing Quiero Arepas in Platte Park can enjoy these yummy arepas.

South Pearl Street Farmers Market-Pros

There are a lot of wonderful things about this market and I thought I should share some of the aspects of it that truly makes this market stand out from the rest.

• It’s a really nice community of people. I’ve never gone and worried about the “vibe” of the market.

• Live music and ballon vendors-There always seem to be live music and ballon vendors or other activities for shoppers young and old to enjoy.

• I really enjoy the diversity of products offered at the market and I’m really happy to see that there are more vegan/Gluten-free options available for shoppers.

• It’s a great incubator for new business ideas. You can be some of the first people to enjoy a great product before it’s picked up for the mass market.

• The market helps connect people with the businesses along South Pearl Street. Some of my favorites include: Tokyo Premium Bakery, Hoja, Steam Coffee and Ototo which just reopened.

South Pearl Street Farmers Market-Cons

While there are a ton of things that I absolutely love about the South Pearl Street Farmers Market, there are a few things that I don’t care for. Here they are in no particular order.

South Pearl Street Farmers Market-Some room for Improvement

There are a few things that I wish market management would seriously consider working on to improve the customer experience.

• The market is CROWDED. I really wish they would lengthen the market by adding an additional block going south.

• Because it’s so crowded, the customer experience has been impacted. Expect to wait in lines when you’re at the South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market.

• It can be expensive-I thought about what my budget should be for the next time I want to do a serious shop. I’m thinking at least $100. IF you’re looking for cheap deals, you’re not going to find them at this market with the exception of the Miller Farms $15 vegetable bag.

• Traffic and parking around the market is getting crazy.

• I would like to see some new food trucks in addition to the ones that have been at the Market for the past 3 years. In fact, I would love for the food trucks to rotate out every couple of weeks so that we can enjoy some other made to order foods.

• Expand the market footprint and add an additional block going south.

• Create a dog free day once a month vs. always having dogs at the market. Right now it’s so crowded that it’s really obvious that there are way too many dogs at the market. And don’t their poor paws hate the pavement on hot days anyway.

• Truly encourage people to use alternative transportation in order to get to the market. This would help ease up all the congestion in the neighborhood. In fact, the Louisiana and Pearl light rail station is 4 blocks away from the market and in the summer of 2023, the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative was happening. Transit was free! If this initiative moves forward in 2024-they must talk about using transit to get to the farmers market.

• I don’t have kids, but I would love to see the market add a few more kids focused activities.

• A more concerted focus on vendor diversity. This could look like pairing with a grant partner to subsidize their stall fees.

• Expanding access by working with SNAP so that more Denverites can enjoy the goods being sold at the market. SNAP accessibility is one of the reasons why City Park Farmers Market is my #1 market in Denver this year.

Do I Recommend the South Pearl Street Farmers Market?

Yes, I do. But, I do think it’s important to acknowledge some of the challenges that this market is experiencing. I absolutely think that market guests will have a wonderful experience as long as they a lot enough time to their shopping experience.

If you’re in a hurry this isn’t the market for you. If you’re looking for a leisurely day of sampling and speaking with the different vendors and attendees, this is the market for you.