River Loop Public Market Coop

Stopped by the farmers market on a Saturday morning. Also went in the public market for the first time. Not impressed.
There was only a handful of vendors at the farmers market. Selling flowers, a few vegetables and hand made decorations. Nothing real great.
The grounds they have it on are beautiful and well maintained. The public market was a dump. Poorly lit. We weren’t greeted upon arrival. They had a large seating area for meals and had a buffet up but everything was covered by big tin pans. There was no one eating.
There is a partition in the big space separating the eating area from a little grocery store like area. The «market» area was poorly stocked and had minimal product. Most items were empty. They had a few local items but most was just stuff you’d find in a normal grocery store with a higher price tag. There was a container of strawberries in the cooler priced at $ 12.99 and was full of mold.
My husband and son went to use the restroom. He said it was absolutely disgusting. There were two sinks in the restroom and neither had running water. The floor was covered in dried and wet urine.
Won’t be back. Ever.

This public coop market/​farmers market/​café was a long time coming, but worth the wait. Besides artisan breads, a butcher shop and various local meats and dairy, there is also a great café, with a buffet option for two meals a day.
For our last visit, we had grilled sandwiches, and shared a table with some interesting ladies from the area who were able to help fill in our memories of long-​gone local businesses.
Before that, we attended the evening buffet, feasting on all-​you-​can-​eat crab legs, steak, pork, chicken, and all the accompaniments. For $ 11.95 each!
Try it, and you’ll see what I mean… great food, great people, great place to eat.