The world famous Your Dekalb Farmers Market is arguably the best source in the Atlanta area for fresh, hard-to-find food.
Open year-round every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, Dekalb Farmers Market is Atlanta’s go-to source for super fresh produce, freshly made pasta, bread, meats, seafood, and whatever else you need for your kitchen. Don’t be surprised if you come across chefs from Atlanta’s best restaurants shopping the market for your high-end ingredients.
The market is a sprawling facility with what seems like miles of fresh produce at bargain prices. Hop in and out of the dry goods aisles to pick up interesting sauces, and don’t miss the spice section where you’ll find huge tubs of each condiment at rock-bottom prices.
History of your Dekalb Farmers Market
According to its website, Dekalb Farmers Market had a humble beginning, beginning in 1977 as a small produce stand in Decatur. It grew in popularity and has become one of the top tourist attractions, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Market founder Robert Blazer continues to oversee operations and enlists his family to help keep things running smoothly.
A frequent complaint from former customers (and first-time visitors) was that the market is always crowded and parking is difficult to find. The company announced plans to expand its space in 2014.
Find fresh meat and fish at your Dekalb Farmers Market
At meat counters, you’ll get the freshest cuts of all your favorites alongside unique meats that you might not be able to find anywhere else. The seafood selection is wide with several live tanks so you know it’s fresh.
There are also a variety of specialty counters where you can purchase flowers, baked goods, fresh coffee, and more. The buffet and salad bar may seem like an odd find, but it’s a great lunch spot and you can load up on a variety of dishes using quality market ingredients. The buffet is priced by the pound.
Beginners may find that your Dekalb farmer’s market has an odd smell, which is likely due to the huge seafood section. It is also quite cold inside, so if you are going to have lunch or plan to spend a long time there, you may want to bring a jacket. Don’t let these quirks put you off; Every home cook should make a trip (or a dozen!) to this market.
Beyond the food at your Dekalb Farmers Market
In addition to good ingredients, good chefs rely on their favorite tools. To that end, Dekalb has a small collection of cookware for sale, including French press coffee makers, coffee grinders, and basic tools like spatulas and spoons. Several cookbooks are also available, many with hard-to-find recipes.
Their Dekalb Farmers Market also conducts tours of their facilities by appointment.
Your Dekalb Farmers Market – Know Before You Go
- Their Dekalb Farmers Market is located on the outskirts of Decatur at 3000 E. Ponce De Leon Avenue.
- The market does not accept credit cards, so bring cash, debit cards, or checks. There is an ATM on site.
- There is a large recycling center in the parking lot where you can bring many things that you cannot recycle at home.
