Top 10 Things to Eat at the Original Third and Fairfax Farmers' Market

Brooke Burton

Though many of our city's farmers' markets may share similar vendors and farms, no two are built the same. The Original Farmers' Market at Third and Fairfax serves as a culinary landmark, a multi-generational meeting place, and a gastronomic gateway to The Grove.

In addition, this may be the only 75-year-old farmers' market we know of that stays open seven days a week and offers more eateries than fruit stands. Other bonuses? Handmade wooden carts, two beer and wine bars, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and permanent restrooms on the premises. Sure, parking is difficult. But what market doesn't have its challenges?

We offer you this photo gallery series featuring photographs of our picks for the Top 10 things to eat at the 3rd and Fairfax Farmers' Market. Though this list is not hierarchical, our choices are constructed in what could be considered chronological order.

Brooke Burton

Chocolate Nut Cake Donut from Bob's Coffee and Donuts

1. A fresh-baked donut from Bob's Coffee and Donuts ($.95 each). Thanks to Owner Bob Tusquesllas and his crew, the raised donuts here are made the same way they've been made for over 40 years: with a rolling pin, natural yeasts, and several hours of kneading. One bite of a cakey chocolate and caramel nut donut and even dainty eaters are transformed into Homer Simpson-esque donut-munchers. Bob's Coffee and Donuts, Stall #450; (323) 933-8929.

Brooke Burton

Nutella Crepe from the French Crepe Co.

2. The "La Chezy Moi" Nutella crepe at The French Crepe Co. ($6.49): Take a crepe the size of a large frisbee, fill it with warmed Nutella, and take a bite. One taste can make just about anyone smile. Pair that with a cup of Guatemala Antigua coffee ($1.65) and you'll be able to ride a sugar high for at least half the day. The French Crepe Co., Stall #318; (323) 934 3113.

Brooke Burton

Loteria's Taco Sampler

3. Probaditas taco sampler at Loteria ($14): The probaditas sampler plate is the taco version of a greatest hits record. Quarter-sized tacos sing the Mexican kitchen's best flavors and illuminates what genre of flavors you'll want to request next. Loteria, Stall #322; (323) 930-2211.

Brooke Burton

Churrasco at Las Pampas

4. Brazilian BBQ from Pampas Grill (sold by weight): Grab a plate at the salad bar and compose a meal dedicated to Brazillian BBQ. Start with a centerpiece of alcatra (top sirloin), picanha (sirloin cap), or carneiro (lamb leg) and garnish away with hearts of palms, and plantains with sautéed yucca flour. Pampas Grill, Stall #618; (323) 937-9506.

Brooke Burton

Make Your Own Steakhouse

5. Steak from Marconda's Meats grilled to order at La Korea B.B.Q. (sold by weight): Start your own underground steakhouse when you buy a steak of your choosing from Marconda's butcher shop and bring it to its next door neighbor, La Korean B.B.Q.. For just three dollars La Korea will grill the steak for you. Buy a side dish and they'll charge you only two dollars. Marconda's Meats, Stall #514; (323) 938-5131; La Korea B.B.Q., Stall #510; (323) 936-3930.