Historic 1917 food hall with 30-plus stalls selling tacos, pupusas, ramen, sandwiches and coffee.
Grand Central Market is a historic food hall at 317 S Broadway in the Historic Core of downtown Los Angeles, California. The market opened in 1917 in the Homer Laughlin Building, and it has operated nearly continuously since, making it one of the oldest and busiest public markets in the city. Entry is free and the building runs through the block, with entrances on Broadway and Hill Street. More than 30 stalls sit under a mix of neon signs and exposed ductwork, selling a wide range of cuisines that reflect the city's diversity. Visitors find tacos and carnitas, Salvadoran pupusas, ramen, Thai dishes, pastrami sandwiches, fresh juices, Italian pasta, oysters, coffee and doughnuts. Egg Slut, Sarita's Pupuseria and Wexler's Deli are among the well-known names. Produce and grocery vendors, a butcher and a fish counter keep the original market spirit alive. Meals typically cost about 8 to 18 dollars. Seating is communal and limited, so visitors often eat standing or circle for a free table. A visit usually takes one to one and a half hours. Crowds peak at weekday lunchtime and on weekends, when lines form at the most popular counters. Late morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays are calmer. Hours vary by stall, so some vendors close earlier than the building. The market sits steps from the Angels Flight funicular, the Bradbury Building and The Last Bookstore, making it an easy stop in a walking tour of the Historic Core. The Metro B and D Lines stop at Pershing Square, a three-minute walk.
| Admission | Free entry; meals about $8-18 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, roughly 8:00 AM-9:00 PM (hours vary by stall; verify on website) |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Weekday late morning or mid-afternoon |
| Getting there | Metro B/D Line to Pershing Square station, a 3-minute walk; Angels Flight funicular also arrives at the Hill St entrance; Metro fares are $1.75 per ride with a reloadable TAP card (taptogo.net) |
| Address | 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013 |
Location
317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
34.0507, -118.2490 View on map
Highlights
- More than 30 food stalls under historic neon signs
- Sarita's Pupuseria and Wexler's Deli classics
- Original 1917 market building with Broadway and Hill St entrances
- Produce and grocery vendors in the traditional market style
- Steps from Angels Flight and the Bradbury Building
Tips for visiting
- Visit late morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays to avoid lunch lines
- Split the group so each person queues at a different stall
- Check stall hours since many close earlier than the building
- Use Metro B or D Line to Pershing Square instead of paying for parking
- Bring small bills as some vendors prefer cash
- Pair the visit with the Bradbury Building and Angels Flight nearby
When to visit
Weekday late morning or mid-afternoon is calmest. Lunchtime and weekends bring long lines.
Accessibility
The main hall is flat and wheelchair accessible, with entrances on both Broadway and Hill Street. Aisles can be crowded at peak times.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Grand Central Market take?
Most visitors spend one to one and a half hours sampling food and browsing stalls.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes. The variety of food suits fussy eaters and the lively atmosphere appeals to families, though weekend crowds can be tight.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is welcome in the public areas. Visitors should be courteous to vendors and diners.
How much does it cost?
Entry is free and meals typically cost about 8 to 18 dollars per person.