Food & Drink
Lancaster markets make grocery shopping easy
With several local markets to choose from, Lancaster City is home to a vibrant selection of locally sourced and high-quality groceries to spice up your shopping list.
Nestled in the heart of Amish Country, Lancaster is lucky to be surrounded by a rich history of agriculture. With several local markets to choose from, Lancaster City is home to a vibrant selection of locally sourced and high-quality groceries to spice up your shopping list. From the classic standby of Lancaster Central Market to the carefully curated shelves of Mandros Imported Foods, there’s no need to leave city limits to complete your weekly grocery shopping. So grab your reusable tote and hit the streets—we’ve got your shopping list covered!
Lemon Street Market is an independent and women-owned grocery store tucked on the corner of Mulberry and Lemon Street in Downtown Lancaster. With a wide selection of local, organic, vegan, and gluten-free options, Lemon Street Market is a one-stop shop for conscious consumers. Pop in to check a few items off your grocery list, or grab one of their delicious ready-to-go meal options. While you shop, you can also enjoy a steaming hot almond milk latte from their full-service espresso bar or a fresh-pressed juice from Lancaster’s very own Ríjuice. Open seven days a week (a rare find for markets in the city!), you’re sure to find what you’re looking for, exactly when you need it.
Shopping list: Organic produce, grab-and-go meal options, bulk foods, organic juice and kombucha, locally sourced dairy products
Find them at 241 West Lemon Street | @lemonstmarket
Mandros Imported Foods is a family-owned establishment that has served the Lancaster community for over 60 years. Delivering a variety of gourmet grocery options from around the world, this hidden gem will transport you into an international culinary experience. With a delicious selection of cheeses, meats, olives, and unusual ingredients, the luxurious side of cooking is at your disposal. Test out a new recipe or elevate an old favorite with the gourmet flavors you can find there.
Shopping list: Olives, pasta, cheese, meats, chocolates, teas, extra virgin olive oil
Find them at 351 North Charlotte Street
The Spice and Tea Exchange offers a variety of salts, sugars, loose-leaf teas, and over 85 hand-crafted seasoning blends, which makes it a go-to spot to spice up your cooking. With endless flavor combinations to try, you won’t get bored of testing out their product selection. Thanks to the shop’s handy recipe cards and their expert spice-makers, you’ll find all the inspiration and answers you need to get creative with your cooking. Better yet, The Spice and Tea Exchange is currently offering curbside pick up and local delivery!
Shopping list: Flavored salts and sugars, specialty blend spice and tea blends, ready-made beverage from their in-store tea bar
Find them at 20 West Orange Street | @spiceandtea.lancaster
Lancaster Central Market has been a mainstay in the community since 1730, and Market days (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) have become a staple of Lancaster City culture. With over 60 local vendors with freshly sourced and specialty items, Central Market has everything you need to check off your weekly market list. Stop by Barr’s Farms or Brogue Hydroponic to stock up on fruits and vegetables. Grab a bag of coffee beans from Mean Cup so you can brew the perfect cup at home. Swing by Amaranth Bakery for a selection of gluten-free treats, or Ric’s Bread for a fresh baked loaf. Looking for the perfect cocktail to pair with a meal? Central Market even has delicious house mixers, spirits, and cocktails from Lancaster Distilleries. And if you frequent Central Market enough, you might just join the ranks of the many regulars who tote their weekly grocery haul home from this iconic location.
Shopping list: Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, bread, deli options, cocktail mix, grab-and-go meal options, fresh ground coffee, milk and dairy products, flower arrangements
Find them at 23 North Market Street | @centralmarketlancaster
Viet My Oriental Food Market is a hub for all of your Asian cooking needs. Tucked on the East Side of town, Viet My Oriental Food Market will expand your culinary horizons. Enjoy a wide selection of fresh and frozen foods, as well as plenty of shelf-stable staples to add to your cooking routine. Stocked with produce, rice, noodles, sauces, and seafood, you’ll want to add Viet My to your market rotation. Don’t forget to swing by the snack aisle, where you will find candy, cookies, and treats that the whole family will love.
Shopping list: Fresh produce, seafood, rice, noodles, sauces, tea
Find them at 550 North Franklin Street
One of the most charming parts of downtown living is shopping small and supporting the local businesses that help our city thrive. Behind each small business, local grower, and independent market is the face of someone who also calls Lancaster home. By tackling your weekly shopping list at one of these downtown markets (or another local favorite), you are doing so much more than stocking your fridge or filling your shelves. You are supporting your neighbors and helping to sustain the vibrancy of this place we call home.
