News Summary
Milwaukee Public Market is celebrating its 20th anniversary and has been named the best public market in the country for the second consecutive year. The market recently hosted the International Public Markets Conference, highlighting its commitment to excellence. With 19 independent vendors and a diverse range of food offerings, the market continues to evolve, including the upcoming addition of La Masa Empanada Bar. This milestone enhances the market’s reputation as a culinary hub, serving both locals and tourists alike.
Milwaukee is celebrating a significant milestone this year as the Milwaukee Public Market marks its 20th anniversary. This year also brings notable recognition, as the market has been awarded the title of the best public market in the country for the second consecutive year by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The market, located in the Historic Third Ward, is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of offerings.
To celebrate this milestone, the Milwaukee Public Market recently hosted the International Public Markets Conference, bringing together public market leaders and enthusiasts from around the world. The event showcased the market’s commitment to excellence and its role in the community.
With 19 independently-owned vendors operating within its space, the Milwaukee Public Market serves as a gathering place that offers a variety of food options. Visitors can explore local baked goods, artisanal cheeses, fresh meats, seasonal produce, and ready-to-eat meals—all contributing to the market’s reputation as a food lover’s paradise.
Adding to its offerings, the market will soon welcome a second location of La Masa Empanada Bar, which is known for its Argentinian-style empanadas. Originally established in 2015 at 1300 E. Brady St., La Masa’s new location will be located near the main stairwell alongside other popular vendors including Thief Wine and Freese’s Candy Shoppe. This expansion reflects the market’s ongoing evolution in response to community interests.
La Masa’s menu includes a wide range of empanadas, featuring both traditional fillings and creative options, as well as salads, snacks like queso dip, and various sandwiches. The addition of La Masa is expected to further enhance the market’s appeal, particularly among those seeking quick, quality food options.
According to Paul Schwartz, the executive director of the Milwaukee Public Market, the focus on vendor selection is to showcase the very best of Milwaukee while meeting community demands. This strategy contributes to the market’s continuous growth and popularity.
In addition to the diverse food offerings, the Milwaukee Public Market hosts various cooking classes and events throughout the year. One notable event is the Festival of Flowers, celebrated around May 3 each year, which adds a unique flair to the market’s seasonal offerings.
The Milwaukee Public Market operates from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. This schedule provides ample opportunity for both locals and visitors to enjoy the rich variety of foods and experiences the market has to offer.
As the Milwaukee Public Market commemorates its 20th anniversary and continues to earn national accolades, it remains a significant cultural and culinary hub in the city, fostering a sense of community through its vibrant marketplace.
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Additional Resources
- MSN: Milwaukee Public Market Named Nation’s Best for 2nd Year in a Row
- JSONLINE: La Masa Empanada Bar at Milwaukee Public Market
- Fox 6 Now: Milwaukee Public Market New Vendor & Cooking Classes
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee Public Market
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Market

Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.