Lexington Market

Lexington Market reopened in a new building in 2022 after a long renovation, and while the transition displaced some longtime vendors, the market retains its role as a working-class food institution in west Baltimore. The emphasis is on prepared food — crab cakes, pit beef, Baltimore-style subs, and soul food — rather than fresh produce.

The Faidley's seafood stall, famous for what many consider the best crab cake in Baltimore, is the main draw. The market is not in the prettiest neighbourhood, but that is part of the point — this is the kind of place that exists to feed people, not to attract food tourists, and the quality justifies the trip.

things to do market
A story
Lexington Market claims to be the oldest continuously operating market in the United States, founded in 1782. It occupied the same site for over two centuries before a major renovation relocated vendors to a new building in 2022. At its peak in the 20th century, it served as the social centre of west Baltimore, where every ethnic group and economic class came to eat and shop side by side — the crab cake counter was said to be the most democratic institution in the city.