We moved to Maryland about a year and a half ago. Since arriving in the area, we have been VERY busy exploring the area: Washington D.C., Baltimore, Maryland's mountains, the Chesapeake, and on and on.

We have visited the historic Lexington Market four times since moving here. My wife and I visited again today (Saturday, December 2, 2006). Every time that we have visited, we have had fun. Our average expenditure on a trip to the market is usually around $35.00.

Today we purchased fresh tilapia filets ($4.99/lb), chicken gizzards ($1.29/lb), smoked slab bacon, ($2.99/lb), fresh fruit salad, some BEAUTIFUL produce, and carry-out lunch.

Parking in the garage cost $1.75.

Bottom line:

YES, we saw more than a few characters there that we would not invite to dinner.

YES, we frequently checked our wallet (to see that it was still there) ... because of some of the other reviewer's comments.

NO, we never really felt threatened or intimidated or "scared."

NO, we did NOT see anything "dirty" or "unsanitary" or "unsafe."

YES, we had fun, we thought that we got some really good bargains, and once again, we experienced "marketing" as it may have been 100 years ago!

I guess that I have a problem with "out-of-towners" descriptions of the Lexington Market.

After all, we visited the Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, in June of this year . . . and it does not even come close to the Lexington Market, in our opinions.

Hey, when we leave the Maryland area (within the next few months) we will ALWAYS have fond memories of our visits to the historic Lexington Market and its diversity of food, of people and of marketing experiences.

This is a real local market and not really a traditional tourist stop. I liked the fried chicken, widely available, but it's not the nicest place. More adventurous people go for it, families probably not.

The good:
Well, after renevation, the building and grounds look much better than in years past.
Due to a new police substation in the Atrium apartment complex on Howard, law inforcement is now more visable and active in the area, and is now a more pleasant place to visit sans junkies of the past.
Food is good and the beer is cheap!
Try the deli, peanuts, sausages, pizza, or crabcakes - you won't go wrong!
There's a pretty good sit-down Indian restaurant at the entrance, but hours are spotty.

The bad:
Many of the stalls are owned by the same family (the Park's) and tend to carry much of the same merchandice as the others. Want to find a good eggplant? Look elsewhere...
And then there's the clientel - still a bit shabby in the afternoons, but hey - it's a block from major bus, light rail, and the subway and as I said, the beer is cheap.

All in all, this area of Baltimore is under SERIOUS renovation and rehab, so don't be disuaded by other reviews of the past. The folks here are amongst the friendliest I've ever met, and the words "hello","please", and "thank you" are not a foreign language in Charm City

This is a great place for lunch. Don't go here to eat darn cheese. Just enjoy "scenic local color" and walk away happy and with not too much chance of food sick. Is so good. Please come and support our favorite local rat-hole.