With the rise of indoor market halls like Eataly and its hipster equivalents popping up all over the country, you could be forgiven for thinking that the food hall is a modern phenomenon.
But a quick look at certain cities-where covered markets have been the hub of city life dating back as early as the 1700s-suggests otherwise.
Here are some of the best American food markets in the country that offer an equal fix of history and hunger pangs.
Lexington Market (Baltimore, Maryland)
Established in 1782, Lexington Market is one of the oldest examples in the world.
In addition to shopping for fresh seafood, meats, bakery items, cosmetics and computer parts-I'll have two pork chops and one wireless mouse, please-visitors can dine on everything from chicken & waffles to Malaysian and Jamaican cuisine.
Faidley's Seafood is perhaps the most famous vendor in the market, serving their award-winning crab cakes to everyone from TV chefs to Hollywood actors.
West Side Market (Cleveland, Ohio)
West Side Market's domed tiled roof may make it one of the most Instagrammable markets in the USA, but it also has the history to back it up. Opened in 1912, it is Cleveland's oldest publicly-owned market.
More than 100 different vendors sell meats, vegetables, cheese, herbs, candy and even flowers.
Frank's Bratwurst has been serving delicious bratwurst sandwiches in the market since 1970. If you'd rather sit down and eat, the West Side Market Cafe serves hot food and craft beers all day while its walls are plastered with photos of bygone market days.
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City Market (Kansas City, Missouri)
This large farmer's market was first opened in 1857 and has continued to be a hub for dining, shopping and entertainment ever since.
Outside, visitors can pick up a range of produce from local farmers year-round. Indoors, you dine on delights like Brazilian food and beignets, or even take a tour around a steamboat museum.
Central Market (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
Located in the heart of Amish country, this is the biggest farmer's market in the USA. It is housed within a lovely 19th-century red brick market hall and features around 70 different vendors all selling fresh produce, flowers, meat & fish, pastries, candy and global food.
Head over to The German Deli-in business since 1984-for German cheese and other European specialty items. Or pick up some traditional recipe Amish smoked meats at Stoltzfus Fresh Meats.
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Eastern Market (Washington, D.C.)
Proudly located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington since 1873, Eastern Market has been through its fair share of trials and tribulations (not least of which was a serious fire in 2007). Despite this, it continues to be the most important market for local fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts and community events.
The indoor market hall is open six days a week and is home to Calomiris Fruits and Vegetables, who've been selling fruits, vegetables, nuts and Greek pastries for more than 60 years. The exterior market, which is only open at the weekend, features arts and crafts vendors from the whole D.C. area.
Soulard Farmers Market (St. Louis, Missouri)
Set in the shadow of the Gateway Arch, the Soulard Farmers Market has been in business since 1779.
Here you can peruse fresh produce and regional specialties in addition to a roster of street food-style stalls serving up everything from beignets to tamales.
If it didn't already sound like a great place to spend a weekend morning, Julia's Market Cafe might just serve the best Bloody Mary in town.
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