The South 9th Street Italian Market runs along 9th Street from
Wharton to Fitzwater Streets. The market began in the mid-to-late
1880s when Antonio Palumbo, an Italian immigrant, opened a boarding
house in the neighborhood for other Italians. Businesses sprang up
to serve this growing community and began to form the largest,
outdoor, continuous market in the country. Food stalls began to
occupy the East side
...
of 9th Street, where merchants sold fresh fish, fruit and
vegetables. A number of butcher shops began to offer the
highest-quality cuts of meat. Cheese shops, restaurants and
bakeries filled the West side of 9th Street. Today, while the
outdoor vendors and many of the original Italian businesses remain,
the market has diversified to reflect new waves of immigration. The
market boasts some of the most authentic Mexican fare in the city
and the surrounding neighborhood is home to a number of Asian
eateries and grocery stores, featuring delicacies such as Korean
barbeque and Vietnamese Pho. Additionally, a number of unique gift
and service providers provide a well-rounded shopping experience.
