Pittsburgh Public Market (Mars, Saxonburg, Penn: section 8, how much, to buy)

[gg]

I visited the market this Sunday and must say it was very small and pretty expensive. Also, I wasn't thrilled about every both hard selling me on their products. I have a feeling the place isn't going to make it. Too bad, but I wasn't that comfortable hearing someone trying to sell me everything every turn I made. It was worse than a used car lot as far as that part. Some of the products were pretty good, but the costs were really high. East End Brewery had a growler fill up place there. That was okay, even though I am not a huge fan of his style of beer.

I really wanted to support and be thrilled about the place because I love the idea of it, but that little place probably will be short lived. It is noting like the place in Cleveland and in that tiny building will never be much.

I am bummed about it.

[BrianTH]

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul also had a very short run for similar reasons (vendors being too pushy).

It is indeed small, however. Of course it just started, and is more of a complement than a replacement for the Strip anyway.

[gg]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul also had a very short run for similar reasons (vendors being too pushy).

It is indeed small, however. Of course it just started, and is more of a complement than a replacement for the Strip anyway.

I will be truthful, the vendors were so pushy that I might not go back. I might pick up some liver though. It is so hard to find good liver for $5 a pound or under. I prefer organic fed cows for my liver, which I can't find in a big chain. I drove up to Saxonburg to get liver the other day and also picked up some corned beef. That was VERY good and a better price.

Oh well, maybe some people don't mind the pushy vendors. If it was real crowded, it might not be as bad, but it was pretty slow.

[greg42]

Go back during late spring or summer, should be better, more stuff, more people. Although I don't know that personally. My first visit was a few weeks ago. Of course once we're in growing season you can get local produce at many farmers markets so you don't necessarily have to trek to the Strip. But I like some of the other vendors at the Public Market. The marshmallow guy is a hoot. Pittsburgh Marshmallow Factory

FWIW I didn't find it to be a hard sell. The vendors were certainly enthusiastic about stuff and many have samples they would love you to try. (Very tempted by the oil and vinegar place because of this.) But with fewer people it does mean they are more likely to talk to YOU instead of being already busy talking to someone else. If you don't like them all talking to you a more impersonal store is perhaps a better option. (Honestly, I don't always want them to talk to me either, but I don't mind too much in the case of that place.)

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Which vendors were pushy? The only one I get hassled by is the Indian girl who tries to sell me food, but she is still very nice about it.

One of the best things about the Market is that it increased the popularity of East End Brewing two-fold.

[gg]

Originally Posted by Aqua Teen Carl

Which vendors were pushy? The only one I get hassled by is the Indian girl who tries to sell me food, but she is still very nice about it.

One of the best things about the Market is that it increased the popularity of East End Brewing two-fold.

Pushy might not be the best word, because everyone was nice. Yes, the Indian lady was pretty into it. The bakery lady in the second row on the end was wanting to sell and asked me more than once if I wanted to buy things. I am not saying anyone was rude, but I guess I just like to look in peace and ask questions if I want to. I will probably go back and get liver.

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Never ran into the bakery lady there which might be a good thing. The Jamaican lady's food is really good and I really enjoy Pittsburgh Marshmellow Factory as well.

[gg]

I liked the Jamaican lady's food. Tasted a little Jerk chicken. Everyone was very nice though, it was a little pricy for me. If you don't mind spending, it would be fine. Guess I am on a budget and I wanted so much to be able to afford it. I can't afford Whole Foods anymore either, so it is Trader Joes for me. How much is the lottery up to these days? lol

[szug-bot]

Originally Posted by h_curtis

Pushy might not be the best word....

no, i think you stated it accurately. i've experienced that, too. and yea, its small.

i dont know what to make of it. i think it might be successful, but i probably wouldnt think to gravitate in that direction by habit if im shopping for food or produce on Penn.

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by h_curtis

Guess I am on a budget and I wanted so much to be able to afford it. I can't afford Whole Foods anymore either, so it is Trader Joes for me.

What next? Section 8?