In January of 2021, Syracuse dropped the mic when it introduced the Salt City Market, a new public market/food hall concept that beautifully blends culinary cultures, cakes, cocktails and communal space. Syracuse is a diverse, artsy, funky, Foodie city, and this public market/food hall successfully captures the Do Your Thing vibe of the town.

I had heard about the plans for this venture years before it hit the streets, and now that it was finally open, I was eager to try it out. My first time venturing into the market, was solo, on a cold winter day, on my lunch break. Upon entering, I was greeted by a sign that invited you to “grab a drink” from the Salt City Bar and “browse the market or enjoy your food at the bar.” If I didn’t have to go back to work, I would have enjoyed taking in the scenery over a cocktail, but that was for another time.

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What I immediately noticed was the open, modern, lofty and sleek layout, as well as the worldly selection of food: Middle Eastern, Jamaican, Thai, Burmese, Vietnamese, Soul Food, Southern, and more! “Regional and international cuisine from entrepreneurs” in the neighborhood is part of the market’s theme. I wanted it all but had to quickly browse the menus and let my stomach select, so I could get back to work. It chose Miss Prissy’s Pink Plate (oxtails and white rice) and Erma’s Island’s Beef Patties. I was craving Ahki & Saltfish but was told it would be coming soon (I’ll be waiting).

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Back to my office I rushed, with my new bags of gold. When I finally sat down to eat, it was a “close my eyes and moan” type of experience. The oxtails were falling off the bone and the patties were seasoned just right!

My next venture to the Salt City Market was when my best friend, Brooke, came to visit. I hadn’t seen her since last year, due to the pandemic, and knew she would enjoy checking out the market. This visit was an experience! We walked in to hear music that we like to vibe to… and even better, it was coming from a live DJ! Who I later found out was there to promote his new business, Imprinting at The Life, that was having it’s Grand Opening in the market that very day!

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We also noticed how there were accommodations for kids – high chairs and even small tables and chairs. Brilliant!

We browsed around for a while because there were too many mouth-watering choices, but we finally settled on Mamma Hai’s Báhn Mì (also known as Báhn Bao or Bao), which offers a choice of homemade steamed chicken sausage, char siu pork, or sliced pepperoni, served inside their signature pâté. Brooke was familiar with the dish, so I followed her lead, especially after I asked the clerk for silverware and they both replied in unison that I was supposed to eat it with my hands. I was horrified at the thought in this new pandemic world and made a trip to the ladies room to scrub my hands. After the first bite, I didn’t give a $%@# about the hands. My Bao had one of the most glorious flavors, mixed with the pork I chose, and I immediately wanted more!!!

Halfway through our Bao, we decided to grab some cocktails – Brooke ordered a Mule. I went back to my roots and savored the Old Fashioned.

Then we had to try the Baghdad Restaurant’s Hummus and Shawarma (beef) Salad. I have to say, no lie, it was one of the best salads I’ve ever had (I still dream about it.)  the There was so much synergy in the market – from the food, to the aesthetics, the music, the people – everything about it just felt so chill and inviting.

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Four hours later, we had moved to some tiered seating near the DJ to enjoy the 90’s R&B music, before finishing our drinks at the bar. Four hours. I guess time does fly when you are having fun.

As we were heading out, I bought cupcakes for my twins from the Cake Bar, which had such lovely looking pastries, it was hard to choose.

When we got back to my house, my husband asked, “Where are my Jamaican Beef Patties?”

Didn’t have to twist our arms. Within minutes, we were back in the car, for another adventure at the Salt City Market, to pick up Erik’s food. It was the least we could do since he had sponsored our girl’s day out. 😉

To get the inside scoop on the Market and to learn about kid-friendly features, check out this cool video interview with Market Manager Adam Sudmann below: