Reading Terminal Market occupies a National Historic Landmark building in Center City, operating continuously since 1893 beneath what was once the Reading Railroad's main terminal. The market houses over 80 merchants selling fresh produce, meats, fish, artisan cheese, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals, making it one of the largest and oldest public markets in the United States. Visitors find Pennsylvania Dutch vendors, long-established Philadelphia food businesses, and newer international stalls operating side by side in the original market structure.
Origins and Architecture
The market opened in 1893 when the Reading Railroad built its grand terminal at 12th and Arch Streets. The terminal occupied the upper floors whilst the street-level market hall provided space for merchants—initially nearly 800 small farmers and food sellers. The building's steel frame and arched roof created the open market hall that remains largely intact. By 1931, the market and its Merchants' Association celebrated the 40th anniversary with a week-long "Food and Home Progress Exposition" that drew tens of thousands of regional visitors.
What to Eat
Bassetts Ice Cream signed its first lease at Reading Terminal Market in 1893 and continues to operate from the same location. The shop offers dozens of flavours including Salted Caramel Pretzel Ice Cream. Pennsylvania Dutch vendors sell traditional baked goods—Beiler's offers doughnuts, sticky buns, and PA Dutch puddings, whilst the Dutch Eating Place serves traditional Pennsylvania German meals. DiNic's roast pork and beef sandwiches draw regular queues, as does the more recent Uncle Gus' Steaks, a collaboration between the families behind Tommy DiNic's, Angelo's Pizzeria South Philly, and Pearl's Oyster Bar that opened in early 2025. The 10-inch cheesesteaks feature thinly sliced ribeye and Cooper Sharp cheese on seeded rolls.
International options include Little Thai Market and El Merkury, whilst Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles and Termini Brothers bakery represent Philadelphia's broader food traditions. By George serves brick oven pizza and is consistently recommended for cheesesteaks. The market's strength lies in the variety—hoagies, international dishes, brunch options, chocolates, and provisions for cooking at home all available under one roof.
Visiting Practicalities
The market is located at 51 North 12th Street in Center City, easily reached on foot from Independence Hall, the Convention Center, and City Hall. The building operates as a working food market rather than a curated tourist attraction, which means crowds vary by time of day and vendor schedules. Some Pennsylvania Dutch vendors close on Sundays in observance of religious practice, whilst other merchants maintain different hours. Arriving before midday generally means shorter queues at popular stalls. The market accepts both cash and cards, though some individual vendors may have payment preferences. Seating is limited and communal, reflecting the market's origins as a utilitarian food hall rather than a dining destination.
The building's ground-floor layout makes navigation straightforward, though the density of stalls and the flow of customers require patience during busy periods. The market has adapted over its 130-year operation, introducing new vendor types and experimenting with pop-up carts whilst retaining longstanding tenants. This balance between continuity and change defines the market's appeal—it functions as both a historic landmark and a contemporary food market serving local residents and visitors alike.
Sources: Reading Terminal Market - History • Reading Terminal Market - Wikipedia • Reading Terminal Market - Merchant Directory • The 17 Best Things to Eat at Reading Terminal Market - Visit Philadelphia