Food halls, the bastion of getting friend groups of picky eaters and “You want to eat here? No, where do YOU want to eat?” date debates to peaceably find different options they like under one roof, have taken many forms in LA. From storied venues like the historic Grand Central Market to the more low-key Mercado La Paloma in South Central, food halls in and around Angel City are either close in size to convention centers or one fairly large restaurant with multiple vendors.
The latest contender to LA’s food hall scene, Maydan Market, is in the latter camp but with a far different appearance and vibe than the typical utilitarian approach to food halls.
The small and unassuming structure situated along Jefferson Boulevard in West Adams almost blends in with the commercial buildings around it. Unlike the nonstop bustle around the Original Farmers Market, you’ll walk past art studios and small industrial buildings then suddenly find yourself transported to a vivacious yet soothing dimly-lit environment with food cooked on open fire pits.
Maydan was designed to look more like Middle Eastern souks rather than the mall food court style setups most Americans are accustomed to. With seven vendors at the time of writing, including rotating pop-ups for local restaurateurs to try new concepts, the eponymous Maydan has the center space where you can see your food made right in front of you.
Compass Rose serves up international street food and craft cocktails, Yhing Yhang offers Thai BBQ, and you can try Afro-Mexican cuisine at Maléna. There is open seating indoors and outdoors, with a small segment that requires reservations if you’re planning date night or a special occasion. Couches for lounging are outdoors, encouraging diners to get comfortable and linger rather than the turnover-focused uncomfortable metal seats at casual restaurants and food court-style food halls.
Designed to feature global cuisines in one of America’s most diverse cities, Maydan Market strives to offer an experience and atmosphere, not just food alone. But if you want some gourmet wings and are in a hurry, you can also easily arrange pickup online in advance.
Maydan Market is located on 4301 West Jefferson Boulevard between Potomac Avenue and Hillcrest Drive, just five blocks from the Farmdale Metro E line station since parking can be difficult in this area. They are open 11AM to 10PM daily but closed on Mondays.
