Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market

Type	Public market, food hall
Address	51 N 12th Street
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	Center City
Phone	(215) 922-2317
Website	Official site
Established	1893
Founder	Reading Railroad Company
Owner	Reading Terminal Market Corporation (nonprofit)
Employees	400+
Hours	Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Products	Prepared food, produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, specialty items
Status	Active

Reading Terminal Market(215) 922-2317https://readingterminalmarket.org51 N 12th StreetPhiladelphiaPAUS

Reading Terminal Market is a historic enclosed public market located at 51 N 12th Street in Center City, Philadelphia. Opened on February 22, 1893, beneath the train shed of the Reading Railroad Company, it is one of America's oldest and largest continuously operating public markets. The market features over 80 merchants selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, prepared foods, and specialty items in a National Historic Landmark building adjacent to the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The market is particularly renowned for its Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish vendors from Lancaster County, who occupy the northwestern corner of the building. Iconic merchants include DiNic's (home of the roast pork sandwich named "America's Best Sandwich" by the Travel Channel), Beiler's Bakery (famous for hand-rolled doughnuts), and Bassett's Ice Cream (operating since the market's 1893 opening). Reading Terminal Market draws approximately three million visitors annually and has become one of Philadelphia's top tourist destinations and a beloved gathering place for locals.

History

Origins

Reading Terminal Market's roots trace back to two earlier markets—the Butchers' and Farmers' Market and Franklin Market—located on the 1100 block of Market Street in Center City. In 1890, the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company purchased this block for construction of its new passenger terminal. The merchants' refusal to relocate led to a compromise: the railroad agreed to construct a new market beneath its elevated train shed and tracks.

Age and Founding

Reading Terminal Market opened for business on February 22, 1893, making it over 130 years old. The original market occupied approximately 78,000 square feet and held nearly 800 merchant stalls, each measuring six feet wide. By 1913, the market was booming with 250 food dealers and 100 farmers occupying its spaces.

The market survived the decline of the Reading Railroad (which went bankrupt in 1971) and the construction of the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the 1990s, which incorporated the historic train shed while preserving the market below. Today, two vendors—Bassett's Ice Cream and Spataro's Cheesesteaks—are descendants of original merchants from the 1893 opening.

Revival and Preservation

After decades of decline following World War II, Reading Terminal Market underwent a major revival beginning in the 1980s. The market was designated a National Historic Landmark, and the opening of the Pennsylvania Convention Center next door brought new foot traffic. Today, the market is operated by Reading Terminal Market Corporation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving its character as a diverse public market serving both locals and visitors.

Hours

Reading Terminal Market is open Monday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The market is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Important notes about hours:

• Individual merchant hours may vary—some open earlier or close later
• Many prepared food vendors stop serving 30-60 minutes before the market closes
• Pennsylvania Dutch/Amish vendors are open Wednesday through Saturday only

Sunday Hours

Reading Terminal Market is open on Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, the Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch vendors, located primarily in the northwest corner of the market, are not open on Sunday (they observe a religious day of rest). These vendors are typically open Wednesday through Saturday only.

If you specifically want to visit the Pennsylvania Dutch section, plan your trip for Wednesday through Saturday. If visiting on Sunday, you'll still find the majority of vendors—including DiNic's, Bassett's, Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies, and many others—open for business.

Pennsylvania Dutch Vendors

The Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch vendors operate Wednesday through Saturday only. The Amish merchants travel from Lancaster County to staff their stalls, approximately 60 miles from Philadelphia, and observe Sunday as a day of rest.

Twelve Amish businesses operate in the market, many clustered in the northwestern corner. Notable Pennsylvania Dutch vendors include:

• Beiler's Bakery and Beiler's Donuts & Salads - Hand-rolled doughnuts in nearly 50 flavors
• Dutch Eating Place - Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch breakfast and comfort food
• Fisher's Soft Pretzels - Authentic soft pretzels
• Dienner's Bar-B-Q Chicken - Rotisserie chicken
• Miller's Twist - Soft pretzels and baked goods
• Lancaster County Dairy - Fresh eggs, butter, and cheese

Food and Vendors

With over 80 vendors, Reading Terminal Market offers overwhelming variety. Here are the most celebrated options:

Must-Try Foods

DiNic's Roast Pork Sandwich - Named "America's Best Sandwich" by the Travel Channel in 2012. Thinly sliced roast pork on a long roll with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. The fourth-generation family business also serves excellent Italian sausage.

Beiler's Doughnuts - Hand-rolled Pennsylvania Dutch-style doughnuts in nearly 50 flavors. Lines can stretch to block neighboring vendors. Made from a grandmother's bread recipe using potato flakes.

Bassett's Ice Cream - Operating continuously since the market's 1893 opening, Bassett's claims to be America's oldest ice cream company. Their rich, dense ice cream is beloved by generations of Philadelphians.

Dutch Eating Place Apple Dumplings - Whole apples wrapped in pastry, coated in cinnamon-sugar, and served with warm cream. A Pennsylvania Dutch specialty.

Tommy DiNic's (Sister location to DiNic's) - Roast beef and other Italian sandwiches.

Other Highly Recommended Vendors

• Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies - Classic Philadelphia hoagies
• Pearl's Oyster Bar - Fresh oysters and seafood
• Hershel's East Side Deli - Jewish deli with corned beef and pastrami
• Molly Malloy's - Irish pub food
• By George Pizza - Pizza by the slice
• Kamal's Middle Eastern Specialties - Falafel and shawarma

First-Time Visitor Guide

For first-time visitors, this itinerary covers the essential Reading Terminal Market experience:

1. DiNic's roast pork sandwich - The signature dish 2. Beiler's doughnut (any flavor) - Get there early as popular flavors sell out 3. Bassett's ice cream cone - A 130-year tradition 4. Dutch Eating Place apple dumpling - Pennsylvania Dutch specialty 5. Fisher's soft pretzel - Fresh from the oven

Budget approximately $30-40 per person to sample several vendors.

Parking and Transportation

There is no dedicated parking lot for Reading Terminal Market, but several options exist nearby:

Gallery Place Garage (directly adjacent)

• 925 Market Street
• Closest option, accessible from the Convention Center

AutoPark at the Gallery

• 9th and Market Streets
• Approximately 2 blocks east

Street Parking

• Metered parking available on surrounding streets
• Limited availability and time restrictions apply

Public Transportation

The most convenient option is public transit:

• SEPTA Market-Frankford Line - 11th Street Station (one block away)
• SEPTA Regional Rail - Jefferson Station (adjacent to market)
• Multiple SEPTA bus routes serve 12th and Market Streets

Payment Methods

Most vendors accept credit cards, but some cash-only vendors remain, particularly among the Pennsylvania Dutch merchants. ATMs are located inside the market.

Recommended: Bring cash (approximately $40-60) to ensure you can purchase from any vendor, especially in the Amish section.

Convention Center Connection

Reading Terminal Market is directly adjacent to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The market occupies the ground floor of the historic Reading Railroad headhouse, while the Convention Center incorporated the elevated train shed above and expanded around it.

The market's main entrance on 12th Street is steps from the Convention Center's main entrance on Arch Street. An interior connection allows convention attendees to access the market directly during market hours.

This location makes Reading Terminal Market extremely popular with Convention Center visitors and event attendees, contributing to the market's approximately $60 million in annual tourist revenue.

Delivery and Online Ordering

Some vendors offer delivery through third-party services like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. However, availability varies by vendor, and not all participate in delivery programs. The market also offers:

• Online ordering for pickup at select vendors through the Reading Terminal Market website
• Gift boxes and shipped items from certain specialty vendors
• Catering services from multiple vendors for events

For the full Reading Terminal Market experience, an in-person visit is strongly recommended.

Visiting Tips

Best Times to Visit

• Weekday mornings (8-10 AM) - Least crowded, full vendor selection
• Wednesday through Saturday - All vendors including Amish merchants
• Avoid lunch rush (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM) - Extremely crowded, especially on weekdays

What to Bring

• Cash (for vendors that don't accept cards)
• Reusable bags (for produce and grocery purchases)
• Patience (the market is often crowded)

See Also

• Italian Market
• Center City, Philadelphia
• Pennsylvania Convention Center
• Cheesesteak
• Philadelphia hoagie

External Links

• Reading Terminal Market Official Website
• Visit Philadelphia Guide