Having heard that the Midtown Global Market was already open, ahead of it’s “Grand Opening” (which is Saturday, June 3, 10 am - 4 pm), I decided to stop in yesterday. I also took photos, if you’re curious to see what it looks like inside.

I’m disappointed that there’s nothing outside the building to indicate that the market is open. Seriously, I’ve driven by it a number of times, knowing it was already open, and could not detect any sign of activity inside. So no wonder business has been slow.

But, empty as it was, I loved it.

The place is maybe about two-thirds occupied. A handful of places were already set up, but not open for the holiday. I saw flowers, purified water, a full-service restaurant, organic produce, and a whole bunch of take-away joints. Mexican, African, Middle Eastern, Caribbean.

There’s plenty of seating. I like that there’s so much common space to sit down and eat, but it doesn’t have that awful mall food court feel to it. There’s a play area for kids. There are games tables where you can play chess and backgammon (and probably a couple other games). There are restrooms.

Market patrons can park for free for up to 3 hours in the structure next door. You can also enter the market via the lobby of the building, which houses Midtown Exchange Apartments, “the Chicago” (is that the condos?), a Hennepin County Service Center (good to know, I think that’s the closest one to me), Midtown Exchange offices, and Allina Commons.

They’re open 9 am to 8 pm. It’s a good place to go if you and your friends can’t agree on what kind of food to have for lunch or dinner. I had a cuban sandwich from Manny’s Tortas, but only because West Indies Soul Food wasn’t open.

I tried to imagine it fully occupied, and full of people. I got a really good feel from it. I liken it to Seattle’s Pike Place Market. It could be that good. I hope people turn out. I expect to see some long lines of cars waiting to turn onto 10th Ave, just like the long lines of cars waiting to turn into the Trader Joe’s in St Louis Park.

Related posts:

1. Midtown Global Market Open for Business
2. a pulse on the midtown global market
3. Wireless Minneapolis Community Meeting Tonight
4. Midtown Global Market Struggles
5. Midtown Global Market - or - drooooool….