Boundary Street Markets

This is an odd little venture. It’s a small and somewhat awkward space that hosts street vendors on Fridays and Saturdays and a farmer’s market on Sundays. The food vendors are quite diverse, and most of them were vegetarian-​friendly. The farmer’s market has only a couple of food stands, but they had vegetables for much cheaper than the adjoining grocery store.
Where I would expect something like this in a neighborhood like this to be jam-​packed (during summer especially), the crowds I’ve seen varied from modest and reasonable to non-​existent. From what I’ve seen of West End’s population, you’d think they’d all be here, but that seems not quite the case. That being said, you’re likely to find something very good to eat if you come.

Boundary Street is a hit or miss with people. Sometimes you find it packed with food trucks and stands and other nights it may be almost empty. If you go on an empty night, don’t cross it off your list as something to never do again. Give it another chance and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. There’s lots of different styles of food coming from all over the world. They have great dinner meals, with good pricing, and lots of desserts. I had a pretty good burrito (not my favorite but good for the price and nice service) and an AMAZING doughnut. The doughnut came with an injection of Nutella/​jam/​chocolate/​or homemade peanut butter. The homemade peanut butter and chocolate were both yum yum yum! They sell out quickly so once you get there, secure it as I have had lots of friends tell me they missed out. There is often live music and a good amount of seating areas though it can get competitive! Eat street and boundary street are my favorite foodie markets in the city and I’d recommend them both!

Boundary Street Markets is in full flight! Train installed. Containers installed. Band installed. Bar opened. It’s not braided wrist bands and screen print bags. Go on, you will be as surprised as I was. Gourmet and hipster food stalls that really are something different to what you would expect. The cutest barber shop ever. Handmade chocolate stall. African gifts and wears. Recycled and upcycled timber, metal and antique décor, homewares and furniture. 50s inspired gifts and jewels. Intriguing body care products (at least 2 or 3 vendors). Artists. A gallery upstairs. Chill out zones. Trendy/​fashion wear. At least 3 coffee stalls. Some vendors accept cards. Otherwise there is a cashpoint inside.

So we organised to hit up the Boundary Street Markets before dinner on a saturday night. Website says night markets, 4pm to 10pm.
Well, I rocked up around 6pm and the main market area is closed. There’s a handful of stalls outside, most of them empty.
You could get some food, but not much else. There’s a kinda cool looking bar in a big shed and a lady is singing to no one.
I don’t know, maybe I need to come here in the day time. Giving two stars because if they fill the place, or actually, you know, open the bit they do have, it could have potential.
Unless things change, don’t waste your time.

The market that could sums up Boundary St Markets. They’re up against the long entrenched Davies Park Markets and on my second visit the number of stallholders has already grown. I’m told there’s big plans for the space and if we all just give them time I think they’ll get there.
At present, though, unless your stopping to eat from the handful of food vendors, you can be in and out in under 30mins. There’s a lot of home wares, clothes and nick knack stalls and I’ve eyed a rug I’d love for home.
Keep on keeping on, guys!