PHILADELPHIA -- Congratulations to Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphiaâs beloved public market, for being voted the best public market in America by USA Today 10Best. The market is one of the oldest and largest public markets in the nation and after more than 125 years, it continues to grow, evolve and find new ways to please locals and tourists.
The market is home to 70 small, family-owned businesses including Bassetts Ice Cream, the oldest merchant in the market. Many of the food-centric businesses have been passed down through several generations. About 40 percent of the kiosks sell prepared foods including iconic Philadelphia foods such as cheesesteaks and pretzels plus a diverse mix of ethnic foods ranging from gyros stuffed with freshly carved lamb to Southern fried chicken to thick corned beef sandwiches.