The Midtown Global Market on Lake Street in South Minneapolis is up against 19 other markets as part of USA Today's 10 best in the country.
The first thing to hit you when you walk in? The smell of amazing food.
"It got me hungry already, stomach grumbling," says one of the market's patrons, Charles.
What else makes this place so awesome?
"Everybody that I've ever interacted with in the shops and the restaurants are just so positive and friendly and welcoming," said one person.
"It's really diverse, you see a lot of different people here, they also do a lot of events," said one other customer.
But would they vote for it as the top market in the country? The consensus among those WCCO talked to? A resounding yes.
"I don't know too many global markets, so I'm a little bit biased. Yes, I'll vote yes, definitely," one customer added. "A lot of different things I haven't seen before here. 100%, yeah."
It's now been 20 years ago since the the old Sears building on Lake Street and Chicago Avenue was transformed into the Midtown Global Market. It had long been vacant, and was likely heading for the wrecking ball, or just another "big box" store that would drive out local businesses.
The market is now home to over 45 businesses spanning over 22 distinct cultures, providing an extraordinary variety of tastes, arts and crafts as well as music and dance programs throughout the week. Over 1.5 million patrons visit Midtown Global Market each year.
Neighbors and local Latino business owners helped convince City officials that the historic building should be saved and, ultimately, reflect the ethnic diversity of the neighborhood and the entrepreneurial energy of the businesses on Lake Street.
Two decades later, it's in the running to be one of USA Today's 10 best markets in the country.
Charles is from St. Louis and said he would vote yes for sure.
"No, I was not expecting this, it's is a brand new thing for me. It's so we got something similar back at home, but the food seems a lot better here," Charles adds.
Dontrice is from Minneapolis, but she concurs.
"I think they should be in the top five," she says. "I don't know much about the other global markets, but from my experience, I like it. I've never been disappointed."
Voting lasts until April 9th USA Today's 10 Best here.
The listing on the USA Today website says:
"Midtown Global Market, part of a mixed-use development in the former Sears building, is a vibrant cultural hub that offers a unique blend of global cuisine, local arts, and lively community events. Visitors can explore an array of international food stalls serving up authentic dishes, shop for handmade crafts and gifts, and participate in cultural celebrations that showcase the diverse heritage of the community."
