Chinatown Night Market: A Lightly Hosted Event

Every second Friday from May to October, Chinatown has a night market! Local restaurants and bakeries come out into the street to sell dim sum-sized portions of appetizers, noodles, and baked goods. Boba teas and other drinks are also offered for sale.

Forty food vendors fill five blocks on Grant Avenue between California and Pacific. The market also features cultural performances, games, arts, and crafts.

Surrounding businesses stay open late in the event you want to shop or sit down for a hot meal or an alcoholic beverage.

Note: This is mostly a walking event. There are some tables and chairs set up for people to sit down and eat, but not a lot. Most of the food is served in containers that allow them to be carried. Please wear comfortable shoes and layers, so you can enjoy the evening walking and standing.

This will be a flexible event, hosted with a light touch. I typically start at California and work my way down Grant towards Pacific, stopping at whatever interests me. Depending on the size of the group, and everyone’s interests, it will be challenging to stick together the entire evening, but plan to make at least one or two new friends.

Also note that this is not a food truck situation. Food vendors set up folding tables and tents, cook the food in the restaurant, and bring it out to sell at the tables. Generally, you get the freshest, hottest food early in the evening, which is why we’re starting early.

We will meet at the steps on the NW corner of St. Mary’s Square (corner Quincy and California Streets) between 5:15PM and 5:30PM for intros. At 5:30PM, we will start to explore the market. At around 6:15PM, we’ll stop at Magical Ice Cream (900 Grant Avenue) to regroup, meet up with any latecomers, or try ice cream with FDA-approved gold flakes. You can also try to find us through the comment discussion here, but because this is a crowded event, this will be challenging, unless you are wearing a very funny hat.

Costs
Most vendors price their items at $5 or $10, inclusive of tax. Although some vendors take credit cards and mobile payments, you will have more options if you bring some cash. Everyone is responsible for their own purchases.

Parking and Transportation
Montgomery BART
Muni 8, 30, 45
Portsmouth Square Garage offers an $8 special for the evening