Tucked along South Avenue in Boardman, Ohio, The Amish Market is the kind of place that turns a regular Thursday into something worth remembering. With a 4.7-star rating from over 2,500 happy visitors, this farmers’ market is packed with homemade goods, fresh food, and warm hospitality that big box stores simply cannot match.
From freshly baked pretzels hot out of the oven to hand-crafted furniture built to last a lifetime, there is something here for everyone. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a loyal regular, these 13 reasons will show you exactly why The Amish Market in Boardman deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
Hot-From-The-Oven Soft Pretzels
One bite and you will completely understand why people drive an hour just for these. The soft pretzels at The Amish Market come out of the oven warm, chewy, and perfectly golden, with a crust that crinkles just right when you pull it apart.
One visitor shared that their spouse, who openly dislikes pretzels, immediately regretted not ordering a second one after leaving. That is the kind of food magic that keeps people coming back.
At under $5 for a pretzel and a Birch Beer, the value is almost unbelievable.
The pretzels are made fresh, not frozen or reheated, and that difference shows in every single bite. If you only try one thing at the market, make it this.
Arrive early because these sell out, and walking past an empty pretzel rack is a heartbreak nobody deserves.
Pretzel Sammy and Pretzel Wraps
Forget everything you thought you knew about pretzel sandwiches. The Pretzel Sammys and pretzel wraps at The Amish Market take things to a completely different level, stuffed generously with fillings like pepperoni that make every bite feel like a full meal.
A longtime visitor once overheard a customer ask for a pretzel wrap with less pepperoni, which was apparently the first time that had ever happened. These wraps are loaded, satisfying, and nothing like the sad, limp versions you might find elsewhere.
One reviewer called them leagues above any hot pocket ever made, and honestly, that comparison does not even feel dramatic.
The combination of soft, fresh pretzel dough wrapped around savory fillings is the kind of comfort food that sticks with you long after lunch. Grab one, find a seat, and take your time enjoying every layer of flavor packed inside.
Aunt Martha’s Donut Shop
There is a reason there is almost always a line snaking in front of Aunt Martha’s Donut Shop, and that reason is simple: these donuts are extraordinary. Huge, soft, and made fresh, they come in varieties that make choosing just one feel like an impossible task.
Even people who claim donuts never tempt them have admitted they cannot resist these. One reviewer put it perfectly, saying the donuts are “through the roof” and that they buy extras specifically to freeze for later.
Another visitor accidentally took home an entire dozen after stopping in for just a quick look around.
The shop sells out regularly, so arriving early on Saturday morning gives you the best selection. Buy more than you think you need.
They freeze beautifully, and your future self will absolutely thank you for the extra box sitting in the freezer waiting for a rough Monday.
Cora’s Cookies and Such
If you have never had a pecan roll from Cora’s Cookies and Such, you are genuinely missing out on one of the best baked goods in the Youngstown area. Reviewers consistently describe these pecan rolls as the finest they have ever tasted, which is a bold claim that the product absolutely backs up.
The rolls are sticky, rich, and packed with toasted pecans in a way that feels indulgent but not overwhelming. One smart shopper recommends buying two and freezing one, because running out too quickly is a real and painful experience.
The fact that they freeze so well makes stocking up an easy decision.
Beyond the pecan rolls, the selection of cookies and baked treats at Cora’s rounds out a visit beautifully. Pair something from here with a fresh pretzel and a cold drink, and you have yourself a market lunch that beats most restaurants in town.
The On-Site Restaurant
Walking past the restaurant inside The Amish Market and not stopping to eat is something many visitors say they deeply regret. The menu reads like a greatest hits list of home-cooked comfort food, and the portions are generous enough to make the prices feel more than fair.
Biscuits and gravy here have earned raves from visitors who say it is the best they have had in years. The stuffed French toast has its own fan club, and the ribs are described as fall-off-the-bone tender with flavors that linger in a good way.
Even the mac and cheese gets called out by name in reviews, which says a lot about the quality of side dishes.
Families visiting during Thanksgiving week have made the restaurant a yearly tradition, and first-timers consistently say it becomes an instant favorite. Plan your visit around mealtime so you never have to skip this experience.
The Meat Market
Eight different types of bacon. Let that sink in for a moment.
The meat market inside The Amish Market offers a selection so impressive that even experienced home cooks find themselves discovering options they have never tried before.
Smoked bacon, fresh-cut steaks, bacon egg and cheese bread, and a full deli counter make this one of the most well-stocked meat destinations in the Boardman area. One visitor picked up smoked bacon and steaks and reported that the bacon egg and cheese bread made the best grilled cheese sandwiches they had ever eaten.
That is a bold statement backed by a very satisfied customer.
The quality here is noticeably higher than what you find at large grocery chains, and the staff behind the counter are knowledgeable and happy to help you pick the right cut. Dogs reportedly love the bones from the meat counter too, just in case you needed another reason to visit.
Bulk Food Shop
Hardcore pantry builders and home cooks who love sourcing quality ingredients will feel right at home in the bulk food shop at The Amish Market. The selection goes well beyond what typical grocery stores carry, stocking hard-to-find staples that make restocking a genuinely exciting errand.
Shoppers have praised the variety of dry goods available, from specialty grains and noodles to candies, jams, and unique items that are nearly impossible to track down elsewhere. The bulk format also means you can buy exactly as much or as little as you need, which cuts down on waste and saves money over time.
Whether you are stocking up for the week or hunting for a specific ingredient you have been searching for months, this section of the market rewards patient browsing. Bring a list, but also leave room for spontaneous discoveries because the bulk shop has a way of surprising even the most focused shoppers.
Fresh Produce and Deli
Fresh, colorful, and priced fairly, the produce and deli section at The Amish Market gives local grocery stores a serious run for their money. Visitors have picked up everything from fresh-cut vegetables and ripe fruits to sliced deli meats and specialty cheeses all in one convenient stop.
The deli offerings include egg salad and other prepared foods that reviewers have called excellent, making it easy to grab a quick lunch or stock up on ready-to-eat items for the week. One visitor specifically called out the egg salad from a market booth as a standout, noting it as a must-try alongside the pretzels.
For anyone trying to eat a little healthier without sacrificing flavor, the produce and deli section makes that goal much more achievable. Knowing exactly where your food comes from and that it was handled with care adds a layer of satisfaction that packaged supermarket food simply cannot replicate.
Handmade Amish Furniture
There is furniture you buy because it looks nice, and then there is furniture you buy knowing your grandchildren will still be using it decades from now. The handmade Amish furniture at The Amish Market falls firmly into the second category, built with craftsmanship and materials that mass production simply cannot replicate.
Shoppers consistently describe the pieces as beautiful, unique, and worth every dollar. One reviewer said she does not think of the furniture as a ten-year purchase but rather as heirlooms her children will one day collect.
Another visitor joked that the only thing stopping them from buying multiple pieces was arriving in a small sports car from a thousand miles away.
The furniture section is a destination on its own, and browsing through the showroom feels like walking through a gallery of functional art. Even if you are not in the market to buy, it is worth a slow walk through just to appreciate the skill behind every piece.
BBQ Ribs and Smoked Wings
Sometimes the best BBQ you will ever eat is not at a fancy restaurant but at a market booth you almost walked past. The BBQ station inside The Amish Market serves ribs that reviewers describe as fall-off-the-bone tender, with smoky flavor that clings to every bite in the most satisfying way.
Smoked wings have earned their own loyal following, with one longtime visitor calling them a new personal favorite after years of visiting the market. The chicken tenders are praised for being moist and never dried out, and the mac and cheese on the side is creamy enough to stand on its own as a reason to visit.
Portions are large, prices are reasonable, and the quality consistently outperforms expectations. Grab a plate, find a seat at one of the market’s seating areas, and enjoy a proper meal surrounded by the sights and smells of everything else this incredible market has to offer.
Gluten-Free Bakery Options
Finding genuinely good gluten-free baked goods at a farmers’ market is rarer than most people realize, which makes The Amish Market’s offering especially worth celebrating. The market carries a solid variety of gluten-free bakery items at prices that reviewers describe as reasonable, not the inflated specialty-food markup you often encounter elsewhere.
For visitors with dietary restrictions, this section transforms the market from a place to watch others eat into a full experience they can participate in completely. One reviewer specifically called out the gluten-free bakery selection as a highlight, noting it as a thoughtful addition that sets this market apart from others in the region.
Whether you are gluten-free by necessity or by choice, the options here are worth seeking out. Ask the vendors directly about ingredients and preparation methods, as the staff are known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely happy to help you find something that works for your needs.
Market Hours and Planning Your Visit
Timing your visit to The Amish Market takes a little planning, but the payoff is absolutely worth the effort. The market is open Thursday and Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM, which means weekend warriors have a solid window to explore everything without feeling rushed.
Saturday mornings offer the widest selection and the liveliest atmosphere, but arriving early gives you first pick of the donuts, pretzels, and baked goods before popular items sell out. Weekday visits on Thursday or Friday tend to be a bit quieter if you prefer a more relaxed pace with shorter lines.
Carts are available for use throughout the market, and there are plenty of seating areas to rest if you need a break from walking. The market is located at 6121 South Ave, Boardman, OH 44512, and you can reach them at 330-248-9933 or visit theamishmarket.net before your trip.
The Overall Market Experience
Walking into The Amish Market for the first time feels a little like stepping into a completely different world, one where food is made with actual care, furniture is built to outlast trends, and the people helping you genuinely enjoy what they do. The smell alone, fresh bread, warm pretzels, and smoked meat, hits you the moment the door opens.
With a 4.7-star rating from over 2,500 reviews, the market has clearly earned a loyal following that spans families, food lovers, and curious travelers just passing through. Every booth is its own separate shop, so you check out where you buy, which keeps things organized even when the market is buzzing with activity.
Whether you come for the pretzels, the donuts, the furniture, or just the atmosphere, you will leave with more than you planned to buy and a very strong desire to come back next Thursday. That is the Amish Market effect, and it is very real.
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