Market Watch: Maxwell Street relaunches

👋 Hey, it's Monica. I'm a longtime fan of Chicago's century-old Maxwell Street Market — now technically on Desplaines Street.

• I was super sad when it shut down during the pandemic but thrilled to see it relaunch, so I went to review the weekly market's first Sunday back.

The wares: With only about 20 booths, the Sunday pickings were slim.

• Bric-a-brac included old clothes, headphones, used kitchenware, Spanish Bible storybooks, second-hand bikes, jugs of hand sanitizer, and old tools.

The food: Where there used to be more than a dozen Mexican food stands, Sunday's market featured only one.

• I didn't jump in the long line, but the pineapple-topped pastor meat and freshly made tortillas smelled delicious.

Note: This is the first in a series of local market reviews. Reply and tell us about your favorites.

Food alternatives: Until Maxwell Street rebuilds its formerly great Mexican offerings, rely on these neighborhood faves for a post-market meal.

• Pick up a Polish and pork chop sandwich at nearby Jim's Original or Express Grill.
• Or have a classic deli nosh at Manny's, still open on Sundays.

Bright spot: I did buy cookies from local baker Anthony Price, who has developed "special recipes for CPS-style butter cookies, oatmeal, chocolate chip, and peanut butter cookies," he says.

• I loved his cream cheese frosted oatmeal cookies even though inflation forced him to hike the price from $5 to $7 for six.

The crowds: Diverse families, friends, and couples looking for a snack and a bargain.

The bottom line: While there is something absurdly charming about the mishmash of weird junk here, the overall vibe was disappointing.

• Maxwell has withered into a shell of its former self and needs to get its mojo back.
• Speaking of mojo — the market's usual blues guitarist was also absent Sunday.

If you go: Sundays from 9am to 3pm at 800 S. Desplaines St.