People who aren’t from Miami sometimes say, “That city’s like going to another country!” Hot take, Gomer, thank you. But if you want to really feel like you’ve been transported south of the border in every way possible, spend an afternoon at the Redland Market Village. I’ve been in Miami over 30 years and I’d never even heard of this place until I was hipped to it by chef Jeff Budd from Apocalypse BBQ (our 2025 Chef of the Year, NBD), who suggested we meet there for lunch so he could show me, as he said, “the best tacos you’ll ever have.”
I got there and immediately realized the place is so much more than tacos. The 22-acre village is a chaotic combination flea market/produce market/taco truck cavalcade, where the only thing you’ll find less of than AC is English. If you’ve been to markets in Tijuana or Monterrey or certain parts of Mexico City, it will bring you right back, from the comforting heat to the sizzling smells.
It’s not just a cultural immersion, though. If you want produce that’s better, fresher, and cheaper than the stuff at the grocery store the farmers’ market is paradise. If you want knockoff sunglasses and airbrushed T-shirts, you won’t find anywhere better. And then there’s the tacos.
There’s like 600 taco shops in Wynwood. Why should I drive halfway to the Keys to get tacos?
You make a solid point. Between Dade and Broward you can find an authentic taco spot somewhere closer than Homestead. But the feeling you get eating fresh-made tacos on a wooden bench, picking cilantro and onions out of a bowl with your fingers, then washing them down with a kinda-cold Corona is hard to duplicate. Plus, there’s an entire tropical fruit and vegetable market there where you can get some weekly shopping done.
The scene: Is pure Mexican market. Sizzling meats fill the air, smoke blending into the humidity to create a spicy, sticky sheen. The bustling flea market has stands hocking everything from auto parts to dress socks. Is it legal? Who knows, it’s better to not ask questions as the Redlands Village.
Inside the farmers market you’ll find farms from around South Dade selling bright tropical fruits and fresh vegetables, handing out samples of the sweetest oranges you’ve ever tried. The prices aren’t just lower than Publix, they’re lower than Robert is Here and other South Dade fruit stands. They’re also fresher and more flavorful. If you’re the type who likes to cook with only the best produce, this is where you go to find it.
What to eat and drink: Tacos, plain and simple. The taco section of the village is a lineup of 8-12 taco stands. Each one has a little old Mexican lady making fresh tortillas, a spit roasting trompo, and a TV playing soccer. One place even buys your gold, if you want a one-stop taco-and-swap shop. All of them make their salsas from fresh local vegetables, and the flavors in the food are almost as strong as the heat in the air.
I can’t recommend any individual taco stand – even chef Jeff said they’re all great. So my suggestion is to go on a little taco crawl and try one from three or four different spots.
Perfect for: Experiencing another country without leaving Miami-Dade.
Pro tip: Eat your tacos first, then go shop for produce. The tropical fruit may look alluring, but if you shop hungry you’ll buy more stuff than you can eat, and fresh vegetables like this don’t last for a week like the underripe stuff at Publix.
Expect to pay: Depends on how hungry you are. Tacos run about $2.50-$3 each.
How’s the parking: Gnarly. There’s a big parking lot onsite, but I’m pretty sure everyone who lives south of SW 246th street goes to this thing. Get there early and you’ll have better odds.
@redlandmarket // 24420 S. Dixie Hwy., Homestead
not to be confused with redland farmers market, right? hahaha