Is the Public Market in Kennewick affordable? Here’s everything I got for $25
Looking for budget-friendly things to do in Tri-Cities?
The Tri-City Herald recently asked readers to recommend affordable restaurants and fun activities around Tri-Cities that you can try for $25 or less.
One reader suggested checking out some of the local options for authentic South American and Latin American cuisine.
That reminded me of Antojos 509, a Venezuelan food spot inside the Public Market at Columbia River Warehouse, 10 East Bruneau Ave. in Kennewick.
It had been a while since my last visit to the Kennewick public market, so I set out for another visit with my roommate.
My goal was to get something savory, something sweet and a small trinket for $25. If I had the budget, I’d get a drink as well. Here’s how I spent my $25 budget:
What is the Public Market at Columbia River Warehouse?
Public Market at Columbia River Warehouse opened its doors in downtown Kennewick in 2022, the Tri-City Herald previously reported.
Housed in a former Welch’s grape juice plant, the Public Market is home to dozens of “local artisans and food producers who offer a variety of fresh foods, prepared meals, crafts and specialty items under one roof,” the market said on its website.
“Everything sold is produced or originates in Tri-Cities, as the seasons allow,” the Public Market said.
While Tri-Cities has several farmers markets, the Public Market is the only year-round, indoor option in the area.
The market features multiple food options, as well as shops with clothing, decor, toys, trinkets and more.
When is Tri-Cities indoor market open?
Select shops at the Public Market are open from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday.
The full market is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Some of the food vendors inside the market have separate hours of operation.
Jewelry, K-pop merchandise for sale at indoor market
The market has capacity for more than 70 vendors. While I’ve seen the market fairly full before, my roommate and I spotted fewer vendors this time around.
We started out by making a round of all the shops, taking note of everything available.
When we passed by a display of Beanie Babies stuffed animals, I was tempted to blow my whole budget on them — especially for a rainbow Beanie Baby with a peace sign on its chest like one I had growing up.
I had to remind myself the whole market awaited, and leave the stuffie behind.
Our first stop was Minhui’s Place, a market-style shop with Asian snacks, K-pop merchandise, jewelry, accessories and other goods.
Although my roommate and I aren’t big anime or K-pop fans, my roommate’s sister is.
They texted her some photos, and she chose a figurine of Kakashi Hatake, a character from the anime “Naruto,” and a set of photo cards featuring Jungkook of the K-pop group BTS.
I’m a big jewelry collector, so I spent time browsing the large variety of affordable options at Minhui’s Place.
Although there were many pieces that caught my eye, I landed on a new fidget ring, which has movable elements, for my daily stack. I found one in my size for just $6 that perfectly matches the aesthetic.
What’s on the menu at Venezuelan food vendor Antojos?
Next, we wanted snacks to enjoy while shopping.
We headed to Antojos 509 and ordered tequeños, Venezuelan cheese sticks made with mozzarella. Unlike American-style mozzarella sticks, tequeños don’t have a breadcrumb coating. Instead, they are made with a wheat dough, creating a satisfying bite that doesn’t make a mess.
I wasn’t hungry enough to finish anything on my own, so my roommate and I decided to split an order.
For $10, we got eight tequeños and a dipping sauce. That means I only spent $5 on the delicious cheesy snack.
The menu Antojos 509’s menu also features canchapas — savory sweet corn pancakes — for $15 to $20 each, or savory hand pies known as pastelitos for $5 apiece.
My personal favorites are the arepas, stuffed flatbreads that come with a variety of fillings. I always opt for Antojos 509’s fresh, homemade cheese.
The arepas, which cost $12 to $16 each, are made with masa and are gluten free. Vegan options are available.
We decided to get our sweet treats at Antojos 509, too.
My roommate wanted the caramel-topped custard flan, which only cost them $7.
However, I couldn’t resist ordering the tarta de frutas, which cost $10.
The dense, crumbly tart was filled with vanilla creme and topped with various fresh fruits, including blueberries, blackberries and strawberries.
The combination of texture and flavor was just the boost I needed.
Where can you eat on a budget at Kennewick public market?
With only $4 left in my $25 budget, we browsed the remaining shops and checked out menus.
Everything at Leonel’s Kitchen, a restaurant offering Mexican food and seafood options, is under $25, ranging from tacos for $2.50 each to a $20 shrimp cocktail.
Frutas Y Más offers budget-friendly Mexican street food, snacks and drinks, including conchas and mangonadas.
On our way out, my roommate wanted to pick up some food to take home and eat later. The smell of Jamdung Eats Jamaican Cuisine was irresistible as we neared the door.
At Jamdung Eats, each plate costs exactly $25, except for the curry goat plate, which is $30.
Plates come with rice and peas, plus either cabbage salad or potato salad.
They opted for a jerk chicken plate, and I stole some bites. The flavor profile was perfect, with the right amount of heat combined with the char of the chicken.
Jamdung Eats also has a pasta bowl and chop suey for $15 and drinks for $5.
Although the purchase put me $1 over budget, I had to try the Pineapple Paradise drink for $5.
The drink was well worth busting my budget, boasting the most pungent pineapple flavor I’ve ever tasted.
Is Kennewick public market affordable?
In total, I spent $26 at Kennewick Public Market:
- $6 at Minhui’s Place
- $15 at Antojos 509
- $5 at Jamdung Eats
While I had more meal options by splitting a dish with my roommate, I found numerous sweet and savory snacks within my budget.
You could easily grab multiple food options in the market, then find a place to sit outside for a tasting tour.
Ultimately, I accomplished each of my goals on my trip. I got something savory, something sweet, a trinket and a refreshing beverage to cap off the trip.
What should I try next in Tri-Cities on a $25 budget?
Have an idea for my next On A Budget destination? Let me know using the form below:
This story was originally published August 30, 2025 at 5:00 AM.