Mequon Public Market: Spur 16’s Culinary Destination

Looking for a place where everyone in your family can find something they love? The Mequon Public Market at Spur 16 delivers exactly that experience. Located at 6300 W Mequon Road, this vibrant culinary destination brings together multiple locally-owned restaurants and specialty vendors in one beautifully renovated 10,000-square-foot space that was once a 1930s-era firehouse and public works building.

The concept is brilliantly simple: each family member can order from different vendors, then gather together to enjoy the meal in shared seating areas. Whether you're craving authentic Greek souvlaki, fresh sushi, Hawaiian poke bowls, wood-fired pizza, or Thai cuisine, you'll find it all here. The market's diverse vendor lineup ensures that even the pickiest eaters will discover something delicious.

What Makes It Special for Families

The Mequon Public Market excels at creating a welcoming atmosphere for families. The spacious layout features comfortable indoor seating on both the main floor and an expansive mezzanine level that wraps around the north and east sides of the building. When weather permits, the outdoor patio provides a pleasant setting where kids can enjoy their meals in the fresh air while parents relax. The casual, come-as-you-are vibe means families don't need to worry about keeping little ones perfectly behaved – it's a social, energetic environment where everyone fits right in.

The market also serves as a community gathering spot, regularly hosting events, cooking classes in their demonstration kitchen, and seasonal programming that brings North Shore families together. From live music on the patio to special family nights, there's often something extra happening beyond just great food.

The Vendor Lineup

The current roster of vendors at Mequon Public Market offers impressive variety. Santorini Grill brings the flavors of Greece with gyros, souvlaki, charred octopus, Greek salads, and the theatrical saganaki – flaming cheese served with warm pita bread. Owner Spiro Asimakopolos designed the space to evoke the deep blue waters and white stone structures of the Greek islands, creating an immersive dining experience.

Screaming Tuna satisfies sushi cravings with fresh rolls and Japanese specialties, while Aloha Poke offers Hawaiian-style poke bowls with fresh fish and vibrant toppings. Thai City Cuisine serves up authentic Thai dishes with the bold flavors families love. Mad Rush Pizza cranks out wood-fired pies perfect for sharing, and Boca Rica delivers Latin-inspired flavors.

For something sweet, Purple Door Ice Cream scoops generous portions of creative flavors, while Lakeside Cookie Co provides fresh-baked cookies that are hard to resist. Fenwick's Pub & Patio offers a full bar with craft beers, cocktails, and a relaxed pub atmosphere perfect for parents who want to unwind while the kids enjoy their meals. La Terre, the European-style floral and gift shop, adds a touch of elegance to the market and provides the perfect opportunity to grab a beautiful bouquet or hostess gift before heading home.

Practical Information for Your Visit

The Mequon Public Market is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. These extended hours make it convenient for lunch outings, early dinners with young children, or leisurely evening meals with older kids and teens.

Parking is available in the Spur 16 development lot, and while it can get busy during peak times, there are generally spaces within easy walking distance. The market's location at 6300 W Mequon Road makes it easily accessible from Highway 43 and other major North Shore routes.

One important note for families: dogs are not permitted inside the market due to health code regulations, though you may see them on the outdoor patio depending on individual vendor policies.

The Spur 16 Connection

The Mequon Public Market is the centerpiece of the larger Spur 16 development, which has transformed this historic site into a modern mixed-use community. The development takes its name from the railroad spur that once served the bustling Milwaukee River Cannery, one of the area's largest shippers in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, that cannery building houses St. Paul Fish Company, located right next door to the market – making it easy to combine a market meal with fresh seafood shopping or a visit to St. Paul's full restaurant.

The preservation and adaptive reuse of these historic buildings add character and charm to your dining experience. When you're enjoying a meal on the patio or browsing the vendors inside, you're literally sitting where Mequon's commercial history was made.

Why Families Keep Coming Back

What sets the Mequon Public Market apart is its ability to solve the eternal family dining dilemma: finding a restaurant where everyone can get exactly what they want. One child can enjoy pizza while another digs into sushi. Parents can share a charcuterie board or Greek meze while teens grab poke bowls or Thai curry. Everyone eats what they love, but you still share the experience as a family.

The market also functions beautifully as a social hub. It's an excellent meeting spot for families getting together with friends – each group can order separately, then combine tables for a relaxed, communal meal. The flexible seating arrangements and multiple ordering options eliminate the stress of coordinating large groups at a traditional restaurant.

For families exploring the North Shore, the Mequon Public Market offers a refreshingly modern dining experience that celebrates local food businesses while creating space for community connection. Whether you're seeking a quick lunch between errands, a casual dinner destination, or a place to gather with extended family, this culinary destination delivers quality, variety, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps North Shore families coming back again and again.

Mequon Public Market
6300 W Mequon Road, Mequon, WI 53092
Hours: Mon-Thu 11 AM-9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 11 AM-9 PM
Visit mequonpublicmarket.com for current vendor information and upcoming events