WOO-HOO! That's the way I feel inside when I step foot in Wholey's Market, every time.
The anticipation is awesome, and everything just hits you all at once--the sights, the sounds, the smell! Fish and crustaceans are everywhere. People are everywhere. Customers and butchers are calling out orders. It's...EXCITING! Such a great seafood, meat, and produce market.
Children always seem to have a blast at Wholey's. They get a kick out of the live fish and lobsters in the tanks in the back. You can also introduce them to Wholey Bear (who wears an old #55 Porter jersey out front on the sidewalk) and Rachel the Pig (who collects donations for the Children's Hospital). Then there's also what I call "The Steelers Fisherman" and "Mr. Penguin." I'm not making this stuff up; these things exist and should make sense if you've been to Wholey's!
Now, an interesting little tangent. Ever see the movie "10th & Wolf?" It's a pretty good 2006 organized crime film that's set in Boston but was filmed in Pittsburgh. Towards the end of the movie there's a dramatic chase scene--right through Wholey's! You see the name on the door and everything. Pretty cool, huh?!
I'm removing 1 star only because of the produce; there always seems to be a noticable amount of overly ripe stuff on the shelves when I visit Wholey's. Pears automatically come to mind.
Anyone who appreciates seafood and/or traditional butcher markets shouldn't miss an opportunity to check out Wholey's!