Photo essay: Grand Central Market, Los Angeles

Almost 100 years old, this covered market in downtown LA has been in business since 1917. Between Broadway and Hill Street, it's located at the foot of Bunker Hill, once a high-end residential district, with its own funicular, Angels Flight, so-called shortest railway in the world. Bunker Hill is now the home of a cluster of soaring office buildings and the city's cultural center.

The market bustles with produce stalls, Mexican and Central American imports, eating places with counter service, even a Chinese massage. Bright daylight filters in from the streets outside, and in the half-light of the huge enclosed space, under a high ceiling, there are brightly colored neon signs and sawdust on the floor.  Here's what it all looked like on a morning in January 2012.

Front entrance, on Broadway

Inside Broadway entrance

Ana Maria's Tacos

Burger stand

Candy stall

Chiles secos

Shoppers

Del Rey Productos Latinos

Economy Meats (future carnitas and tacos)

Frutas

Hill St. Cafe (oddly, just inside the Broadway entrance)

One of many steam tables for the adventurous lunch crowd

Jose Chiquito Sandwiches

Jugos (juice bar)

La Adelita (my favorite sign in the market)

La Huerta Produce

Pastries

Pastry cook

Produce seller

Sawdust on the floor

View of hall from Hill Street entrance

Another view of hall from Hill Street entrance

Chinese massage

China Cafe, inside Hill Street entrance (always busy)

Valeria's Chiles and Spices

Cafe tables, awaiting the lunch crowd

Coming up: Gregory Peck, The Stalking Moon (1968)