Throughout World War II and beyond, the Mess Hall remained a constant in the daily lives of service members. Long tables were filled with sailors swapping stories over meals, creating a sense of community before they went off to serve. For decades, this space was where the Navy came together—not just to eat, but to connect.
In 2016, Liberty Public Market opened its doors as San Diego’s first food hall, transforming a historic military dining space into a vibrant culinary destination. With communal tables now filled with food lovers instead of Navy recruits, the market introduced a diverse lineup of vendors serving everything from Peruvian ceviche to Hungarian chimney cakes. It quickly became a must-visit spot, bringing together locals and visitors to explore new flavors and experiences.
In 1923, this building opened as the Mess Hall and Commissary for the Naval Training Station, serving thousands of young recruits as they prepared for their service. It was a place where meals were shared, routines were built, and camaraderie took shape—laying the foundation for what this space would continue to be.
After the Naval Training Station was decommissioned, Liberty Station took shape, preserving its rich history while welcoming a new era. The bones of the Mess Hall were still here, just waiting for a new way to bring people together over food.
More than a century after sailors first dined in this space, Liberty Public Market continues its mission of bringing people together over incredible food. What began as a military chow hall has evolved into a dynamic culinary hub that reflects San Diego’s ever-growing food culture. While the meals have changed, the tradition of gathering, connecting, and creating lasting memories remains at the heart of everything we do.
In 1923, this building opened as the Mess Hall and Commissary for the Naval Training Station, serving thousands of young recruits as they prepared for their service. It was a place where meals were shared, routines were built, and camaraderie took shape—laying the foundation for what this space would continue to be.
Throughout World War II and beyond, the Mess Hall remained a constant in the daily lives of service members. Long tables were filled with sailors swapping stories over meals, creating a sense of community before they went off to serve. For decades, this space was where the Navy came together—not just to eat, but to connect.
After the Naval Training Station was decommissioned, Liberty Station took shape, preserving its rich history while welcoming a new era. The bones of the Mess Hall were still here, just waiting for a new way to bring people together over food.
In 2016, Liberty Public Market opened its doors as San Diego’s first food hall, transforming a historic military dining space into a vibrant culinary destination. With communal tables now filled with food lovers instead of Navy recruits, the market introduced a diverse lineup of vendors serving everything from Peruvian ceviche to Hungarian chimney cakes. It quickly became a must-visit spot, bringing together locals and visitors to explore new flavors and experiences.
More than a century after sailors first dined in this space, Liberty Public Market continues its mission of bringing people together over incredible food. What began as a military chow hall has evolved into a dynamic culinary hub that reflects San Diego’s ever-growing food culture. While the meals have changed, the tradition of gathering, connecting, and creating lasting memories remains at the heart of everything we do.
Subscribe to be on our mailing list to be informed about news, upcoming events and latest updates.