There's not much of an over-arcing storyline in the first half, but the latter part tells a good story with a few episodes. The more episodic episodes aren't bad, though, setting up for the end part where the story gets good.
There's more emotion in Tamako Market than other anime in its genre, and this becomes more apparent in the aforementioned latter part of the story.
The art is KyoAni, so it's obviously fantastic. The character designs are very nice as well, and they are done by the same person as the designs in K-On! and Kokoro Connect. Not much else to say here.
The OP is good fun to listen to at the start of every episode, and the ED is catchy and relaxing. The rest of the soundtrack is nice, with special mention going to the insert song of sorts, Koi no Uta. Seriously, the way it's used in the series is just perfect.
Every character in Tamako Market is likeable - some are better than others (Kanna is best girl), but none are 'bad'. Everyone has a role in the series, and a vast majority of the more central cast get some great development. And there's even a woman who's voiced by a man (leading some people to believe they're a transvestite).
I loved watching Tamako Market. It's a slice-of-life done right, and some of Kyoto Animation's best work. While there may be a lot of reviews that call it average, I believe that this anime is a 9/10. And if it doesn't appeal to you, well, that's that.
Just remember: Everybody loves somebody. This will become important if you watch the movie, Tamako Love Story.
