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These culinary communities are yet another aspect of DC’s jaw-dropping dining scene.
Welcome to the spot that puts the "market" in NoMa and Union Market. Now one of DC’s most iconic food hubs, the industrial-cool market was revamped and reopened in 2012 and has expanded to include over 40 vendors, sparking what is now one of the most thriving culinary pockets in the District. Vendors include a mix of trendy food stalls, restaurant institutions and quaint boutiques. On a sunny day, grab a bite to enjoy al fresco at one of the bright orange picnic tables outside. Read our full breakdown of this essential DC experience.
Capitol Hill offers the famous Eastern Market, but perched on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Streets SE lies The Roost. The 12,500-square-foot food hall (or “culinary clubhouse”) is managed by Neighborhood Restaurant Group in partnership with May Riegler and focuses on showcasing local food, beer and wine purveyors. We’re talking about an all-star lineup of culinary options here: you can get coffee from Cameo, handmade charcuterie from Red Apron, tacos from Hi/Fi, sushi from AKO by Kenaki, New York-style pizza from Slice Joint, craft cocktails from Show of Hands or craft brews from Shelter. The Roost also features a standalone restaurant (Caruso’s Grocery) and a “storelet” from Shop Made in DC.
Across from the Union Market building is La Cosecha, a contemporary Latin American marketplace. Open daily, the locale is home to all sorts of merchants and culinary experiences, from made-to-order Salvadoran pupusas and Panamanian coffee roasters to Mexican fine dining and vegan Bolivian fare. Shopping options are plentiful as well: Flor Del Soul has gorgeous fresh bouquets, Grand Cata sells delicious wines, Three Sixty celebrates women designers and ArTePuy features a curated collection of jewelry and handmade items. Keep an eye on the events calendar for live music, social dancing and other activities.
While it’s tough to match DC’s long-running Eastern Market when it comes to historical significance, Western Market in Foggy Bottom has a fascinating story all its own. Its origins date back to 1802, when the original market was built based on a concept by the city’s primary designer, Pierre L’Enfant. Now, the reimagined space carries on the Western Market legacy with an array of stalls that reflect the District’s culinary diversity. Some diners will be familiar with Arepa Zone, Andy’s Pizza, Bullfrog Bagels, Capo Italian Deli and Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, but other treasures await: boba from Tiger Sugar, grain-fed free-range chicken from Roaming Rooster, baked goods from Maman, authentic Japanese cuisine from Onkei.
Situated amidst the daily buzz of K Street – and conveniently located within walking distance of both Farragut Metro stations in Foggy Bottom– The Square elevates the neighborhood with a slate of sought-after offerings. Full-service restaurant Casa Teresa is acclaimed for its open-fire approach to Spanish cuisine and the rest of the lineup takes you all over the world with expert chefs and curators leading the way. Drinks at Above Board are a must; so are churros from Junge’s. Peruse the full list of vendors and plan your culinary excursion.
Tous les Jours
In the heart of Chinatown, Luna Hall showcases a wide range of Asian cuisines under one roof. Dumpling District is known for its unforgettable soup dumplings while Poke Ninja invites you to craft a Ninja Creation that is sure to master your taste buds. If you’ve ever wondered how the Taiwanese handle fried chicken, don’t skip TKK. The sweet tooth can be satisfied at Carmen’s Italian Ice. Note that Luna Hall also has two locations in Maryland (Ellicott City and Wheaton).
Union Market isn’t the only foodie hot spot making noise in the Northeast quadrant. Bryant Street has entered the conversation with a multi-purpose development set in the historic neighborhood of Brookland. You can spend an entire day here: nine food concepts offer plenty of variety, Kraken Kourts & Skates is 70,000 square feet of recreational bliss, Metrobar is one of the coolest bars in the city (yes, it is a repurposed Metro car) and there’s even a weekly farmers’ market on Saturdays.
The food hall revolution has spread its wings into another location in Brookland with Tastemakers. Sustainability is a major priority for the neighborhood eatery and incubator kitchen: 215 solar panels provide 70-80% of the electricity and the building has under-slab insulation. Current vendors include local staples such as Bullfrog Bagels and Captain Cookie! as well as the modern Korean fare of Bang Bop and the Salvadoran flavors of Jaddi’s.
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