Union Market was created in 2011 following a fire that destroyed much of the warehouse that stood there at the time. The fire provided the opportunity to start from scratch and build the market as we see it today, airy and open but very simple architecturally – the perfect setting for DC’s up and coming culinary epicenter.
Photo courtesy of Joe Flood on Flickr
Home to a huge variety of food vendors and makers (similar to NYC’s Chelsea Market or Smorgasburg), Union Market is a place for art, growth, creativity, special events (like Emporiyum!) but most importantly, food. Here are a few of our favorite finds at our very own Union Market.
1. The District Fishwife
Photo courtesy of @dcfishwife on Instagram
The District Fishwife focuses on bringing sustainable and fresh seafood to DC including many lesser-known varieties. They also offer a variety of quick-serve dishes such as fish and chips, shrimp rolls and my favorite, poké bowls. If you’ve never had a poké bowl, it’s like the Chipotle burrito bowl burrito bowl of sushi, and it’s delicious. Poké consists of sushi rice topped with marinated raw fish, avocado, veggies, seaweed salad, sesame seeds and more.
2. Takorean
Photo courtesy of @takorean on Instagram
Takorean takes Korean BBQ and gives it a Mexican twist. You choose your protein, the style (tacos, rice or slaw bowls) and the toppings. It’s Korean BBQ flavors are inspired by a traditional Mexican style and is sure to bring your tongue on a culinary adventure. I recommend the bulgogi tacos with kimchi and salsa roja but the options are endless.
3. Trickling Springs Creamery
Photo courtesy of @trickling_springs_creamery on Instagram
Located in Chambersburg, PA Trickling Springs Creamery makes all-natural dairy products in small batches to provide a fresh product to Washington DC. They also make some of the best ice cream in DC, which is also served at Captain Cookie. They serve up traditional flavors like cookies and cream and cookie dough and also some funky flavors like Grapenut. The fresh, local milk makes all the difference in this creamy but refreshing treat.
4. Mason Dixon Biscuit Co.
Photo courtesy of masondixiebiscuits.com
If you’re in the market for some breakfast (or brunch), stop by the Mason Dixon Biscuit Co. for a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. A far cry from your typical Egg McMuffin, this upgraded breakfast sandwich is served on a flaky, buttery homemade biscuit. For those who want something lighter, they also offer their biscuits with honey butter and seasonal spreads. These biscuits changed the way I looked at biscuits.
5. Saison Wafelbar
Photo courtesy of @saisonwafelbar on Instagram
The founder of Saison, Jan Van Haute, is the former executive chef to the Belgian Ambassador, so you know his waffles are authentic. They have traditional sweet waffles, like those topped with strawberries, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce, and also savory waffles topped with things like smoked salmon and feta cheese. As a self-proclaimed waffle connoisseur, I appreciated the crisp outside that resulted from the use of pearl sugar.
There you have it, just a few of the many food vendors you can find at Union Market. The scene is always changing as new pop-ups open up but you’ll always find a good meal. Union Market is open 11 am-8 pm Mon-Fri and 8 am-8 pm Sat-Sun but individual vendor hours may vary.