Union Market Eats We Love

D.C. is obsessed with food halls (for better or worse) and Union Market is probably the most iconic. But with so many great restaurants popping up right next door — from James Beard Award-winning Chai Pani to Palestinian cafe Yellow — is the market itself even worth going to?!

These are the best stalls at Union Market that the City Cast DC team keeps going back to.

Kaela, Hey DC Editor — Wait, That’s Me!

Favorite: Weirdly, the best fried chicken I’ve had this year comes from Cowbell Seafood & Oyster in Union Market. Specifically, their homemade Virginia gold BBQ sauce made with coffee that comes with it. But their oysters are good too, of course.

Runner-up: I also want to shout out Harvey’s by Soko, the butcher in the back of the market where I go for any hard-to-find cuts of meat. They are so nice, and are always happy to cut something special. They also have some insanely meaty sandwiches.

Annie, City Cast DC Executive Producer

Favorite Spot: For me, Bun'd Up’s bao buns have the perfect contrast between the pillowy bun and a tangy filling. You can find me at Bun'd Up in Union Market getting a Bao 3-pack most times I'm there: Probably the fried chicken, spicy eggplant, and the spicy shrimp.

Runner Up: Growing up with a British mom taught me the beauty of a sausage roll, and AboveGround's is good! I've also been known to treat myself to some delicious imported Cadbury chocolate (Flakes and Fruit & Nut forever) from their shop, even if I hate the markup.

Julia, City Cast DC Senior Producer

Favorite: Go to District Cutlery to sharpen your knives! Trust me they need it. They’ll sharpen any blade for $13, and walk-ins are welcome. Also, don’t miss out on the cool Japanese steel they’ve got if you’re looking for an upgrade.

Runner-up: Buffalo and Bergen is always packed, but the bagel sandwiches are worth the wait. I usually go classic and get their pastrami on rye or a breakfast sandwich along with a cup of coffee, which they source from Ceremony Roasters. Don’t skip it!

Ashe, City Cast DC Production Assistant

Favorite: No meal at Union Market is complete for me without a coffee from Peregrine Espresso. Amazing, slightly acidic flavor, amazing people, and locally roasted beans!

Runner-up: Tragically underhyped in my opinion, Union Market stalwart Neopol serves the kind of hearty, healthy lunch foods I would love to make at home but don’t. The tossed salmon apple salad goes crazy.