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Eat & DrinkFoodie FavoriteLocal Gem

Union Market

1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC · Washington, DC

Why you should go…

Inside a revived 1930s market hall, DC's tastemakers graze on oysters, Korean tacos, fresh pasta, and small-batch ice cream, then spill out to the surrounding district's shops and murals. It's the city's favorite rain-or-shine hangout, a short hop north of Union Station.

  • #food hall
  • #local vendors
  • #brunch
  • #murals

Good to know

General eat & drink guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Go early or go late

    The simplest way around a wait at a popular room is to sit down before the rush or after it.

  • Reservations open on a schedule

    Where bookings are taken, tables tend to be released a set number of days in advance, often at a fixed hour.

  • Menus move with the season

    Treat any dish you read about online as a maybe, not a promise, especially anything local and seasonal.

  • Ask what the place is known for

    Staff will point you at the thing worth ordering faster than any list will.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Union Market, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington DC

    $50+

    Hop on, hop off at stops across the city while conductors dish DC history, the easiest first-day overview in town.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center

    Free

    Free guided tours under the Rotunda's frescoed dome, the heart of American democracy, up close.

    1.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Hidden-in-plain-sight

    Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building

    Free

    The world's largest library, and arguably DC's most beautiful interior, the Great Hall, the Main Reading Room, and a Gutenberg Bible.

    1.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Miss Shirley's Café

    Under $25

    A Baltimore-born breakfast-and-brunch restaurant known for crab cake Benedicts and creative pancakes.

    36 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Conrad's Seafood Restaurant

    $25–$50

    A Baltimore-area seafood restaurant known for its raw bar and steamed crabs.

    45 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Devil's Due Distillery

    Under $25

    A Kearneysville, West Virginia craft distillery and tasting room producing whiskey, moonshine, vodka, and bourbon.

    58 mi awayMore like this